Update: Both Powe and Bates have been formally charged with kidnapping and conspiracy to commit a crime. They were given a $100,000 bond and were ordered to surrender their passports to authorities. Both waived their preliminary hearings.
Former Ole Miss and NFL defensive lineman Jerrell Powe has been arrested on a kidnapping charge.
Ridgeland Police Chief Brian Myers confirms that Powe, 35, was taken into custody by RPD on Thursday alongside an accomplice identified as Gavin Bates of Roseville, Calif., also 35. Both men were charged with kidnapping.
According to Myers, the incident began in Laurel and ended in Ridgeland when an unidentified male victim was able to contact authorities. The victim told police that he had been kidnapped against his will and was being forced to withdraw funds at a local Chase Bank bank. The victim is now safe.
Both Powe and Bates are being held at the Madison County Detention Center without bond. A Tuesday, January 17 hearing for the two is pending.
Ridgeland police say additional charges are possible. The incident is still under investigation.
