South Texas federal grand jury indicts Mexican man on kidnapping charges

MCALLEN, Texas — A Mexican man was charged Wednesday with conspiracy to commit kidnapping, kidnapping and being an alien in possessing firearms.

These charges were announced by 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), and McAllen Police Department.

Martin Margarito-Casimiro, 28, of Camargo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, was originally charged in February 2015 on the firearms charge and was remanded to custody pending further criminal proceedings. A federal grand jury in McAllen returned the superceding indictment adding the conspiracy and kidnapping allegations April 1. He is expected to make his initial appearance before a U.S. magistrate judge on these charges in the near future, at which time the government will again request his continued detention. 

The indictment alleges that from Jan. 20 to 22, 2015, Margarito-Casimiro held two individuals against their will in a residence in McAllen. The victims were allegedly bound and forced to call family members and arrange payment for their release.

If convicted of these charges, Margarito-Casimiro could face up to life in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Rees and Leo J. Leo, Southern District of Texas, are prosecuting this case.

An Indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.  A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.