Man accused of stealing ashes from ex-boss, holding them for ransom

A New York man faces accusations of stealing the ashes of his former boss's daughter and holding them for ransom. Nuo Chen, 30, was arrested on June 12 in connection with the alleged theft from a home in Pennsylvania. Reports indicate Chen previously worked at the woman's nail salon in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, but was terminated due to erratic behavior towards customers.

According to a criminal complaint, Chen allegedly continued to cause issues at the salon after his dismissal. The woman reportedly believes Chen took her house keys during two overnight stays at her home in the preceding two months. On June 12, Chen allegedly confronted the woman at the salon, demanding payment for alleged unpaid wages.

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Nuo was observed on video surveillance at the home and leaving with a dark colored box

Following an argument where Chen reportedly threatened to damage property and pushed the woman, police were called to the salon. While officers were present, Chen allegedly went to the woman's home and took the urn containing her daughter's ashes, valued at $2,000. Surveillance footage reportedly shows Chen entering the home and leaving with a dark-colored box identified as the urn.

Investigators allege Chen then contacted the woman, confirming he had the ashes and demanding between $7,000 and $8,000 for their return. He reportedly threatened to scatter the ashes or flee to New York if the woman involved the police. Chen was later apprehended at the nail salon with the urn, which contained the ashes, in a red shopping bag.

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The victim identified the item as the urn containing her daughter’s ashes that she valued at $2,000.