Migrant baby allegedly held for ransom found in El Paso during traffic stop

EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — A kidnapped baby was found during a traffic stop that happened two weeks ago in El Paso.

On September 16, Texas Department of Public Safety pulled over a vehicle driven by 45-year-old Jenna Roark of El Paso, according to authorities.

Troopers accused Roark and a 15-year-old teen in the vehicle of smuggling migrants and traveling with an unidentified 18-month-old boy.

DPS officials said the baby is a migrant.

The baby who was reportedly in poor health was taken to the hospital for treatment.

The18-month-old boy was released to child protective services as authorities investigated his identity and tried to locate family.

On Monday, FBI El Paso contacted DPS CID Agents about information from Saint Petersburg, Florida about a mother whose baby was being held for ransom, according to Texas DPS.

Roark was booked into the El Paso County Jail and the teen was placed into the El Paso County Juvenile Probation.

Both are facing charges of smuggling of persons and aggravated kidnapping.

Texas DPS Troopers were conducting Operation Lone Star when they stopped the vehicle.

“It’s an unthinkable situation to have your child kidnapped and held for ransom,” said Jose Sanchez, West Texas Regional Director. “DPS Troopers and CID Agents are specially trained in the Interdiction for the Protection of Children (IPC) which gives them the skills to take action in these situations and save children from further harm.”

“Being caught in a kidnapping for ransom (KFR) extortion incident is frightening as it is, but when the subject kidnaps a small child to hold for collateral until the parent pays for their services, is utterly inhumane and heartless,” said Jeffery R. Downey, FBI El Paso Special Agent in Charge. “Thankfully, the victim contacted the FBI St. Petersburg Field Office to report that her child was being held ransom. They immediately contacted our office to locate the subject and the child. Working with our partners at the Texas Department of Public Safety, we were able to share intelligence about the KFR, locate the child and assist in arresting the subject of this heartless kidnapping. If you are a victim or are a family member of a victim of a KFR, please call the FBI at 915-832-5000 or local law enforcement immediately."

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