Prosecutors have filed criminal charges in a Central California case that shocked the community of Clovis. According to ABC 30, charges were filed Thursday against a woman named Sandra, 40, who is accused of organizing the kidnapping and torture of a teenage girl in an effort to repair her relationship with the girl’s father.
Officials say Sandra recruited relatives to help scare the girl and get her sent away from her father’s home. Investigators say the group used a messaging app that hides activity in an attempt to cover their electronic trail, but authorities followed it anyway.
The case dates back to February, when the teen was dropped off by the school bus at her home north of Clovis. According to reports, four masked people were waiting inside. The girl was taken to a remote location and seriously hurt before she was left behind.
Sandra was arrested in March but later bailed out. Investigators say she and the girl’s father had been on bad terms for some time and that she believed the plot would bring them closer together. Instead, she now faces several charges.
Sandra, Miguel and Mark are all charged with kidnapping, torture and conspiracy. Charges are allegations, and all three are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
