Sting Operation Leads To 9 Arrests In Theft Of Valuable Metals

Nine men were arrested as part of countywide sting operation targeting the theft of valuable metals such a copper and brass.

The El Paso Police Department spearheaded the operation as a response to the increase on such thefts, which police say is not unique to the El Paso area, but are currently a nationwide problem.

Police conducted countywide compliance checks of 20 recycling businesses throughout El Paso County to ensure they were not in violation of state laws and regulations. As part of the operation, officers posed as either buyers or sellers of these metals. Investigators said they believe the considerable increase in prices paid for recycled metals have fueled these types of thefts.

Police said that some of the men arrested were employees of recycling companies. Most of the men were arrested on suspicion of theft of material less than $20,000 and were booked into the El Paso County Jail

Below is a list of the men arrested and their bonds:

?Anthony Zajac, 43, of Canutillo, was held on a $3,500 bond

?Alejandro Lopez, 31, of Anthony, N.M., was held on a $2,500 bond.

?Anastacio Rivera, 27, of the 4300 block of Donnybrook Place, was held on a $5,000 bond.

?Juan Salas-Herrera, 42, of the 3600 block of Mountain Avenue, was held on a $2,000 bond.

?Jonathan Kelley, 21, of the 3000 block of Tierra Humeda Drive, was held on a $2,000 bond.

?Adrian Mendoza, 24, of Chaparral, N.M. was held on a $2,000 bond.

?Carlos Ugarte, 21, of Socorro, was held on a $5,000 bond.

?Jose Frias, 43, of the 3600 block of Tierra Maya Drive, was arrested on suspicion of theft material less than $20,000 by possession. His bond was set at $2,000.

?Carlos Gutierrez, 31, of the 1300 block of Elmhurst Drive, was arrested on suspicion of theft over $50. His bond was set at $5,000.