Compton man sentenced in violent dating app kidnapping plot in Orange

COMPTON, Calif. - A Compton man has been sentenced to more than 22 years in federal prison for the 2024 kidnapping and ransom of a woman in the city of Orange. 

Gustavo Deluna, 35, received the 270-month sentence on Monday following a guilty plea entered late last year.

What we know:

U.S. District Judge James Selna handed down the sentence after Deluna pleaded guilty in December to the January 16, 2024 abduction. 

While the defense and prosecution argued over the duration, the final 270-month term fell slightly below the 293 months sought by prosecutors and the 288 months suggested by probation officials.

Federal prosecutors highlighted the brutality of the crime, noting the victim suffered "serious injuries," specifically deep cuts to her left hand and wrist during the struggle.

What we don't know:

The identity of the "ringleader" mentioned by prosecutors remains a point of interest, as Deluna was determined not to be the primary organizer of the kidnapping.

Public records have not yet clarified the status of other potential co-conspirators or if additional sentencings are pending for those who led the operation.

What they're saying:

During the proceedings, federal prosecutors emphasized the physical toll on the victim to justify a lengthy stay behind bars, stating she suffered "deep cuts to her left hand and wrist." 

Despite the severity of the incident, prosecutors explicitly noted that Deluna "was not considered the ringleader in the crime."

What's next:

Deluna will be transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons to begin serving his 22.5-year term. 

Because there is no parole in the federal system, he is expected to serve the vast majority of that time, minus small credits for good behavior.