Dayton woman, 25, could get life sentence in 2016 kidnapping

According to the statement of facts in the case, on Oct. 6, 2016, Karas and co-defendants James Marriott and Andrew Azzalina kidnapped an adult male and took him across state lines. Karas lured the victim to a motel by calling him and asking to borrow money. The victim agreed and they arranged to meet.

When the elderly man arrived, Marriott threatened him with a gun while he and Azzalina demanded any items of value as well as bank and credit card information. Acting under Marriott's direction, the three located the victim's car keys, moved him from the motel to his Ford Explorer and forced him to accompany them to various places in western Ohio and eastern Indiana where they attempted to use his bank cards to get cash and buy items.

They took him to a bank in Englewood and when he could not remember his PIN code, they drove him to a Dollar General and eventually to a Dick's Sporting Goods in Richmond, Ind., to purchase items for themselves. Believing that the victim had asked the sales clerk for help during the purchase of clothing and other items at the sporting goods store, the trio abandoned the victim at the store and fled back to Ohio in his vehicle.

All three were indicted in October 2016 on charges of aiding and abetting in kidnapping and taking a stolen vehicle across state lines.

Trial for Marriott and Azzalina is scheduled for March 6.