Traffic Stop in Rosenberg Leads to $500K Fraud and Drug Bust

ROSENBERG, Texas — What began as a routine traffic stop quickly developed into a major criminal case, ending with three arrests and the recovery of drugs, a prohibited weapon, and evidence of large-scale fraud.

Rosenberg Police Officer J. Manriquez initiated the stop after observing suspicious behavior from the vehicle’s occupants. With help from his K9 partner, Bink, officers were alerted to narcotics inside the car. A search uncovered crystal methamphetamine and mushrooms belonging to the driver, along with a fully loaded, illegally modified handgun capable of automatic fire.

Investigators also discovered extensive evidence of fraud, including stolen driver’s licenses, passports, credit cards, and checks issued to individuals not in the vehicle. Officers seized ledgers containing the full names, addresses, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers of additional victims, as well as tools commonly used to break into residential mailboxes. Victims have been identified in Fort Bend County and across the United States.

The driver, Angel Martinez-Torres, 35, of Richmond, was arrested on two state jail felony charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance. Passenger Ashton Curtis, 36, also of Richmond, was arrested on charges of Fraudulent Use/Possession of Identifying Information 50 or more (first-degree felony), Prohibited Weapon (third-degree felony), and Possession of a Dangerous Drug (Class A misdemeanor). A second passenger, Destiny Petty, 30, of Houston, was arrested on a first-degree felony charge of Fraudulent Use/Possession of Identifying Information 50 or more.

The fraudulent materials and personal identifying information recovered are estimated to exceed $500,000 in value. The Rosenberg Police Department said the investigation remains ongoing as they work with other agencies to ensure justice for the victims and accountability for those involved.