A joint effort by multiple agencies attained evidence Thursday afternoon that Richard Jones, 32, of Canon City fabricated his own kidnapping.
Jones, who had been reported missing on Jan. 21, now faces criminal extortion charges.
The agencies involved include the Colorado Springs Police Department, Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, Canon City Police Department and the Florence Police Department.
The investigation began when the supposed kidnappers demanded a ransom for Jones’ release.
Through the joint investigation, officers pulled over a vehicle near South Academy Boulevard and Airport Road in Colorado Springs on Thursday. Jones was found and identified in the vehicle, along with other people.
In addition for the charges of criminal extortion, Jones was arrested on an outstanding felony arrest warrant out of Fremont County. The two charges are not related.
