(MENAFN) Yesenia Guadalupe Ramirez, 44, and Jose Roman Portillo, 29, were sentenced to prison this week for their role in the abduction of a three-month-old baby in San Jose, California, in April of last year. Ramirez was sentenced to 13 years and 4 months in prison, while Portillo was sentenced to 5 years. The pair had pleaded guilty in August 2022 to eight charges brought in connection with the abduction, which included kidnapping, attempted kidnapping, conspiracy, burglary, and vehicle tampering.
The infant, known publicly as Baby Brandon, was taken from his family's home and found safe one day later. Authorities said that a police investigation into the kidnapping revealed that Ramirez and Portillo had attempted to kidnap Brandon at least four other times prior to the actual abduction, including one instance where Portillo allegedly posed as a Child Protective Services worker intending to take custody of the baby.
When the infant was eventually kidnapped, Brandon "was taken from his grandmother's care by a mysterious man carrying a car seat," the district attorney's office wrote in Monday's announcement. Authorities allege the mysterious man was Portillo. Ramirez and Portillo faced a maximum sentence of 16 years and four months for the charges brought against them.
"While we had pushed for a maximum sentence on both the defendants, we are satisfied that this brings this sad and senseless story to an end," said Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen in a statement. "Brandon is safe, and his two kidnappers are safely behind bars."
The case of Baby Brandon's abduction had captured national attention, and his safe return was celebrated by many. The sentencing of Ramirez and Portillo brings closure to a traumatic event for Brandon's family and the community. The district attorney's office had sought the maximum sentence for both defendants, but is satisfied with the outcome. The case highlights the importance of law enforcement's efforts to investigate and prosecute those who commit violent crimes and abductions, and to bring justice for the victims and their families.
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