Police recover stolen vehicles and arrest Mexican national accused of planning exports to Gulf Cartel
Brownsville, Texas – A 19-year-old Mexican national is facing serious charges after being accused of playing a key role in a plan to export stolen vehicles, U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei announced. Angel David Salas-Herrera was arrested in connection to the scheme and is scheduled to make his first appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nadia S. Medrano at 10 a.m.
According to a criminal complaint, the case unfolded on May 2, when law enforcement officers noticed a Jeep Gladiator driving in Cameron County. The vehicle had been previously reported stolen from Edinburg. When police attempted to pull it over, the driver reportedly refused to stop, sparking a pursuit. The chase came to an end when the Jeep allegedly crashed near a residence in Brownsville.
Salas-Herrera, who was reportedly riding as a passenger in the vehicle, was taken into custody. During a search of the Jeep Gladiator, authorities allegedly discovered several key fobs and a device believed to be used for programming them.
Further investigation revealed alarming details. Authorities allege that the Gladiator was destined for Mexico, where it was intended to be delivered to the Gulf Cartel. Law enforcement officials were also able to recover two additional stolen vehicles that, according to the charges, were also meant for export to the cartel.
Salas-Herrera now faces a charge of export of stolen motor vehicles. If convicted, he could spend up to 10 years in federal prison and be fined up to $250,000.
The investigation is part of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Operation Cocina de Caldo, which targets major criminal organizations. The probe is being led by multiple agencies, including the FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection, and Border Patrol. Additional help came from Texas Department of Public Safety, sheriff’s offices in Cameron and Hidalgo Counties, and police departments from several nearby cities, including McAllen, Edinburg, Brownsville, Mission, Pharr, and Rancho Viejo.
The prosecution of the case will be handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Roberto Lopez Jr. and Sarina DiPiazza as Salas-Herrera prepares to face the federal charges against him.
