Mistaken-identity kidnapping suspect sentenced

Posted: 07.27.2011 at 5:05 PM

Andrew Wadel

One of the men involved in the mistaken-identity kidnapping of a northern New Jersey businessman was sentenced on Wednesday to 18 years in prison.

Andrew Wadel, 23, of Rich Hill, was sentenced in New Jersey. He pleaded guilty in March to kidnapping and lesser charges.

In January 2010, Jeffrey Muller, 61, of Newton, N.J. Was taken from his pet supply store by three men. Police said the kidnappers believed Muller was a money broker with the same name who they blamed for a failed land deal. Wadel said he shot Muller with a stun gun.

Police in New Jersey discovered the kidnapping after Muller's wife called authorities when he was missing. Police found some belongings in the parking lot near the store's entrance.

The men drove Muller to Lake Ozark where their car broke down the day after the kidnapping. Muller was able to escape his captors by freeing his hands, according to Lake Ozark Police.

The men had planned to get about $500,000 from Muller.

Douglas Stangeland, 46, of Nevada and Lonnie Swarnes, 44, of Rich Hill were also arrested in the kidnapping. They are both awaiting trial.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report)