A Despicable Act of Abduction
In a shocking turn of events, Damien Dre Gonzales, 27, of Levelland, Texas pleaded guilty to kidnapping a 9-year-old girl from a birthday party in August.
According to court documents, Gonzales lured the young victim away from the party by asking for help carrying alcohol to his vehicle. He then drove away with the child, sparking a frantic search by her family and those at the party.
Law enforcement was quickly notified, and a review of home surveillance footage revealed the child leaving with Gonzales. A short time later, the Levelland Police Department received a report of a vehicle parked in the middle of the street several miles from the party location.
When officers arrived on the scene, they discovered the victim inside the vehicle. Gonzales’ jeans were unzipped, and his belt was unbuckled. An open box of condoms was found in the passenger seat, and one condom was missing.
The victim was immediately reunited with her parents and provided with psychological and medical support.
Gonzales faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years in federal prison and up to life behind bars for his heinous crime.
The FBI Lubbock Resident Agency, Levelland Police Department, and Hockley County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Callie Woolam prosecuting the case.
Acting U.S. Attorney Prerak Shah expressed his gratitude for the rapid response of law enforcement, stating, ‘No child should ever have to endure the terror of being abducted.’ FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Matthew DeSarno added, ‘The FBI and our law enforcement partners are determined to keep the children in our communities safe from danger.’
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Violent Crime|Sex Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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