On April 30, 2019, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the El Paso Police Department executed multiple federal arrest warrants on an auto theft ring operating/targeting victims in Texas, New Mexico, and Juarez, Mexico communities and in a methamphetamine distribution operation.

In Anthony, New Mexico, 34-year old Javier Dorado and 26-year old Randy Zamora were arrested for the alleged carjacking of vehicles and transportation of these vehicles across the border to Cuidad de Juarez, Mexico, and conspiring to import a controlled substance back into the United States.

Other defendants were also charged for their alleged involvement in this auto theft operation and other federal charges. The defendants include: 37-year old Lewis Carlos Delgado, 30-year old Marcela Still, 34-year old Frank Soto, 25-year old Christopher Morales, 33-year old Christopher Galindo, and 35-year old Victor Castillo.

“Today’s operation was the culmination of a lengthy investigation that resulted in the arrest of those involved and demonstrates the continued collaboration between the El Paso Police Department, the FBI, and all our law enforcement partners in keeping our communities safe,” stated Humberto Talamantes, Commander of the EPPD’s Organized Crime Division.

“The FBI’s Task Force environments are a highly effective way for the FBI and our law enforcement partners to join together to address crime in our cities. It is central to our success and the safety of our communities,” said Emmerson Buie, Jr., FBI El Paso special agent in charge.

The El Paso Police Department’s Auto Theft Task Force Unit and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Violent Crime/Major Offenders Squad are investigating this case with the assistance of Las Cruces Police Department, New Mexico State Police, United States Attorney’s Office, and the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Mangels is prosecuting the case on behalf of the Government.

It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.