Jackson man allegedly kidnaps wife, takes her to Mississippi

A Jackson man faces felony kidnapping charges after allegedly abducting his wife Thursday.

The Cape Girardeau Police Department issued an advisory alert for Jessica Douglas, 24, Thursday afternoon after she was missing from work. Authorities found her at a hotel north of Jackson, Miss., that evening.

Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle charged James Douglas, 29, with felony kidnapping.

According to a probable-cause statement, authorities investigated suspicious activity at Easy Money, 320 N. Kingshighway, Thursday morning. The front door was open, the lights were off and there were no employees or patrons. The business owner said $740 was also missing.

Police could not contact Jessica Douglas, the on-duty employee, or her husband, James Douglas. Her maroon Lincoln LS was missing but James Douglas' car was at the store. Family members told police the couple was separated.

The Cape Girardeau Police Department worked in conjunction with the FBI. Authorities tracked his cell phone to Jackson, Miss. Jessica Douglas also contacted police and family members from a Super 8 motel in Mississippi, according to the signed statement.

She told police he would not let her leave the room and he had a firearm, which he had fired inside the car while they were traveling on Interstate 55. According to the statement, she had a bruised lip and a black eye when she was found.

James Douglas was arrested at 5:45 p.m. Thursday in Madison County, Miss. Circuit Judge William Syler set bond at $100,000 cash only. James Douglas has prior felony convictions of domestic assault and stealing.