Three Venezuelan Nationals Sentenced for Kidnapping and Torture in Denver

A Denver man’s roommates allegedly turned his home into a torture chamber after discovering his family’s law enforcement connections, leading to a ransom plot directed by leaders of the Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang, according to federal prosecutors. The victim reportedly endured several days of abuse before escaping and walking into a police station missing a finger. Prosecutors stated that his captors recorded the torture and sent the video to his wife, demanding money from his family in Venezuela. Darwin Veliz-Gonzalez, Jefferson Balza-Delfin, and Yender Enrique Campos-Malave, all Venezuelan nationals, were sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for their roles in the kidnapping and torture, as announced by the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado. A fourth defendant’s sentencing has been postponed. US Attorney Peter McNeilly commented on the case, stating that Colorado is safer with these individuals incarcerated and that efforts to pursue all members of Tren de Aragua will continue. The victim had been renting a room in the Denver home when his roommates learned of his and his father’s police officer status in Venezuela, leading to his abduction. He was reportedly tied up, deprived of food and water, and subjected to severe physical abuse, including strangulation and threats with a firearm. The captors sent recordings of the abuse to the victim's wife and consulted with international TdA leaders about the ransom demands. When the family did not comply, one gang leader suggested cutting off a finger to compel payment. Balza-Delfin allegedly used pliers to sever the victim's right pinky finger, an act that was also filmed. Denver police were alerted to a kidnapping at the residence on October 16, 2024, but did not find the victim during their initial search as he was too afraid to reveal himself. Following the police visit, three of the captors fled, allowing the victim to escape and report the incident to authorities. Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas commended the victim for his bravery in coming forward. A federal grand jury has indicted Brawins Dominique Suarez Villegas, also known as “Chino San Vicente,” for his alleged involvement in the kidnapping and a broader TdA criminal operation that includes robbery, extortion, and drug crimes. The FBI’s Denver Field Office and local police investigated the case, with Special Agent in Charge Amanda Koldjeski highlighting the bureau’s commitment to dismantling the gang through collaborative efforts.