Deputies Thwart Alleged Kidnapping, Rape Plans

OKEECHOBEE, Fla. - WPBF.com

Three Pahokee men were arrested in Okeechobee County after deputies said they drove to the area to find a woman to kidnap and rape.

Alberto Aguilera, Israel Avalos and Armondo Gallardo were arrested Friday on several charges, including conspiracy to commit a felony, authorities said.

Authorities said two Okeechobee County sheriff's deputies were looking for a fugitive in the Kings Bay area when they noticed a suspicious red Cadillac with a flickering taillight traveling up and down the street.

"As they stopped the vehicle, the occupants of the vehicle appeared to be hiding things underneath the seat of the vehicle," Under Sheriff Noel Stephens said.

Detectives said the deputies found two handguns and a roll of duct tape inside the car.

"It is absolute divine intervention on their part," Detective Ted Van Deman said. "We just happened on them, and thank God we did because had we not, there's no telling what would have happened."

Stephens said the men admitted they drove to Okeechobee from Pahokee to find a woman to kidnap and rape.

"It is absolutely insane to me that they would actually come up with this plan and do it, and then come and tell us about it," Van Deman said.

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