Ernesto Robles convicted of kidnapping in Alamogordo woman abduction case
An Otero County jury convicted Ernesto Robles of first-degree kidnapping and conspiracy in Alamogordo. The verdict brings the conviction of a man who faces up to 27 years in prison. The jury reached the decision on Sept. 30.
Robles was convicted of first-degree kidnapping and conspiracy to commit kidnapping. The 12th Judicial District Attorney’s Office announced the decision. He faces a maximum term of 27 years.
Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 13. Judge Stephen P. Ochoa will preside over that hearing.
On June 10, 2023, Robles entered an Alamogordo home with three other people. The group abducted a woman who was a former friend, prosecutors said. The other suspects were Vanessa Renteria, Samantha Martinez, and Luis Balderas.
According to the investigation, the woman was forcibly removed from the residence. She was physically beaten during transport. The group threatened her with a gun, prosecutors said.
The group took the woman to Robles’ home. There, she was tied to a wheelchair and gagged. The beatings continued at the residence, according to prosecutors.
Her head was partially shaved, prosecutors said. The four individuals allegedly laughed and taunted the woman. The suspects also threatened the victim and her family. Those threats left her afraid to report the crime.
Two co-defendants previously pleaded guilty and received prison terms:
- Vanessa Renteria pleaded guilty to second-degree kidnapping and bribery of a witness, receiving 21 years in July.
- Samantha Martinez pleaded guilty to second-degree kidnapping, receiving 18 years in July.
Kidnapping trials assess unlawful confinement and physical force against victims under state statutes. Convictions lead to formal sentencing hearings before a presiding district judge. Restitution and custody terms are determined at that stage.
The Alamogordo Police Department investigated the incident. Chief Deputy District Attorney Michael Heitz handled the prosecution.
