A 25-year-old man from Federal Way, Washington, has been sentenced to eight years in prison for using a firearm during a violent crime that involved the kidnapping of a woman and a man in a drug-related dispute.
What Happened
On October 13, 2024, Daniel Lopez abducted a woman from her home in Auburn after a drug deal went wrong. According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Lopez had paid $2,500 for cocaine but never received the product. Believing the woman’s husband was responsible for the failed deal, Lopez took matters into his own hands—violently.
He first beat up the male victim connected to the deal, then forced him to take him to the woman’s home, where she was kidnapped at gunpoint. Witnesses saw Lopez and another man take the woman, and one of them was visibly carrying a gun.
Caught on Camera and Tracked Down
Thanks to security footage and traffic cameras, authorities quickly identified Lopez’s vehicle and confirmed his involvement. The license plate traced back to Lopez, helping investigators build a strong case against him.
The victims were reportedly held in the Seattle area for two days. During that time, the male victim was forced to consume fentanyl to the point where even Lopez’s associates feared he might overdose.
After those two days, the victims were driven to the U.S.-Mexico border, where Lopez’s group forced them to walk across the border into Mexico. From there, both were transported to Guatemala, a move the DOJ called a “forced deportation.” Since neither had legal status in the U.S., they have not been allowed to return.
Lopez Arrested in Texas
On October 19, just days after the kidnapping, Lopez was found at a hotel in Houston, Texas, and was taken into custody.
Criminal History and Sentencing
Lopez has a long history of violent crimes. According to the DOJ, he has been involved with street gangs since his mid-teens and has committed serious offenses like robbery, drive-by shootings, and illegal gun and drug possession.
He was initially charged with kidnapping, which carried a mandatory minimum of over 12 years in prison (151 months). However, after pleading guilty, the charge was amended to using a firearm in a violent crime, which carries a mandatory minimum of 84 months (7 years). The judge ultimately sentenced him to 8 years behind bars.
