By Gilda Morales
Besides the obvious effects on health and finances, the current pandemic is also bringing an increase in thefts and drug trafficking to the area. There has been a flurry of arrests recently for theft, mainly of heavy equipment and generators. The arrests include individuals and crimes from Reeves, Hudspeth and Culberson County.
According to Sheriff Oscar Carrillo, on July 15, 2020, local law enforcement received information regarding the alleged theft of a large generator on a trailer in Reeves County on its way to Van Horn. The information resulted in the arrest of 29-year-old Carlos Hernandez from Reeves County, on a charge of felony 3, theft of property. He currently remains in the local jail after failing to post bond. Genaro Corrales Galvadon, 48 years old, also from Reeves County, was also arrested on the same felony charge, but was able to post bond. According to Sheriff Carrillo, because the theft originated in Reeves County, DPS Criminal Investigation Department took over the investigation which appears to be leading to a more widespread theft ring that could involve more local arrests.
On July 24, 2020, local law enforcement arrested three local men on theft of property, state jail felony, value of greater than $2,500 but less than $30,000. The arrests came as a result of warrants issued by the Texas Rangers after a lengthy investigation of the alleged theft of two pieces of equipment belonging to the Town of Van Horn. All three men are free on bond at this time.
On August 4, 2020, another local man was arrested for a felony theft charge stemming from the man allegedly selling property stolen from the Sierra Blanca Independent School District, to another party in a sting operation. He is also free on bond at this time. Sheriff Carrillo issued a warning to any party thinking about buying stolen items–”Buyer Beware. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!”
Sheriff Carrillo reported that on July 22, 2020, his office contacted the U.S. Border Patrol to advise them of the sighting of a suspicious 2010 black Nissan Titan pickup that was behind the Chevron Truck Stop in Van Horn. An Agent conducted an inspection on the vehicle at the site, but the vehicle fled and was stopped later on IH-10 east of Van Horn. The Agent seized a total of 510 pounds of marijuana from the bed, the back seats, and the passenger. The driver, an undocumented alien, was transferred to Alpine DEA and the vehicle was impounded.
