LOS ANGELES – (INT) – Four men, including two from Riverside County, are facing trial for allegedly kidnapping migrants to the United States and holding them for ransom. A federal indictment accuses them of demanding cash from their families in exchange for their safe return.

Among those pleading not guilty in federal court are:
• Jose Jaime Garcia, a.k.a. “Pablo” and “Sneaky,” 20, of San Jacinto;
• Miguel Angel Avila, a.k.a. “Fredo,” “Quavo,” “Marcos,” and “Papitas,” 22, of Hemet.

According to the indictment, Avila instructed one of the co-defendants to drive to a gas station in Chandler, Arizona where four migrants kidnapped and driven to a restaurant in Burbank. They were held hostage in a house where ransom demands were made.

A federal magistrate judge has ordered Avila jailed without bond. Garcia is free on bond. Avila has an October 29th trial date.

“These defendants allegedly preyed upon victims who sought to emigrate to our country by demanding ransom from the victims’ families in exchange for their release,” said United States Attorney Martin Estrada.

Story Date: September 20, 2024