A Dominican Republic citizen has pleaded guilty to participating in a kidnapping that took place in Paterson, New Jersey. Joel Ramon Garcia, 33, entered his plea on September 9 before U.S. District Judge William J. Martini at the federal court in Newark. He admitted to one count of kidnapping and is scheduled for sentencing on January 20, 2026.
Court documents and statements indicate that on November 15, 2023, Garcia and another person kidnapped two individuals at gunpoint in Paterson. The victims were transported to Massachusetts where they were held for ransom. Shortly after the abduction, the kidnappers contacted the father of one victim and threatened harm if a ransom was not paid, specifically stating that the victim’s fingers would be cut off. The victims were released around November 17, 2023.
The kidnapping charge carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and a fine of up to $250,000.
Acting U.S. Attorney and Special Attorney Alina Habba credited the FBI’s New Jersey field office, led by Special Agent in Charge Stefanie Roddy, for its role in investigating the case. She also acknowledged assistance from the FBI’s Boston field office under Special Agent in Charge Ted Docks; the Paterson Police Department led by Officer in Charge Patrick Murray; Passaic County Sheriff’s Office under Sheriff Thomas Adamo; Clifton Police Department under Chief Thomas Rinaldi; Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office under Prosecutor Mark Musella; and Cedar Grove Police Department under Chief Francis Pumphrey.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Maloy of the Organized Crime and Gangs Unit and Carolyn Silane, Deputy Chief of the Economic Crimes Unit in Newark, are representing the government.
Garcia is represented by defense counsel Michael Rubas.
