Hostage Taking Lands Texas Brothers Behind Bars for Decades
McALLEN, Texas – In a shocking turn of events, two Texas brothers, Rafael Cruz, 25, and Roberto Cruz, 27, have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for their roles in a brazen hostage taking case. The two men, who are brothers, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit hostage taking back in February 2014.
Late yesterday afternoon, U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez handed down the sentences, ordering Rafael Cruz to serve an astonishing 480 months in federal prison. The harsh sentence was enhanced due to the fact that Rafael had engaged in a disturbing pattern of sexually assaulting a female undocumented alien on numerous occasions.
Roberto Cruz, the other brother, received a sentence of 360 months for his role in the hostage taking conspiracy. This means that both brothers will spend the next 30 and 30 years respectively, behind bars. After serving their sentences, they will each have to complete a five-year term of supervised release.
Notably, the sister of the Cruz brothers, Jisel Emery Cruz, 30, of Penitas, also received a prison sentence. She was ordered to serve 46 months for harboring aliens.
The shocking case began on September 9, 2013, when law enforcement received a 911 call from an illegal alien claiming that he and a group of other undocumented aliens were being held against their will at a stash house in Edinburg.
After being rescued, the individuals told authorities that they were kidnapped at gunpoint from a stash house by the Cruz brothers and a third individual, who is still at large. The victims were then taken to a stash house in Edinburg, where they were forced to call their families and demand money in exchange for their freedom. They were also threatened with death if the money was not paid.
The investigation leading to the charges was a collaborative effort between Homeland Security Investigations, Border Patrol, Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, and the Edinburg Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Kimberly Ann Leo and Kristen Rees prosecuted the case.
U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson praised the law enforcement agencies involved in the case, stating that their tireless efforts had brought justice to the victims.
The harsh sentences handed down to the Cruz brothers serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of engaging in such heinous crimes.
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