Illegal alien from Mexico sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for kidnapping
MCALLEN, Texas — A Mexican man, living illegally in McAllen, was sentenced Thursday to 40 years in federal prison following his conviction for kidnapping, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson, Southern District of Texas.
This investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with the assistance of McAllen Police Department.
Martin Margarito-Casimiro, 29, of Camargo, Mexico, was sentenced Sept. 24 by U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez to 480 months in federal prison sentence and a $25,000 fine. During the hearing, Judge Alvarez noted this kind of criminal conduct occurs routinely in Mexico, and unfortunately is being seen more and more in Texas. Judge Alvarez also added that she hopes this lengthy prison sentence would serve as a deterrent to Margarito-Casimiro and anyone else seeking revenge for a debt owed. Margarito-Casimiro pleaded guilty to the charges May 27.
"Today's sentencing exemplifies the high level of collaboration between HSI and its partners in identifying, arresting and prosecuting individuals involved in human smuggling," said Acting Special Agent in Charge, Mark Dawson, HSI San Antonio. "HSI will continue to utilize its broad authorities, in concert with its federal , state and local partners to disrupt and dismantle these criminal organizations."
According to court documents, on Jan. 22 law enforcement responded to a man's cry for help as he ran down the street with rope still tied around his arms and legs. That victim led law enforcement to the McAllen residence where he had been held. There, law enforcement found another victim with his arms and legs bound. At that time, law enforcement discovered Margarito-Casimiro and others who were attempting to flee.
At the time of his guilty plea, Margarito-Casimiro admitted he held at least one victim at gunpoint for ransom for an alleged lost load of marijuana and directed co-conspirators to tie the victim's hands and feet. The victim was told he needed to pay in order to be released.
Margarito-Casimiro will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Rees and Leo J. Leo, Southern District of Texas, is prosecuting this case.
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