ABC-7 Crime Takedown Day
In an effort to make the Borderland a safer place, ABC-7 and the U.S. Marshal’s Service have teamed up to get some wanted fugitives off the streets.
The ABC-7 Crime Takedown Day featured some of the fugitives live during the local newscasts between 4-6:30 p.m. U.S Deputy Marshals were on hand to take tips from viewers who called in during the newscasts.
Viewers are still encouraged to call 915-534-6779 to share information.
To submit a tip online,click here.
To view the profiles of other fugitives,click here.
During ABC-7’s first Takedown Day, the following fugitives were featured:
ARMANDO ORTA: The first fugitive featured was Armando Orta. The 51-year-old lived in Las Cruces and still has family there.
Orta was charged with the rape of a girl in 2008 and he’s been on the run since.
Court documents state the child was younger than 13 years old and detectives say the abuse lasted five years.
Investigators say initially, he had money and vehicles that helped him lay low, but it’s been eight years since the alleged crime.
Orta also goes by “Mando” Orta. He might be working as a landscaper or contractor. He is 6 feet tall and weighs 200 pounds. He has a scar on the upper right arm.
MICHAEL ALMERALLA: The second fugitive was Michael Almeralla.
Investigators say the 26-year-old hangs out in West El Paso, but has family in both El Paso and Las Cruces.
He faces two charges of aggravated robbery for alleged theft at Walmart last Christmas Eve.
According to a criminal complaint, Almeralla went into the Walmart store near Cielo Vista with two others and appeared to be the lookout for them as they stole a cellphone case, charger, ink cartridges and windshield wipers.
The complaint says Almeralla even ate three doughnuts from the bakery.
Police say the three left the store without paying for any of the items.
When the Walmart guards approached them, police said Almeralla pulled a knife on them, telling them “I’m going to get you. I’m going to cut you.”
Chomping on doughnuts while your buddies swipe merchandise at Walmart night not be serious to some of you, but just look at Almeralla’s criminal history:
– 2008: Resisting arrest, and theft.
– 2009: assault and injury to a family member, marijuana possession
– 2010: Assault and theft.
– 2011: Accused of violating a protective order.
– 2012: Assault and pot possession
– 2014-2015: Accused of possession of marijuana and theft of car parts.
Almeralla has been in prison before — he’s already served three years.
He is 5-foot-11 and weighs 200 pounds.
ALEJANDRO RAMIREZ is wanted on charges of aggravated robbery and burglary of a habitation.
Ramirez known by a couple of aliases, including “Cartoons” and “Rascal.”
He is easily identifiable by the spider-web tattoo below his lower lip and another tattoo near his left eye.
Investigators said he and other men attacked a man in his own home and stole some of his belongings.
Agents said ramirez has an extensive criminal history, including arrests for resisting and evading arrest; assault causing bodily injury involving a relative; unlawful carrying of a weapon; and cruelty to animals.
Ramirez 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighs about 160 pounds, has black eyes, brown hair and several facial tattoos.
ALBERTO TORRES: Deputy marshals are looking for 20-year-old Alberto Torres.
He was originally charged with possession of marijuana and given probation. But investigators said he violated his probation by leaving the El Paso area without permission and allegedly driving while intoxicated in Kermit, near Odessa.
He was arrested there on April 1 and posted bond. Now prosecutors are looking to revoke his bond.
Torres also goes by Alberto Hernandez.
IVAN IGNACIO FRESCAS: Also known as “El Rascal,” Frescas is presumed armed and dangerous.
Investigators said the 35-year-old is known to carry a .45-caliber gun.
He is wanted on three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon; evading arrest with a vehicle; possession of a controlled substance; and driving while intoxicated for a third time.
Frescas looks somewhat different in different arrest photos.
Frescas allegedly pulled a gun on his girlfriend’s ex and threatened to kill him.
He is 5-foot-3, weighs about 145 pounds and has brown eyes and black hair.
He is 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighs 180 pounds.
