Alleged Leader Of Kidnapping Ring Arrested In Juarez

JUAREZ — A state police task force dedicated to kidnappings arrested Ernesto Pinon de la Cruz, 20, a.k.a “El Neto.”

De la Cruz, who is charged with Aggravated Kidnapping, allegedly heads a ring responsible forat least 30kidnappings this year, state police officials said. His arrest was made possible after several of his alleged accomplices were arrested September 20th.

The kidnapping ring allegedly targeted business owners, maquiladora managers, housewives, and medical professionals, officials added.

Investigators said De la Cruz was also a member of a kidnapping gang called “Los Lalos,” which was dismantled in late March after their leader, 19-year-old Jesus Eduardo Soto Rodriguez, was arrested. After the incident, De la Cruz allegedly fled to the city of Aguaprieta in the state of Sonora.

De la Cruz allegedly resurfaced in May and recruited new members for his new gang. State police officials said a reward was offered for his arrest and information provided by several sources eventually led to his arrest.