Police frustrated in search for kidnapped Nev. boy

[samanthajane13]

By OSKAR GARCIA, Associated Press Writer Oskar Garcia, Associated Press Writer – Fri Oct 17, 7:13 am ET

LAS VEGAS – A nationwide search was under way Friday for a 6-year-old boy kidnapped by two men posing as police officers who tied up his mother and her boyfriend, police said.

An nationwide Amber Alert was issued Thursday for Cole Puffinburger, but authorities said it had led to few solid leads.

"We've had a lot of tips," Las Vegas police Officer Bill Cassell said. "The frustrating thing is we have nothing new at this point."

Authorities said the boy's kidnapping from his home several miles northeast of downtown Wednesday morning was connected to a drug deal involving the child's family members.

Las Vegas Police Capt. Vincent Cannito said "significant money and drugs" were involved and the home was ransacked.

"This child witnessed that. This child was ripped from the home," he said.

Cannito would not say whether the family had been contacted about paying a ransom.

The boy is described as 3 feet 11 and 48 pounds, with blond hair, blue eyes and silver-framed glasses. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, tennis shoes, a black shirt, and a black zip-up sweat shirt with white, black and blue stars.

Authorities said that the two men posing as police were Hispanic and that a third man was also believed to be involved.

One suspect is described as having black, shoulder-length, slicked-back hair. The man, in his early 30s, is about 5 feet 7 and 150 pounds and was last seen wearing a white T-shirt and blue jeans.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081017/ap_on_re_us/nevada_boy_abducted

[dan_uk]

http://www.lasvegasnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=9190897

[One2Snoop]

Grandfather of Boy Kidnapped by Police Impostors Allegedly Involved in Mexican Drug Cartel

Friday, October 17, 2008

LAS VEGAS — Authorities are searching for the grandfather of a boy allegedly kidnapped by men posing as police officers and believe he is involved in a Mexican drug cartel.

Metro Police Capt. Vincent Cannito said Friday that Clemens Fred Tinnemeyer, 51, was a "person of interest" in the nationwide search for 6-year-old Cole Puffinburger.

Cannito said detectives think the grandfather conducted drug dealing with Mexican nationals and the boy's abduction from a Vegas house was a "message."

The Las Vegas Review-Journal characterized the illicit operation as a multimillion-dollar Mexican drug ring.

Cole was snatched from a Las Vegas home by a band of men posing as police officers. A country-wide Amber Alert remains in effect for the boy.

Tinnemeyer, of Las Vegas, was last seen in May and reported missing Sept. 11. He drives a 2004 white Dodge extended cab pickup truck with Mississippi license plates.

Cannito said the two Hispanic men who tied up the child's mother and her boyfriend at their house Wednesday morning and abducted the boy were after "significant money and drugs." A third man may also have been involved.

Police aren't saying whether a ransom demand has been made.

Two men identified themselves as police officers to gain entry to the home several miles northeast of downtown Las Vegas, Cannito said. They demanded money, then ransacked the home and tied up the couple.

"This child witnessed that," he said Thursday. "This child was ripped from the home."

The boy is described as 3 feet 11 and 48 pounds, with blond hair, blue eyes and silver-framed glasses. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, tennis shoes, a black shirt, and a black zip-up sweat shirt with white, black and blue stars.

One suspect is described as having black, shoulder-length, slicked-back hair. The man, in his early 30s, is about 5 feet 7 and 150 pounds and was last seen wearing a white T-shirt and blue jeans.

Las Vegas Police are asking anyone with information to call their missing persons unit.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,439922,00.html

[samanthajane13]

Grandfather could be link to missing Nevada boy
By KEN RITTER, Associated Press Writer Ken Ritter, Associated Press Writer – 1 hr 9 mins ago



LAS VEGAS – The grandfather of a kidnapped 6-year-old boy was being sought by Las Vegas investigators because they believe the abduction may be linked to the man's drug dealings with Mexican nationals, authorities said.

The boy, Cole Puffinburger, was abducted from a Las Vegas home Wednesday morning by three men posing as police officers. Police said they believe the men were Mexican drug dealers and that the kidnapping at gunpoint was a "message" to his grandfather, Clemens Fred Tinnemeyer.

"Tinnemeyer has stolen a large sum of money, all proceeds from illegal drug activity," Las Vegas police Capt. Vincent Cannito said.

Tinnemeyer allegedly stole tens of millions of dollars from a methamphetamine distribution ring, said Officer Cris Johnson, a Las Vegas police spokesman.

Tinnemeyer was last seen in May and reported missing Sept. 11, said Johnson.

A nationwide Amber Alert remained in effect after two Hispanic men tied up Cole's mother and her boyfriend at their house Wednesday and abducted Cole. Cannito said a third man was believed to be involved.

He said police had "several" other persons of interest in the case, but no suspects in the abduction.

Meanwhile, authorities were looking for Tinnemeyer and his white Dodge pickup with Mississippi license plates, Cannito said.

Authorities also were investigating whether other family members had ties to the drug operation, Johnson said.

"Money is a huge factor, obviously. Drugs are a huge factor," Johnson said. "The only innocent person involved in this entire operation is the boy."

The FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Drug Enforcement Administration are investigating.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081017/ap_on_re_us/nevada_boy_abducted

[samanthajane13]

Grandfather of abducted Nevada boy arrested
Sat Oct 18, 8:17 am ET



RIVERSIDE, Calif. – The grandfather of a kidnapped 6-year-old Nevada boy was arrested in Southern California after police named him a "person of interest" in the abduction.

Clemons Fred Tinnemeyer was arrested late Friday in Riverside by United States Marshals, according to San Bernardino County Sheriff's records. He was being held at the Central Detention Center in the city of San Bernardino.

Investigators said they believe the child's kidnapping may be linked to Tinnemeyer's drug dealings with Mexican nationals.

U.S. Marshals' and Las Vegas police officials had no further information about the arrest early Saturday. San Bernardino County sheriff's officials did not immediately return a call seeking comment.

The boy, Cole Puffinburger, was abducted from a Las Vegas home Wednesday morning by three men posing as police officers. Police said they believe the men were Mexican drug dealers and that the kidnapping at gunpoint was a "message" to Tinnemeyer.

Tinnemeyer, 51, may have stolen millions of dollars from the Mexican nationals, said Officer Cris Johnson, a Las Vegas police spokesman. Johnson declined to say what role Tinnemeyer played in the drug operation or whether the kidnappers were seeking a ransom.

Police believe methamphetamine was involved, Johnson said.

A nationwide Amber Alert remained in effect after two men tied up Cole's mother and her boyfriend at their house Wednesday and abducted Cole.

Las Vegas police Capt. Vincent Cannito said a third man was believed to be involved and that police had "several" other persons of interest in the case, but no suspects in the abduction.

Authorities also were investigating whether other family members had ties to the drug operation, Johnson said.

"Money is a huge factor, obviously. Drugs are a huge factor," Johnson said. "The only innocent person involved in this entire operation is the boy."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081018/ap_on_re_us/nevada_boy_abducted

[samanthajane13]

Grandfather of abducted Las Vegas boy is arrested
By KATHLEEN HENNESSEY, Associated Press Writer Kathleen Hennessey, Associated Press Writer – 26 mins ago

LAS VEGAS – Authorities in Southern California arrested the grandfather of an abducted 6-year-old Las Vegas boy, saying they believe that the man was involved with Mexican drug dealers and that the kidnapping was a "message."

Clemons Tinnemeyer was arrested late Friday in Riverside on a federal material witness warrant. He was being held in San Bernardino, and authorities hope his arrest will help lead them to Cole Puffinburger's abductors.

Authorities had issued an Amber Alert that triggered a public search for the boy and flashed his photograph on billboards and highway signs throughout Nevada and California.

The alert was called off Saturday, but authorities said the search for the boy continued. They gave no details on why the alert was canceled but planned an afternoon news conference in Las Vegas.

Cole was abducted from a Las Vegas home Wednesday morning by two men posing as police officers. Police said they believe that the men were Mexican drug dealers and that the kidnapping at gunpoint was a "message" to Tinnemeyer, 51.

The two men entered the home and tied up the boy's mother and her boyfriend. The home was then ransacked and the boy abducted.

Las Vegas police Capt. Vincent Cannito said that a third man was believed to be involved and that police had several other persons of interest but no suspects in the abduction.

Tinnemeyer may have stolen millions of dollars from the Mexican citizens, said Officer Cris Johnson, a Las Vegas police spokesman. Johnson declined to say what role Tinnemeyer played in the drug operation or whether the kidnappers were seeking a ransom.

Police believe methamphetamine was involved, Johnson said.

Authorities also were investigating whether other family members had ties to the drug operation, Johnson said.

"Money is a huge factor, obviously. Drugs are a huge factor," Johnson said. "The only innocent person involved in this entire operation is the boy."

Court records show Tinnemeyer and his wife filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in 2001, claiming $226,500 in assets and $329,000 in liabilities. The couple listed more than $15,000 in credit card debt.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081018/ap_on_re_us/nevada_boy_abducted

[SaraSidle]

Grandfather of abducted Las Vegas boy is arrested
By KATHLEEN HENNESSEY, Associated Press Writer Kathleen Hennessey, Associated Press Writer – 26 mins ago

LAS VEGAS – Authorities in Southern California arrested the grandfather of an abducted 6-year-old Las Vegas boy, saying they believe that the man was involved with Mexican drug dealers and that the kidnapping was a "message."

Clemons Tinnemeyer was arrested late Friday in Riverside on a federal material witness warrant. He was being held in San Bernardino, and authorities hope his arrest will help lead them to Cole Puffinburger's abductors.

Authorities had issued an Amber Alert that triggered a public search for the boy and flashed his photograph on billboards and highway signs throughout Nevada and California.

The alert was called off Saturday, but authorities said the search for the boy continued. They gave no details on why the alert was canceled but planned an afternoon news conference in Las Vegas.

Cole was abducted from a Las Vegas home Wednesday morning by two men posing as police officers. Police said they believe that the men were Mexican drug dealers and that the kidnapping at gunpoint was a "message" to Tinnemeyer, 51.

The two men entered the home and tied up the boy's mother and her boyfriend. The home was then ransacked and the boy abducted.

Las Vegas police Capt. Vincent Cannito said that a third man was believed to be involved and that police had several other persons of interest but no suspects in the abduction.

Tinnemeyer may have stolen millions of dollars from the Mexican citizens, said Officer Cris Johnson, a Las Vegas police spokesman. Johnson declined to say what role Tinnemeyer played in the drug operation or whether the kidnappers were seeking a ransom.

Police believe methamphetamine was involved, Johnson said.

Authorities also were investigating whether other family members had ties to the drug operation, Johnson said.

"Money is a huge factor, obviously. Drugs are a huge factor," Johnson said. "The only innocent person involved in this entire operation is the boy."

Court records show Tinnemeyer and his wife filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in 2001, claiming $226,500 in assets and $329,000 in liabilities. The couple listed more than $15,000 in credit card debt.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081018/ap_on_re_us/nevada_boy_abducted

this story has really been bothering me. I so hope the innocent boy is found. Grandpa needs to get serious and help out here

IMO

[samanthajane13]

Police focusing on 3 in Las Vegas boy's abduction
By KATHLEEN HENNESSEY, Associated Press Writer Kathleen Hennessey, Associated Press Writer – 47 mins ago



LAS VEGAS – Authorities investigating the abduction of a 6-year-old boy from his Las Vegas home focused Saturday on three people, including a Mexican citizen and the youngster's grandfather, who they said may have stolen millions of dollars from drug dealers.

The Mexican man, identified as Jesus Gastelum, is in his mid-30s and believed to be in Las Vegas or Southern California, police said at a news conference. The other "person of interest" was not identified.

Authorities already had arrested the grandfather of Cole Puffinburger, who was abducted Wednesday morning by two men posing as police officers. Police said they believe that the men were Mexican drug dealers and that the kidnapping at gunpoint was a "message" to the grandfather, Clemens Tinnemeyer, 51.

Tinnemeyer was arrested late Friday in Riverside, Calif. He was being held in nearby San Bernardino on a material witness warrant issued by a federal court in Nevada, and authorities hope his arrest will help lead them to Cole's abductors. Detectives continue to investigate "a very strong network, all in very close proximity," Las Vegas police Capt. Vincent Cannito said Saturday.

"As we start putting those pieces together, certainly we're optimistic that it's leading us in the right direction," Cannito said.

He told reporters the investigation had resulted in "a number of search warrants in several jurisdictions." Officials also uncovered a "large amount of cash," but Cannito would not say where.

Authorities had issued an Amber Alert that triggered a public search for the boy and flashed the photo on billboards and highway signs throughout Nevada and California. The alert was called off Saturday because it helped lead to the arrest of Tinnemeyer, and its effectiveness "had run its course," Cannito said.

But the hunt for Cole continued.

Police concentrated efforts on a largely Hispanic neighborhood northeast of the Las Vegas Strip. Along with children's advocates and members of the Nevada National Guard, they circulated fliers in English and Spanish with photos of Cole — a slight, bespectacled towhead — grinning wide.

Cole's father, Robert Puffinburger, distributed the fliers earlier in the week.

In an interview aired Saturday on CNN, he spoke directly to his son's abductors: "I just want him home. Drop him off somewhere, I don't care. Just let him go."

The two men entered the home and tied up the boy's mother and her boyfriend. The home was then ransacked and the boy taken; Cannito said earlier that a third man was believed to be involved. The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that Tinnemeyer was Cole's maternal grandfather.

Tinnemeyer may have stolen millions of dollars from the Mexican citizens, said Officer Cris Johnson, a Las Vegas police spokesman. Johnson declined to say what role Tinnemeyer played in the drug operation or whether the kidnappers were seeking a ransom.

Police believe methamphetamine was involved, Johnson said.

"Money is a huge factor, obviously. Drugs are a huge factor," Johnson said. "The only innocent person involved in this entire operation is the boy."

Las Vegas police didn't know Saturday whether Tinnemeyer had a lawyer. He was scheduled to appear before a federal magistrate Monday in Riverside.

Court records show Tinnemeyer and his wife filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy in 2001, claiming $226,500 in assets and $329,000 in liabilities. The couple listed tens of thousands of dollars in credit card debt.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081019/ap_on_re_us/nevada_boy_abducted

[samanthajane13]

Abducted 6-year-old boy found alive in Las Vegas
By KATHLEEN HENNESSEY, Associated Press Writer Kathleen Hennessey, Associated Press Writer – Sun Oct 19, 7:40 am ET



LAS VEGAS – A 6-year-old boy kidnapped from a Las Vegas home by alleged drug dealers posing as policemen has been found alive in a neighborhood northeast of the Las Vegas Strip, police said early Sunday.

The child was "in extremely good condition" and had been taken to University Medical Center in Las Vegas for examination, Las Vegas police Capt. Vincent Cannito said at a news conference.

"He is safe and in our custody," Cannito said. "It's a blessing this child has been found."

Cole Puffinburger was recovered at around 10:30 p.m. Saturday after a caller informed detectives about a child walking alone on a street in a middle-class neighborhood of tidy, modest-sized homes about 5 miles from the Las Vegas Strip, Las Vegas police Officer Jay Rivera said.

Detectives discovered Cole outside a large Methodist church in the neighborhood. The area was being treated as a crime scene, but police gave no information about how Cole got there or where he had been kept since his Wednesday morning abduction.

The child was kidnapped at gunpoint by men who tied up the boy's mother and her boyfriend and ransacked their home.

Cole's father attended the news conference wearing a T-shirt with his son's photograph, but would not comment on when he planned to see his son or whether Cole would be returning to his home or the boy's mother's home.

"This is just about Cole being home," Robert Puffinburger said as he choked back tears. "Cole's back."

Authorities arrested Cole's grandfather Clemens Tinnemeyer late Friday in connection with the boy's disappearance. The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that Tinnemeyer was Cole's maternal grandfather.

Police believe that the abductors were Mexican drug dealers and that the kidnapping at gunpoint was a "message" to Tinnemeyer, 51, whom they said may have stolen millions of dollars from dealers.

Tinnemeyer was arrested in Riverside, Calif., and was being held in nearby San Bernardino on a material witness warrant issued by a federal court in Nevada.

Officer Cris Johnson, a Las Vegas police spokesman, declined to say what role Tinnemeyer played in the drug operation or whether the kidnappers had been seeking a ransom.

Police believe methamphetamine was involved, Johnson said.

Las Vegas police didn't know Saturday whether Tinnemeyer had a lawyer. He was scheduled to appear before a federal magistrate Monday in Riverside.

Authorities investigating the abduction were also focussing on two other men, including a Mexican citizen identified as Jesus Gastelum.

Gastelum, who is in his mid-30s, is believed to be in Las Vegas or Southern California, police said. The other "person of interest" was not identified.

Police and child advocates had concentrated their search efforts on a largely Hispanic neighborhood a few miles from where Cole was found. They distributed fliers in English and Spanish with a photograph of Cole, a slight, smiling blonde in glasses.

Robert Puffinburger said he had just stopped passing out the fliers for the night when he got the call alerting him Cole had been found.

"I'm just so glad he's safe," he said.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081019/ap_on_re_us/nevada_boy_abducted

[applesandorange]

I'm so glad this story has a happy ending.

[One2Snoop]

Me to A&O ~ Wonderful news! :beer:

[samanthajane13]

Abducted Las Vegas boy is returned to his father
By KATHLEEN HENNESSEY, Associated Press Writer Kathleen Hennessey, Associated Press Writer – 24 mins ago



LAS VEGAS – A 6-year-old boy abducted from his home at gunpoint was safe in his father's custody Sunday as police tried to untangle any ties the youngster's family had to the Mexican drug dealers suspected of taking him.

Police were interviewing Cole Puffinburger after he was found by a bus driver Saturday night on a quiet street outside a Methodist church in Las Vegas.

"We're speaking with the boy today," FBI spokesman David Staretz said Sunday. "I know he's being interviewed by law enforcement, and we'll probably get a better idea of where he's been."

Cole's father, Robert Puffinburger, was a picture of relief at a news conference, as he smiled, cried and thanked police and neighbors for helping to bring Cole home.

"I'm just so glad he's safe," his father said.

Staretz would not comment further on what had happened to Cole in the four days since he was snatched from his mother's home by two men posing as police officers. Police have said they believe the abduction Wednesday was an attempt by drug dealers to send a message to the boy's grandfather.

A bus driver for the disabled discovered Cole walking alone on a residential street, said Jacob Snow, a general manager for the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada. The driver pulled over to see if he was OK.

"Cole approached the bus and asked the driver, 'Can you take me home?'" Snow said.

The bus driver, who did not want to be identified, took Cole onto the bus and contacted police, Snow said. The child told the driver and riders that he had been dropped off just a few minutes before.

Cole was in "extremely good condition" but was taken to University Medical Center as a precaution, Las Vegas police Capt. Vincent Cannito said. He was treated and released to his father's care early Sunday, hospital spokesman Rick Plummer said.

Robert Puffinburger and police had concentrated search efforts on a largely Hispanic neighborhood a few miles from where Cole was found. They posted fliers in English and Spanish with a photograph of the boy, a slight, smiling blond in glasses.

On Sunday, a blue painted sign in the front yard of the home from which Cole was abducted read, "Welcome Home Cole." The home appeared sparsely furnished, with a bare mattress on the living room floor. No one answered the door.

Robert Puffinburger would not comment on Cole's mother or her father, 51-year-old Clemens Tinnemeyer, who police say may have stolen millions from dealers involved in trafficking methamphetamine.

Tinnemeyer was scheduled to appear before a federal magistrate Monday in Riverside, Calif. He was arrested there Friday and was being held in nearby San Bernardino on a material witness warrant issued by a federal court in Nevada.

Las Vegas police didn't know whether Tinnemeyer had a lawyer. Police have declined to elaborate on what role he played in the drug operation or whether the kidnappers had been seeking a ransom.

Tinnemeyer described himself as a carpenter of 22 years when he and his wife, Diane, filed for bankruptcy in 2001. The couple live in an older Las Vegas neighborhood of weathered rambler-style homes on acre lots. A rooster crowed from a nearby yard Sunday.

The Tinnemeyers have lived there for close to 20 years, according to a neighbor who didn't want to be identified because he feared for his safety.

Until about two years ago, the house was busy with cars coming and going, he said. Cole was often at the home in the care of his grandmother, who works in a lunchroom of the local elementary school.

Tinnemeyer spent time in what he said was a recording studio behind the home, the neighbor said. He left in a motor home in May. The neighbor said he continued to see Diane Tinnemeyer daily but had not seen her husband since.

Messages left at a number believed to be for the Tinnemeyer home were not returned. A black pickup truck sat in the driveway Sunday, but no one came to the door.

Staretz said authorities continued the search Sunday for another "person of interest," a Mexican citizen identified as Jesus Gastelum.

Gastelum, who is in his mid-30s, is believed to be in Las Vegas or Southern California, police said. Another "person of interest" in police custody Saturday was not identified.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081020/ap_on_re_us/nevada_boy_abducted

[samanthajane13]

Vegas police quiz freed boy for clues on abduction
By KATHLEEN HENNESSEY, Associated Press Writer Kathleen Hennessey, Associated Press Writer – 1 hr 6 mins ago



LAS VEGAS – Investigators interviewed a 6-year-old boy about his nearly four days in captivity in hopes of gaining clues to the identity of gunmen who abducted him last week, police said Monday. The boy, Cole Puffinburger, was dropped off unharmed Saturday night. Authorities think his kidnappers are still in southern Nevada, said Sgt. John Loretto, a Las Vegas police spokesman.

"We believe the suspects are still here, as evidenced by someone dropping him off on that street," Loretto said.

Loretto said police were using Cole's recollections about his captivity to develop leads in the hunt for two gunmen who posed as police officers, bound his mother and her boyfriend, and kidnapped Cole Wednesday morning.

Police have described the boy's abductors as Mexican nationals involved in a methamphetamine ring, and say a third man also was involved.

Meanwhile, Loretto said federal authorities were investigating the boy's maternal grandfather's alleged ties to the drug dealers.

The grandfather, Clemens Fred Tinnemeyer, 51, was due Monday afternoon in a federal court in Riverside, Calif., following his arrest there Friday as a material witness in the kidnapping case.

Police said they believe the kidnapping at gunpoint may have been a message to Tinnemeyer, 51, who authorities say may have stolen millions from drug dealers.

Las Vegas police didn't know whether Tinnemeyer had a lawyer. Police have declined to elaborate on what role he played in the drug operation or whether the kidnappers had been seeking a ransom.

Messages left at a number believed to be for the Tinnemeyer home in Las Vegas were not returned.

FBI spokesman David Staretz said authorities continued the search for another "person of interest," a Mexican citizen identified as Jesus Gastelum.

Gastelum, who is in his mid-30s, is believed to be in Las Vegas or Southern California, police said. Another "person of interest" in police custody Saturday was not identified.

Cole was set free Saturday night on a quiet Las Vegas street outside a Methodist church and was found by a passing bus driver.

He was in "extremely good condition" but was taken to University Medical Center as a precaution. He was treated and released to his father's care, hospital spokesman Rick Plummer said.

Cole's father, Robert Puffinburger, was a picture of relief at a news conference, as he smiled, cried and thanked police and neighbors for helping to bring Cole home.

"I'm just so glad he's safe," his father said.

The bus driver, who did not want to be identified, saw him walking alone and pulled over to ask if he was all right.

"Cole approached the bus and asked the driver, 'Can you take me home?'" said Jacob Snow, general manager for the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada.

The driver took the blond, blue-eyed first-grader onto the bus and contacted police, Snow said. The child said he had been dropped off just a few minutes before.

Cole's father wouldn't comment on Cole's mother or her father, a carpenter who filed for bankruptcy in 2001.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081020/ap_on_re_us/nevada_boy_abducted

[samanthajane13]

Grandfather, woman held as witnesses in kidnapping
By KEN RITTER, Associated Press Writer Ken Ritter, Associated Press Writer – 53 mins ago




LAS VEGAS – A grandfather and a woman in California were ordered detained as witnesses Monday in the investigation of the kidnapping of a 6-year-old boy in Las Vegas, but little was disclosed about what information they may have.

Terri Leavy, 42, was taken into custody in California on Sunday, said FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller. She is believed to be the companion of Clemons Fred Tinnemeyer, the grandfather of the boy, Cole Puffinburger.

Authorities said Leavy was wanted on an outstanding federal material witness warrant.

U.S. Magistrate Oswald Parada late Monday ordered Leavy and Tinnemeyer turned over to the U.S. Marshals Service. Under a federal statute, they can be held for a "reasonable amount of time" until a deposition can be taken or they testify under oath.

Leavy and Tinnemeyer have not been charged in the case. Their attorney Joan Politeo declined to comment.

The warrants and affidavits in the case are under seal, said Natalie Collins, a spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney's office in Las Vegas.

Cole was dropped off in a Las Vegas neighborhood late Saturday and investigators have been speaking to him about what may have happened during his nearly four days in captivity.

Police have said his grandfather may have stolen millions of dollars from drug dealers, but they have declined to elaborate and haven't said whether the kidnappers sought a ransom.

Messages left at a number believed to be for the Tinnemeyer home in Las Vegas were not returned.

Police said Monday they interviewed "several persons of interest" in hopes of gaining clues to the identity of gunmen who abducted the boy last week. Two gunmen posed as police officers, bound Cole's mother and her boyfriend, then took the boy last Wednesday, authorities have said.

The boy was dropped off Saturday night in a residential neighborhood near downtown Las Vegas and was noticed by a bus driver taking disabled passengers to their homes.

At a police news conference, bus driver Julio Diaz said his attention was drawn to a little boy wandering alone at 10:30 p.m.

"It got my attention that a boy like that would be ... wandering alone," Diaz said.

Diaz said Cole came to the bus and asked if Diaz could take him home. Diaz said he did not immediately recognize the boy as missing but he thought "something was not right."

"He said he was left there. That's when I realized it was a police matter," Diaz said.

The driver took the blond, blue-eyed first-grader onto the bus and contacted police. The child said he had been dropped off just a few minutes before.

"The good thing, he wasn't shy about asking for help. I think he knew that he came to the right person," Diaz said.

Police Capt. Vincent Cannito said police have served "several" search warrants and had "dozens of leads" but added that police were not ready to name any suspects. In addition to the two abductors, police say a third person also was involved.

Cannito said authorities continued to search for Jesus Gastelum, a Mexican citizen whom Cannito said also used the name Ferdinand Gastelum.

Gastelum, who is in his mid-30s, is believed to be in Las Vegas or Southern California, police have said. Cannito declined to identify any of the other "persons of interest."

Cannito would not say whether another person of interest in police custody Saturday had been released.

At an earlier news conference, the father, Robert Puffinburger, cried and thanked police and neighbors for helping to bring his son home.

"I'm just so glad he's safe," Robert Puffinburger said.

Neither police nor Cole's father would comment on Cole's mother or Tinnemeyer, a carpenter who filed for bankruptcy in 2001.

___

Associated Press writers Kathleen Hennessey in Las Vegas and Greg Risling in Los Angeles contributed to this report.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081021/ap_on_re_us/nevada_boy_abducted

[SaraSidle]

Grandfather, woman held as witnesses in kidnapping
By KEN RITTER, Associated Press Writer Ken Ritter, Associated Press Writer – 53 mins ago




LAS VEGAS – A grandfather and a woman in California were ordered detained as witnesses Monday in the investigation of the kidnapping of a 6-year-old boy in Las Vegas, but little was disclosed about what information they may have.

Terri Leavy, 42, was taken into custody in California on Sunday, said FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller. She is believed to be the companion of Clemons Fred Tinnemeyer, the grandfather of the boy, Cole Puffinburger.

Authorities said Leavy was wanted on an outstanding federal material witness warrant.

U.S. Magistrate Oswald Parada late Monday ordered Leavy and Tinnemeyer turned over to the U.S. Marshals Service. Under a federal statute, they can be held for a "reasonable amount of time" until a deposition can be taken or they testify under oath.

Leavy and Tinnemeyer have not been charged in the case. Their attorney Joan Politeo declined to comment.

The warrants and affidavits in the case are under seal, said Natalie Collins, a spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney's office in Las Vegas.

Cole was dropped off in a Las Vegas neighborhood late Saturday and investigators have been speaking to him about what may have happened during his nearly four days in captivity.

Police have said his grandfather may have stolen millions of dollars from drug dealers, but they have declined to elaborate and haven't said whether the kidnappers sought a ransom.

Messages left at a number believed to be for the Tinnemeyer home in Las Vegas were not returned.

Police said Monday they interviewed "several persons of interest" in hopes of gaining clues to the identity of gunmen who abducted the boy last week. Two gunmen posed as police officers, bound Cole's mother and her boyfriend, then took the boy last Wednesday, authorities have said.

The boy was dropped off Saturday night in a residential neighborhood near downtown Las Vegas and was noticed by a bus driver taking disabled passengers to their homes.

At a police news conference, bus driver Julio Diaz said his attention was drawn to a little boy wandering alone at 10:30 p.m.

"It got my attention that a boy like that would be ... wandering alone," Diaz said.

Diaz said Cole came to the bus and asked if Diaz could take him home. Diaz said he did not immediately recognize the boy as missing but he thought "something was not right."

"He said he was left there. That's when I realized it was a police matter," Diaz said.

The driver took the blond, blue-eyed first-grader onto the bus and contacted police. The child said he had been dropped off just a few minutes before.

"The good thing, he wasn't shy about asking for help. I think he knew that he came to the right person," Diaz said.

Police Capt. Vincent Cannito said police have served "several" search warrants and had "dozens of leads" but added that police were not ready to name any suspects. In addition to the two abductors, police say a third person also was involved.

Cannito said authorities continued to search for Jesus Gastelum, a Mexican citizen whom Cannito said also used the name Ferdinand Gastelum.

Gastelum, who is in his mid-30s, is believed to be in Las Vegas or Southern California, police have said. Cannito declined to identify any of the other "persons of interest."

Cannito would not say whether another person of interest in police custody Saturday had been released.

At an earlier news conference, the father, Robert Puffinburger, cried and thanked police and neighbors for helping to bring his son home.

"I'm just so glad he's safe," Robert Puffinburger said.

Neither police nor Cole's father would comment on Cole's mother or Tinnemeyer, a carpenter who filed for bankruptcy in 2001.

___

Associated Press writers Kathleen Hennessey in Las Vegas and Greg Risling in Los Angeles contributed to this report.


http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081021/ap_on_re_us/nevada_boy_abducted

thank you Samantha for all the information and for staying on top of this story

[One2Snoop]

Yes, SJ thanks for the updates. Such tangled webs ~ but I'm so thankful little Cole is safe and sound - thats the good thing out of this entire story IMO and we don't get good news all that often.

Thank you god for bringing this little boy home and may he be wrapped in the warmth and love he deserves. :rose:

[samanthajane13]

No problem!!!

This story-while it was resolved very quickly, just pulled me in.

You very rarely hear about little boys being kidnapped-it's that media thing-we usually only hear a about pretty little caucasian girls.

It's so very sad that boys and children of other races don't get the same media coverage when they go missing or are killed.

[One2Snoop]

Kidnapped boy’s grandfather charged
Tinnemeyer charged for drug racketeering
By Mary Manning

Tue, Nov 4, 2008 (4:54 p.m.)

Sun coverage
Oct. 22 -- Las Vegas resident in kidnapping case held, bail set
Oct. 20 -- Police make second arrest stemming from boy’s abduction
Oct. 18 -- Teachers tread lightly discussing classmate’s disappearance
Oct. 18 -- Kidnapped boy found unharmed
Oct. 16 -- Police: Grandfather might lead them to kidnapped boy
Oct. 16 -- Kidnapping leaves behind neighborhood of fear
Oct. 16 -- Police: Boy’s kidnapping linked to drug activity
Oct. 16 -- Latest kidnapping a reminder of unsolved 1978 abduction

Two informants led federal authorities last summer to millions in cash stolen from Mexican drug dealers and stashed across the country by the grandfather of 6-year-old Cole Puffinburger of Las Vegas, who was abducted last month.

The grandfather, 51-year-old Clemens Fred Tinnemeyer, and his girlfriend, 42-year-old Terri Lynn Leavy, have been charged with interstate and foreign travel or transportation in aid of racketeering enterprises, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

The charge is a felony that prosecutors said could cost Tinnemeyer and Leavy up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine each.

In a 19-page complaint filed in U.S. District Court Friday and unsealed Monday, investigators reveal how they tracked Tinnemeyer and Leavy from Mississippi to California and why Tinnemeyer's grandson, Cole Puffinburger, may have been abducted on Oct. 15 in Las Vegas.

Tinnemeyer and Leavy appeared in federal court Monday and have been scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Nov. 17. They have vowed to fight the charges and remain in federal custody without bond. Neither have been charged in the kidnapping.

Metro Police had described the kidnapping of Cole by two gunmen who posed as police officers as a "message" to Tinnemeyer, whose daughter, Julie Puffinburger, was living in the home that was ransacked by the gunmen before they snatched Cole.

For four days Nevada's longest Amber Alert kept the blond boy with silvery-framed spectacles in the public's eye, until a bus driver spotted him walking along a darkened Las Vegas street unharmed on Oct. 18.

U.S. Marshals arrested Tinnemeyer Oct. 17 as a material witness in the kidnapping in Riverside, Calif. The federal agents discovered $3.5 million stuffed into five pieces of luggage, including two blue suitcases, two black foot lockers and a hand bag. The cash was wrapped in black tape and clear plastic and placed in a residence at Menifee, Calif., near Riverside.

Leavy, who had been married to Robert Mooney before joining Tinnemeyer on the road, was also arrested as a material witness two days later.

The criminal complaint explains how Drug Enforcement Agency task force members tracked Tinnemeyer and Leavy after an informant in Mississippi said that they sent large packages of cash from Wachovia, Miss., by FedEx to Julie Puffinburger in Las Vegas and to Josh Mooney in Reno.

That led to a safe deposit box at Silver State Schools Credit Union in Las Vegas, which Julie Puffinburger gave authorities permission to search. They discovered about $60,920 in cash and a hand written note reading, "$6,000 pay off visa bill. I love you. Be back in two weeks. Love me. P.S. Your truck should run." The criminal complaint says the note may have been written by Tinnemeyer.

A second informant told federal agents that Tinnemeyer may have stolen up to $50 million in drug money using hidden compartments custom-built into RVs by Leavy's ex-husband, Robert Mooney.

Agents were also able to show that Tinnemeyer's RV crossed from Mexico into the United States four times from October 2007 to April 2008.

Tinnemeyer and Leavy had also been arrested on charges of methamphetamine and marijuana possession in Cedar City, Utah on April 7, after they were stopped on Interstate 15 in the RV. Those charges are still pending.

The complaint also identifies Jose Lopez-Buelna, 48, as one of the men from whom Tinnemeyer and Leavy stole $300,000 to $400,000 in drug money. He has been turned over to immigration officials laast week after his Oct. 17 arrest in Las Vegas on suspicion of a felony weapon charge.

Police identified Lopez-Buelna as an illegal immigrant who was convicted in 1997 in San Bernardino, Calif., of transporting controlled substances. He was deported to Mexico in 2003.

The complaint also identifed Miguel Lnu, who Terri Leavy knew to be a major drug trafficker in Las Vegas, as a participant in the kidnapping.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/nov/04/kidnapped-boys-grandfather-charged-drug-racketeeri/

[One2Snoop]

Court papers: Grandfather stole $50 million
Pair faces racketeering charges after abduction of 6-year-old Nev. boy

updated 3:52 a.m. PT, Tues., Nov. 4, 2008

LAS VEGAS - The grandfather of a 6-year-old Nevada boy who was abducted last month was accused Monday of squirreling away millions of dollars skimmed from a U.S.-Mexico drug smuggling operation using a hidden compartment in a recreational vehicle.

Clemens Fred Tinnemeyer, 51, and his girlfriend, Terri Lynn Leavy, 42, were charged with interstate and foreign travel or transportation in aid of racketeering enterprises — a felony that prosecutors said is punishable by up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The two were being investigated by federal drug enforcement agents when the boy, Cole Puffinburger, was abducted Oct. 15, according to a criminal complaint unsealed during their appearance Monday in federal court.

Police had said two gunmen who posed as police officers tied up the boy's mother and her boyfriend, ransacked their Las Vegas home and took the boy when they couldn't find money Tinnemeyer allegedly stole from Mexican drug traffickers.

Amber Alert
The boy became the focus of Nevada's longest Amber Alert and an intense search in neighboring states before he was found unharmed late Oct. 18 on a Las Vegas street.

Tinnemeyer was arrested Oct. 17 as a material witness in the kidnapping by federal agents in Riverside, Calif., who found some $3.5 million in cash bundled in suitcases, footlockers and a handbag in a storage locker in nearby Menifee, according to the criminal complaint.
Leavy, who allegedly used the name Terri Mooney, was arrested as a material witness two days later.

Neither was asked to enter a plea Monday, although their court-appointed lawyers said after the hearing they intend to fight the federal racketeering charges.

Flight risks
Federal Magistrate Judge Robert Johnston deemed Tinnemeyer and Leavy flight risks and a danger to the community and ordered them held in federal custody without bond pending a preliminary hearing Nov. 17.

The criminal complaint states that Tinnemeyer and Leavy drew the attention of a Drug Enforcement Administration task force in July, after an informant in Mississippi noticed they were sending large packages of cash by FedEx to addresses in Las Vegas and Reno.

Another informant told agents that Tinnemeyer may have helped steal up to $50 million in drug money using hidden compartments custom-built into RVs by Leavy's ex-husband.

Records show that Tinnemeyer's RV crossed from Mexico into the U.S. four times from October 2007 to April 2008.


Click for related content
Abducted Vegas boy found safe


The complaint said Tinnemeyer and Leavy also were arrested on charges of methamphetamine and marijuana possession in Utah on April 7, 2008, after they were stopped on Interstate 15 in the RV. Those charges are pending.

The couple were not charged in the kidnapping, although Bliss blamed Tinnemeyer's alleged drug-running and his attempts to hide from the Mexican drug dealers, for "a crime of violence committed upon a child."

Las Vegas police had characterized the abduction as a message from "Mexican nationals" and methamphetamine traffickers to Tinnemeyer for allegedly stealing millions of dollars in drug money.

The complaint against Tinnemeyer and Leavy identifies Jose Lopez-Buelna, 48, as one of the men from whom they allegedly stole $300,000 to $400,000 in drug money. He was turned over to the custody of immigration officials last week following his Oct. 17 arrest in Las Vegas on suspicion of a felony weapon charge.

Police have identified Lopez-Buelna as an illegal immigrant who was convicted in 1997 in San Bernardino, Calif., of transporting controlled substances. He was deported to Mexico in 2003.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27531212/

[samanthajane13]

2 charged in Nevada boy's drug-related abduction
The Associated Press

Authorities say two men have been charged in the kidnapping of a 6-year-old Las Vegas boy last year.

U.S. Attorney for Nevada Greg Brower says 36-year-old Luis Vega-Rubio and 49-year-old Jose Lopez-Buelna are each charged with one count of conspiracy to kidnap a child.

A federal criminal complaint unsealed Tuesday accuses the men of abducting Cole Puffinburger on Oct. 15 to send a message to the boy's grandfather.

Prosecutors believe the grandfather had made off with millions of dollars in drug money from a U.S.-Mexico smuggling operation.

Puffinburger was found unharmed three days later in a Las Vegas neighborhood.


http://www.buffalonews.com/260/story/589180.html