HOUSTON — Homeland Safety Investigations (HSI) Houston, Harris County Sheriff’s Workplace (HCSO), Houston Police Division (HPD), and Texas Division of Public Security (DPS) arrested six people July 28 for his or her alleged roles in a large-scale catalytic converter theft ring that’s suspected of fencing stolen catalytic converters for the three people charged with murdering HCSO Sheriff’s Workplace Deputy Darren Almendarez.
Authorities additionally executed six federal search warrants at 5 Houston-area residences and one storage facility as a part of the large-scale, multi-agency legal investigation into the organized theft group.
The people arrested pursuant to state arrest warrants for his or her alleged roles within the theft ring had been Jose Martinez, 19; Armando Martinez, 18; Isaac Castillo, 21; Terance Elder, 20; and Armando Martinez Sr., 39; all residents of Houston, and Jose Sanchez, a 21-year-old resident of Dayton, Texas.
“For a lot too lengthy, violent legal networks and arranged theft rings like this have bred chaos and terror in our communities,” stated Mark Dawson, particular agent in command of HSI Houston. “Along with our fellow legislation enforcement companions, HSI Houston is dedicated to deliver each useful resource to bear to vigorously pursue these harmful legal components and won’t relaxation till we are able to restore peace and order for the hard-working and law-abiding residents of Houston.”
“Our group has been more and more affected by some of these crimes,” stated HCSO Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. “I’m grateful for all efforts made to arrest these harmful people. This operation wouldn’t have been successful with out the sturdy collaboration of a number of businesses inside our area.”
“Texas Division of Public Security (DPS) particular brokers and troopers had been happy to play a big function on this advanced investigation of a harmful theft ring,” stated DPS Regional Director Jason Taylor. “In the present day’s arrests display that DPS stays dedicated to leveraging our efforts, so legislation enforcement — working collectively — will proceed to deliver criminals to justice.”
The investigation into the organized theft group has beforehand resulted within the arrest of 1 different particular person and the seizure of greater than $484,000 in bulk forex, one firearm, and narcotics.
Organized theft teams ceaselessly goal catalytic converters for the valuable metals that they include equivalent to palladium, platinum, and rhodium. The valuable metals are extraordinarily beneficial, and a worldwide provide scarcity has created an elevated demand for them additional driving up the worth.
For extra information and data on HSI Houston’s efforts to maintain Southeast Texas communities secure from transnational gangs, organized theft teams and different violent legal exercise observe us on Twitter @HSIHouston.