Defense attorney questions children’s alleged kidnapping story

OMAHA, Neb. —

Two suspects accused of kidnapping two boys, ages 9 and 10, in June are facing refiled charges after a Douglas County judge initially dismissed the case.

There is another probable cause hearing set for next month.

The suspects, Juantez Ruffin and James Barnes, are charged with kidnapping, use of a weapon, and two child abuse charges.

Ruffin’s attorney, Glenn Shapiro, claims the boys fabricated the story.

He said his client offered the children a ride to a corner store because they were walking in the rain.

“You would think if the allegations are accurate, once they went to the store you’d think they would tell the clerk, lock the door and call 911,” Shapiro said.

Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine disagrees.

He said that the boys’ account is credible.

“I don’t think these young people are making this up,” Kleine said. “I think that they were terrified.”

Kleine emphasized the severity of the charges.

“This is a violent felony, when you think about it, two little boys that were taken,” Kleine said.

Shapiro acknowledged legal complexities in the case.

“There’s some legal technical issues with respect to the use of a weapon charge and even the kidnapping charge,” Shapiro said.

Kleine said his office plans to file to have the case go directly to district court.

“I think if there’s certainly probable cause to believe that these crimes were committed and these individuals did these crimes,” Kleine said.

For now, Ruffin and Barnes remain in jail due to a high bond amount.

Shapiro said he hopes that the boys will tell what he believes is the truth.

“That’s what justice is about: finding the truth,” Shapiro said.

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