Arrests Fail to Locate Missing Exxon Executive

The arrest of a former security guard and his wife on charges that they kidnaped an Exxon executive failed to lead to the missing man’s whereabouts Saturday.

The FBI and the U.S. attorney’s office said they are still searching for Sidney J. Reso, 57, president of Exxon Co.’s Florham Park-based international division.

“I don’t expect anything new to happen until Monday,” said Dick Lavinthal, spokesman for U.S. Atty. Michael Chertoff.

Arthur D. Seale and his wife, Irene Jacqueline Seale, both 45, of Lebanon Township will appear at a bail hearing Monday before U.S. Magistrate Donald Haneke. They were arrested Friday on charges of kidnaping and extortion.

The FBI said the arrests placed the 7 1/2-week investigation “at an extremely sensitive point” but authorities would not elaborate Saturday. They said they do not know whether others were involved.

The Seales were arrested in Hackettstown after a four-hour series of telephone calls along with ransom notes that led investigators to towns throughout the hills of western New Jersey.

Reso has been missing since April 29 when he walked out the door of his $680,000 home in Morris Township for his 10-minute drive to work.