What started as a late-night meetup in a Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort parking garage turned into a federal kidnapping case that reads like a torture script, according to investigators. Six men are now facing federal charges in an armed abduction that authorities say spiraled into blowtorch torture, pistol-whipping, robbery and extortion. Court papers and booking records show the arrests began on June 1, and the adult suspects remain in custody while the investigation moves forward.
As reported by Local10, federal authorities identified the adult defendants as Saul Alfonso Fajardo, 19; Anthony Teruel Hernandez, 18; Weilen Hernandez, 20; Amari Tamire Hill, 21; Justin Phihoang Le, 20; and Marikevies McNichols Jr., 19. The complaint also names a 17-year-old girl as a minor suspect. Prosecutors have charged the adults in Fort Lauderdale federal court with kidnapping and conspiracy to commit kidnapping.
Suspects Booked In Pompano Beach
Records indicate the adult defendants are being held at the Paul Rein Detention Facility in Pompano Beach on behalf of the U.S. Marshals Service. According to Broward County, Paul Rein is the regional facility that processes and houses arrestees who are awaiting federal action.
Allegations Of Torture And Extortion
The unsealed federal complaint, as detailed by Local10, alleges the ordeal began when at least one suspect lured two victims to a car in the resort garage. Agents say several assailants, some masked and armed with semi-automatic weapons, forced the men to kneel, ordered them to strip to their underwear, and used a blowtorch to burn a racing-flag tattoo while threatening to kill the victims' family members. Investigators say the group also robbed the men and forced one victim to send $400 via Zelle.
According to the complaint, surveillance footage, cellphone records and GPS data tied the defendants to the attack. Five of the adults have detention hearings or arraignments scheduled in Fort Lauderdale federal court.
Where It Happened
Investigators say the initial contact took place in the resort's parking garage along the Hollywood Broadwalk. The property lists its address as 1111 N Ocean Dr. on the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort website.
According to the complaint, the victims were later taken to an area prosecutors refer to as "The Spot," where burned clothing and other items were recovered. At least one victim was left on the side of the road in Weston after faking a seizure to escape, authorities say.
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