A tow truck operator from Pasco, Socorro Jesus Lopez-Spindola, has been charged with a firearm offense. The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington announced that Lopez-Spindola, aged 59, faces one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. His arraignment took place on March 13, 2025, at the U.S. District Court in Richland, Washington.
Court documents reveal that Lopez-Spindola was detained by Pasco Police in November 2024 as part of an investigation into robbery, extortion, and threats to kill. A search warrant was executed at Classic Towing and Recovery, owned by Lopez-Spindola. During this search, authorities reportedly found a loaded .22 caliber revolver in his office desk drawer.
Lopez-Spindola has previous convictions including Unlawful Reentry after Deportation prior to the November 2024 incident.
The case falls under Operation Take Back America, which is a national initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations. This operation leverages resources from Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
The investigation is being carried out by the FBI alongside the Pasco Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Brandon L. Pang is prosecuting the case.
It should be noted that an indictment is only an allegation; all defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.