Olathe ? The owner of an Olathe auto dealership has been charged with kidnapping and robbing a Lenexa man who owed him $25,000.

Stephen A. Tolbert, owner of the McCarthy Auto Group, is accused of conspiring with two other men to beat and threaten the man earlier this year.

Tolbert, 46, is charged in Johnson County District Court with felony charges of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated robbery and conspiracy to commit aggravated kidnapping.

He turned himself in to Johnson County authorities Tuesday and was released after posting bond.

According to court documents, Tolbert is accused of contacting an acquaintance on Jan. 31 and telling the acquaintance to meet with the alleged victim about the money.

The next day, prosecutors contend, the acquaintance and another associate confronted the alleged victim and members of his family at their home.

Tolbert placed a telephone call while the two associates were there and allegedly threatened the family with physical violence if the money was not paid.

Prosecutors said the Lenexa man then was taken from his home to the McCarthy Auto Mall, where he was struck and robbed of cash, his wallet and a watch.

Tolbert’s attorney, Tom Bath, said his client had cooperated with police and denied any wrongdoing.

Bath said Tolbert, as “an act of kindness,” lent money to the man for what Tolbert was told was a legitimate business deal.

Court records do not indicate whether Tolbert’s alleged co-conspirators also had been charged.

Tolbert is scheduled to make his first court appearance June 13.