A woman is facing felony charges after she reportedly posed as a United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer to kidnap her ex-boyfriend’s wife. The accused, a 52-year-old Florida woman, has been arrested for kidnapping in the commission of a felony, robbery by sudden snatching, impersonating a law enforcement officer, and felony probation violation, according to reports.
The incident was a calculated and disturbing scheme cooked up by a revengeful ex-girlfriend, according to the details surrounding the kidnapping. The accused, identified as Latrance Battle, allegedly impersonated an ICE agent on April 10 when she appeared at her ex-boyfriend’s wife’s place of employment.
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office said that the victim was at a hotel in Bay County working when Battle approached her wearing a black shirt that read “ICE” on the front. When she addressed the victim, she reportedly showed her a card that resembled a business card from the sheriff’s office. She falsely claimed she was detaining the woman on official immigration matters, per the report.
While the victim’s identity remains confidential, authorities said she is currently in the process of becoming a legal U.S. resident. The victim voluntarily left with Battle, believing she was genuinely a federal agent. Authorities said Battle also carried a hand-held radio, apparently to make her impersonation more convincing.
Reports state that the woman made an effort to call her husband and her lawyer after complying with Battle. However, when she was on the phone while in the vehicle with Battle, the accused grabbed the phone out of her hand. According to officials, Battle informed her ex-boyfriend’s wife that she was taking her to the sheriff’s office.
However, the woman realised that something was wrong when Battle brought her to a completely different location. Battle reportedly took the woman to Bridge Plaza Apartments and warned her that she would “suffer the consequences of her husband’s actions”.
According to reports, the woman realised she had been abducted by Battle when they arrived at the Apartment instead of the Sheriff’s office. The woman managed to escape when a nearby resident helped her. After escaping, the victim contacted her husband and alerted the police.
Following an investigation by Bay County deputies, Battle was traced to Alabama. She attempted to flee the state but was apprehended on April 11. The video of the arrest is now circulating on social media. The footage shows officers surrounding Battle’s vehicle and ordering her out before she emerges with her hands raised.
