Eleven Suspects to Face Charges for Kidnapping and Assault in Aurora

ALL VENEZUELANS | Eight of the detainees face charges of kidnapping, aggravated robbery, assault, extortion, and burglary. (Photos/El Comercio de Colorado)

COLLABORATION BETWEEN AURORA POLICE AND ICE CONTINUES TO RAISE QUESTIONS

Newsroom El Comercio de Colorado

The Chief of the Aurora Police Department, Todd Chamberlain, announced that eleven suspects will face charges in the 18th Judicial District Court for their alleged involvement in a violent kidnapping and assault at an apartment complex located on Dallas Street.

This case has uncovered a network of abuse and extortion among Venezuelans, leading to the detention of 16 individuals who are now under the custody of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The suspects face multiple serious charges, including second-degree kidnapping, aggravated robbery, first-degree assault, extortion, and burglary.

Chamberlain explained that the police operation on December 16 initially resulted in the detention of 19 individuals, three of whom were released after being interviewed. “This case demonstrates the importance of acting with precision and utilizing all available resources to ensure community safety,” stated the police chief.

Incidents

Authorities discovered that the victims, both undocumented Venezuelans like their perpetrators, had been subjected to regular extortion by the suspects. The victims reported that their assailants demanded biweekly payments of $500 from several residents of the apartment complex, exploiting their immigration status.

Chamberlain also revealed that during the operation, officers found weapons hidden within the walls of some of the raided apartments in the complex. The officer noted that they were able to identify connections between some of the detainees and the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TDA). “It is evident that this was an organized crime with an alarming level of violence and coordination,” he stated.

An Unresolved Question

Questions remain as to why the 16 detainees are being held in ICE custody rather than in county detention centers. “Our focus is to ensure these individuals face justice for their crimes. We used all available resources, including collaboration with ICE, to apprehend individuals involved in violent criminal activities,” explained Chamberlain.

The police chief insisted that collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security and ICE is not new and is part of standard practice. However, Chamberlain did not clarify ICE’s specific role in this police procedure. This response is crucial for understanding the legal basis for ICE’s custody of the detainees.

DETAILS OF THE INCIDENT | Todd Chamberlain, Chief of Aurora Police.
(Photo/El Comercio de Colorado)

The Investigation Continues

The Aurora Police Department continues to work on this case, making a call to the immigrant community to report any related information. “We need more individuals to come forward to prevent these crimes from recurring. We guarantee confidentiality and safety to those who step forward,” concluded Chamberlain.

Anyone with information can report anonymously to Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720.913.STOP (7867), with the possibility of receiving a reward of up to $2,000.

RESULTS OF THE SEARCHES | Several weapons were found in the locations where the alleged suspects were detained.

Names of Suspects in Custody

Among the detainees facing charges are:

• Andres Alexander Liendo-Padilla (01/06/1999)
• Jesus Alberto Alejos Escalona (02/07/2002)
• Junior Reyes-Barrios (10/15/1996)
• Barbara Sivle Medina-Arcaya (03/31/1995)
• Donarkys Teresa Suarez-Quesada (08/15/1993)
• Luigi Javier Soto-Sucre (08/18/1998)
• Niefred Jose Serpa Acosta (08/06/2004), who already had an active warrant for robbery and menacing.
• Jengrinso Elias Loreto-Petit (07/19/1998)