A 19-year-old Mexican national, Angel David Salas-Herrera, has been arrested for allegedly attempting to export a stolen vehicle. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Salas-Herrera is scheduled to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nadia S. Medrano at 10 a.m.
According to the criminal complaint, on May 2, law enforcement noticed a Jeep Gladiator in Cameron County reported stolen from Edinburg. Attempts to stop the vehicle led to a chase, ending with the vehicle colliding near a residence in Brownsville.
The complaint alleges that Salas-Herrera was a passenger in the Jeep Gladiator. During the search of the vehicle, authorities reportedly found multiple key fobs and a device used for programming them.
The charges claim that the Jeep Gladiator was meant to be exported to Mexico for the Gulf Cartel. Authorities also recovered two additional stolen vehicles intended for similar purposes.
Salas-Herrera faces charges related to the export of stolen motor vehicles and could face up to 10 years in federal prison if convicted. He may also be fined up to $250,000.
This case is part of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Operation Cocina de Caldo. The investigation involves multiple agencies including the FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection, and several local law enforcement departments across Texas. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Roberto Lopez Jr. and Sarina DiPiazza are handling prosecution.
The OCDETF operation falls under Operation Take Back America, which utilizes resources from the Department of Justice's OCDETF and Project Safe Neighborhoods to combat illegal immigration and dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
It is important to note that a criminal complaint is an accusation of criminal conduct but not evidence of guilt; defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty through due process.