A chilling tale of hostage taking has come to an end in Donna, Texas. Miguel Angel Castillo, a 23-year-old local resident, has been ordered to federal prison for holding two men against their will and demanding ransom.
According to the investigation, Castillo pleaded guilty to the crime on January 29, 2021. The hostages, who were trying to reunite with their families in New Jersey and California, were held at Castillo’s stash house in Donna from August 1 to 15, 2019.
During their confinement, Castillo forced the men to call their family members to request ransom monies, threatening them with a firearm and stating he would kill them if they did not comply. One victim’s family members paid over $6,000 to secure his release.
On August 15, 2019, the two men were transported to a motel in Donna, where they were finally able to obtain a phone and call for help. Castillo has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.
This is not Castillo’s first run-in with the law. He has two prior convictions for alien smuggling, and this latest offense occurred while he was on federal probation. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Castillo’s history of criminal activity.
U.S. District Judge Randy Crane sentenced Castillo to 240 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Donna Police Department, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Mitchell.
Miguel Angel Castillo
Defendant: Miguel Angel Castillo
Criminal Charges: Hostage Taking
City and State: McAllen, Texas
Exact Date: August 1-15, 2019 (crime date), January 29, 2021 (plea date), March (no date given) (sentencing date)
Sentence or Outcome: 240 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release
Dollar Amounts: $6,000 (ransom paid)
With this sentence, Castillo will face the consequences of his actions, and the community can rest a little easier knowing that justice has been served. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and bring you updates as more information becomes available.
Related Federal Cases
- Del Rio Alvarez, Bank Robbery and Assault, Texas 2024 · Texas
- Tyrone Reid, Firearms Conspiracy, Texas 2013 · Texas
- Gregory James Sentenced to 14 Years for Armed Robbery, Harbor City CA, 2022 · Texas
- Naikano Tuipulotu Charged with Bank Robbery, Oakland CA, 2024 · Texas
- Rogues-Ramos, High-Profile Robberies, California 2024 · Texas
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
