I think the news does describe a crime, but there is no need to debate the point.
Check out the info on his previous 'situations'
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/doc_o_day/doc_o_day.html
I tried to look at this and the link from the home page states that it is to the ex-marine abductor's troubled past, but it takes me to another link. I guess it may have been taken down. Did you by chance happen to save it anywhere? I would be interested to see it. Thanks