9 Named in Crimes Against Witness
Nine Chula Vista residents were indicted Wednesday on charges alleging that they intimidated, beat and eventually kidnaped a witness who provided authorities with information about their narcotics trafficking activities, U.S. Atty. William Braniff announced.
All nine of the defendants were named in the first count of the 10-count indictment, which charges that their beating and kidnapping of the witness was intended to hinder or prevent her from testifying in court about an alleged Chula Vista-based marijuana trafficking operation, Braniff said.
That single count alone carries a possible maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. However, five of the nine defendants face an array of more serious charges, including a possible life sentence for allegedly kidnapping the witness and taking her to Mexico.
The defendants, who range in age from 22 to 62, include Rosemary Smith, Judy Smith, Higinio Santiago-Lopez, Alfredo Santiago-Lopez, Samuel Smith, Santa Smith, Eleazar Smith, Adam Smith and Janelle Diaz.
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