Two Suspects Arrested in South Dakota on Kidnapping Charges

On March 9, 2026, the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a missing 36-year-old intellectually disabled endangered female resident of Beaufort County. Deputies immediately initiated an investigation and quickly developed information regarding the circumstances surrounding the individual’s disappearance.

Detectives began tracking the victim’s cellphone and quickly determined the victim was traveling west through Minnesota. Working collaboratively with law enforcement agencies in both Minnesota and South Dakota, Detectives coordinated efforts to locate the vehicle associated with the case.

Through continued joint efforts between Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office Detectives, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the Mitchell Police Department, the vehicle was located at a gas station in Mitchell, South Dakota. Officers safely secured the victim, who was unharmed, and took two suspects into custody.

As a result of the investigation, 57-year-old Freddrick Alexander Corprew of Bath, NC, and 43-year-old Jay Mack Gurganus III of Washington, NC, were arrested and each charged with one count of Second-Degree Kidnapping. Both suspects were transported to and confined in the Davison County Jail in South Dakota.

On March 10, 2026, both individuals waived extradition to North Carolina, and extradition proceedings are currently underway. With the assistance of local victim advocacy resources, the victim is now in the process of returning safely to her family in North Carolina.

The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office extends its appreciation to all partnering agencies whose swift coordination contributed to the safe recovery of the victim and the successful apprehension of the suspects.

Sheriff Hammonds asks anyone with information about suspected criminal activity to contact the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office at (252) 946-7111. You can also submit tips anonymously by contacting Beaufort County Crime Stoppers at (252) 974-6400 or submit confidential tips online at www.p3tips.com/195. Crime Stoppers only wants your information, not your name.