21 Arrested in El Paso Gang-Related Drug Trafficking Operation
On Thursday, August 29th, 21 individuals suspected of affiliation with the Chuco Tango street gang were arrested in and around El Paso. The arrests were made on criminal charges related to their alleged involvement in trafficking fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine, and/or unlawful possession of firearms.
The defendants face various federal charges, including conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm by a felon. The indicted individuals are:
- Clarissa Inez Santana
- Daniel Baeza, aka “Racoon”
- Hector Chamorro
- Angel Renee Corral, aka “Happy”
- Antonio “Omar” Gamboa
- Robert Gurrola, aka “Bobby Barker” or “Bobby Baker”
- Ricardo Moreno
- Andrew Solorio, aka “Tokes”
- Adam Vazquez
- Brandon Garcia
- Jacqueline Perez
- Aileen Gonzalez
- Byanka Sambrano
- Thomas Payan
- Steven Kuehn
- Cassandra Page Silva
- Tanya Campechano
- Alejandro Morrill
- Zoilo Romero
- Alexander Rangel
- Zulema Marin
A federal district court judge will determine sentencing based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Four fugitives remain at large: Carlos Flores, Jessica Rodarte, Jonathan Blanco, and Adriel Belmont. Tips can be submitted to the DEA by calling (915) 832-6000 or visiting DEA’s tip submission website, or to the FBI at (915) 832-5000.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas, Acting Special Agent in Charge Britton Boyd for the FBI El Paso Division, and Special Agent in Charge Towanda Thorne-James for the DEA El Paso Division.
The FBI and DEA are leading the investigation with support from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol, Texas Department of Public Safety, El Paso Police Department, El Paso Sheriff’s Office, Socorro Police Department, Horizon Police Department, El Paso Constables, and the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo Tigua Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John Johnston is prosecuting the case.
