La Mesa Man Sentenced 10 Years For Kidnapping His Estranged Wife

LA MESA, CA — A La Mesa man who kidnapped his estranged wife and drove her across the border into Mexico was sentenced Wednesday to just over 10 years in prison.

Prosecutors said Chad Oso, 55, showed up at the victim's home unannounced in 2024, beat her, dragged her downstairs, forced her into his vehicle, and drove off, leaving their two young children alone at their home in the process.

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According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the victim tried in vain to escape the vehicle while Oso drove her around La Mesa and that passersby who saw her screaming called 911.

While in Mexico, the woman was able to gain the attention of Mexican customs officials, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office, which said Oso was later arrested at the border by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers.

Oso was convicted of kidnapping earlier this year by a San Diego federal jury. According to court documents, he argued at trial that the victim willingly got into his vehicle and that he did not drive into Mexico intentionally. He also denied assaulting her, while prosecutors argue she suffered injuries to various parts of her body due to being beaten and dragged.

— City News Service