Two sets of handcuffs.
Two sets of handcuffs.

Staged kidnapping leads to extortion arrests in DC

by
February 24, 2026
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Staged kidnapping plot unravels as three arrested in Southeast extortion case

WASHINGTON, DC – A ransom demand backed by a photo of a bound and gagged woman sparked panic in Southeast before investigators determined the kidnapping had been staged and three suspects were later arrested on extortion charges.

The incident began Thursday, Dec. 4, at approximately 6:22 p.m., when suspects contacted a woman and told her that her friend had been kidnapped. The suspects sent a photo showing the friend restrained and demanded money in exchange for her safe release.

The victim contacted police, who responded to the 1900 block of Massachusetts Avenue, Southeast, and began investigating.

Detectives soon located the alleged kidnapping victim safe and unharmed. Investigators determined that the woman, along with two additional suspects, had attempted to extort money by staging the kidnapping.

On Friday, Dec. 5, 36-year-old Shante Duncan Sanders of Northeast, D.C., and 42-year-old Nordia Coy of Northwest, D.C., were arrested and charged with extortion.

On Thursday, Feb. 19, members of the U.S. Marshals Service arrested 34-year-old Asia Coy of Silver Spring, Maryland, pursuant to a D.C. Superior Court arrest warrant. She was also charged with extortion.

The case remains under investigation.

Key Points

  • Three suspects were arrested in connection with a staged kidnapping extortion plot
  • The alleged victim was found safe after a ransom demand was made
  • Suspects face extortion charges following the investigation
Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News