LICKING COUNTY, Ohio — Sewak Tiwari, the 19-year-old accused of kidnapping his young daughter, went before a judge on Friday afternoon in Licking County. He is facing one count of first-degree kidnapping.
This comes after police said Tiwari took the child and threatened the mother and baby.
“The defendant is alleged to kidnap the 11-month child during the incident. He is alleged to make threats including, quote, 'Before they find us we will be dead,'” a Licking County prosecutor said in court. “The evidence is strong against the defendant. He made multiple incriminating admissions regarding flee from police and hiding child.”
Magistrate Mallory Land-Libby gave Tiwari a $750,000 bond. The prosecutor said Tiwari was let out of jail on Sept. 6 for a domestic violence threat case. The prosecutor said that case is with the same victim. Tiwari also has other previous charges.
“He has two pending felonies in 2023 and June this year involving swatting in Columbus. They are pending,” said the prosecutor.
Land-Libby ordered Tiwari to have no contact with the mother and baby. The judge said he may not get out of jail because of his history, even if he posts bond.
“If you post this bond, you wouldn’t necessarily be released,” said Land-Libby.
“What’s my holder for Licking County? I went to my court?” asked Tiwari.
“There was a no-contact order, it might be a violation,” said Land-Libby.
10TV spoke to the father of the victim and grandfather of the baby.
He released the following statement:
“I would just like to thank the COTA employee for a good eye and spotting the vehicle. Also, the Newark police and the detectives along with the Columbus police that resolved with no one being hurt. The baby and mom are doing good as can be expected. I know as the grandfather, it was such a relief to walk in that hospital room to see that beautiful baby smile and know she was okay. For Sewak, I have no comment.”
Tiwari was arrested Thursday evening at a hotel in the Easton area. 10TV saw his car at the COTA transit near the hotel with the license plate bent.
Detective Sgt. Clint Eskins with the Newark Division of Police said it’s important to get the Amber Alert out as soon as possible. He encourages everyone to always keep an eye out.
“When these come out, I would say make sure you take the time to look at your phone, read that alert, read the details of it. You don’t know if you are going to see that suspect or vehicle. That is what will being the child home safely,” said Eskins.