Miguel Alejandro Pastran Hernandez, aged 24, has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for the armed kidnapping of a rideshare driver. The sentencing was announced by Chief Judge Cecilia M. Altonaga, who imposed a 60-month sentence for kidnapping and carjacking charges and an additional mandatory 84-month term for possessing a firearm during a crime of violence.
The incident began on August 16 when Pastran Hernandez, armed with a gun, forced the driver to transport him from Arlington, Texas, to South Florida. Throughout the journey, he used a mobile application to avoid law enforcement and brandished a firearm at the victim to ensure compliance.
Upon arrival in Miami Beach on August 18, Pastran Hernandez surveilled another potential victim's residence with intentions of demanding ransom. On August 19, he compelled the driver to purchase supplies for another planned kidnapping. However, police intervention led to his arrest after he fled on foot.
Law enforcement discovered various weapons and tools in his possession and vehicle. U.S. Attorney Hayden P. O’Byrne and Acting Special Agent Justin E. Fleck announced the sentencing. The case was investigated by FBI Miami and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Hannah under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aimed at reducing violent crime.
Further details can be accessed through court documents available on the Southern District of Florida's website under case number 24-cr-20380.