Undocumented immigrant gets 89 years in prison for Phoenix home invasion

PHOENIX - An undocumented immigrant has been sentenced to 89 years in prison for his role in a violent Phoenix home invasion last year.

Officials said 27-year-old Saul Gomez and his brother-in-law entered a victim's home on August 10, 2009, where they held nine family members, including four children, at gunpoint while they ransacked the home.

The two men reportedly kidnapped the childrens' mother and held her for ransom, forcing her to call her family and beg for her life.

According to officials, Phoenix police were called in and were able to arrest a suspect at the money drop location. The suspect then led police to a remote desert area where Gomez was guarding the woman with a shotgun.

Gomez was convicted of burglary, five counts of kidnapping, four counts of kidnapping children, extortion and misconduct involving weapons. He was sentenced to 89 years in prison.

"This defendant was an illegal alien who was deported seven times either voluntarily or following a federal hearing. He returned each time under a new name and even changed that name when faced with trouble," said County Attorney Rick Romley. "It is clear we must secure our border with Mexico and I call upon the Federal Government to close our borders now."