CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — A Texas man has pleaded guilty to federal charges for his role in a kidnapping and ransom conspiracy that culminated in a deadly shootout in a quiet Charlottesville neighborhood, federal authorities announced Thursday.
Jordan Perez, 21, of Lockhart, Texas, admitted to one count of conspiracy to kidnap and one count of transporting an alien resulting in death. The plea comes as part of Operation Take Back America, a federal initiative targeting violent crimes linked to border-related offenses.
According to court documents, Perez and co-defendant Ricardo Ordaz were part of a conspiracy that targeted individuals who had unlawfully entered the United States. In early January 2023, the group held multiple victims under armed guard, demanding ransom payments from their families in exchange for their release.
Ordaz arranged the initial pickup of two individuals near the U.S.-Mexico border and transported them to a residence outside Austin, Texas. One victim was released there for $5,000. Perez then traveled with another co-conspirator and a second victim to Charlottesville, Virginia, where a $10,000 ransom exchange was arranged.
When the full ransom amount could not be produced during the January 8 exchange, a confrontation erupted that escalated into gunfire. During the shootout, Perez and another co-conspirator brandished firearms, and one of the kidnappers was fatally shot.
“Far too often, as in this case, individuals take advantage of those who illegally enter the country, and the results are tragic,” said U.S. Attorney C. Todd Gilbert. “Through Operation Take Back America, this Department of Justice aims to bring the rule of law back to our country.”
Acting Special Agent in Charge Christopher Heck of ICE Homeland Security Investigations said Perez and Ordaz “terrorized an entire town” with their actions.
Ordaz has also been charged in connection with the scheme. Sentencing for Perez will be scheduled at a later date.