Raul Ochoa-Perez, Kidnapping, Texas 2014

Laredo, TX - A chilling crime has shaken the community of Laredo, Texas. Raul Ochoa-Perez, 42, has been indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of conspiracy to kidnap and kidnapping, announced United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson.

The indictment alleges that on January 13, 2014, Ochoa-Perez forced a male victim into a vehicle and took him into Mexico at gunpoint. There, he was allegedly bound and beaten. According to the charges, Ochoa-Perez supervised as others put a gun in the victim's mouth and a knife to his throat. They allegedly demanded money and threatened to cut the victim into pieces if he did not comply.

Ochoa-Perez also allegedly called the victim's girlfriend and threatened her life, the lives of her children and parents, as well as the life of the victim if she did not give him $55,000.

The case is the result of an investigation led by the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Hepburn is handling the case. Ochoa-Perez turned himself in to federal authorities on April 15, 2014, and was subsequently detained pending further proceedings.

If convicted, Ochoa-Perez faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $250,000 fine for each charge.

A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law. Ochoa-Perez is expected to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Song Quiroga in the coming days for his initial appearance.

The community of Laredo is left reeling from this disturbing crime. Residents are left wondering how such a heinous act could occur in their midst. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Stay tuned for further developments in this shocking case.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx/pr/laredoan-who-fled-mexico-indicted-kidnapping