Two Houston-Area Sisters Indicted on Federal Charges for Kidnapping and Enslaving 12-Year-Old Girl
Two sisters from the Houston area have been taken into federal custody following a grand jury indictment accusing them of kidnapping a 12-year-old girl, subjecting her to severe physical abuse, and forcing her to perform labor. The announcement came from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Houston and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, marking a significant escalation from previous state charges.
Allegations of Abuse and Forced Labor
According to court documents unsealed this week, Tania Evette Garcia, 37, and Brenda Mariana Garcia, 39, are charged with kidnapping and forced labor of a minor. The indictment alleges that between March and September 2025, the sisters held the child against her will in their Conroe residence. Investigators say the victim was forced to perform domestic chores and farm work—such as feeding livestock and cleaning—under the threat of force and physical restraint.
The details provided by federal prosecutors paint a harrowing picture of the child’s confinement. The girl was allegedly restrained with zip ties, beaten with objects including electrical cords and laptop chargers, and at times stripped of her clothing during the abuse. The ordeal ended on September 28, 2025, when the child reportedly escaped the home and sought help from neighbors while still wearing a zip tie on her wrist. Medical personnel later confirmed signs of malnutrition and extensive physical injuries.
Federal Involvement and Legal Context
While the sisters initially faced state-level charges in Montgomery County last year, the federal indictment introduces more severe statutes often utilized by HSI in human trafficking and forced labor investigations. The charges include kidnapping a minor and forced labor, violations of Title 18 of the U.S. Code.
HSI, a division of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), often investigates cases involving forced labor and the exploitation of vulnerable populations. If convicted on these federal counts, the Garcia sisters could face a maximum penalty of life in federal prison and fines up to $250,000. This case highlights the dual jurisdiction often seen in severe trafficking cases, where federal authorities step in to leverage stricter sentencing guidelines and resources.
Defense and Presumption of Innocence
It is important to note that an indictment is a formal accusation, not a conviction, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. During initial investigations by local authorities, the sisters reportedly denied the allegations, claiming the child suffered from psychological issues and had inflicted the injuries upon herself. Legal representatives for the defendants are expected to challenge the credibility of the evidence and the narrative presented by the prosecution as the case moves to trial.
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