Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

Five Men Plead Not Guilty in Alleged Kidnap-For-Ransom Operation

Five men pleaded not guilty to a kidnapping charge in Superior Court in San Diego on Wednesday. Prosecutors say the men are part of a sophisticated and well-funded kidnap-for-ransom operation. KPBS re

Five Men Plead Not Guilty in Alleged Kidnap-For-Ransom Operation

Five men pleaded not guilty to a kidnapping charge in Superior Court in San Diego on Wednesday. Prosecutors say the men are part of a sophisticated and well-funded kidnap-for-ransom operation. KPBS reporter Amy Isackson has the story.

Assistant District Attorney Mark Amador says the men kidnapped 32-year-old Eduardo Gonzalez Tostado on June 8th.

Advertisement

Amador says they held Gonzalez at a home in Chula Vista until last Saturday when an FBI swat team rescued him.

Amador says the kidnappers demanded ransom. The victim's family paid $200,000.

Amador says law enforcement agents found guns, drugs, and chains at the home where the victim was.

A superior court judge ordered the five men held without bail based in part on the prosecution's concern that the kidnappers' co-conspirators remain at large.

Amador says the kidnap and murder crew has operated for a few years.

Advertisement

All but one of the men who were arraigned required Spanish interpreters.

Amy Isackson, KPBS News.

A big decision awaits some voters this April as the race for San Diego County’s Supervisor District 1 seat heats up. Are you ready to vote? Check out the KPBS Voter Hub to learn about the candidates, the key issues the board is facing and how you can make your voice heard.