CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A 26-year-old Pharr man has admitted to unlawfully detaining a 19-year-old Alamo man to force aransom to be paid for his safe return, according to a release from the U.S. Attorneys Office Southern District of Texas.
On June 23, 2021, Gonzalez lured the victim into Mexico with a potential job opportunity. He then picked the victim up once he crossed into Mexico on foot and brought him a house located in Reynosa, Mexico.
Gonzalez and several co-conspirators then beat and restrained the victim. The release states that from June 23 to June 25, the hostage takers demanded $5,000 and a firearm in exchange for his return.
When the family didn't immediately pay the ransom, they sent a video to the victim’s family of them beating the victim with a wooden board until it fractured.
Law enforcement eventually determined the location of the house where he was being held and conducted a search of the home.
They found the victim bound with zip ties, covered with a blanket and with bruises throughout his body. They also discovered Gonzalez located inside the house.
Sentencing will be imposed on Aug. 18.
Gonzalez faces up to life in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He will remain in custody pending that hearing.
For the latest local news updates click here, or download the KRIS 6 News App.
