Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN (trfnews.i234.me)—On January 7, 2025, law enforcement officials arrested three individuals in connection with a kidnapping incident in St. Paul, Minnesota, linked to a Mexican drug cartel. The suspects are identified as:
- Richar Sanchez Mujica, 30, of Minneapolis
- Erling Soren Holdahl, 48, of White Bear Lake
- Kendra Sue Johnson, 39, of Minneapolis
Incident Overview
The investigation commenced following a tip from a cooperating source within the drug organization, indicating that a victim was being held against his will. Officers tracked Mujica’s location through his cell phone, placing him near a residence on Payne Avenue in St. Paul.
Later that morning, Mujica was observed entering a Chrysler minivan in Minneapolis. Law enforcement initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle at Phalen Boulevard near the Edgerton Street Bridge in St. Paul. During the stop, officers discovered a bag of methamphetamine in Mujica’s pocket and a stolen Walther 9mm handgun in the van, along with ammunition. The firearm was located in the stow-and-go seating area, where Mujica had been seen manipulating an object prior to being detained.
Suspect Admissions and Evidence
Upon questioning, Mujica admitted involvement in the cartel’s debt collection operations and confirmed his presence at the Payne Avenue location earlier that morning. He permitted officers to examine his phone, which contained messages and photographs pertinent to the investigation. One image depicted a man restrained with chains and handcuffs; this photo had been sent to a contact in Mexico. Additionally, audio recordings captured Mujica discussing the victim’s captivity.
SWAT Intervention and Victim Recovery
Based on information obtained during the traffic stop, a SWAT team executed a forced entry at the Payne Avenue property later that afternoon. Officers located the victim in the basement, shoeless and with a handcuff still attached to his wrist. The victim was transported to a hospital, presenting injuries such as hand swelling and loose teeth.
Additional Arrests and Seizures
At the scene, two additional suspects, Holdahl and Johnson, were apprehended. Johnson was found in possession of methamphetamine. Subsequent searches uncovered additional drugs, firearms, and ammunition on the property and in vehicles associated with the suspects.
Charges and Potential Sentences
The criminal complaints allege that Mujica functioned as an enforcer for the cartel, tasked with debt collection. Johnson and Holdahl, both with extensive criminal histories, are accused of assisting in the confinement and assault of the victim. The trio faces charges including kidnapping for ransom, first-degree assault, and drug possession. If convicted, each suspect could face up to 40 years in prison for the kidnapping charges.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for trfnews.i234.me