Pair in Muni Court on abduction charges

Van Wert independent

Two men facing charges in connection with an alleged abduction and assault at a Van Wert residence made an initial appearance in Van Wert Municipal Court on Thursday.

Elmeco Crisp, 38, of Lima, is charged with abduction and felonious assault, while James D. Wilson, 57, of 412½ S. Washington St., is charged with abduction in the case.

Judge Jill Leatherman ordered both men held on a $100,000 cash bond until their preliminary hearing, which are scheduled for 3:15 p.m. today for Crisp and 3:30 p.m. today for Wilson. Neither man is to have contact with the alleged victim, if released from jail.

The charges stem from a report by a woman that she was held against her will at Wilson’s residence for more than 24 hours, until she was able to escape.

The Van Wert Police Department then obtained a search warrant and the department’s Special Response Team served the warrant Tuesday morning at Wilson’s South Washington Street residence and reportedly found corroborating evidence supporting the woman’s story.

Also meeting today is the February session of the Van Wert County Grand Jury, which could also hear evidence concerning the case.