WESLACO – U.S. Marshals are searching for a man accused of taking people into the country illegally as hostages.

Luis Gerardo Betancourt was sentenced to life in prison on Wednesday after being convicted in March.

The 21-year-old man is currently a fugitive and a warrant has been issued for his arrest

The investigation began in December 2015. Authorities in several states learned about family members being held hostage at an undetermined location for ransom.

The suspects allegedly threatened to cut off body parts and kill the hostages if relatives didn’t pay up.

Investigators eventually discovered Betancourt was responsible for recruiting and transporting hostage takers and receiving the ransom money.

Federal prosecutors said two other suspects in the case were sentenced to 10 and 20 years in prison.

Anyone with information on Betancourt’s whereabouts can call the U.S. Marshals in McAllen at 956-618-8025