Eddie Sanchez, Kidnapping, Human Trafficking and Smuggling, New Mexico 2020

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – A chilling tale of exploitation and control unfolded in the New Mexico desert as Eddie Sanchez, a 43-year-old Loving resident, stood before a federal judge on August 10, charged with kidnapping, transporting an illegal alien, and harboring an illegal alien.

Sanchez will remain in custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for August 13, as the prosecution seeks to keep him behind bars while the case unfolds.

According to a criminal complaint, Sanchez allegedly began communicating with a victim by telephone and Facebook in December 2019, sparking a long-distance relationship. However, his intentions soon turned sinister as he informed the victim that he had arranged for her to be smuggled into the United States illegally.

On or about January 4, the victim and approximately 12 other aliens were smuggled illegally into the United States near Presidio, Texas. Sanchez allegedly met the group and guided them through the desert to waiting vehicles, transporting the aliens to Odessa, Texas, and later to Andrews, Texas.

Sanchez then allegedly transported the victim to his home in Loving, where the two briefly continued their relationship. However, when the victim attempted to end the relationship and return to Mexico, Sanchez allegedly refused to allow the victim to leave the house. He took possession of the victim’s travel documents, including her passport and Mexican electoral identification card, and only allowed the victim limited, monitored use of a cell phone.

The victim was subjected to inhumane treatment, provided with little food and water, and was even bound with Sanchez’s hands and feet when he was away at work. The victim was allegedly threatened with death if she attempted to leave Sanchez. It wasn’t until July 21 that the victim managed to escape from Sanchez’s home and call for help.

A complaint is only an allegation, and Sanchez is presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, Sanchez faces up to life in prison. The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, FBI Task Force officers, and the Eddy County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Hobbs Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Ramirez, Rachel Feuerhammer, and Luis Martinez are prosecuting the case.

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