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Drug dealer sentenced in 2015 kidnapping, Amber Alert case

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A Detroit drug dealer that kidnapped two children, causing an Amber Alert in 2015, has been sentenced to life in prison.

40-year-old John Thomas was sentenced in federal court on Thursday. Thomas will serve life without parole after being convicted in September.

On March 2, 2015, Thomas and five accomplices broke into the home of his ex-girlfriend and kidnapped two of her young siblings. His girlfriend had previously stolen drugs from Thomas.

Thomas and his accomplices traveled from Detroit to Indianapolis and kidnapped the two children from their home in the 1200 block of Lasalle Street. One of the children was blindfolded and zip-tied. His fingers were cut in order to get him to say where his sister was.

Both children were later located.

“Mr. Thomas is a career criminal with previous convictions in Detroit for home invasions and drug trafficking,” said United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler. “When Thomas came to Indianapolis to kidnap two children, law enforcement ensured that his career would come to an end-permanently. Thomas will not sell any more drugs, he will not break into anyone’s home, and will not kidnap any more children.  We have the hard working officers of the IMPD and Special Agents of the FBI and USMS to thank for that.”

The other accomplices had previously been convicted:

  • Alaa Al-Salehi, 24, 132 months
  • April Sandell, 27, 120 months
  • Bernando Reeves, 22, 72 months
  • Mohammed Karkash, 24, 36 months
  • Ali Hussain Ashore, 28, 18 months