United States of America v. Isiah Garcia

Minneapolis, Minnesota, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with kidnapping in violation of 18 U.S.C. 1201, interference with commerce by robbery in violation of 18 U.s. 1951, using or carrying a firearm during and in relationship with a crime of violance in violation of 18 U.S.C. 924(C).

Reported by: Kent Morlan

On the morning of September 19, 2025, the Isiah Garcia and his brother, who had traveled from Texas to Minnesota for the purpose of executing the scheme, kidnapped Victim 1 and his family at gunpoint at their home. During the offense, the defendants demanded access to the victim’s cryptocurrency accounts, zip-tied Victim 1 and his family, and held the family at gunpoint for over 8 hours. Isiah Garcia, aided and abetted by his brother, abducted Victim 1 to the family’s cabin in northern Minnesota, where he forced Victim 1 to retrieve additional cryptocurrency storage devices and transfer the funds contained therein. The Garcia brothers ultimately forced Victim 1 to transfer more than $8 million in cryptocurrency funds in the course of the scheme. After the victim’s son called 911, the Garcias fled the area. Law enforcement responded to the family home, where they found numerous items left behind by the defendants. Law enforcement then used those items to identify the Garcias and locate them near Houston, Texas, where they were arrested.

In their guilty pleas, both defendants admitted to using firearms to threaten the victims and facilitate the robbery. They agreed to pay over $8 million in restitution and each face a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison. Sentencing hearings will be scheduled at a later date.

“Violent schemes carried out for financial gain undermine the safety and security of our communities. When individuals resort to intimidation and force, they can expect a swift and unified law enforcement response. The guilty pleas entered today reflect our commitment to holding the defendants accountable for the choices they made,” said U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen.

“No one should ever feel unsafe in their own home," said FBI Minneapolis Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson. "The kinds of violence and greed displayed by Raymond and Isiah Garcia will always be aggressively investigated by the FBI and our law enforcement partners. Thanks to the seamless partnership between the FBI, Washington County Sheriff's Office, and state and local law enforcement agencies from here to Texas, these defendants will now face sentencing in federal court. Home invasions, kidnapping, and robberies carry lasting impacts on victims and our communities. We hope this conviction will bring some measure of peace to the victims of this horrendous crime.”

“This crime struck close to home for many people in our area. It shook not only the victims involved, but it disrupted lives, created fear, and left residents wondering how something so violent could happen here. I’m proud of the work done by our investigators, deputies, law enforcement partners, and prosecutors who helped move this case forward. Today’s proceedings mark an important step toward accountability and justice for our community,” said Washington County Sheriff Dan Starry.

This matter is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

The Defendant elected to plead guilty.