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Peñitas kidnapping victim released, suspect identified
Posted: 08.27.2012 at 3:02 PM
Action 4 News Staff

Members of the Action 4 News team worked together to bring you this report.

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Erik Eriberto Rosas de Ochoa // Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office Photo
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A Hidalgo County kidnapping victim has been released by his captors but authorities have identified one of the supsects who allegedly held him for ransom.

Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office deputies reported that 22-year-old Juan Cantu, Jr. was kidnapped by armed men at the JR Tire Shop north of Peñitas this past Wednesday.

A motive is not clear but Cantu's family owners the rural Hidalgo County tire shop off Tom Gil Road and Mile 3 Line.

Investigators reported that the kidnappers held Cantu for ransom and released him on Friday.

Suspect Identified

It's not clear if the family had to pay the ransom but deputies reported that 27-year-old Erik Eriberto Rosas de Ochoa has been identified as one of the suspects.

Deputies released surveillance video and photos of the kidnapping to the media last week.

Someone who saw the images told police that they recognized Rosas de Ochoa.

He and other person were seen on Grapefruit Drive in Mission taking off the license plates from the suspect vehicle.

Criminal History

Rosas de Ochoa is described as an illegal immigrant from Mexico who is 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 260 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.

Investigators reported that Rosa de Ochoa has a girlfriend that lives at a mobile home off Mayberry and 6 Mile Line.

Rosas de Ochoa is now facing a second degree felony aggravated kidnapping charge.

Deputies reported that Rosas de Ochoa is a suspect in at least one ther kidnapping for ransom.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call Hidalgo County Crime Stoppers at (956) 668-TIPS.

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