ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Adrian Acevedo, a 37-year-old man from Sunland Park, New Mexico, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for his role in a hostage taking and alien harboring scheme.
Acevedo was found guilty on February 11, 2020, of conspiracy to take a hostage and conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens. He was sentenced on August 24 to 15 years in prison.
According to court records, on October 4, 2019, Acevedo and his co-conspirators detained two sisters, both Cuban nationals, at Acevedo’s home in Sunland Park. The group contacted the sisters’ brother and demanded $1,500 for their release. The money was paid on October 5, and the sisters were left in the house until they were rescued by the Sunland Park Police on an unknown date.
Acevedo’s co-conspirators, Willie Espinoza, Judith Clouser, and David Diaz, were also involved in the hostage taking scheme. Espinoza pleaded guilty on February 6, 2020, and was sentenced to 9 years in prison. Diaz pleaded guilty on March 11, 2020, and was initially sentenced to 11 years and 3 months in prison, but his sentence was later amended to 5 years and 3 months. Clouser pleaded guilty on January 17, 2020, but her sentence has not been disclosed.
Acevedo was also charged with harboring an undocumented alien for commercial advantage and personal financial gain. He transported the alien to his home on November 15, 2019, and continued to harbor them until they were transported to another residence on November 17. Acevedo was arrested on November 19, 2019.
Upon his release from prison, Acevedo will be subject to 3 years of supervised release. The investigation into the case was led by Homeland Security Investigation with assistance from U.S. Border Patrol, the Hatch Police Department, and the Sunland Park Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luis A. Martinez prosecuted the case.
The case is a stark reminder of the serious consequences of engaging in human trafficking and hostage taking. The victims in this case were subjected to a terrifying ordeal, and Acevedo’s sentence reflects the gravity of his crimes.
In a statement, the authorities said that they will continue to work tirelessly to bring those who engage in human trafficking and hostage taking to justice.
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Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Category: Violent Crime|Human Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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