Illinois Man Arrested for Allegedly Plotting to Kidnap Boy from Florida School for $100K Ransom

Federal agents arrested an Illinois man moments before he attempted to travel to Florida in what authorities describe as a plot to kidnap a young boy from a Fort Lauderdale school. The U.S. Department of Justice disclosed details of the arrest on Tuesday, revealing disturbing plans outlined by Devontay Shields, 35, of Danville, Illinois.

According to federal prosecutors, Shields communicated his intentions through text messages to an individual who was cooperating with law enforcement. In a message cited in the criminal complaint, Shields allegedly wrote, “All we got to do is grab one of the kids and hold them but it got to be a smaller kid because we can convince them with candy and toys when we take them from the school.”

While the specific school Shields allegedly targeted remains unnamed, prosecutors say he justified his choice by noting that “all the parents is rich there,” and provided examples of tuition payments for each child. Shields allegedly planned to demand a $100,000 ransom in exchange for the child’s release.

Shields was intercepted at Union Station in Chicago while attempting to board an Amtrak train to Miami. Authorities found him carrying a “Lankybox” stuffed toy, a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle action figure, and zip ties—items he reportedly planned to use in the kidnapping plot.

The arrest and investigation, led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), relied heavily on information from a cooperating defendant and sources close to Shields. On November 11, the cooperating defendant tipped off law enforcement, prompting undercover operations to track Shields’ movements. Recorded conversations allegedly captured Shields stating his intent to “get me a little boy” and expressing a need for $1,000 to further his plans.

In the days leading up to his arrest, Shields is said to have purchased zip ties, a BB gun, and made travel arrangements including hotel and rental car reservations. Despite his explicit planning, the complaint states Shields never identified a specific intended victim, describing his target as “just a random little boy.”

When questioned after his arrest, Shields initially claimed his brother-in-law was responsible for booking his Florida trip and for providing the toys and zip ties. He later admitted to purchasing the items himself but denied any involvement in a kidnapping plot, stating the BB gun was meant as a gift for his nephew.

Shields now faces a federal charge of attempted kidnapping, which carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Federal authorities stress that the charge is a criminal complaint, meaning Shields is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.