Texas law enforcement arrested a “most wanted illegal immigrant” on June 13, the second since Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a list of the 10 most wanted in the state.
Victor Hugo Chox Gonzalez, 38, was arrested in Fort Worth by Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) special agents, according to a press release.
Hw was wanted for a sex offense against a minor.
Mr. Gonzalez, a Mexican, was convicted in 2016 of driving while intoxicated with a child under the age of 15 and assaulting a family member. He was then removed from the United States. In 2021, he was arrested for assault and for giving false information and bonded out of jail. In 2023, the Arlington Police Department issued a warrant for his arrest as a sex offender against a minor.
Investigative efforts by the DPS led to his arrest—which wasn’t the result of tip information received through Texas Crime Stoppers, so no reward will be paid.
The DPS stressed that members of the public should not try to apprehend the most wanted fugitives, as they are to be considered armed and dangerous.
On June 5, Mr. Abbott announced the state’s most wanted criminal illegal immigrant list, saying that among the people who cross the border illegally are “dangerous criminals and terrorists who are a threat to the public safety of our state and our nation.”
Also on the most wanted list was Servando Trejo Duran Jr., 62,, who was arrested last week in Baytown, Texas, according to DPS, following a multi-agency fugitive investigation.
Mr. Duran, an illegal immigrant from Mexico, was wanted for homicide and burglary.
DPS considered Mr. Duran “armed and dangerous” and pointed to a lengthy criminal history including homicide, burglary, and tampering with government records.
He had been wanted since March 2023 when the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles issued a warrant for his arrest.
“Texas is prioritizing its efforts in identifying & tracking down these dangerous criminals to ensure the safety & security of the state,” DPS spokesman Lt. Chris Olivarez said in a post on X.
Another two of Texas’s most wanted offenders are also back in custody, according to Texas authorities.
Perci Newman and Louis Keeton were arrested on June 4 and June 6 respectively.
Mr. Newman, 31, has been charged with the sexual assault of a minor, robbery, possession of illegal drugs, unlawful possession of a firearm, driving while intoxicated, and tampering physical evidence with intent to impair.
Mr. Keeton, 40, was arrested and charged for a sexual assault and is allegedly affiliated with the Bloods gang, according to the press release.
Tom Ozimek contributed to this report.