$2 Million Bail for Kidnapping Suspects
A Cook County judge has set a $2 million bail for 5 kidnapping suspects; their bail is complicated by the fact that they are all Mexican nationals, and immigration authorities would take custody of them if they are able to make bail.
Blanca Solis, Marco Cadenas, Rigoberto Lopez, Gerado Moreno, and Victor Mendoza are charged with kidnapping beauty salon owner Zita Paniagua and holding her for $200,000 ransom. According to police reports, the plan was formed by Blana Solis, a customer at the salon, when she overheard Paniagua discussing her finances. The five kidnappers drove by as she was leaving work, pushed her into a van, put a ski mask on her head, and bound her arms and legs. She was then driven to Solis and Cadenas's home, placed in a trash can, and rolled into the basement. The kidnappers then contacted her husband and demanded the ransom. He immediately notified police, who notified FBI. Kidnapping is a federal crime as well as a state felony.
The FBI provided the ransom money, and set up a sting for the kidnappers when they collected the money. 3 were caught on the scene, and the other 2 were found hiding in the house. Paniagua was unhurt.
None of the suspects spoke about the case at the hearing.
If you have been accused of kidnapping or any other crime, contact a Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney at our firm for skilled legal representation.