EXCLUSIVE: Fresno soldier's mom heads to Texas

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By Preston Phillips

Story Published: Apr 27, 2008 at 1:51 AM EST

Story Updated: Apr 27, 2008 at 1:22 PM EST

The mother of Fresno Army Specialist Richard Medina Torres arrived in El Paso, Texas on Saturday, hoping to see her son who's been locked up at Juarez, Mexico’s notorious Cereso Prison since last Wednesday.

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Shortly after Medina arrived in El Paso, she headed out to the prison grounds where her son is being held.

Once there, Cereso prison officials told her she wouldn't be able to see her son today, because there were no visiting hours on Saturday.

They did however say she would be able to meet with him tomorrow.

Medina's son was arrested on Monday, after federal authorities found firearms and other weapons in his car.

He says he made a wrong turn that landed him at the border with no way to turn around.

On Tuesday, He was charged with possessing a firearm, along with another charge regarding the possession of a military grade weapon, a charge that carries a hefty prison sentence.

On Wednesday, Medina Torres was transferred to Cereso Prison where he remains.

After his arrest Monday, the judge who charged him was given a deadline of noon Saturday to either sentence Medina Torres to prison or set him free.

But something different happened.

The judge dropped the greater charge against him, possessing a military grade weapon, but decided to keep Medina Torres in custody until he returns next Monday.

Medina says her son is being treated well, according to prison staff.

Click on the link to see Preston Phillips’ report.

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