Robert Arthur Wiles, 26 yrs old, Lakeland, FL, 4/1/08 - Kidnapped for Randsom

[KindraLore]

TAMPA - Two days after their 26-year-old son was kidnapped in Lakeland, Thomas and Pamela Wiles received a ransom note.

They followed the instructions to get their son back, but something went wrong.

Friday, three weeks after the April 1 abduction of Robert Arthur Wiles, his parents have had no word about his whereabouts and don't know whether the kidnappers received their response.

They and the FBI appealed to the public for help and to the kidnappers to contact the Wileses again.

Robert Wiles is business development manager for National Flight Services, the family's Toledo, Ohio-based aircraft service and maintenance company. It has a branch at 3480 Airfield Drive West at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, from where he was kidnapped.

"We are worried about Robert," Pamela Wiles told reporters, her face contorted in pain as she spoke into a bank of microphones at the FBI's local headquarters. "We love Robert, and we are terribly concerned about his safety. We want him to know that his family loves him, we care about him and we want him to come home. If anyone knows where he is, we need to speak with Robert. We'll do anything we can to get our son back and bring him home safe."

The family offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to their son's safe return.

"Our son knows how to reach us," Pamela Wiles said. "He has our numbers. And the only thing that matters to us is for our son to come home safely."

Describing his son, Thomas Wiles said, "Robert was..."

"Is," his wife interjected.

"Is," Thomas Wiles said. "He's a pilot with multi-engine instrument ratings. He's a diver, athlete, and a journeyman fisherman."

Agents are searching areas in Ohio, Tennessee, Kentucky and Thailand, as well as Lakeland and the greater Orlando and Sarasota areas.

"The investigators on this case have developed individuals of interest and are currently pursuing those matters," said FBI spokesman David Couvertier.

The family business had $8.5 million in sales last year and has 105 employees, according to public records. No one at the business's Toledo headquarters or the Lakeland office would talk to reporters. The company also has branches in San Antonio, Texas, and Toronto.

Couvertier would not disclose the contents of the ransom note or any details of the kidnapping because, he said, of the sensitive nature of the investigation.

Explaining the FBI's involvement in the case, Couvertier said, "We have a ransom situation here. ...In the United States, kidnappings for ransom are very rare."

Couvertier said Robert Wiles is white, 5-foot-9-inches, 165 pounds with hazel eyes and brown hair.

Asked whether the FBI had any proof Robert Wiles was alive, Couvertier said they had no proof either way.

They are "very optimistic" about the leads they have, however, and are questioning several people.

He urged the kidnappers to contact the family again.

The Wileses, he said, "have no way of knowing if you received their earlier acknowledgements and responses. Robert's parents are waiting for further instructions so they can bring Robert home. To confirm future communications, you should use the same names that you used in the ransom note."

The Wileses, Couvertier said, have "done everything they could possibly do."

"Anyone out there who knows our son or has met our son knows the enthusiasm that he has for life because you could see it in his eyes and you can feel it in his handshake, which is firm and it's genuine," Pamela Wiles said. "Robert loves life. He loves nature and he believes in God."

Brooke Holcomb, a neighbor of Wiles in an apartment complex at 201 Charles St., Lakeland, said FBI agents have been to Wiles' apartment several times and have talked to her and have even brought her photo packs of people to identify.

She didn't know the nature of their interest. She said she was able to identify a couple of men in the picture packs.

Anyone with information about Wiles' whereabouts is urged to call the FBI's toll-free number, (866) 838-1153, or a local police department.

Link to Article (http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/apr/26/me-fbi-parents-seek-help-to-find-abducted-son/)

[KindraLore]

This article (http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2008/4/26/pilot39s_former_neighbors_react_to_possible_kidnap ping.html) has a picture of him.

[Heidi J.]

For some reason your link didn't work. Let's try this one (http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2008/4/26/pilot39s_former_neighbors_react_to_possible_kidnap ping.html) .

Pretty scary story. I hope he is found okay.

ETA: Okay.. let's try the old fashioned way, mine isn't working either??

http://www.cfnews13.com

that didn't work either, so you'll have to search for it on the page :shrug:

[KindraLore]

Originally posted by Heidi J.
For some reason your link didn't work. Let's try this one (http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2008/4/26/pilot39s_former_neighbors_react_to_possible_kidnap ping.html) .

Pretty scary story. I hope he is found okay.

ETA: Okay.. let's try the old fashioned way, mine isn't working either??

http://www.cfnews13.com

that didn't work either, so you'll have to search for it on the page :shrug: [/*]

Weird. I found out that sometimes this forum doesnt work well with links.

Here (http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=13301896)
is his myspace. Its private but does have a pic you can see, although you cant tell much detail from it.

[shelkobe]

This is very odd. Maybe I missed it but did the parents just pay a ransom without contacting the police first?

[KindraLore]

Originally posted by shelkobe
This is very odd. Maybe I missed it but did the parents just pay a ransom without contacting the police first? [/*]

All I could find was that the parents "followed instructions" of the random note, but afterwards were not contacted by the kidnappers again. I am not sure if the FBI or any type of LE was involved at that point.

[cosmogal]

Finally some more pics of him so we can getter a better idea of what he look like. God I hope he is found alive! I am praying for him and his family.

http://www.wftv.com/slideshow/news/15996938/detail.html

[SwFlorida]

This is such a bizarre case..Its something I would see in the movies.

:rose:

[Casecase]

Parents have upped the reward to $250,000.

http://www.toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080501/NEWS03/994430580

[jtazzy]

This has happened in a city that I live near by in. Yes they believe he has been kidnapped, but no one nows why Robert would be kidnapped. NO I don't know them personally just from what I have seen in the news.

[jtazzy]

http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/05/01/florida.kidnapping/index.html

[Jpanda]

Man, this case really gets to me. This is the first I've heard about it but I'm glad it's making national news. My heart just breaks when I think that he could be held captive somewhere....and what the family is going through....:(

JMO

[ruby]

:rose: i wonder what the heck went wrong :(

[KindraLore]

Originally posted by CAT TOY
could he have been involved with smuggling? Afterall he is an instrument trained pilot. What are his flight hours logged, does anyone know?
What was the LK plane he was using? Where had it been? Where was he flying to and from? What were his patterns?
Did the note ask for money, money was given and he booked?
i'm confused on whether any monies were paid.

Is it possible this is NOT a ransom, iow a fake note? If there was truly a missing person and a ransom, that ransom would want to be met. Maybe he walked away from his life too; and leaving this ransom note was his way out. Just a thought.

Cat [/*]

According to this article, there was a ransom note and it was met:

Robert Wiles worked at the Lakeland, Fla., site, where he was last seen on April 1. FBI agents have said his parents received a ransom note two days after he disappeared.

The Wiles family complied with the note's demands, but no one has seen Robert Wiles since.

The family have up'd the reward to $250,000 btw.


News Article (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,353948,00.html)

[butterfly28]

Originally posted by RachelRose
Is it possible he took the money and ran? [/*]

Stranger things have happened. Although I have a hard time picturing someone doing this to their family intentionally. Either way I hope he is alive and well and comes home soon.

:rose:

[msgatorslayer]

'Tampa, Florida – The Tampa FBI today added the kidnapping of Lakeland pilot Robert Wiles to its “Most Wanted” list.'

http://www.tampabays10.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=79962

[txfemale45]

I am sure one of the first things the FBI did was check him out his personal and professional life......

[Jpanda]

Originally posted by msgatorslayer
'Tampa, Florida – The Tampa FBI today added the kidnapping of Lakeland pilot Robert Wiles to its “Most Wanted” list.'

http://www.tampabays10.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=79962 [/*]

"Most Wanted" List?? Is it just me or does that make him sound like a criminal? Am I missing something? (It IS still the morning here)

[txfemale45]

I think they added him to the list to get more attention to the case (just my opinion)

[Oehll]

Praying for him & his family that he will be home soon, no matter what the circumstances of his disappearance were.

[GentleBreeze]

Originally posted by Jpanda


"Most Wanted" List?? Is it just me or does that make him sound like a criminal? Am I missing something? (It IS still the morning here) [/*]

No, I think they are putting him on there so they can get possible leads on his kidnapper or kidnappers.

imoo

[GentleBreeze]

Originally posted by jtazzy
This has happened in a city that I live near by in. Yes they believe he has been kidnapped, but no one nows why Robert would be kidnapped. NO I don't know them personally just from what I have seen in the news. [/*]

I think they kidnapped him so they could smuggle drugs into another country. If this is what happened imo he is among some bad dudes and they are never going to let him come back to repeat what happened to him.

Bless him and his family....can't even go to work anymore these days without worrying if something will happen.

imoo

[Oehll]

Still no new news?

:rose: :rose: for him & his family

[Justins Mom]

This just disappeared from the news, has anyone heard anything new?

[KindraLore]

Hi Justin's Mom. I have searched continuously and there has been no new news. Weird eh? It just dropped off. I am wondering if he was found but they did not want any more publicity?

I find it odd otherwise considering the parents wealth. Sorry to be blunt about it but since his parents have money, it seems it would continue to be a news story, unless they did not want it to.

I could be wrong, but why nothing?

[Justins Mom]

Hi KL,

Something is missing from this story and I hope to one day find out what it is. Yes, the parents are very wealthy and I'd think they would be in full force to get the word out. The question becomes - Why aren't they?

[KindraLore]

Originally posted by Justins Mom
Hi KL,

Something is missing from this story and I hope to one day find out what it is. Yes, the parents are very wealthy and I'd think they would be in full force to get the word out. The question becomes - Why aren't they? [/*]

I agree because they paid they ransom (which means that initially LE may have not been involved?). And now no news. Very strange.

[porchlight]

February 26, 2009
FBI, parents renew plea for help in finding missing Lakeland pilot
TAMPA -- The parents of a missing Lakeland man renewed their plea today for the public's help in finding their son, 27-year-old Robert Arthur Wiles, who vanished from his Polk County job last year. Local FBI agents say they believe Wiles may still be alive, and they're close to identifying the people responsible for his disappearance.



(Robert Wiles is a journeyman fisherman. Family photo.)

Parents of the young pilot are offering a $250,000 reward to anyone with information that leads to the arrests of their son's abductors.

Tampa FBI spokesman Dave Couvertier said agents have a key suspect and other persons of interests, but he declined to say how many, citing the ongoing investigation.

"The individuals we're looking for live a double life," Couvertier said. "They manipulate people."

Couvertier said agents have determined that Wiles' abductors are familiar with his work routine, internal operations of his family's business, had access to his personal information, and knew about his parents' personal affairs.

Wiles was last seen April 1, 2008, at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport. He worked as a business development manager for National Flight Services. He's also a licensed pilot, a diver, an athlete and a journeyman fisherman.

Wiles is 5 feet 9, 165 pounds with hazel eyes and reddish-brown hair.

The FBI wants to hear from anyone who may have seen Wiles on April 1, 2008. Agents also want to hear from anyone who may have heard individuals complaining about Wiles or who appeared to be jealous of him.

"It takes some considerable effort to prevent this type of pain from dominating your life every day," said Wiles' mother, Pamela Wiles. "We want him back. We will never give up."

To contact the FBI with information about the disappearance of Robert Wiles, call 1-866-838-1153, or call local authorities. Tipsters can remain anonymous.

For other options on reporting information, log on to tampa.fbi.gov.

Kevin Graham, Times Staff Writer

*
http://blogs.tampabay.com/breakingnews/200...arents-ren.html

[Heidi J.]

I wish this family would get some closure..:crying:

[porchlight]

FBI 'Close' To Solving Kidnapping, Seeks Public's Help
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By ELAINE SILVESTRINI | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 26, 2009

Related Links

Solution Near, Officials Say
TAMPA - Nearly a year after their son, Robert, was kidnapped from the family business at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, Pamela and Thomas Wiles believe he is still alive and are willing to work with the kidnappers to get him back.

"We aren't zillionaires, and business is bad, but we'll do whatever it takes," Thomas Wiles said in an interview today at the FBI's Tampa headquarters.

"We just want to work with them," Pamela Wiles said. "There's no hate. …What are their needs? What are their concerns?

"I don't care what condition he's in," she said. "I just want to know where he is."

Robert Wiles was business development manager for National Flight Services, the family's Toledo, Ohio-based aircraft service and maintenance company.

Two days after his April 1 disappearance, Wiles' parents received a ransom note. They followed the instructions to get their son back, but something went wrong. The kidnappers cut off communication.

Now the FBI says it is close to solving the case; agents have developed a prime suspect and persons of interest, according to agency spokesman Dave Couvertier. But investigators need a little more information and are seeking the public's help.

"We're just that close," Couvertier said. "A couple of grains of more information will tip the scales."

The key suspect and persons of interest had connections and associations in the Lakeland area, as well as Orlando and Melbourne, Couvertier said.

In particular, agents want to hear from anyone with information about Wiles' activities the afternoon of April 1, whether it is someone who had lunch with him or talked to him on the telephone or communicated with him in any way.

Agents also need information about who might have been upset with Wiles or may have consistently complained about him, as well as anyone who was jealous, almost to the point of being obsessed.

The suspect and persons of interest knew his work routine and his parents' affairs, Couvertier said. They are manipulative and may intimidate others who have information.

Wiles' parents said he had no enemies and that everyone who met him automatically liked him.

"He just loved spending time with people, with fun people," Pamela Wiles said.

But the family business is "very cutthroat," Thomas Wiles said. He believes there is a "very high probability" that the kidnapping was connected to it.

"In our industry, violence is something that doesn't happen," he said. But "competition is very intense. The truth is not always spoken. … People try to snatch business away."

His son's job was to attract new business.

Patricia Wiles isn't as firm in her belief that the business is connected to the kidnapping but said it's possible.

"Robert was very respected," she said. "He believed honesty is a marketable commodity. He did things according to principle. That's who he was."

The family's company services airplanes that carry up to 19 passengers, Thomas Wiles said. He said about five such companies nationwide compete, and that their company ranks about in the middle in size.

It has been in business since the 1970s, has about 120 employees and has never had any layoffs, he said.

The year before the kidnapping, the business had $8.5 million in sales, according to public records. In addition to Toledo and Lakeland, it has branches in San Antonio, Texas, and Toronto.

Robert grew up around airplanes; his parents met on one.

When he and his two younger sisters were children, the family had a plane with child seats that they used to visit grandparents. Their white dog, Sherbert, also flew with them. Once they accidentally left Sherbert behind, and they were called about a white dog running down the runway.

When Robert was about 5, Thomas Wiles arranged for them to ride in the Goodyear blimp. Robert passed up the chance to brag to a friend, though. To him, it was just another airplane ride.

After Robert was kidnapped, the family received at least 300 cards and e-mails of support from around the world, Thomas Wiles said.

He said there is "zero" chance his son was involved in his own kidnapping.

"He had no concerns about family loyalties," Wiles said. "He didn't have concerns about his future …Robert was not driven by money and power."

The couple said the professionalism, humility and compassion of the FBI has sustained them the past year.

"They're real people," Patricia Wiles said. "I don't know that I knew that."

Robert had plans to travel to the Keys with friends last June. He loves to fish and owns a 21-foot catamaran. His father was going to help him buy a bigger boat.

Pamela Wiles said her handsome, gregarious son, who turned 27 in September, didn't know what to do about all the women he attracted.

He's "just a real uplifting person," his mother said. He's funny, too – gently teasing his father about his expanding gut and calling his parents "Mambo" and "Daddio."

He gave his mother a dream catcher he made while volunteering as a camp counselor. It hangs over the headboard of her bed.

"I touch it every night," she said. "I have dreams about him. Sometimes, I don't want to get out of bed. I want to stay sleeping."

In the dreams, they're talking and hugging like they always did.

"It feels good," Patricia Wiles said. "I could feel him a lot. I can feel Robert's energy in me every day. Sometimes, that tells me he is alive."

INFORMATION SOUGHT

Anyone with information on the kidnapping of Robert Wiles can call the FBI at 1-866-838-1153 or go to the agency's Web site, tampa.fbi.gov for e-mail and other contact information.

Anonymous tips also can be mailed to the FBI at: 5525 W. Gray St., Tampa FL 33609. Or you can ask someone from the clergy or an attorney to contact the agency on your behalf; the FBI says it is will honor confidentiality.

Reporter Elaine Silvestrini can be reached at (813) 259-7837 or esilvestrini@tampatrib.com.

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2009/feb/26/fbi-close-solving-kidnapping-seeks-publics-help/

[porchlight]

FBI investigates possible kidnap for ransomStory Highlights
Robert Arthur Wiles, 26, of Lakeland, Florida, reported missing April 1, FBI says

Wiles' parents "were sent a ransom note," FBI says; "A threat was made"

Note signed in a "unique" way, the motive remains a mystery, investigator says

The agency says it investigated 161 kidnappings in the nation last year

Next Article in U.S. »



From Susan Candiotti
CNN

MIAMI, Florida (CNN) -- The FBI is investigating the alleged kidnapping for ransom of a 26-year-old Florida private pilot who has been missing since April 1, a spokesman said Friday.

The bureau identified the man as Robert Arthur Wiles of Lakeland, Florida. He runs his family's aircraft maintenance business, National Flight Services, at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport.

Wiles' parents suspected something was wrong when they couldn't reach their son, whom they had visited a few days before he was reported missing, said Dave Couvertier, spokesman for the FBI in Tampa, Florida.

"They were sent a ransom note," he said. "A threat was made. His parents were told to follow directions, but they heard nothing back."

The bureau won't elaborate on exactly what the note said or how much money was demanded -- only that the note was signed in a "unique" way, Couvertier said. It is not clear why Wiles would have been targeted, he said.

Agents believe that revealing specifics might compromise the investigation, he said.

Couvertier said that although the bureau has no evidence to indicate that the kidnapping could have been staged, "we're exploring every lead, every possibility." But, he added, "We're treating this as the real thing."

Investigators won't explain why they waited so long to go public with the case except to say the parents hope that talking about it now might generate new leads, he said.

"The parents are offering a reward. They hope someone will be able to help them and come forward with information," he said.

At an FBI-organized news conference Friday afternoon in Tampa, the parents announced that they are offering $10,000 to anyone who can provide more information.

"Our son knows how to reach us; he has our phone numbers," they said. "The only thing that matters to us is that our son comes home safely."

The bureau has followed leads involving Robert Wiles' "activities and associations" in several Florida cities as well in Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee, he said. One friend was contacted in Thailand.

Kidnappings for ransom in the United States are considered rare, especially of adults.

The agency says it investigated 161 kidnappings in the nation last year involving custody disputes, cults, drug rip-offs and sexual assaults.

National Flight Services has locations in Florida, Texas, Ohio -- where its headquarters are -- and in Toronto, Canada. A company Web site lists the owner as Thomas Wiles. E-mail to a friend

http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/04/25/florida.k...ping/index.html

[porchlight]

Search continues for Robert Wiles
News


ADVERTISEMENT
Tips coming in, but former Toledoan remains missing

Friday, April 25, 2008 at 6:05 p.m.


LAKELAND, FL -- The FBI office in Tampa said Sunday that it has received several phone tips over the weekend regarding Robert Wiles ---a former Toledoan, now living in Lakeland, Florida --- who was kidnapped from his job on April 1. However, as of Sunday, he was still missing.

The FBI said Friday that the parents of Robert Wiles, 26, tried to comply with the kidnapper's ransom demands when they were contacted. But Robert has not been heard from, and the kidnappers have not contacted the family, in three weeks.

The FBI isn't saying how the Wiles family got the money to the kidnappers.

The FBI turned to the media Friday to get the word out.

Robert Arthur Wiles is described as a young man with a real zest for life. At his parent's company, National Flight Services at the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, he works as the business development manager. He is a pilot, a diver, a fisherman and an athlete.

His parents, Tom and Pam Wiles who own National Flight Services at Toledo Express Airport, made a plea on Friday from the FBI Tampa office saying, "We'll do anything we can to get our son back."

"We are worried about Robert," said Wiles' parents. "We love Robert and we are terribly concerned about his safety. We want him to know that his family loves him. We care about him and we want him to come home."



FBI investigators say somebody snatched Wiles from his job at National Flight Services, some time after 6:30 p.m. on April 1. Two days later, his parents found a ransom note. The investigators say the parents complied with the note's demands.

"We have not heard from Robert since then. And nobody in our family has heard from him," the family said.

The investigation into Robert's disappearance has turned up leads in Orlando, Lakeland, Tampa, Brevard County, Sarasota, Fort Myers, Miami, Key West, Ohio, Tennessee, Kentucky and even Thailand.

Besides his parents, the FBI is making a plea to his abductors saying, "Robert's parents are asking that you contact them again. They have no way of knowing if you received the earlier acknowledgments and responses. Robert's parents are waiting for further instructions."

FBI investigators are asking the kidnappers to use the same name they used when making the ransom demand. They won't say the dollar figure demanded.

Robert Wiles' family is offering a $10,000 reward for his safe return.

If you have any information, you are asked to contact the FBI at 866-838-1153.


http://www.toledoonthemove.com/news/news_s....aspx?id=126558

[porchlight]

http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Local/2008/4/...ansom_note.html
Missing Man's Parents Speak About Son's Disappearance
Friday, April 25, 2008 11:57:47 PM
Tools: E-mail | Print | Feedback |

Slideshow - 2 images
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Video
Pilot Kidnapping News Conference
Additional Information
National Flight Services
LAKELAND -- The parents of that Lakeland pilot allegedly kidnapped and held for ransom are asking for his safe return.

Robert Wiles, 26, was last seen at 6:30 p.m. on April 1 at National Flight Services, the family’s aircraft maintenance business at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport.

The company has other locations in Florida, Texas, its headquarters in Ohio and in Toronto, Canada. A company Web site lists the owner as Thomas Wiles.

The FBI said Wiles' parents first suspected something was wrong when they couldn't reach their son whom they had visited a few days earlier.

Wiles' parents said they received a ransom note on April 3. They complied with the demands, but never heard from the alleged kidnappers again.

For now, the FBI won't elaborate on exactly what the note said or how much money was demanded. The FBI only said the note was signed in a "unique" way.

Federal agents claim revealing specifics might compromise the investigation.

Investigators also won't explain why they waited so long to go public with the case, except to say the parents hope by talking about it now, the case might generate new leads.

Wiles’ parents spoke at an FBI news conference Friday afternoon.

"We'll do anything we can to get our son back and bring him home safe. We are offering a $10,000 reward leading to Robert's safe return. Our son knows how to reach us. He has our numbers. The only thing that matters to us is our son to come home safely," said Pamela Wiles, Robert’s mother.

The FBI said so far, it has followed leads involving Wiles' "activities and associations" in several Florida cities including from Ocala to Key West, as well Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee. One friend was contacted in Thailand.

Kidnappings for ransom in the U.S. are considered rare, especially adult kidnappings. The FBI said it could not immediately cite specific cases except to say the agency investigated 161 kidnappings in the U.S. last year involving custodial disputes, cults, drug rip-offs and sexual assaults.

Meanwhile in Melbourne Beach, neighbors who used to live near Robert Wiles were shocked to hear the young boy they saw grow up was allegedly kidnapped and held for ransom.

Wiles attended Florida Institute of Technology. Neighbors said he went to high school at Florida Air Academy.

"He loved aviation, planes. His dad was in that business. He learned to fly early. He was 16 years old he enjoyed that," said Jim Macri, a neighbor.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Tampa office of the FBI, or your local police department.

[porchlight]

By JOSH POLTILOVE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 1, 2008

Related Links

Previous Coverage
Photo Gallery
TAMPA - A month after their son was kidnapped in Lakeland, Thomas and Pamela Wiles have dramatically increased a reward for information on his whereabouts.



Robert Wiles

They now are offering $50,000 for information on 26-year-old Robert Arthur Wiles – a $40,000 increase from the initial offer.

They also are offering a $200,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible.

"They continue to go to the media to get the word out, to try to notify the public of who Robert is, showing his picture," FBI spokesman David Couvertier said today. "They're informing the public of his situation in the kidnapping matter in the hopes that they can solicit information that will help them reunite with their son."

Wiles' story was featured this morning on "The Early Show" and "Today" as well as CNN and MSNBC, Couvertier said.

Robert Wiles is business development manager for National Flight Services, the family's Toledo, Ohio-based aircraft service and maintenance company. It has a branch at 3480 Airfield Drive West at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, where Wiles was kidnapped April 1.

Thomas and Pamela Wiles received a ransom demand April 3. They followed the instructions, but something went awry and communication with the kidnapper ended Couvertier said.

He would not give specifics of the demands because of the sensitive nature of the investigation.

Since April 3, the Wileses and the FBI have appealed to the public for help and for the kidnappers to resume contact.

The family business had $8.5 million in sales last year and has 105 employees, according to public records.

Couvertier said Robert Wiles is white, 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 165 pounds. He has hazel eyes and brown hair.

Agents are searching areas in Ohio, Tennessee, Kentucky and Thailand as well as Lakeland and the greater Orlando and Sarasota areas, he said.

"The investigators have identified persons of interest and are pursuing those persons as well," Couvertier said.

Anyone with information should call the FBI at 1-866-838-1153 or their local law enforcement agency.

Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at jpoltilove@tampatrib.com or (813) 259-7691.

http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/may/01/fa...-kidnap-reward/

[shelkobe]

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/crime/orl-loc-ransom030309,0,5930567.story
Investigators have identified a key suspect and a "few individuals of interest" who have ties to Orlando, Melbourne and Lakeland, either by living or working in the cities, FBI Special Agent Dave Couvertier said Monday.

Agents aren't ready to publicly name their prime suspect or the others. Instead, they are asking people to come forward if they have ever heard anyone talk about Wiles in a jealous or negative way, or if they know someone who seems to be obsessed with Wiles or his family.

[shelkobe]

Curious indeed. In a wierd way I thought of the JonBenet Ramsey case, since that ransom letter also referenced something about the father's business (a bonus John Ramsey received). If Wiles' ransom note was signed in a specific way, I take it something was written that indicates the perpetrator knows someing about the family or business, something an outsider would not know.