8 charged in connection with human smuggling in kidnapping for ransom scheme

HOUSTON – Three more people have been federally charged in relation to a smuggling event that turned fatal in March.

Authorities took Brian Martinez, 24, East Bernard, and Miguel Gonzalez, 33, Richmond, into custody July 25 and 26, respectively, on human smuggling charges. Christian Hernandez, 25, East Bernard, is in custody and expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sam S. Sheldon at 2 p.m. today. Gonzalez is on home confinement with restrictions, while Martinez is in custody pending a detention hearing set for Aug. 3.

Zachary Austin Palomo, 28, Alex Anthony Fisher, 26, and Brenda Roxana Serrano Figueroa, 25, all of Houston, have been and will remain in custody on kidnapping charges returned in May.

Two others - Santiago Hernandez Jr., 26, and Lorie Lin Flowers, 25, both also of Houston - remain at large.

The charges allege that on March 17 and 18, a migrant smuggling operation resulted in the armed kidnapping of three migrants along I-10 East in Waller County. Three other victims were shot and left at the scene, according to the allegations. The alleged perpetrators held the victims hostage at two Houston area hotels and began requesting ransom money from their families. The charges allege the victims were beaten and threatened while held for ransom.

According to testimony presented in court, the kidnappers released two of hostages after their families paid the ransom, and law enforcement conducted an operation to rescue the remaining victim. 

The operation led to the death of one of the alleged perpetrators.

Warrants remain outstanding for the arrest of Hernandez and Flowers who are considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information about their whereabouts is asked to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324).  

Santiago Hernandez, Flowers, Palomo, Figueroa and Fisher are charged with aiding and abetting kidnapping. If convicted, they face up to life in prison. For bringing in and harboring certain aliens, Gonzalez, Cristian Hernandez and Martinez could receive up to 10 years in federal prison, upon conviction. All charged also carry a potential fine of $250,000. 

The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the sheriff’s offices in Harris and Waller Counties and the Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John M. Lewis is 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.