A Florida woman is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly impersonating a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent and kidnapping her ex-boyfriend’s wife from her workplace, according to the Bay County Sheriff’s Office.
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On April 10, 52-year-old Latrance Battle entered a hotel where the woman worked, wearing a black shirt with “ICE” printed on the front. She also carried a hand-held radio and presented a sheriff’s office business card, telling the woman she needed to leave with her.
“Due to being in fear, the victim got in the vehicle and went willingly with Latrance,” the sheriff’s office said. The victim, who is in the process of becoming a legal U.S. resident, told authorities she believed Battle was a legitimate ICE agent.
While driving, Battle reportedly used her radio in a way that reinforced the victim’s belief. But during the ride, when the woman attempted to call her husband and attorney, Battle allegedly snatched the phone from her hand, according to the Miami Herald.
The woman’s suspicions grew when they arrived at an apartment complex, not a sheriff’s office, as Battle had claimed. When Battle went inside, the victim fled and called law enforcement. She later hid behind a neighbor’s car and was sheltered inside the neighbor’s apartment until deputies arrived.
The neighbor told deputies that Battle emerged and asked if he had seen someone running, admitting she took the woman’s phone because “she knows what she did.”
The woman’s husband later confirmed that the suspect matched the description of his ex-girlfriend, who had previously assaulted him at work, leading him to file a restraining order.
Battle was later arrested while en route to Alabama. She has been charged with kidnapping in the commission of a felony, robbery by sudden snatching, impersonating a law enforcement officer in the commission of a felony, and felony violation of probation.
The case remains under investigation.
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