Fugitive Texas Official Captured in Mexico

News for Public Officials

02-19-07

Omar Guerrero is behind bars tonight after Mexican officials captured the Former Texas Hidalgo County District Clerk in Reynosa, Mexico. A warrant was issued for his arrest 2 and a half months ago, but he had been on the run until Mexican State Police turned him over to the Mission police and the FBI.

Guerrero was charged with sexual assault and with retaliation. According to the complaint, he took a 15 year old girl to a party where there was a lot of drugs and alcohol.

He allegedly had sex with the young girl numerous times and the victim claims Omar threatened to harm her and her family.  According to the complaint the victim was afraid to say anything citing his political influence and because she knew he always carried a handgun.

The F.B.I. and Mission Police Department held a press conference last Monday to answer some of the questions on how Guerrero was arrested. Investigators told reporters with KJBT- 4 News that it was the help of the media, posting his picture up constantly that helped capture this wanted fugitive.

"Because the media was putting his face out there and his name, and that he was being sought by the F.B.I. and Mission Police and everybody, what happened was a citizen saw this guy at the convenience store" John Johnson, F.B.I. Special Agent in Charge added.

The F.B.I, got involved in this case because it had two aspects that fell within their highest priorities. "One is, we had a public official who was using his political influence in order to evade prosecution" said John Johnson. But also because it is alleged that Guerrero had a sexual relationship with a minor.

According to Leo Longoria, Mission Police Chief, the involvement of the F.B.I. and Mexican authorities were instrumental in capturing Guerrero.

During the press conference, the F.B.I. said that Guerrero was expelled from Mexico instead of being extradited, simply because he was a person they didn't want in their country.

Johnson said that "Omar was claiming all kinds of things in order to get out of being sent across the border." Since he's been at the Mission city jail Guerrero has had to be taken to the hospital complaining of chest pains.

As expected, a Mission judge deemed Guerrero a flight risk and denied bond.

For more information, please read:

Missing County Official Sought On Sexual Assault Charges

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