Violent Kidnapping and Assault Lead to Convictions

A Knox County jury found Nehad Sobhi Abdelnabi, 52, guilty following a violent beating in 2012. Abdelnabi was convicted of Especially Aggravated Kidnapping, Aggravated Kidnapping, and Aggravated Assault. Judge Steve Sword revoked Abdelnabi’s bond and ordered him into custody upon conviction.

During the four-day trial, Assistant District Attorney Kevin Allen explained to the jury that on February 1, 2012, Abdelnabi bound the victim to a chair with duct tape and beat the victim with a baseball bat and wooden board over the course of several hours in an attempt to elicit a confession from the victim that he was having an affair with Abdelnabi’s wife. The victim never confessed because he never had an affair, and Abdelnabi eventually released him. As a result of the beating, the victim suffered a brain bleed, broken wrist, broken ankle, lacerations to his face and hand requiring stitches, and multiple bruises.

Judge Sword set the case for sentencing on March 3. Especially Aggravated Kidnapping is a Class A felony that carries a punishment between fifteen and twenty-five years in prison. Aggravated Kidnapping is a Class B felony, which carries a punishment between eight and twelve years. Aggravated Assault is a Class C felony that carries a punishment between three and six years. At the sentencing hearing, prosecutors will seek an enhanced punishment based on the violent nature of the crime.

If you have any questions, please contact Sean McDermott at 865-215-2515 or Sean.McDermott@knoxcounty.org. For more information about the District Attorney’s Office, visit our website at dag.knoxcountytn.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.