Mexican national accused of trying to export stolen vehicles for Gulf Cartel

MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Mexican national has been arrested for his alleged role in attempting to drive a stolen vehicle into Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Angel David Salas-Herrera, 19, is set to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nadia S. Medrano Monday morning.

The criminal complaint claimed that on Friday, May 2, police observed a Jeep Gladiator in Cameron County that was reported stolen from Edinburg. Police say they tried to make a traffic stop on the Jeep, but they say the driver refused to yield, and a chase began, according to the charges.

The driver ended up crashing near a home in Brownsville.

The allegations stated Salas-Herrera was the passenger of the Jeep Gladiator. During a search of the Jeep, police say they found multiple key fobs and a device utilized to program them. 

The charges also 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 and could be ordered to pay up to a $250,000 fine.