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Columbus Man Accused of Kidnapping, Attempted Robbery

Updated: Tuesday, January 22 2013, 08:25 PM EST
COLUMBUS -- Police say a man was kidnapped and threatened after trying to help someone out of a financial jam. 

James Drayton, 50, faced a judge Tuesday morning after he was charged with forcing Allen Cornwell, 53, to drive to 3 different banks Saturday night in an attempt to empty Cornwells bank account.

Cornwell told ABC 6/FOX 28 he had lent Drayton several hundred dollars in early January as a favor for a mutual friend.  Cornwell said Drayton wanted more cash, ransacked his home, and told him he had a gun.

"I ran because I knew something was going to happen," said Cornwell.  "He acted like he had a gun.  He said we're going to go to the bank and withdraw all your money."

Cornwell made it to his car, but said Draytons fianc caught up with him and unlocked his car doors, allowing Drayton to enter the vehicle. 

Cornwell said he was forced to drive to the Fifth Third bank on Cleveland Ave. near Northern Lights Shopping Center, then Huntington Bank. 

When his cards wouldn't work, Cornwell said Drayton ordered him to Chase bank, where patrolling officers saw Drayton force his victim into the lobby.  Those officers stopped and arrested Drayton and his companion, Christine Danielak. 

Police say both suspects had glass crack pipes in their pockets, and one was carrying a hand written note stating they needed to scam Cornwell out of $600.

"I didn't know if I was going to see another day... that's for sure," Cornwell said. "It's terrible what can happen when you're trying to do a favor, you know?"

A judge set Draytons bail at $750,000. He could face more than 10 years behind bars if convicted. 

Cornwell said the experience likely spells the end of his good deeds.

"I'm not going to be helping any neighbors here anytime soon," he said.

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Reporter: Lisa Rantala
Web Producer: Ken HinesColumbus Man Accused of Kidnapping, Attempted Robbery