Why Is Mexican Singer Larry Hernandez Behind Bars?

Larry Hernandez
Singer
Larry Hernandez is an American Regional Mexican singer, composer, and television star who was born in Los Angeles, California.
Born: March 10, 1977 (age 38), Los Angeles, California, United States
Partner: Kenia Ontiveros
Siblings: Freddy Hernandez

Kidnapping charges & a fugitive warrant led to his arrest.

Wearing green prison scrubs and cuffs around his wrists and ankles, regional Mexican star Larry Hernandez stood before a judge in a California courtroom Sept. 30 and signed papers to be voluntarily extradited to face kidnapping, assault, and assault with battery charges in South Carolina.

Hernandez has called the charges “lies” and in an interview with cameras outside the courtroom, his father echoed those words: “Thanks for the support,” he said. “My son is not guilty of anything. You’ll see. He’ll be set free.”

As of Wednesday afternoon (Sept. 30), Hernandez was still being held without bail at West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga in Southern California.

Larry Hernandez Held Without Bail Over South Carolina Case

It was a sad and surprising situation for one of regional Mexican music’s most visible and beloved stars. Hernandez, 38, is the star of the reality seriesLarrymania, which airs on NBCUniverso and is consistently the cable network’s highest-rated original series. Hernandez, an avid Twitter user, also maintains close contact with his fans.

Hernandez has not been found guilty of anything and has yet to face charges or stand trial. So what exactly led him to jail?  

According to multiple published reports, the arrest stems from an incident in South Carolina after Hernandez performed in Newberry on Aug. 16. Los Angeles daily La Opinion wrote that Hernandez -- angry because he wasn’t paid the amount promised for his performance -- held the concert promoter against his will and beat him up. The promoter, continued the report, managed to escape and filed a complaint with the police.

In an article published Wednesday, the Newberry Observer said a man identified Hernandez as one of the men who held him against his will after a concert at the skating rink on S.C. 34 in Newberry.

The victim told police he was wrapped in clear plastic wrap and beaten by Hernandez and an associate. The Newberry Police investigated and turned over the case to the 8th Circuit Solicitor’s Office, which charged Hernandez and Jesus Ivan Solis with kidnapping and third-degree assault and battery.

According to Los Angeles Airport Police public information officer Robert Pedregon, Hernandez was arrested at Ontario Airport outside Los Angeles more than a month later, on Sept. 25, on a fugitive warrant. Los Angeles Airport police were informed by Denver police that Hernandez was booked on a plane from Ontario to Denver. When Hernandez arrived at the airport to catch his flight, he was detained. Because he was a fugitive, he was held without bail, which is the case for anyone with a fugitive warrant who has crossed state lines, regardless of the charges. Solis was arrested by Colorado police.

Following his appearance before a judge Wednesday morning, Hernandez will now be extradited to South Carolina to face charges there.

It was not immediately known when that would happen. 

On Twitter, fans and friends remained optimistic. "Good luck my friend," tweeted Pepe Garza, the influential program director of Los Angeles radio station La Que Buena.