Tazewell Residents Are Charged In Abduction Prank

TAZEWELL (AP) – An abduction prank has led to criminal charges against two Tazewell County residents.

Media outlets report that 31-year-old Stephen Troy Rose and 33-year-old Josetta J. Smith, both of North Tazewell, are charged with disorderly conduct and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Rose also is charged with reckless driving. All the charges are misdemeanors.

Acting Tazewell Police Chief Walter Barrett says Smith was arrested Wednesday and Rose was arrested Thursday.

Witnesses reported seeing a child being forced into a car trunk on March 17. The reports prompted a search by local and state law enforcement agencies. Authorities determined that a 14-year-old girl was put in the trunk as a joke.