Kidnapping charge stems from 'boot camp' drug intervention

A Napa man was arrested after he reportedly took his 13-year-old grandson to Letts Lake in northwest Colusa County with the idea of getting him off drugs in a “boot camp” setting, the Colusa County Sheriff’s Department reported.

The reported victim “stated that he was accused of being on methamphetamine ... and stated he has never tried meth,” sheriff’s Lt. Shane Maxey said.

The teen told investigators that his grandfather, Robin M. Jones, 64, and his father, Michael Jones, grabbed him from his sleep about 1 a.m. Tuesday, hog-tied him and then took him against his will to Letts Lake, Maxey said.

The grandfather reportedly told other campers in the area that the teen was in “boot camp” under his custody, Maxey said.

A U.S. Forest Service agent saw the boy and his grandfather arguing Wednesday, and stopped to see what the dispute was about.

The teen told the agent he had been taken up to the lake from his Vallejo home against his will, Maxey said.

The Colusa County Sheriff’s Department was called about 3:30 p.m. The grandfather was arrested about 90 minutes later.

Jones was booked into Colusa County Jail on suspicion of kidnapping, false imprisoment and child endangerment.  Bail was set at $100,000.

The boy, who lives with his father, was turned over to Child Protecive Services for release to family members, Maxey said.

No charges have been brought against Michael Jones, said Maxey, but the investigation continues.

Maxey is not sure why Letts Lake was chosen by Jones, but suspects he was familiar with the lake.