Man Pleads Guilty In Kidnapping Of Birmingham Businessman

BIRMINGHAM, AL — the accused kidnapper of prominent Birmingham Businessman Elton B. Stephens, Jr. has pleaded guilty in federal court to multiple charges. Matthew Amos Burke, 35, pleaded guilty to kidnapping, bank fraud, and conspiracy to commit bank fraud.

Burke was arrested and charged along with his girlfriend at the time, Tabatha Nicole Hodges, for the 2020 kidnapping of Stephens from his home. Police say the couple transported Stephens to a home in Remlap in an effort to hold him for ransom or reward.

The incident report also says the pair stole Stephens' car, some jewelry, guns and other items from the home.

The plea agreement states that on September 11, 2020, Burke unlawfully entered the home of the victim. Burke then abducted the victim and transported him to Burke’s residence, where Stephens was forced to transfer $250,000 from his bank account into another bank account as directed by Burke.

Once $250,000 was transferred, Burke drove Stephens back to his residence and released him. Stephens then contacted the Birmingham Police Department and the Mountain Brook Police Department.

The FBI and Secret Service investigated the case along with the Birmingham Police Department and the Mountain Brook Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys John Camp and William Simpson are prosecuting the case.

Sentencing is scheduled for November 2 before U.S. District Judge Abdul K. Kallon.

Stephens is the son of Elton B. Stephens, Sr., who started EBSCO Industries in the 1940s and became one of the most successful businessmen in Alabama. Stephens, Jr. most recently served as general manager of EBSCO Realty.