Judge denies request to dismiss charges against Franklin man accused of kidnapping woman at gunpoint
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) — A Milwaukee County judge denied a defense request Thursday to dismiss charges against a Franklin man accused of kidnapping a woman at gunpoint after investigators say she rejected his romantic advances.
Angelo Liberto appeared in court for a hearing focused on whether some of the charges against him were multiplicitous, meaning they punished the same alleged conduct more than once.
Judge Michelle Havas rejected the argument.
"I find that these charges are not multiplicitous, so I am going to deny your motion to dismiss, and we will be moving forward," Havas said.
Liberto faces charges of kidnapping, attempted second-degree sexual assault and false imprisonment with a dangerous weapon.
Investigators say the incident happened in May after the woman made plans to go to a bar "at random" with Liberto. According to the criminal complaint, after she got into his vehicle, Liberto allegedly displayed a gun, took her phone and forced her to handcuff herself to the vehicle.
Havas said the complaint outlines multiple alleged actions supporting separate charges.
"Just from merely reading the complaint, I find that there are different situations here," Havas said. "She was first restrained by the child lock, with a gun held to her, and then with a knife and handcuffs."
"She asked if that meant he was going to rape her, and he said yes," Havas added. "They then went on, and she asked him to uncuff her, and he refused. I believe that speaks to the kidnapping to put her into service."
Authorities say the woman was eventually able to call 911 and her mother for help, allowing deputies to track the vehicle, stop it on the highway and free her.
Investigators say they found a gun, knife, duct tape, tarp, shovel and restraints inside the vehicle.
Liberto's case will move forward following the judge's ruling.