EL PASO – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Special Agents, in collaboration with local law enforcement partners, have arrested 17 people on state charges and other crimes after a nine-month investigation that initially targeted members and associates of the Interstate Mafia/Artistas Asesinos gang.
Charges include engaging in organized criminal activity, manufacturing or delivering a controlled substance, and weapons possession. The ongoing investigation has resulted in the seizure of 15 weapons, various drugs, four vehicles and cash.
DPS Special Agents were assisted by DPS Highway Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and the El Paso Police Department.
The following individuals were arrested and/or charged:
David Rangel, 47, of Lubbock, Texas
Alejandro Montalvo, 33, of Lubbock, Texas
Michael Zamora, 28, of El Paso
Armando Stevens, 39, of El Paso
Raymond Acosta, 32, of El Paso
Dennis Ramos, 47, of El Paso
Jimmy Martinez, 33, of El Paso
Victoria Garcia, 35, of El Paso
Samantha Vasquez, 26, of El Paso
Amanda San Roman, 32, of El Paso
Kassandra Townsley, 23, of El Paso
Nicholas Smith, 41, of El Paso, Texas
Jajaira Alvarado, 30, of Las Cruces, New Mexico
Regina Ybarra, 33, of El Paso
Travis Kellar, 25, of El Paso
Margarita Levario, 48, of El Paso
Noel Taylor, 49, of El Paso
Each has been booked into the El Paso County Jail or was already in custody.
### (DPS-West Texas Region)