MIAMI (AP) — The man prosecutors say masterminded a bizarre kidnapping of a man who was lured to a Miami motel from a strip club has been sentenced to life in prison.
Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Diane Ward noted 31-year-old Johnny Haugabook’s violent criminal history Tuesday before doling out the sentencing. A jury convicted Haugabook of armed kidnapping and burglary.
The Miami Herald reports Haugabook concocted a kidnapping scheme to raise money to get his repossessed car back. His girlfriend lured Rony Bent to a motel, where Haugabook beat him and took him on a shopping spree using Bent’s credit cards.
Bent’s family began a frantic search for him. Police finally located Bent after he convinced the kidnapper to let him call home. Police traced the call, surrounded the house and arrested Haugabook.
Source: Miami Herald, Associated Press