Milwaukee judge denies motion to dismiss kidnapping charges against Franklin man

Milwaukee County Judge Michelle Havas rejected a defense request to dismiss charges against Franklin resident Angelo Liberto, ruling the allegations are not multiplicitous. Liberto faces kidnapping, attempted second‑degree sexual assault and false imprisonment with a dangerous weapon after investigators say he displayed a gun, handcuffed the victim to his vehicle and threatened her with a knife. The woman escaped by calling 911, leading deputies to locate and stop the vehicle. Police recovered a gun, knife, duct tape, tarp, shovel and restraints from the car. The judge’s decision allows the case to proceed.

The incident, reported to have occurred in May, involved the victim rejecting Liberto’s romantic advances before being forced into the vehicle. Liberto’s motion to dismiss was denied, and the charges will move forward in Milwaukee County Court.