A 19-year-old Mexican national has been arrested for his alleged role in attempting to export a stolen vehicle, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Angel David Salas-Herrera made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nadia S. Medrano at 10:00 a.m.
The criminal complaint alleges that on May 2, law enforcement observed a Jeep Gladiator in Cameron County that had been reported stolen from Edinburg.
They attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the driver refused to yield, and a chase ensued, according to the charges. It ended as the vehicle allegedly collided near a residence in Brownsville.
Salas-Herrera was the passenger, according to the allegations. During a search of the Gladiator, law enforcement allegedly found multiple key fobs and a device utilised to program them.
The charges allege the Gladiator was intended to be exported to Mexico for the Gulf Cartel. Law enforcement was also able to recover two additional stolen vehicles that were allegedly intended for the same purpose.
Salas-Herrera is charged with the export of stolen motor vehicles. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison. He could also be ordered to pay up to a $250,000 fine.
