Marco Cota-Tamaura, Lakewood Kidnapping, Lakewood CO, 2023

DENVER – A calculated kidnapping that terrorized Lakewood, Colorado, has landed four men in federal custody. Marco Cota-Tamaura, age 36, Raymundo Maldonado-Salgado, age 22, Jonatan Maldonado-Salgado, age 19, and Hernando Aguilar-Banuelos, age 30, have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver, following a joint investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies. The victim, identified as A. F.-P., was snatched from a Lakewood business on August 30, 2016, and held captive for days while his captors demanded a hefty ransom.

The indictment details a chillingly methodical operation. Beginning in August 2016 and continuing through September 5, 2016, the four defendants allegedly conspired to abduct A. F.-P., utilizing cellular phones to coordinate their movements. The plan involved scouting the victim, arming themselves with weapons and tactical gear, and securing multiple locations – residences and vehicles – to facilitate the kidnapping and subsequent confinement. Investigators say the group discussed possible abduction methods and meticulously planned the operation.

On August 30th, Cota-Tamaura, along with Raymundo and Jonatan Maldonado-Salgado, stormed a Lakewood business, forcibly kidnapping A. F.-P. by binding his hands and shoving him into a waiting vehicle. The victim was then held at the residence of Hernando Aguilar-Banuelos, who knowingly vacated his home to allow its use as a hostage location. Between August 30, 2016, and September 3, 2016, Raymundo Maldonado-Salgado allegedly used cell phones to contact A. F.-P.’s father, demanding $200,000 in United States currency for the victim’s safe return.

The ransom demand was met. On September 3, 2016, Raymundo and Jonatan Maldonado-Salgado collected the $200,000 from the designated drop-off location. Shortly after, they released A. F.-P. near his father’s home. The quick work of law enforcement – a team comprised of the Lakewood Police Department, the FBI, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office – was crucial in securing the victim’s release and bringing these criminals to justice. “An elite team… worked tirelessly to solve this case and rescue the victim,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Bob Troyer. “The professionalism and partnership…are things violent criminals should fear.”

All four defendants now face serious federal charges. Each is indicted on one count of Conspiracy to Kidnap and one count of Kidnapping, carrying a potential sentence of up to life in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. Cota-Tamaura is facing only these two counts. Raymundo and Jonatan Maldonado-Salgado, in addition to the kidnapping charges, also face one count of Receipt of Ransom Money, which carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Adding to Raymundo Maldonado-Salgado’s legal woes is a charge of unlawful reentry into the United States, punishable by up to 2 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The indictment, sealed until recently, was the result of a thorough investigation. The date for the defendants’ appearance in U.S. District Court in Denver has not yet been announced. This case serves as a stark reminder of the brutal reality of kidnapping and the dedication of law enforcement to dismantle these criminal enterprises and bring perpetrators to account. The investigation was led by the Lakewood Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, with support from the FBI and the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office.