Chap. 220.—An ACT to amend the Code of Virginia by adding thereto two
new sections, numbered 4407-a and 4407-b, prohibiting the payment of money
or the giving of pecuniary benefit, and requiring the disclosure of information
and the rendering of assistance, by certain persons, in event any person be
taken, seized or secreted by another, or in event of any threat or attempt
to take, seize or secrete any person. [S B 9]

Approved March 26, 1938

1. Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia, That the
Code of Virginia be amended by adding thereto two new sections
numbered forty-four hundred and seven-a and forty-four hundred
and seven-b, which new sections shall read as follows:

Section 4407-a. If any person pay any money, or give any pecu-
niary benefit, for the release of any other person who has been taken,
seized or secreted with intent to extort money or pecuniary benefit,
or if any person pay any money or give any pecuniary benefit because
of threats or attempts to seize, take or secrete himself or any other
person, he shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon con-
viction thereof shall be punished by a fine of not less than fifty nor
more than five thousand dollars, or by confinement in jail not less
than one nor more than twelve months, or both, in the discretion of
the court or jury trying the case.

Section 4407-b. Whenever it is brought to the attention of the
members of the immediate family of any person that such person has
been seized, taken or secreted with intent to extort money or pecuniary
benefit, or that threats or attempts have been made to seize, take or
secrete any such person, it shall be the duty of such members to make
immediate report thereof to the police or other law enforcement officers
of the county, city or town where such person resides, and to render
all possible assistance to such officers in the capture and conviction of
the person or persons guilty of the alleged offense. Any person
violating any of the provisions of this section shall be deemed guilty
of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof shall be punished by
a fine of not less than five nor more than five hundred dollars, or by
confinement in jail not less than ten days nor more than six months,
or both, in the discretion of the court or jury trying the case.