Wildrego Jackson identified as teen's alleged kidnapper

ATLANTA — One of the men accused of kidnapping a Clayton County teenager has a lengthy criminal record, according to police.

Investigators said Wildrego Jackson kidnapped 14-year-old Ayvani Perez from her Ellenwood home on Tuesday.

The FBI identified the second person in custody as Juan Alberto Rodriguez, a Mexican national. Two other men seen in sketches distributed by police are "at-large," according to the FBI.

Perez was found safe at a home in Conyers on Wednesday afternoon.

Records obtained by Channel 2 Action News show Jackson has used as many as 14 aliases, including Wildrego Johnson and Travis Gray.

Jail records show multiple arrests through the years on charges that include assault, child cruelty, sale and distribution of cocaine, marijuana possession, and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm. He was also arrested on obstruction charges.

Jackson spent time in prison in 2006 on cocaine, marijuana and obstruction of a law enforcement officer charges. He was sentenced to five years in prison but served only one year of prison time, according to state records.

Atlanta police last arrested Jackson in June on charges that include aggravated stalking and entering an auto.
Computer records also showed Jackson lived in two College Park apartment complexes about a mile apart. His former neighbors expressed surprise at the arrest.

"I just found out watching the news," said Diamond McLaughlin. "I don't even know why somebody would do something like that, but what can you say about the world."

"You don't kidnap a 14-year old girl like that or go into people's houses," said Larry Smith. "I think it's wrong. They need to be somewhere so they can't get out of jail."

College Park police also reported they arrested Jackson last year on property destruction charges.

Clayton County Police Chief Greg Porter also announced that more arrests could be made in the case soon.
"We have more than 100 officers involved," Porter said.

An aunt of the victim said Tuesday that family members were trying to get the money together to secure the release of Ayvani Hope Perez after the kidnappers demanded a ransom.

A Levi's Call alert was posted for Perez, who authorities said was abducted from her family's home Tuesday about 2 a.m.

Police said the mother tried to hide her two children, but the suspects found the family, along with the family's dog, and demanded money and jewelry.

A family friend told Channel 2 Action News a family member briefly talked to the missing girl over the phone. The FBI will not confirm or deny that report.

Stay with Channel 2 Action News and wsbtv.com for updates on this developing story.

WSBTV