DPS Captures 20 Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives in 2015

The Texas Department of Public Safety announced today that out of 29 fugitives sought through the Texas 10 Most Wanted Program, a record-breaking 20 sex offenders were arrested in 2015 by DPS and other agencies. Additionally, $79,000 in rewards was paid for anonymous tips that resulted in arrests last year.

“The Texas 10 Most Wanted Program has proven to be a force multiplier in law enforcement’s efforts to get offenders off the streets and solve crimes—thanks to the tremendous work by local, state and federal law enforcement entities,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “The success of this program also depends on tip information from the public, and we are grateful for the vigilant citizens who continue to take a stand against criminals and sexual predators in their communities.”

DPS stated that the 20 sex offenders are the most ever apprehended in a year for the Texas 10 Most Wanted Program. That number exceeds the previous record of 19 set in 2013. Other notable accomplishments in 2015 include:

• Arrests in 16 of the 29 total apprehensions were the result of tip information provided by anonymous tipsters.
• Three of the fugitives apprehended were sexually violent predators who were currently part of the state’s Civil Commitment Program. (A fourth absconded sexually violent offender committed suicide before being apprehended.)
• Of the fugitives apprehended, two sex offenders were extradited from Mexico, and three fugitives and four sex offenders were extradited from other states.
• Six of the fugitives apprehended were gang members from the following gangs: Texas Mexican Mafia, Crips, Bloods, Raza Unida and Texas Chicano Brotherhood.

For more information on the fugitives captured in 2015, see the captured fugitive archive here.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has declared January as Crime Stoppers Month in Texas. Crime Stoppers programs enable citizens to anonymously report information about crimes for cash rewards, helping put criminals behind bars and assisting in crime reduction efforts. See the entire proclamation at http://gov.texas.gov/files/press-office/CrimeStoppersMonth012016.pdf.

“For more than 30 years, Crime Stoppers programs have provided citizens powerful tools in combatting crimes that disrupt the lives of Texans and endanger communities,” said Gov. Abbott. “Because of the combined efforts of concerned citizens, law enforcement and the media, thousands of crimes have been solved, and I encourage all Texans to join in this effort to make Texas a safer place.”

DPS investigators work with local law enforcement agencies to select fugitives for the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive and Sex Offender lists. To find the current lists, with photos, on the DPS website, visit http://www.dps.texas.gov/texas10mostwanted/.