Man kidnaps family for six months under fake cartel threats
- Dominic Garcia, 23, held his pregnant girlfriend and her family captive under false cartel threats for six months.
- Police were alerted when a family member reached out for help, leading to Garcia's arrest.
- Garcia faces 28 felony counts, including kidnapping and assault, in what has become a widely publicized case.
In Utah, a disturbing case unfolded involving Dominic Garcia, a 23-year-old man accused of holding his pregnant girlfriend and her family hostage for six months. The incidents began in December when Garcia moved in with the family in Millcreek, a Salt Lake City suburb. Shortly after moving in, he concocted a story claiming that his family had ties to a dangerous cartel, convincing the family that they needed to obey him to remain safe. He reportedly carried a handgun and threatened them with dire consequences if they did not comply with his orders. This atmosphere of fear was further exacerbated by Garcia's controlling behavior, restricting family members’ movements and checking their phones for messages he deemed inappropriate. The situation escalated as Garcia forced them to leave their home for a month, claiming it was necessary to evade the cartel. Upon returning, one family member bravely reached out for help, leading to police intervention. Officers responded to a distress call from the house, where they discovered family members holding Garcia at gunpoint, indicating the level of fear and desperation they experienced. The police were able to apprehend Garcia without further incident, allowing the family to regain their freedom. Garcia now faces 28 charges, primarily felony counts, including seven counts each of kidnapping and assault. He has been held in custody without bail. Notably, in a police affidavit, Garcia expressed regret for his actions, stating that he continued the deception out of fear that the family would dislike him if he revealed the truth. His claims of having cartel ties and threatening the family with violence created a deeply troubling dynamic that lasted for months. This case has drawn significant attention due to the severity of the allegations, showcasing the impact of manipulation and control within personal relationships. The authorities are continuing their investigation to ensure all victims received the necessary support and that justice is served against Garcia for his alleged heinous acts.