Police are continuing to piece together a complex case that at one time was believed to be a kidnapping incident in connection with prostitution activities.
Utah police now believe the kidnapping charges are false and that the incident evolved from disgruntlement between the people involved.Robert Edward Deluna, 34, Anaheim, Calif., and Eilene Ann Ross, 36, Sparks, Nev., were arrested in Delta early Wednesday after a 20-year-old California woman told police she was held at gunpoint against her will by the couple. A third person traveling with the group was not arrested. Police said she was allegedly picked up with her boyfriend while hitchhiking in Nevada. The boyfriend was left behind in Ely where he reported the 21-year-old woman missing.
The California woman told police she joined the couple in California and was to travel with them to Florida. The woman said she wanted to leave the group in Reno, but was held at gunpoint against her will. She said she escaped from the couple in Delta. The allegations were raised when a car the woman was riding in with three teenagers from Delta was stopped in West Jordan.
Delta police say the incident does not appear to be a kidnapping, as first reported and that the charges were likely an attempt at revenge by the woman, who has since returned to California.
Nevada officials have filed charges against the couple in connection with a reported burglary incident and attempting to place a person under the age of 21 in a house of prostitution. Both incidents occurred near Fallon, Nev.
Greg Nelson, undersheriff in Churchill County, Nev., said his office is still investigating the kidnapping allegations.
Police are attempting to contact the California woman.