Tue May 20 02:30:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
A 23-year-old man, Dominic Garcia, is in custody in Millcreek, Utah, after allegedly terrorizing a family for six months with fabricated threats involving a cartel. Garcia, who had moved into the family’s home in December 2024, convinced them that his family was involved in a cartel and that they needed to comply with his demands to stay safe. He used a handgun purchased by a family member to further intimidate them, creating an atmosphere of fear and control. He restricted their movements, monitored their communications, and subjected one member to a brutal “boot camp.” The family eventually managed to subdue Garcia and call the police. He has been charged with 28 offenses, including aggravated assault, kidnapping, and threats of violence.
**News Article:**
**Millcreek Man Arrested for Allegedly Terrorizing Family with False Cartel Threats**
MILLCREEK, Utah – A Millcreek family is breathing a sigh of relief after police arrested Dominic Garcia, 23, for allegedly subjecting them to months of terror under the pretense of cartel involvement. Garcia is accused of holding the family hostage with threats of violence and intimidation, culminating in his arrest and booking on 28 charges, including aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, and threats of violence.
The investigation began when officers responded to a call from the family’s home, where they found Garcia being held at gunpoint. According to court documents, the family had been enduring the alleged abuse since December 2024, when Garcia moved into their home. He then allegedly convinced them that his family was connected to a dangerous cartel and that their safety depended on following his orders.
“Over time, Garcia created an atmosphere of fear and control, falsely creating affiliations with dangerous cartel,” said Unified Police Sgt. Aymee Race during a Monday press conference. He allegedly brandished a handgun purchased by a family member, claiming he was monitoring their movements and that any disobedience would result in deadly consequences.
Garcia’s control allegedly escalated, including monitoring the family’s communications, restricting their movements, and subjecting one family member to a grueling “boot camp” involving multiple daily workouts, ice baths, and forced submersion of the face in water.
After being read his Miranda rights, Garcia admitted to fabricating the cartel connection, stating he feared rejection if he revealed the truth.
The Unified Police Department is continuing its investigation, acknowledging the victims’ trauma and prioritizing their comfort and readiness to speak. Garcia is currently being held without bail. Sgt. Race explained that the family’s initial reluctance to contact law enforcement was due to the suspect being a trusted friend of the family. The details of how the relationships took a turn is part of the ongoing investigation.
First Piper 