A Texas man has pleaded guilty to federal charges related to a kidnapping and human smuggling conspiracy that led to a fatal shooting in Charlottesville, Virginia. Jordan Perez, 21, of Lockhart, Texas, admitted guilt to one count of conspiracy to kidnap and one count of transporting an alien resulting in death.
The case stems from Operation Take Back America, an initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration and associated crimes such as human trafficking and kidnapping. United States Attorney C. Todd Gilbert stated, “Over the last four years, we have seen millions of people illegally cross the southern border, leading to chaos, heartache and tangential crimes like human trafficking, human smuggling, and kidnapping. Far too often, as in this case, individuals take advantage of those who illegally enter the country, and the results are tragic. Through Operation Take Back America, this Department of Justice aims to bring the rule of law back to our country.”
Court documents reveal that in January 2023 Perez joined co-defendant Ricardo Ordaz and others in kidnapping several individuals who had entered the U.S. without authorization. The victims were held for ransom under armed guard at a residence near Austin after being picked up near the U.S.-Mexico border.
Ordaz contacted relatives and acquaintances of the victims seeking cash payments for their release. One victim was exchanged for $5,000 in Texas. On January 8, 2023 Perez helped transport another victim to Charlottesville where they sought $10,000 for release.
During the attempted exchange in Charlottesville an argument erupted when it became clear that not all ransom money was available. A shootout followed; firearms were brandished by Perez and another conspirator which resulted in the death of one kidnapper.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Harrisonburg with assistance from local police departments in Charlottesville and Albemarle County as well as HSI Austin.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sally J. Sullivan is prosecuting the case.
