Birmingham Businessman Abducted, Accused Kidnappers In Custody

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Prominent Birmingham businessman Elton B. Stephens, Jr. was kidnapped from his Birmingham home Friday and ordered to pay $250,000 ransom to be released, according to police reports.

Two people accused of the kidnapping have been arrested. Matthew Amos Burke, 34, and Tabatha Nicole Hodges, 33, are charged with burglary, kidnapping of an adult for ransom, extortion and theft of property.

The incident report also says the pair stole Stephens' car, some jewelry, guns and other items from the home.

"We are thankful and grateful for the hard work of the Birmingham Police Department, The Jefferson County DAs office , the FBI, the Secret Service and the US Attorneys office for their hard work in investigating this horrid life experience for Mr. Stephens," Stephens' attorney Tommy Spina said in a statement. "I ask that his privacy be respected by the press and the public to allow him time and space to process and deal with these very traumatizing circumstances."

Stephens is the son of Elton B. Stephens, Sr., who started EBSCO Industries in the 1940s and became one of the most successful businessmen in Alabama. Stephens, Jr. most recently served as general manager of EBSCO Realty.

Police have not said what relationship, if any, the alleged kidnappers had to Stephens.