Couple, accomplices arrested in connection with auto theft ring tied to cartel

HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Five people accused of being involved in an auto theft ring linked to a local cartel were arrested by the Cameron County Sheriff's Office.

Andreina Gonzalez, 36, Benito Martin Loredo, 28, Enrique Rodriguez Hernandez, 22, Jesus Leonardo Cantu Dominguez, 21, and Miguel Angel Zarate, 19, were arrested in connection with at least 20 recent vehicle thefts in the Valley, according to a news release from CCSO.

(Source: Cameron County Sheriff's Office)

Cameron County Sheriff Manuel Treviño revealed during a Friday press conference that Loredo was the auto theft ring leader and that Gonzalez is his wife.

Treviño confirmed that Hernandez, Dominguez, and Zarate were accomplices who would allegedly drive the stolen vehicles to Mexico.

During the investigation, Sheriff's investigators collected evidence to obtain several arrest warrants and search warrants for these individuals, whom they suspect of coordinating, executing, and facilitating multiple vehicle thefts over the past few months.

Inside Loredo's home, deputies found an item used to obtain keys and turn on vehicles, Treviño stated during the conference.

Preliminary evidence showed that the group targeted newer model vehicles at random by using the electronic tool to bypass security systems before taking the stolen vehicles to local cartels in Mexico.

"Probably not the only group that operates in our area... It's just one group," Treviño said.

During the investigation, Sheriff's investigators recovered 20 stolen vehicles, which were returned to their owners, as well as the electronic devices used during the crime.

Four of the five suspects are currently booked at the Carrizalez Rucker Detention Center, some facing multiple charges of theft of a motor vehicle, theft of Firearms, engaging in Organized Criminal Activity, and tampering with physical evidence.

Gonzalez was released on bond.

Additional charges are also pending as the investigation continues.

Investigators are searching for other people accused of being involved with the auto theft ring.

The Cameron County Sheriff's Office wants to remind the public to stay vigilant and take precautionary measures by locking their vehicles and using anti-theft devices.