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The Department of Justice has announced the sentencing of three Colombian nationals for drugging, kidnapping, and robbing two US Army soldiers in Bogotá, Colombia.
Some shit you should know before you read: Back in March 2020, two US soldiers on temporary duty in Bogotá, Colombia, went to an entertainment district to watch a soccer game before visiting a local sports bar in the upscale area. There, they were approached multiple times by a group that included Jeffersson Arango Castellanos, Kenny Julieth Uribe Chiran, and Pedro Jose Silva Ochoa. At some point, the trio secretly drugged the soldiers’ drinks with benzodiazepines, leaving them unconscious. The incapacitated soldiers were then taken from the bar, robbed of their wallets, credit cards, and cellphones, and driven around Bogotá while the criminals used their bank cards to withdraw cash and make purchases. Hours later, the victims were abandoned on the streets in a disoriented state, eventually receiving medical treatment that confirmed they had been drugged.
What’s going on now: In federal court today, a judge issued sentences for two of the three Colombian nationals convicted of drugging, kidnapping, and robbing two US Army soldiers in Bogotá. Jeffersson Arango Castellanos received a sentence of 48 years and 9 months, Pedro Jose Silva Ochoa was sentenced to 27 years and 3 months, and Kenny Julieth Uribe Chiran pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing. During the trial, Toxicology reports confirmed the presence of benzodiazepines in both victims, which caused extreme drowsiness, confusion, and memory loss, preventing them from recalling the events of the night.
Prosecutors also warned of the long-term consequences of the crime, particularly for one of the soldiers who suffered severe mental health issues as a result of the attack. According to prosecutors, this ultimately resulted in the soldier having to retire early from the military.
US officials react: In a statement, US Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne for the Southern District of Florida said, “Members of our military, whether serving here or abroad, can count on this Department of Justice’s respect, support, and protection. Kidnappings and assaults against US service members will not be tolerated. To those who would dare commit such reprehensible acts against America’s heroes, know this: We will identify you; we will find you; and we will prosecute you as aggressively as the law permits.”
Acting Special Agent in Charge Brett D. Skiles of the FBI Miami Field Office said, “The FBI’s commitment to investigate criminal acts against the U.S. military beyond our borders is clearly demonstrated by our persistent pursuit of justice for the two kidnapped soldiers. Our close cooperation with Colombian and Chilean law enforcement authorities was essential to this international investigation’s success. To all would be kidnappers the message is clear: target our citizens with violence anywhere in the world and we will hold you accountable for your actions.”
