ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. — Two Arkansas City men accused in a weekend kidnapping case made brief court appearances Thursday in Cowley County District Court.
Luis Miguel Dominguez, 35, and Jose Fernando-Lux Morales, 24, appeared in person before District Judge Christopher Smith. An interpreter was present, as both men’s primary language is Spanish.
“They have not allowed me to speak since I’ve been in prison,” Dominguez said through the interpreter. “I never touched that woman.”
Judge Smith cautioned both men against making statements since they were appearing without attorneys. Dominguez told the court that he and Morales were only giving the woman a ride. Morales also denied the allegations.
“Nothing is true,” Morales said.
The court appointed C. Scott Loftis to represent Dominguez and Stephen Brave to represent Morales. Both men are scheduled to return with counsel for a first appearance at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 2.
According to police, officers were called early Sunday to the 1600 block of South Sixth Street in Arkansas City for a possible kidnapping. A caller reported a gray SUV heading north. Officers stopped the vehicle minutes later in the 400 block of South Eighth Street and found two men and a woman inside.
The woman told officers she had been taken against her will from First Council Casino in Newkirk, Okla., and that both men sexually assaulted her, including after they crossed into Arkansas City.
Cowley County Attorney Larry Schwartz said the men have formally been charged with kidnapping. He said additional charges, including sexual assault, may be filed pending further investigation. Authorities in Oklahoma are also expected to consider charges connected to alleged crimes in that state.
Court records indicate both men have pending issues with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. District court bond was set, but federal detainers from ICE would prevent their release.
