Smuggler Sentenced in Abuse of Immigrants
A Mexican man was sentenced to 21 years and eight months in federal prison Monday for his role in a smuggling ring that brutalized and raped illegal immigrants being held for ransom in a Canoga Park safe house.
Carlos Garcia Serrano, 36, was found guilty last year, along with five other members of the ring, on charges ranging from hostage-taking to conspiracy to harboring and transporting illegal aliens.
Two female victims testified during the Los Angeles trial that they were repeatedly raped over three days before being dumped off near Brawley in Imperial County. Two male victims told of being pummeled and tortured with a wrench and pliers.
Prosecutors said the attacks were ordered because the immigrants were unable to arrange for ransom payments from relatives in the United States.
Last month, the ringleader, Mario Arenas Morales, 34, was sentenced to life in prison. Two other subordinates are awaiting sentencing.
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