A Texas woman reported being kidnapped, raped, and held for ransom during Galveston County’s annual Go Topless Jeep Weekend last month.
The woman said she was forced into a pickup truck on May 21 and taken into Humble, where one of the men raped her. She said her abductors demanded a ransom in order for her to be released, but police did not say if a ransom was paid or if she got away in some other manner.
The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office said a subsequent investigation identified Erick Martinez, 21, and Bryant Chatham, 20, as suspects in the case, and warrants for their arrest were issued.
The two men were arrested on June 15, with both charged with aggravated kidnapping and Martinez additionally charged with aggravated sexual assault.
While being brought into the Galveston County Jail, Martinez allegedly assaulted a deputy and escaped, still in handcuffs. He was located in an alleyway less than a mile away and returned to custody, now charged with assault on a peace officer and escape.
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Chatham was given a $200,000 bond, and Martinez was given a $300,000 bond. They are both still behind bars, the sheriff’s office said.
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[Featured image: Bryant Chatham and Erick Martinez/Galveston County Sheriff’s Office]
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