A Jefferson man who is accused of kidnapping his son has pled not guilty to the crime.

According to court documents, on Monday 34-year-old Brandon Duong’s court-appointed attorney Mark Rasmussen entered a not guilty plea in Greene County District Court to the Class B Felony charge of second degree kidnapping-armed with a dangerous weapon. 

The charge stemmed from an incident on Tuesday, January 30th. Brandon took his seven-year-old son Bryson from Greene County Elementary School without permission. Brandon was restricted from having custody of his biological son from a court order that was filed in December of 2023. An statewide Amber Alert was issued at 3:28pm. According to the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) law enforcement found Brandon’s vehicle in Plymouth County, where a chase ensued. 

DCI officials say Brandon’s vehicle eventually crashed and Brandon left on foot, in possession of a rifle and carrying his son. Court documents show that Brandon was using his son as a shield. Following a negotiation with Brandon, he was eventually taken into custody. Bryson was then placed in the care of the Iowa Department of Human Services. 

Brandon was additionally charged with a Class D Felony for violation of custodial order-relative. He remains in the Greene County Jail under a $50,000 bond. Raccoon Valley Radio will bring you more information as it becomes official.