Three of Texas’ Most Wanted Fugitives Back in Custody

AUSTIN — The Texas Department of Public Safety announced Thursday that three of Texas’ 10 Most Wanted offenders are back in custody following their recent arrests. Juan Huerta, Jesse Vega, and Hayden Abel III were apprehended in separate incidents, bringing relief to authorities who had been diligently pursuing their capture.

Juan Carlos Huerta, 35, was apprehended in Amarillo, Texas, by members of the U.S. Marshals North Texas Fugitive Task Force, assisted by DPS Criminal Investigations Division (CID) Special Agents and the Amarillo Police Department. Huerta, wanted since December 2023 on charges including aggravated sexual assault of a child, burglary, and indecency with a child, had been on the run, evading law enforcement for months.

In a separate operation, Jesse Mario Vega, 37, was captured in San Antonio, Texas, by members of the U.S. Marshals Lone Star Fugitive Task Force, along with DPS CID Special Agents, and a slew of other law enforcement agencies. Vega, with a criminal history including aggravated assault and robbery, had been at large since September 2023, following a parole violation warrant.

Hayden Brince Abel III, 40, affiliated with the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas gang, was apprehended in Ingleside, Texas, by DPS CID Special Agents, Texas Highway Patrol Troopers, and the DPS Region 3 Special Response Team. Abel, a convicted sex offender, had been wanted on probation and registration violation warrants since December 2023.

The arrests were made possible through the collaboration of multiple agencies and the vigilant efforts of law enforcement personnel.

These apprehensions mark a significant victory in the fight against crime in Texas. The Texas Crime Stoppers program, funded by the Governor’s Criminal Justice Division, continues to offer cash rewards for information leading to the capture of fugitives. So far this year, 13 of Texas’ Most Wanted Fugitives and Sex Offenders have been brought to justice.

Members of the public with information on fugitives are urged to contact authorities through Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-252-TIPS (8477), submit a web tip through the DPS website, or submit a Facebook tip. All tips remain anonymous.

DPS reminds the public not to attempt to apprehend these fugitives, as they are considered armed and dangerous.