Mexican National Charged With Kidnapping

McALLEN, Texas ‐ Martin Margarito-Casimiro, 28, of Camargo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, has been charged with conspiracy to commit kidnapping, kidnapping and being an alien in possession of firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson.

Margarito-Casimiro 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 today. 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 - 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.

The investigation leading to the charges was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and McAllen Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen Rees and Leo J. Leo are prosecuting the case.

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