Celina Man Pleads Not Guilty In Van Wert County Kidnapping Case

A Celina man has pleaded not guilty in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court after being indicted on charges including kidnapping.

According to court documents, Tristan Nicholas Thompson is charged in case number CR 26 05 050 with kidnapping, a first degree felony, having weapons while under disability, a third degree felony, and assault, a first degree misdemeanor. The indictment also includes a firearm specification connected to the kidnapping charge.

The indictment alleges the incident happened on or about March 2nd, 2026, in Van Wert County. Prosecutors allege Thompson removed a person from their liberty by force, threat, or deception, and that a firearm was displayed, brandished, indicated, or used during the alleged offense.

A warrant to arrest on indictment was issued on May 7th.

Court records show Thompson entered a not guilty plea. Bond was set at $250,000 cash or commercial surety, along with a conditional own recognizance bond. The court also ordered Thompson to have no contact with the alleged victim and to stay 1,000 feet away.

A pretrial conference is scheduled for May 27th, 2026, at 8 a.m. in Van Wert County Common Pleas Court.

An indictment is only an accusation. Thompson is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.