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Family Boosts Reward For Son

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By JOSH POLTILOVE

The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 2, 2008

TAMPA - A month after their son was kidnapped in Lakeland, Thomas and Pamela Wiles have dramatically increased a reward for information on his whereabouts.

They now are offering $50,000 for information on 26-year-old Robert Arthur Wiles - a $40,000 increase from the initial offer.

They also are offering a $200,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible.

"They continue to go to the media to get the word out, to try to notify the public of who Robert is, showing his picture," FBI spokesman David Couvertier said Thursday. "They're informing the public of his situation in the kidnapping matter in the hopes that they can solicit information that will help them reunite with their son."

Wiles' story was featured Thursday on CBS' "The Early Show" and NBC's "Today" show, as well as CNN and MSNBC, Couvertier said.
Robert Wiles is business development manager for National Flight Services, the family's Toledo, Ohio-based aircraft service and maintenance company. It has a branch at 3480 Airfield Drive West at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport, where Wiles was kidnapped April 1.

Thomas and Pamela Wiles received a ransom demand April 3. They followed the instructions, but something went awry and communication with the kidnapper ended, Couvertier said.

He would not give specifics of the demands because of the sensitive nature of the investigation.

Since April 3, the Wileses and the FBI have appealed to the public for help and for the kidnappers to resume contact.

The family business had $8.5 million in sales last year and has 105 employees, according to public records.

Couvertier said Robert Wiles is white, 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 165 pounds. He has hazel eyes and brown hair.

Agents are searching areas in Ohio, Tennessee, Kentucky and Thailand, as well as Lakeland and the greater Orlando and Sarasota areas, he said.

"The investigators have identified persons of interest and are pursuing those persons as well," Couvertier said.

Anyone with information should call the FBI toll-free at 1-866-838-1153 or their local law enforcement agency.

Reporter Josh Poltilove can be reached at (813) 259-7691 or jpoltilove@tampatrib.com.

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