Posted on 07/31/2007 6:13:52 PM PDT by SwinneySwitch
EDINBURG — Four accused members of a kidnapping ring that targeted prominent businessmen in western Hidalgo County were charged Tuesday in connection with a botched abduction attempt last week.
The group, allegedly led by Jose Antonio Armendariz, 24, of Peñitas, has been linked to the successful kidnapping of bakery owner Uriel de Alba in November 2006 and a July 24 attempt on landscaper Ruben Garza Garcia, according to Hidalgo County Sheriff Lupe Treviño.
“This group was dedicated to do nothing but kidnap businessmen and seek a ransom for their release,” he said.
According to the probable cause affidavit in their case, Armendariz and his alleged accomplices contacted Garcia, saying they wanted to purchase trees from his business.
He followed them out to a remote location near the intersection of Mile 7 Line and Western Road, where the men said they wanted to plant the trees. But as he was driving, Garcia became suspicious and fled.
The next day, the men returned and again asked to buy trees. As Garcia and his son followed them out to the area, the landscaper spotted weapons in the men’s vehicle.
His son recognized Armendariz, who had earned a reputation in the western half of the county as a known kidnapper, the document states. Deputies had previously arrested Armendariz after de Alba’s kidnapping, but released him for lack of evidence, Treviño said.
In that case, Armendariz was accused of abducting the bakery owner from his home on Nov. 7. The kidnappers collected a ransom and released de Alba unharmed after holding him for more than 10 hours.
“We didn’t have enough evidence to convict him on the kidnapping then,” Treviño said.
“But I believe we have sufficient evidence now.”
On Thursday, investigators tracked the men to a bar north of Palmhurst.
Besides Armendariz, deputies arrested Jose Baltazar Mendez, 27, of Mission, and Mexican nationals Antonio Eduardo Castillo, 19, and Austreverto Vargas, 18.
Armendariz’s accomplices confessed to their involvement in Garcia’s kidnapping and implicated a fifth man known only as “Quijadas.” So far, investigators have not released any information on the ring’s fifth member.
At an arraignment Tuesday, all four men were charged with criminal attempted kidnapping and returned to the Hidalgo County jail on a $250,000 bond.
If convicted, they could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $10,000.
Deputies urge anyone with information about the ring or the fifth member, “Quijadas,” to contact the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office at (956) 383-8114. The nickname refers to what is described as his long jaw. ____
Jeremy Roebuck covers law enforcement and general assignments for The Monitor. You can reach him at (956) 683-4437.
Valle Ping!
Would have bet money about this part! No problem, jorge will pardon them and give them amnesty.
Mexican familia values don’t stop at the Rio Grande.
: )
ping
BTTT. Thanks texastoo for linking from this thread...
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1874609/posts
You are welcome.
(Houston:)Kidnapping ring similar to scams south of border
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1871940/posts
Sadly there are a lot more kidnappings in the Valley. Most families are too afraid to call police when it happens. Maybe this will encourage them to come forward.
What state is this in?
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