Utah man allegedly holds girlfriend’s family hostage for six months to ‘protect’ them from cartels: It was all a lie

In a harrowing case that has shocked the Millcreek, Utah, community, police arrested 23-year-old and her family hostage for nearly six months. It was under the pretense of protecting them from a dangerous drug cartel. 

Garcia now faces 28 felony charges, including aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault, threat of violence, and hazing involving a weapon.

According to a police affidavit, Garcia moved into the family’s home in December 2024 and immediately asserted control. He claimed that his own family had ties to a cartel and that the family needed to follow his instructions to stay safe. 

According to NBC News, Garcia allegedly told them that his family was part of a business with ties to a cartel. He said for the family to stay on the cartel’s good side, they had to do what Garcia said.

Over the ensuing months, Garcia, who had a gun, allegedly monitored the family’s movements, restricted their access to the outside world, and issued repeated death threats. 

“Boot camp” conditions

Reportedly, Garcia also forced one family member into a rigorous “boot camp” regimen for several weeks. This included five workouts a day at any hour, ice baths, and being made to hold her face underwater “until he felt it was sufficient.”

The situation came to a head when the family decided they could no longer endure the conditions. They overpowered Garcia and held him at gunpoint, and called the police. Upon arrival, officers found Garcia at gunpoint and took him into custody without incident.

After being informed of his Miranda rights, Garcia itted that all his claims about the cartel were fabricated. According to reports, Garcia continued this lie for several months because he said he did not know how to stop, and if he did, they would not like him.

Garcia is currently being held in the Salt Lake County Jail. Authorities have identified him as a flight risk, noting the possibility he might flee to Mexico. The family remains fearful of both Garcia and potential cartel retaliation, despite the revelation that the cartel threat was a fabrication.