Three arrested, 2 sought after Menifee woman kidnapped

Jesse Aaron was arrested for his alleged involvement in kidnapping a Menifee woman.

MENIFEE – Two men and a woman have been arrested for their alleged involvement in the kidnapping for ransom of a Menifee woman, according to an Aug. 20 press release from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. Two additional suspects are wanted for their connection with the reported crime. Warrants have been issued for their arrests.

The investigation began about noon Tuesday, Aug. 9 when the victim, who officials have not identified, was reportedly kidnapped from her residence in the 27000 block of Holland Road in Menifee, Riverside Sheriff’s Sergeant Sam Morovich explained in a press release.

An initial investigation determined two armed suspects took the victim from her home at gunpoint. She was reportedly kidnapped to repay a debt she owed to the suspects.

During a subsequent investigation, officials identified the two alleged suspects as Jesse Martin Aaron, 32 and Nathan Lopez, 31. Both are residents of Fallbrook.

Aaron and Lopez “forced the victim to obtain money to repay her debt and to secure her release,” Morovich wrote in the release.

Deputies from the Menifee Police Department Special Enforcement Team with assistance from the Perris/Lake Elsinore Gang Task Force and Murrieta Gang Task Force, initiated an investigation into the kidnapping.

Later the same day, “as the investigation unfolded, a Murrieta Police officer (conducted) a routine traffic stop near the intersection of Antelope Road and Keller Road in the city of Murrieta,” according to Morovich.

During the traffic stop, the officer contacted two people inside the vehicle. The officer detained Aaron and the victim was rescued, Morovich explained. Aaron was later released to the Menifee Police Special Enforcement Team for further investigation.

Deputies later arrested Aaron and he was booked into the Southwest Detention Center for suspicion of kidnapping, false imprisonment, conspiracy to commit a felony and prior state prison enhancements.

Aaron is being held in lieu of $145,000 bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 23 at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta

As the Menifee Police Special Enforcement Team continued their investigation they obtained and served a search warrant Thursday, Aug. 18 at a residence in the 1200 block of Juliette Place in Fallbrook. They were assisted by deputies from the San Diego Sheriff’s Fallbrook Station and the DEA-Narcotics Task Force.

During the service of the search warrant, Jedediah Donald Shaw, 31, fled from the residence on foot. He was apprehended by San Diego Sheriff’s deputies in a nearby backyard. Kelly Crossmen, 27, was detained inside the house. Both Shaw and Crossmen are residents of Fallbrook.

Jedediah Shaw was arrested Aug 18 during the service of a search warrant related to the kidnapping. Shaw attempted to flee during the warrant service but he was quickly apprehended.

Kelly Crossmen was arrested Aug 18 during the service of a search warrant related to the kidnapping. She was released from custody two days later when no charges were filed against her.

During a subsequent search of the residence, the Special Enforcement Team located an illegal firearm, ammunition, 15 ounces of methamphetamine and items commonly associated with drug sales.

The investigation revealed while Shaw and Crossmen were not directly involved in the kidnapping, they were complicit in the crime, according to Morovich.

Both were booked into the Southwest Detention Center for suspicion of kidnapping for ransom or robbery, conspiracy to commit a felony, and possession of narcotics for sale.

Shaw is being held in lieu of $250,000 bail and his next court date is scheduled for Aug. 22 at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta.

Crossmen was released two days after her arrest when no probable cause was filed against her.

WANTED

An arrest warrant has been issued for Nathan Lopez for his alleged involvement in the kidnapping.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Jacqueline Smith-Perez for her alleged involvement in the kidnapping.

The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office has issued arrest warrants for Lopez and Jacqueline Smith-Perez, 31, of Menifee, for their alleged involvement in the crimes.

Morovich cautioned if Lopez or Smith-Perez are spotted to immediately call 911 to report the sighting and not attempt to apprehend either person.

The investigation is still active and ongoing.

Any other questions, comments or pertinent information involving this case can be forwarded to Officer Cardinale at the Menifee Police Department at (951) 210-1000. Callers can refer to incident file number ME162210065 and can remain anonymous. Citizens can also email the Perris Station or submit a tip using the Sheriff’s CrimeTips online form.

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