Attempted kidnapper gets stint on probation

By Richelle Bailey
Published: November 22, 2009

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A Marion man who attempted to kidnap his neighbor earlier this year will spend time on probation and must complete a drug treatment program.
Marcus Lamar Avery, 38, of Park Avenue recently pleaded guilty in McDowell County Superior Court to attempted second-degree kidnapping. Judge Bradley B. Letts handed Avery a 15- to 18-month suspended sentence and placed him on supervised probation for 24 months. He must complete a 90-day drug treatment program and pay court costs, a $200 fine and restitution of $1,500 for a court-appointed attorney.
Around 4:30 p.m. on Monday, July 6, Beverly Parker, a tenant at an apartment complex on Park Avenue, told officers that Avery, who lives in a nearby apartment, knocked on her door and asked to use the phone.
They stepped outside, she gave him the phone and he pretended to make a call, according to investigators.
When Parker told Avery that she never saw him dial numbers, he grabbed her arm, took his belt off and wrapped it around his fist as if he was going to hit her, detectives stated. He then attempted to pull her into his apartment, but Parker was able to escape.