El Paso, Texas – Federal prosecutors announced Monday that thirteen people have been indicted for allegedly moving stolen private and rental vehicles from the United States into Mexico for criminal organizations. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Justin Simmons at a press conference held at the U.S. Attorney’s Office in El Paso.
Joint federal effort
The indictment was the result of a coordinated investigation by the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF), which includes agents from Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI and other federal partners. The task force was formed this spring after officials observed a growing pattern of stolen vehicles being shipped across the border.
Details of the alleged scheme
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the stolen vehicles were driven to El Paso and then delivered across the border into Mexico, where they were handed over to Mexican criminal groups. The investigation led to the recovery of 29 vehicles valued at $1,137,000.
Those charged
Two U.S. citizens, Kimberly Aguilar and Marty Gerardo Jr., have been arrested and are currently in state custody. Nine additional U.S. citizens and two Mexican citizens have been federally indicted and are also in custody.
Law‑enforcement response
U.S. Attorney Simmons emphasized that the indictments demonstrate the federal government’s commitment to disrupting cross‑border criminal activity that threatens both American and Mexican communities. He praised the cooperation among federal agencies and local law‑enforcement partners for the swift action.
Impact on the community
El Paso officials noted that the operation helps protect local residents from the ripple effects of vehicle theft and organized crime. The recovered vehicles will be returned to their rightful owners where possible, and the case sends a clear message that illegal trafficking will be pursued aggressively.
The HSTF will continue to monitor and investigate similar criminal networks, urging anyone with information about stolen‑vehicle rings to contact local authorities.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
