Florida: Six Arrested for Kidnapping and Torture at Resort

Six young people were arrested in Florida following a kidnapping and torture that occurred near a Hollywood Beach resort. The victims managed to escape, but the case exposed planned and extreme violence. The investigation remains open and is in the hands of federal and local authorities.

The attack occurred on the night of May 26 in Broward County, near the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort. According to federal documents cited by CBS News Miami and Fox News, the victims were deprived of their freedom, beaten, and extorted. The record also mentions the participation of a 17-year-old minor.

The charges include federal counts of kidnapping and conspiracy to commit kidnapping. The detained adults remain in custody as the judicial process continues. Among those charged are Saul Alfonso Fajardo, Justin Phihoang Le, Amari Tamire Hill, Anthony Teruel Hernandez, Marikevies McNichols Jr., and Weilen Hernandez.

How Did the Florida Kidnapping Begin?

According to the criminal complaint, it all started with what appeared to be a routine meeting. Saul Alfonso Fajardo, 19, known as “Gordo,” contacted one of the victims and a witness. He told them they would attend a car show at the West Broward Boat Ramp. That meeting was the starting point of the attack. Prior trust between some of the parties apparently facilitated the approach. From there, the accused took the victims to the resort, where the assault continued.

In the parking lot of the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort, the victims were taken to the fourth floor. There, four other men and the teenager were already waiting. All were carrying semiautomatic weapons, latex gloves, and cloth shiesty-style masks.

The prosecution contends that the accused forced the two victims into separate vehicles. The intimidation was immediate. The group acted at gunpoint and with apparent coordination. The FBI and the Broward Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case as a planned operation. The federal charges describe violence, threats, and forced movement between different locations in the county.

What Violence Did the Victims Suffer?

During the journey, Justin Phihoang Le allegedly made direct threats. One victim reported hearing: “If you try to leave, I will end your life.” He also made threats involving the victim’s family. Psychological pressure increased with a particularly cruel threat. According to the complaint, Le showed pliers and said he would pull out a fingernail every 10 minutes if he did not receive money. This type of intimidation is key to understanding the severity of the case.

The kidnappers demanded phone calls to obtain money. One of the victims was forced to transfer USD 400 via Zelle. Extortion was combined with beatings, threats, and illegal detention. Violence escalated at the Broward boat ramp. There, according to the charges, Le used a blowtorch to burn a victim’s tattoo. The record includes the phrase