Man Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Prison for Kidnapping

SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man was sentenced Thursday to 190 months in prison for conspiring to kidnap and transport an undocumented noncitizen.

According to court documents, Rosalio Cano Jr., 22, transported an undocumented noncitizen to multiple locations in or around San Antonio over a five-day period.  During this time, co-conspirators were in contact with the now-kidnapping victim's family and repeatedly raised demands for payment.  During the investigation, Cano fled from federal agents.  He was located and arrested by the U.S. Marshal's Service on Oct. 14, 2021.

“This is just one example of what dangerous turns illegal border crossing can take—from illegal entry to kidnapping and extortion,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas.  “I appreciate the dedication to this investigation by our agency partners, and this nearly 16-year federal sentence serves as a reminder of how seriously we take these cases.”

“The actions of this defendant highlight the dangers of human smuggling and the risks law enforcement face while carrying out their duties. Cano schemed to kidnap and extort migrants for personal profit and when confronted by law enforcement, he displayed callous disregard for human life by firing shots at pursuing agents in his attempt to elude capture,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee of the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Antonio Division.  “This sentence sends a clear message to those who exploit people for profit, HSI and our law enforcement partners will remain relentless in bringing justice to criminals who endanger the lives of migrants, our brave law enforcement officers, and the people in our communities.”

“The tactical apprehension and arrest without incident of Rosalio Cano Jr. clearly showed the importance and effectiveness of law enforcement agencies working together,” said U.S. Marshal Susan Pamerleau.  “The diligent and collaborative efforts of the U.S. Marshals Service Lone Star Fugitive Task Force and the San Antonio Division of Homeland Security Investigations made certain to take another human trafficker off the streets and for justice to be served.”

HSI and the USMS investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Hail prosecuted the case.

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