A man has been arrested and charged in connection with the alleged kidnapping of a mother and her newborn, authorities announced.

Vernado Malone, 52, was taken into custody by the St. Joseph County Warrants Team and U.S. Marshals on Thursday, Feb. 6. He faces charges of kidnapping involving a vehicle and kidnapping of a victim under the age of 14, according to the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office.

The investigation began in July 2024 when the victim contacted South Bend police, reporting a disturbing encounter at Memorial Hospital. She told officers she had met a man who identified himself as a consultant for a company called “United as One” while seeking supplies for her newborn. The man, later identified as Malone, had her complete intake paperwork for domestic violence services and offered to assist her with housing.

As part of the plan, Malone agreed to take the victim to a local store for supplies before driving her to a women’s shelter where she had been staying. However, instead of following through, he unexpectedly took her and her baby to Hammond, Indiana, claiming she could move into a residence immediately. Authorities later determined that the residence was where Malone had been staying.

The victim reported that Malone made sexually explicit comments, leaving her in fear. Seizing an opportunity, she took her baby for a walk, using the excuse that the child was fussy. Once out of Malone’s sight, she contacted Hammond police.

She later returned to South Bend and filed a report with local authorities. Following an investigation by the South Bend Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit, prosecutors formally charged Malone on Jan. 29.

Malone is currently being held at the St. Joseph County Jail.