Billings Man Admits to Brutal Kidnapping After Victim’s Dramatic Escape

A Billings man has admitted to a federal kidnapping charge after a violent incident that started in Miles City and ended across state lines. The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced the guilty plea on Monday.

Guilty Plea Could Bring Life Sentence

The defendant, 34-year-old Joshua Lawrence Wellington of Billings, pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping. Because of the seriousness of the charge, he could face up to life in prison, along with a possible $250,000 fine and several years of supervised release.

Case Moves Forward While Wellington Remains in Custody

U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan handled the hearing, but the final sentence will be decided by U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters at a later date. For now, Wellington remains in custody while the case moves forward.

READ MORE: U.S. Marshals Searching for Two Dangerous Fugitives in Montana

Documents Reveal Red Flags Leading Up to the Incident

According to court documents, Wellington and the victim, referred to as Jane Doe, were in a dating relationship in June 2024. At the time, Wellington was avoiding Montana Probation and Parole and had been staying in Miles City. Doe visited him several times, and during those visits, Wellington is accused of using methamphetamine.

Hotel Room Confrontation Escalates Into Assault

During Doe’s final visit on June 29, 2024, the two rented a hotel room. Things quickly turned dangerous. Wellington became angry, threatened to hit Doe with a liquor bottle, strangled her until she started to lose consciousness, and eventually struck her over the head with the bottle.

Highway Kidnapping Turns Even More Violent

After the attack, Wellington told Doe they were leaving town and forced her into her own vehicle. He took her phone and began driving. Once they were on the highway, he repeatedly beat her while steering with one hand. He ripped parts from her car, used them to hit her, stabbed her with a pen, and threatened to hurt her even worse if she didn’t obey.

Hours of Threats Leave Doe Terrified for Her Life

Wellington’s threats escalated to the point where he told Doe to write a goodbye letter to her son. Doe later said she was terrified and didn’t believe she could escape safely. The abuse and threats continued for hours as they traveled across state lines.

Moment of Courage Leads to Doe's Escape

When Wellington stopped for gas in Lemmon, South Dakota, he tried to hide Doe by placing her on the floor of the car and covering her with a blanket. He warned her not to “do anything stupid” and said that if he went to jail, he’d kill her when he got out. Despite that threat, Doe seized the moment. She ran from the car and shouted for help at the gas station.

Chase Ends With Arrest and Admission of Violence

Authorities located Wellington shortly after. He was arrested following a high-speed chase. Court documents say Wellington admitted to hitting Doe “quite a bit.”

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FBI Leads Investigation; Federal Prosecutors Handle Case

The case was investigated by the FBI and is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana.