Two Houston-area women indicted for kidnapping, abuse, and forced labor of minor

HOUSTON - Two Conroe residents have been charged for their roles in the kidnapping and forced labor of a minor child, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Tania Evette Garcia, 37, is set to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Hanovice Palermo at 2 p.m. Brenda Mariana Garcia, 39, previously made her appearance and remains in custody pending further criminal proceedings.

A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment Jan. 14. The charges allege that between March and September 2025, both women kidnapped and abused the minor victim.

According to the indictment, the sisters physically abused and restrained the victim with zip ties. They repeatedly beat and forced the child to provide labor and services through force, threats of force, physical restraint and physical abuse, the indictment alleges.

If convicted, each faces up to life in federal prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations and the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luis Batarse is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.