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Thompson Sentenced for Kidnapping Ex-Wife

On April 14, 2016, Kenneth Ransom Thompson, age 54, was convicted by a jury of second degree kidnapping, assault on a female, and domestic criminal trespass in Watauga County Superior Court.  In April of 2015, Thompson waited overnight in the woods for his former wife to come home from work and ambushed her in her front yard. He was armed with a pellet gun, a shotgun, and pepper spray. Thompson wrestled her to the ground and held her captive in the carport at her home for several hours before leaving, still armed with the shotgun.

Kenneth Thompson MugshotSpecial Superior Court Judge Richard L. Doughton sentenced Thompson to a minimum of 25 months and a maximum of 42 months in prison for the Second Degree Kidnapping.  Additionally Thompson was sentenced to another 60 days for Assault on a Female and Domestic Criminal Trespass, to be served following the kidnapping sentence.

“Domestic violence has no place in our community,” said District Attorney Seth Banks.  “I remain committed to aggressively prosecuting these crimes and ensuring that the voices of victims are heard in courtrooms across the 24th Judicial District.  I would like to thank Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Stevens for her hard work in bringing this case to trial.  I would also like to commend Sergeant Lucas Smith, Lieutenant Brian Bumgarner, and Deputy Aaron Billings of the Watauga County Sheriff’s Office for their efforts combating domestic violence and in bringing Mr. Thompson to justice.”