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Franklin Man Charged After Alleged Highway Abduction of Woman Who Rejected Him

A judge raised bond to $2 million after prosecutors cited items recovered from the vehicle and alleged jailhouse admissions.

Overview

  • Angelo Liberto, 22, has been charged with attempted second-degree sexual assault, kidnapping and false imprisonment, each with a dangerous-weapon enhancement following an incident on May 29, 2026.
  • The criminal complaint says Liberto forced the woman into his car, showed a handgun, threatened to rape and kill her, and used restraints while driving north on Interstate 41.
  • The victim made multiple 911 and family calls and her mother tracked the phone, which helped deputies stop the vehicle and free her.
  • Officers found a .357 revolver, a pocket knife and handcuffs in plain view and later seized items including duct tape, a hacksaw, a tarp, bondage restraints, condoms and a gooseneck bar from the car.
  • The case is in pretrial court and prosecutors say Liberto could face a reported combined maximum of 81 years if convicted while the defense disputes the allegations.