Houston Men Plead Guilty in Connection with Violent Kidnapping Ordered by Mexican CarteL
Article By Taniya Gisel, Board Member / Writer at BLOCK WORK MEDIA GROUP
In a harrowing case that sheds light on the far-reaching impact of transnational criminal organizations, two Houston men have pleaded guilty to their roles in a violent kidnapping orchestrated by high-level drug traffickers connected to the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG). Noe Hernandez, 39, and Homero Gallegos, 43, have admitted to holding a victim hostage at gunpoint, subjecting him to beatings, and using a taser to inflict electric shocks while demanding a $400,000 ransom from his family. The shocking details of this crime underscore the brutality associated with one of Mexico's most dangerous cartels.
The Kidnapping:
On May 3, 2019, Noe Hernandez participated in the abduction and holding of the victim for nearly 24 hours. The victim was subjected to physical assault, threats of death, and the use of a taser to administer electric shocks while his hands were tied behind his back. Homero Gallegos, who entered his guilty plea in June, was also involved in the criminal enterprise.
Cartel Involvement:
The kidnapping was ordered by high-level drug traffickers associated with the CJNG, a notorious cartel known for its involvement in trafficking large quantities of cocaine, meth, and fentanyl into the United States. The victim's family was contacted by Mexican cartel members who demanded a hefty $400,000 ransom for his release.
Law Enforcement Operation:
In response to the ransom demand, law enforcement authorities executed a staged pick-up of the money in Houston, enabling the rescue of the victim. The coordinated efforts of law enforcement prevented further harm to the victim and disrupted the operations of this dangerous criminal network.
Severity of CJNG:
U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani highlighted the extreme violence associated with the CJNG, emphasizing its responsibility for trafficking significant quantities of illicit substances into the United States. The brutality displayed in this case, involving kidnapping and the use of a taser for torture, underscores the grave threat posed by this transnational criminal organization.
Sentencing and Consequences:
Both Noe Hernandez and Homero Gallegos will face sentencing on March 24, 2024. They are subject to potential life imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000. Pending the sentencing hearing, the defendants will remain in custody.
The guilty pleas of Noe Hernandez and Homero Gallegos expose the disturbing reality of criminal enterprises associated with powerful drug cartels like the CJNG. The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for international cooperation to combat the reach and influence of transnational criminal organizations that bring violence and terror across borders. As the legal process unfolds, it will shed further light on the operations and tactics employed by these criminal networks, aiming to bring justice to those who fall victim to their heinous activities.
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