Two men charged with armed kidnapping of a Paterson resident

Two men, Julio Cesar Paniagua, 27, and Joel Ramon Garcia, 33, have been charged in connection with their roles in an armed kidnapping for ransom of a Paterson, New Jersey, resident.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agents Matthew Barile and John Havens provided detailed statements outlining the harrowing events surrounding the armed kidnapping and ransom plot that unfolded in New Jersey.

According to the agents, the investigation began on November 15, 2023, when the Paterson Police Department received a distress call from the father of the victim, identified as “Victim-1.” Victim-1 had been abducted, and during a call to his father, he disclosed that he had been kidnapped and requested a ransom of $30,000.

The agents revealed that the victim was forcibly taken on November 15, 2023, at around 5:45 pm in Paterson, New Jersey, by multiple individuals, including Joel Ramon Garcia, identified as “Individual-1.”

Garcia brandished a firearm during the kidnapping. The agents identified another individual, Julio Cesar Paniagua, as “Individual-2,” who also possessed and brandished a firearm during the abduction.

The perpetrators, including Garcia and Paniagua, transported Victim-1 to a location in Massachusetts, leaving Paterson at approximately 5:45 pm and arriving in Massachusetts at around 11:45 pm on the same day.

The kidnappers subsequently contacted the victim’s father, threatening to sever Victim-1’s fingers if the $30,000 ransom was not paid.

Law enforcement traced the movement of the Victim-1 Phone, obtaining crucial cell phone location information from Provider-1.

Tower dumps, which listed all cellular numbers connecting to specific towers, were also obtained, revealing that only two numbers connected to both towers during specific periods—the Victim-1 Phone and another phone belonging to Garcia, known as the “Garcia Phone.”

Further investigation, including timing advance data and a voluntary post-Miranda interview with Paniagua, provided additional insights. Paniagua admitted to his involvement, acknowledging that he went to Victim-1’s residence, walked past the residence multiple times, entered the car where Victim-1 was seated, and was present with Garcia during the victim’s transportation to Massachusetts.

Garcia was charged on November 17, 2023, and subsequently arrested on November 20, 2023, with Paniagua also taken into custody by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents on the same day. Victim-1 positively identified both Garcia and Paniagua during photo array sessions.

As the investigation continues and legal proceedings unfold, the detailed statements from the FBI agents shed light on the gravity of the crime and the collaborative efforts of law enforcement to bring those responsible to justice.

According to court documents, Paniagua and Garcia kidnapped the victim on November 15, 2023, in Paterson, and transported them to Massachusetts, brandishing firearms during the abduction. Following the kidnapping, the perpetrators contacted the victim’s father and issued threats, demanding a $30,000 ransom. The kidnappers warned that the victim’s fingers would be severed if the payment was not made promptly. The victim was ultimately released on November 17, 2023.

The charge of kidnapping carries a maximum penalty of life in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000.

Both defendants have appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judges in Newark federal court. Paniagua, who appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessica S. Allen, was detained. Garcia, who had been previously charged and arrested on November 20, 2023, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Cathy L. Waldor and was also detained.

The court documents reveal further details about the investigation, including cell phone location information, tower dumps, and timing advance data, which played crucial roles in identifying and connecting the defendants to the crime.

The comprehensive evidence includes statements from the victim, phone records, and information obtained from various sources.