Sign In
Events
Newsletters
Search

Close

Close Search

Cancel

SEARCH
MY LAW.COMNEW

Villar v. U.S.

Counsel Not Ineffective; §2255 Sentence Relief Denied; 120-Month Sentence Proceeds

X

Thank you for sharing!

Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided.

OPINION & ORDER Walkin Arias Villar (“Defendant”, “Arias Villar”) moves to vacate, set aside, or correct his criminal sentence pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §2255. He is currently serving a prison term of 120 months imposed after he pled guilty to extortion conspiracy in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1951 resulting from the violent kidnapping and torture of a Drug Enforcement Agency (“DEA”) confidential informant. Arias Villar now alleges that he received ineffective assistance of counsel prior to and during his guilty plea and sentencing and asks that the Court resentence him. For the reasons stated below, Arias Villar’s motion is DENIED. BACKGROUND I. Factual Background On January 21, 2020, Arias Villar was indicted in a four-count indictment (“Indictment”) charging him with conspiracy to commit kidnapping, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1201(c) (“Count One”); kidnapping, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§1201(a)(1) and (2) (“Count Two”); extortion conspiracy in violation of 18 U.S.C. §1951 (“Count Three”); and extortion, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§1951 and 2. See Indictment, ECF No. 12.1 The Government alleged that Arias Villar and his co-conspirators participated in a multi-hour kidnapping where a DEA confidential informant (“Victim”) was lured and dragged into a waiting automobile in the Bronx. See United States v. Arias Villar, 1:20-cr-00056-PAC-4, 2020 WL 1888841, at *1 (S.D.N.Y. Apr. 16, 2020). Once inside the vehicle, the Victim was tortured and forced to transfer $15,000 from his personal bank account. Id. Co-conspirators also demanded that an undercover officer (“UC-2″) — posing as the Victim’s cousin — pay a $500,000 ransom to secure the Victim’s release. See Presentence Report (“PSR”)

Trending Stories

 
Reprints & Licensing
Mentioned in a Law.com story?

License our industry-leading legal content to extend your thought leadership and build your brand.

LEARN MORE

More From ALM

Premium Subscription
With this subscription you will receive unlimited access to high quality, online, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry. This is perfect for attorneys licensed in multiple jurisdictions or for attorneys that have fulfilled their CLE requirement but need to access resourceful information for their practice areas.
View Now
Team Accounts
Our Team Account subscription service is for legal teams of four or more attorneys. Each attorney is granted unlimited access to high quality, on-demand premium content from well-respected faculty in the legal industry along with administrative access to easily manage CLE for the entire team.
View Now
Bundle Subscriptions
Gain access to some of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys with our 2 bundle options! Our Compliance bundles are curated by CLE Counselors and include current legal topics and challenges within the industry. Our second option allows you to build your bundle and strategically select the content that pertains to your needs. Both options are priced the same.
View Now
Go to CLE Center
New York Legal Awards 2024
September 05, 2024
New York, NY

The New York Law Journal honors attorneys and judges who have made a remarkable difference in the legal profession in New York.


Learn More
Pennsylvania Legal Awards 2024
May 15, 2024
Philadelphia, PA

The Legal Intelligencer honors lawyers leaving a mark on the legal community in Pennsylvania and Delaware.


Learn More
Consulting Leaders in Technology 2024
May 16, 2024
Dallas, TX

Consulting Magazine recognizes leaders in technology across three categories Leadership, Client Service and Innovation.


Learn More
Go to Events Go to Webcasts
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS ASSOCIATE

We are seeking an associate to join our Employee Benefits practice. Candidates should have three to six years of employee benefits experienc...


Apply Now ›
Health Law Associate CT

Health Law Associate CT Shipman is seeking an associate to join our national longstanding health law practice. Candidates must have t...


Apply Now ›
FINANCE & REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATES - Connecticut Preferred; Remote will be considered

Shipman & Goodwin LLP is seeking two associates to expand our national commercial real estate lending practice. Candidates should have ...


Apply Now ›
Go to Lawjobs
Clifford Law Offices, PC
04/29/2024
The National Law Journal

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›
MELICK & PORTER, LLP
04/15/2024
Connecticut Law Tribune

MELICK & PORTER, LLP PROMOTES CONNECTICUT PARTNERS HOLLY ROGERS, STEVEN BANKS, and ALEXANDER AHRENS


View Announcement ›
Apruzzese, McDermott, Mastro & Murphy, P.C.
04/11/2024
New Jersey Law Journal

Professional Announcement


View Announcement ›
Go to Professional Announcements