A man from Fowlerville, Michigan, was arrested over the weekend and charged with multiple felony counts for allegedly threatening to kill a teenager over $500. The man allegedly met the teen for a drug deal and showed up wearing a mask and carrying a gun, demanding money. The man was jailed on a $1 million bond on three charges: armed robbery, kidnapping, and malicious use of a telecommunications device.

According to the Fowlerville police chief, the man who was charged demanded the 16-year-old boy give him $500. The boy didn't have the money, so the suspect allegedly took the boy to the suspect's car. He then held the boy in the car for about an hour, forcing the boy to call family and friends in an attempt to get the money.

When that proved unsuccessful, the man allegedly threatened to kill the boy's family if he did not come up with the money within a week. The boy was then released and met police at a nearby gas station after a friend whom he had called had notified the authorities. While the boy told police what happened, the suspect called him on his phone and threatened him again. Police were able to track the call and found the man.

Felony charges such as armed robbery and kidnapping are extremely serious, and people who have been charged often feel like they have no options. However, being charged does not automatically mean that someone will be convicted. People who are accused of violent crimes in Michigan are best served by finding an experienced defense attorney who will present a strong case and fight for the rights of the accused.

Source: Daily Press & Argus, "Police: Captor threatened to kill teen over drug deal," Lisa Roose Church, Jan. 31, 2012