Fifth SW Mo. suspect charged in bungled kidnapping

NEVADA, Mo. (AP) -- Another southwest Missouri suspect has been charged in the abduction of the wrong New Jersey man.

Fifty-five-year-old Roy A. Slates faces one count each of concealing a felony and hindering prosecution in Vernon County Circuit Court. The Joplin Globe reported he posted $5,000 bond and was released this past week.

The Nevada (nuh-VAY'-duh), Mo., contractor is accused of concealing his involvement in two crimes -- a November home invasion in Missouri and last month's abduction of pet store owner Jeffrey Muller.

After being driven nearly 1,200 miles, Muller was rescued in the mid-Missouri town of Lake Ozark when his captors had car trouble and a convenience store clerk saw him attempt to escape. Authorities say his captors had intended to kidnap a different Jeffrey Muller.

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Information from: The Joplin Globe, http://www.joplinglobe.com