Spartanburg, SC – Bernardino de Jesus Ramirez-Ramirez, 35, a/k/a Carlos Mendoza, pleaded guilty to kidnapping and illegal transportation of an alien in federal court, exposing a disturbing tale of exploitation and control.
According to evidence presented during the trial, Ramirez paid for a 16-year-old girl to be smuggled into the United States from Guatemala in October 2022. He directed her journey, instructing her to turn herself in to immigration officials after crossing the border and provide his name and contact information.
The minor was taken into custody by the Office of Refugee Resettlement and placed in a shelter for unaccompanied alien children. Officials discovered that Ramirez had paid the minor’s smuggling debt and had arranged work for her in the United States, sparking concerns about labor trafficking.
Forensic analysis of Ramirez’s phone revealed a disturbing fixation on gaining control over the minor. For months, he exchanged messages with the minor’s family, negotiating her smuggling debt and threatening to increase it if she didn’t comply with his demands.
On April 5, 2023, Ramirez traveled from Missouri to the victim’s home in South Carolina, intimidating her into leaving with him. He drove her to his home in Kansas City, Missouri, where she was recovered by law enforcement officials the following day.
U.S. Attorney Adair F. Boroughs condemned the crime, stating, “Every child deserves to grow up in a safe environment, free from the threat of harm.” Acting Special Agent in Charge Kyle D. Burns added, “Finding and stopping predators like Ramirez is one of our highest priorities.”
Ramirez faces a maximum penalty of life in federal prison, a fine of up to $500,000, and at least three years of supervised release. United States District Judge Donald C. Coggins will sentence Ramirez after reviewing a sentencing report prepared by the U.S. Probation Office.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, the Newberry Police Department, with assistance from the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office and the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carrie Fisher Sherard and Kathleen Stoughton are prosecuting the case.
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Key Facts
- State: South Carolina
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Human Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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