By TopTrendReportTv

March 9, 2025

Four Felons Charged in Violent Kidnapping, Robbery, and Carjacking in Chicago

CHICAGO — Four felons, including three convicted murderers, have been charged in connection with a violent kidnapping, robbery, and carjacking that took place in August 2024. Prosecutors say the suspects zip-tied the victims and drove them around the city until the couple managed to escape by jumping out of the moving vehicle.

Among the defendants are Robert Brandt, convicted of hiding the gun used to kill Chicago Police Officer Michael Ceriale in 1998, and Ronald Wembley, who received a 45-year sentence for a Calumet Park slaying in 1998. The latest charges also include Jodale Ford, also known as William Finney, and Patrick Armand.

Ford, a former high-ranking member of the Hobos street gang, was on parole for his involvement in a 1995 murder when he participated in the crime. He received a 58-year sentence for that case. The couple targeted in this recent crime had just parked their 2020 Porsche Panamera in their garage on West 45th Place when the suspects blocked them in with their vehicles. Armed men, some wearing masks, emerged and began to beat and rob the couple before zip-tying their hands. They then forced the victims into a car and drove off.

The female victim managed to escape by jumping from the moving vehicle, suffering injuries to her right side, shoulder, and buttocks. Both victims threw themselves from the car, according to prosecutors.

Video footage allegedly shows Armand entering the garage, with his phone’s GPS data placing him near the crime scene. Armand, who has not been convicted of murder, has a criminal record that includes a 1998 home invasion conviction and is currently on federal parole for a narcotics case.

Ford’s phone records also placed him near the crime scene and showed numerous calls and messages with Brandt before, during, and after the incident. Ford is also facing charges of kidnapping and vehicular hijacking. On Thursday, the Illinois Department of Corrections took him back into custody for violating parole.

Judge Antara Rivera ordered Armand to be detained pending trial, and Judge Rivanda Doss Beal ordered Ford held as well. The investigation continues as authorities work to piece together the full extent of the crime.