Pharr Man Convicted for Hostage Taking in Absentia

McALLEN, Texas – In a grim development, a 20-year-old Pharr man has been convicted in absentia for both conspiracy to commit hostage taking and conspiracy to transport undocumented aliens. Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez announced the jury’s verdict following a swift five-day trial.

Luis Gerardo Betancourt was present during the jury selection but skipped his trial date, leaving him a fugitive with an outstanding warrant for his arrest. Authorities are urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact the United States Marshals Service in McAllen at (956) 618-8025.

The investigation into Betancourt’s involvement began on December 4, 2015, after it was revealed that individuals across states were coerced into paying ransoms for family members being held hostage. Testimony disclosed a staggering $17,000 was paid to secure the release of one victim. Threats included cutting off body parts and executing the hostages if demands weren’t met.

Further investigation pinpointed Betancourt’s role in recruiting and transporting co-conspirators, along with receiving ransom money from the victims’ families. The hostages were released on December 8, 2015.

The trial was presided over by U.S. District Judge Randy Crane. Sentencing has been set for June 8, 2017, where Betancourt could face life in federal prison for hostage-taking conspiracy and up to ten years for alien transportation conspiracy.

The investigation into the case was a collaborative effort between the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, Border Patrol, Customs and Border Protection, Pharr and Robstown Police Departments, and the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David A. Lindenmuth and Roberto Lopez Jr. are handling the prosecution.

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