Last person accused in bizarre mistaken-ID kidnapping admits guilt

The fifth and final defendant in a bizarre mistaken-identity kidnapping that took a New Jersey man all the way to Missouri in the trunk of a car has admitted his guilt.

Lonnie Swarnes pleaded guilty to first-degree kidnapping and second-degree attempted theft by extortion, the New Jersey Herald reports. He could be sentenced for up to 40 years on Dec. 17,

He faces up to 40 years in prison when he's sentenced on Dec. 17.

William Barger — the man who helped orchestrate the mistaken-identity kidnapping — was sentenced to 12 years in state prison last month.

Authorities say five people conspired to kidnap a Bergen County man named Jeffrey Muller. Another accomplice, Roy Slates, had complained swindled him out of $500,000 in a land deal. Slates pleaded guilty to his role in 2010 and awaits sentencing.

But when a trio of men tried to kidnap Muller, they accidentally picked up a Newton pet store owner with the same name. They zapped Muller with a stun gun and jammed him into trunk of their car, authorities have said. He escaped during the 1,200-mile ride to Missouri.

Louis C. Hochman is digital managing editor for NJ1015.com. Reach him at louis.hochman@townsquaremedia.com or on Twitter @LouisCHochman.