Man Sentenced to 4 Years in Prison for Irvine Kidnapping

A 76-year-old man who pleaded guilty to his role in the kidnapping of an Irvine woman to extort money from her family was sentenced Friday to four years in prison; This prison sentence means time served behind bars awaiting trial.

Ezra Schley pleaded guilty to theft on October 8, 2021. As part of the plea agreement, felony charges of kidnapping for ransom or extortion and attempted extortion by force or threat were dismissed, according to court records. His city of residence was not disclosed.

“These guys got him caught up in something,” Schley’s attorney, Cameron Talley, said. “He was just an old guy and they used his office or said, ‘Hey, can you help me with the car?'”