A 66-year-old inmate in the Bergen County Jail has been charged with hiring a group of men to kidnap a Paramus NJ businessman.

According to authorities, Hasbrouck Heights resident Mohammed Ranko conceived the kidnapping plot with another man who was also behind bars at the Bergen County Jail in Hackensack.

After Mr. Ranko’s co-conspirator was released from jail, Mr. Ranko instructed him and a group of men to kidnap the intended target, drag him into a van, and hold him in Englewood, New Jersey. Mr. Ranko allegedly promised the men a fee of $1 million if they would commit the kidnapping.

When detectives in Hackensack learned of the alleged plan, they informed Paramus police. A further investigation led to uncovering evidence that the suspects had obtained the van and purchased ski masks, wire, tape, and ropes.

Mr. Ranko was already being held at the Bergen County Jail on kidnapping and aggravated assault charges. He has been at the Bergen County Jail since November 2011. This new kidnapping plot resulted in authorities adding to the charges against Mr. Ranko and increasing his bail. Mr. Ranko now faces a charge of conspiracy to commit kidnapping.

In New Jersey, kidnapping is a very serious offense that is governed by N.J.S.A. 2C:13-1. Mr. Ranko may face a second degree kidnapping charge. If he is convicted of second degree kidnapping, Mr. Ranko could be sentenced to a term of imprisonment of ten years in New Jersey State Prison.

To learn more about this case, read the NJ.com article entitled “Bergen County Inmate Charged in $1 Million Plot to Kidnap Paramus Businessman.“