A shocking cryptocurrency heist in Washington County has resulted in federal charges after two brothers from Texas allegedly kidnapped a local family and stole $8 million in digital assets. The incident took place in Grant, Minnesota, and had far-reaching effects, including the cancellation of a Mahtomedi school homecoming football game for safety reasons.

According to authorities, Raymond and Isiah Garcia traveled from Texas and ambushed a man outside his home early in the morning. Armed with an AR-15-style rifle and a shotgun, they forced him back inside, where they zip-tied his hands and held his wife and adult son at gunpoint. The family was held captive for nine hours as the suspects forced the father to log into multiple cryptocurrency accounts and transfer millions to accounts controlled by the brothers.

A third accomplice, communicating by phone, appeared to direct the Garcias to additional funds. When the suspects learned of more cryptocurrency stored on a hard drive at the family’s cabin, Isiah Garcia drove the father there at gunpoint to secure those assets as well.

The ordeal ended when the family’s son managed to call 911 after one of the suspects briefly stepped outside. Responding deputies found the mother and son still zip-tied. One brother attempted to flee but left behind evidence, including a suitcase with a disassembled AR-15 rifle and personal items. The suspects abandoned a shotgun near a local school, prompting a wider search and leading the school district to cancel that night’s homecoming game.

Following the crime, the Garcia brothers returned to Texas. Investigators traced them using a rental vehicle and receipts, and they were apprehended in Waller, Texas, a few days later. Prosecutors report that one of the brothers confessed to the crime after arrest.

Both Raymond and Isiah Garcia face a host of charges at the state and federal level, including kidnapping, aggravated robbery, burglary, and federal kidnapping. Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and Washington County Sheriff’s Office, worked together to resolve the case, which has highlighted growing concerns about targeted crypto crimes and community safety.