Matthew Muller, Suspect At Center Of Bizarre Vallejo Kidnapping, Appears In Court

ORANGEVALE (CBS13) — An Orangevale man accused in the bizarre kidnapping of a Vallejo woman faced a federal judge on Monday, and his attorneys say he faces an uphill climb.

One-time attorney and Harvard graduate Matthew Muller was arrested in July and could face life in prison months after the bizarre kidnapping that Vallejo Police at one point called a hoax.

Muller was surrounded by U.S. Marshals and in shackles for his first federal court appearance. A number of his Sacramento family members were inside the courtroom to support him.

Steve Reed, a family spokesman, says the case is difficult for everyone to grasp.

"I'd say he's fragile," he said. "Being on the other side is an overwhelming situation for him, so it's fragile; he's fragile right now."

Muller's attorney Tom Johnson issued a not guilty plea in the federal complaint against him.

"Mr. Muller is, I can't comment on our communications, but he's in need of some very hard work on the defense side," he said.

He argued his client should be allowed to be unshackled in future court appearances.