Who was arrested in Kentucky for attempted kidnapping?

Gabriel Waibel, 19, and Chad Goffinet, 43, both from Illinois, were arrested in Kentucky for allegedly attempting to kidnap a 17-year-old girl.

What were the alleged plans of the arrested men?

The suspects, Gabriel Waibel and Chad Goffinet, allegedly planned to take the 17-year-old girl to Texas and possibly back to Illinois without her parents' consent.

What charges do Gabriel Waibel and Chad Goffinet face?

Gabriel Waibel faces charges including attempted kidnapping, unlawful transaction with a minor, and sexual abuse. Chad Goffinet is charged with complicity in kidnapping and marijuana possession.

Home / Crime and Justice / Illinois Men Accused of Kidnapping Teen from Kentucky Home

Illinois Men Accused of Kidnapping Teen from Kentucky Home

3 Feb

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Summary

Two men arrested for attempting to abduct a teen from her home.
The teen's mother called 911 after the men demanded she leave with her daughter.
Suspects allegedly planned to travel to Texas with the 17-year-old.

Illinois Men Accused of Kidnapping Teen from Kentucky Home

Two men from Illinois were arrested on January 31, 2026, in Kentucky, accused of attempting to kidnap a 17-year-old girl from her residence. Gabriel Waibel, 19, and Chad Goffinet, 43, allegedly arrived at the girl's London home early that morning and informed her mother they would be taking her daughter. The mother alerted 911 after the men departed in a silver vehicle.

Deputies intercepted Waibel and Goffinet shortly after, locating footprints at the home consistent with their presence. Investigators discovered Waibel had been communicating online with the teen for two months. Authorities believe the suspects intended to travel to Texas with the girl, though their exact plans there remain unclear.

Waibel faces multiple charges, including attempted kidnapping of a minor, unlawful transaction with a minor, and sexual abuse. Goffinet is charged with complicity in the kidnapping and marijuana possession. Waibel is held on a $75,000 bond, and Goffinet on a $50,000 cash bond.