El Paso Police arrest suspects involved in cargo thefts

A joint investigation lasting nearly a year resulted in numerous arrests and the recovery of property valued at approximately $1 million.

Carey Matthews, the Regional Commander of the Department of Public Safety, said a large quantity of supplies were stolen over a long period of time throughout El Paso.

“Electronics, flat-screen TV’s, denim material as far as clothing is concerned as well as refrigerators and appliances,” Matthews said.

In April of 2014, a task force was formed between five agencies. Those include the El Paso Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Homeland Security.

Seventeen suspects were arrested and two are suspected to be Barrio Azteca members.

“Several cargo thefts dating back to July 2009 were linked to suspects who include members of the Barrio Azteca Gang,” Matthews said.

9 have been criminally charged; seven of those nine are in custody, and five suspects are still at large.

El Paso Police said they believe the stolen merchandise was sold by word of mouth and potentially through the website Craigslist.

If you have any additional information, you are urged to call Crimestoppers, 915-566-TIPS.