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Attention El Paso County Youth – Join Us for an Exciting Explorers Event!
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Attention El Paso County Youth – Join Us for an Exciting Explorers Event!
Sheriff Oscar Ugarte and the El Paso County Sheriff's Office are proud to invite young people to a special event focused on the Explorers Program and building leadership skills! This event is designed for youth who are interested in law enforcement, community service, and exploring future careers in public safety.
This event is a fantastic opportunity for young people to meet our deputies, learn about the Explorers Program, and gain hands-on experience with real law enforcement tools and training. It’s the perfect chance for those interested in making a difference in the community and exploring career possibilities in public safety. Sheriff Oscar Ugarte and the El Paso County Sheriff's Office are excited to meet the next generation of leaders and community heroes!
️ Event Details:
EL PASO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE EXPLORER YOUTH ACADEMY
DATE: March 17th – March 21st
TIME: 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
LOCATION: El Paso County Sheriff's Office Region VIII Academy
12501 Montana Ave. Bldg. B. El Paso TX 79938
#EPCSO #ExplorersProgram #YouthInLawEnforcement #SheriffOscarUgarte #FutureLeaders #CommunityHeroes
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NEWS RELEASE- Gonzalo and Sofia Garcia Elementary Science Fair
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EL PASO, TEXAS – On February 7, 2025, deputies from the Northwest Patrol Station were invited to Gonzalo and Sofia Garcia Elementary School, located at 6550 Westside Drive, to serve as esteemed judges for the school's much-anticipated annual science fair. This engaging event allowed the deputies not only to assess the various projects but also to interact meaningfully with the enthusiastic young students. With the aim of fostering a positive relationship between law enforcement and the community’s youth, the deputies approached the event with open minds and hearts. They circulated through the gymnasium, where colorful displays of student projects filled the space, each demonstrating the students' ingenuity and hard work.
As they engaged with the participants, the deputies took the time to ask questions and offer constructive feedback, celebrating the students' creativity and dedication. They commended the young scientists for their innovative ideas ranging from biology experiments to engineering challenges, reinforcing the importance of curiosity and critical thinking. By providing recognition and encouragement, the deputies aimed to inspire a sense of accomplishment and motivate the students in their future academic endeavors.
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NEWS RELEASE- BURGLARY OF BUILDING- GERARDO MORALES
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BURGLARY OF BUILDING- GERARDO MORALES
February 12, 2025
EL PASO, TEXAS – On February 11th, 2025, Deputies assigned to the Northwest Patrol Station were dispatched to Family Dollar located at 6794 Doniphan Dr, in reference to an alarm. Deputies arrived and noticed the front glass door to be broken. Deputies initiated their preliminary investigation and reviewed surveillance footage. Deputies canvassed the immediate area and located a subject that was wearing the same clothing as depicted in the video surveillance footage. Throughout the investigation it was determined that the damaged caused to the glass door was an estimated $1,200 and stole two Twisted Teas. The subject was identified as 34-year-old Gerardo Morales. The subject was taken into custody and booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility and charged with Burglary of Building and Criminal Mischief >=$750<$2,500 with a total bond of $13,000 dollars.
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PROMOTION CEREMONY ANNOUNCEMENT - Sheriff Oscar Ugarte Invites You to a Promotion Ceremony Honoring EPCSO Personnel
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PROMOTION CEREMONY ANNOUNCEMENT
Sheriff Oscar Ugarte Invites You to a Promotion Ceremony Honoring EPCSO Personnel
El Paso County Sheriff Oscar Ugarte cordially invites all EPCSO personnel to attend a Promotion Ceremony honoring outstanding members of our department for their dedication and service.
Date: Thursday, February 13, 2025
⏰ Time: 1 p.m.
Location: EPCSO HQ (Cafeteria) – 3850 Justice St. El Paso, TX 79938
This ceremony will recognize the achievements of the following individuals as they take on new leadership roles within the department:
Accounting & Communications
- Marisol Lara – Accounting Supervisor
- Leila Melendez – Communications Manager
Bureau of Information & Technology Services (B.I.T.S.)
- Blanca Barraza – B.I.T.S. Manager
Lieutenant Promotions
- Oscar Torres
- Jose Zavala
- Jonathan Sullivan
- Margie Lopez
Sergeant Promotions
- Sergio Gonzalez – Detention Sergeant
- Ricardo Aguilar – Detention Sergeant
- Pedro Ochoa – Detention Sergeant
- Andres Arciniaga – Detention Sergeant
- Josue Mercedes – Detention Sergeant
- Devin Lee – Detention Sergeant
- Jose Aguero – Detention Sergeant
- Yolanda Campos – Detention Sergeant
- Steven Escarsega – Sergeant
- Edgar Valenzuela – Sergeant
- Rene Marin – Sergeant
Floor Control Officer Promotions
- Osvaldo Hernandez
- Gerardo Padilla
- Roman Rubio
- Stephanie Favela
- Danielle Richie
- Christian Delgado
- Oscar Flores
- Luis Garcia
- Hilda Moreno
This ceremony serves as an opportunity to celebrate the hard work and accomplishments of these individuals as they advance in their careers. Please join us in recognizing their commitment to serving the El Paso County community.
For any questions, please contact the Public and Governmental Affairs Director at p.contreras@epcounty.com or 915.538.2223
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NEWS RELEASE- EL PASO COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE SPECIAL TRAFFIC INVESTIGATORS RESPOND TO DWI ACCIDENT INVOLVING CONSTABLE UNIT
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February 10, 2025
EL PASO, TEXAS – On February 8, 2025, at approximately 0244 hours, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office Special Traffic Investigators (STI) responded to a motor vehicle crash in the 5300 block of Railroad Dr, El Paso, TX 79906. The crash involved a marked El Paso County Constable’s Office Patrol Unit from Precinct 1 and a black Audi A4.
The deputy from Precinct 1 was traveling northbound on Railroad Dr., assisting with an ongoing call. The deputy was operating his unit in the #1 lane with emergency lights activated, moving at a slower pace than normal traffic. The driver of the Audi failed to observe the constable unit and collided into the rear of the vehicle, causing heavy rear-end damage to the Constable unit and significant front-end damage to the Audi. The deputy was transported to the University Medical Center for further medical evaluation but has since been released and is doing well.
The driver of the Audi, Kimberly Dominguez, 24, was placed under arrest for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) with a bond set at $2,000. She also had an outstanding warrant for driving with no license, carrying a $375 bond.
Sheriff Oscar Ugarte emphasized the dangers of impaired driving, stating, “This crash underscores the risks that intoxicated drivers pose to law enforcement officers and the public. We remain committed to keeping our roads safe and holding those who drive under the influence accountable.”
The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office urges drivers to make responsible decisions, designate a sober driver, and remain vigilant, especially around emergency vehicles with activated lights. Anyone who witnesses reckless or impaired driving is encouraged to report it immediately.
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NEWS RELEASE- UNAUTHORIZED USE OF MOTOR VEHICLE- TRAVIS JAMES MCNELLIS
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TRAVIS JAMES MCNELLIS FEBRUARY 10, 2025
EL PASO, TEXAS – On February 7, 2025, Deputies from the Northwest Patrol Station conducted a traffic stop at the 7100 block of La Junta Drive. Deputies conducted a wanted persons check and were advised that the driver had an outstanding criminal warrant from the El Paso Police Department for Evading Arrest/Detention. After further investigation, it was determined that the vehicle had been reported stolen by the Las Cruces Police Department. The subject was identified as 32-year-old Travis McNellis. The subject was taken into custody and booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility on the evading arrest warrant and an additional charge for the unauthorized use of motor vehicles with a total bond of $20,000.
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NEWS RELEASE- Sheriff Oscar Ugarte Urges El Paso County Residents to Celebrate Super Bowl Weekend Responsibly: Don’t Drink and Drive
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EL PASO, TEXAS – February 8, 2025 – As Super Bowl weekend approaches, El Paso County Sheriff Oscar Ugarte reminds residents to celebrate responsibly and avoid drinking and driving. “Super Bowl weekend is a time for friends and family to come together, but it’s also one of the most dangerous weekends for drunk driving,” said Sheriff Ugarte. “If you plan on drinking, plan on a safe way home. Don’t put your life or the lives of others at risk.”
Driving while intoxicated (DWI) carries severe consequences in Texas:
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First Offense: A fine up to $2,000, up to 180 days in jail, and a loss of driver’s license for up to a year.
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Second Offense: A fine up to $4,000, up to one year in jail, and a driver’s license suspension for up to two years.
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Third Offense: A fine up to $10,000, between two and ten years in prison, and a driver’s license suspension for up to two years.
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Intoxicated Manslaughter: A second-degree felony carrying a prison sentence of two to 20 years and a fine up to $10,000.
The EPCSO Patrol Division will be out in full force throughout the weekend, actively looking for impaired drivers. To help prevent DWIs, the District Attorney’s Office is offering $20 Uber vouchers to encourage residents to use a safe, sober ride home instead of risking a DWI arrest. “There’s no excuse for driving drunk when there are safe options available,” Sheriff Ugarte added. “Use a designated driver, rideshare, or public transportation—just don’t get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking.”
Residents are encouraged to report suspected drunk drivers by calling 911. Let’s work together to keep our roads safe.
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Most Wanted Fugitives Week of February 7, 2025
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EL PASO, TEXAS – Crime Stoppers of El Paso, Inc., distributes fugitives wanted by our area law enforcement agencies every week through the Most Wanted feature. The attached fugitives are individuals, where attempts in locating them for one reason or another have been unsuccessful. The agencies submit these fugitives to Crime Stoppers of El Paso, Inc., which distributes them to the news media and offers the use of the Crime Stoppers hotline for information regarding the whereabouts of these fugitives. Anyone with information on the location of any of these fugitives should call Crime Stoppers of El Paso immediately at (915) 566-8477 (TIPS) or submit the information on-line at www.cselpaso.org. You will remain anonymous, and if your tip leads to an arrest, you can qualify for a cash reward. Crime Stoppers of El Paso, Inc., is a non-profit organization that brings together the community, law enforcement, and the media to solve crime. To access the Most Wanted page on the Crime Stoppers Website, please use the following link: https://cselpaso.org/this-weeks-most-wanted
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NEWS RELEASE - MENTORING OUR FUTURE PROGRAM- PRESENTATION AT AMERICAS HIGH SCHOOL
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EL PASO, TEXAS – On February 5, 2024, Detectives from the El Paso County Sheriff's Office East Montana Patrol Station (EMPS) delivered a presentation at Americas High School as part of the "Mentoring Our Future Program." This session was specifically requested by students from the school's criminal justice program. During the presentation, students gained valuable insight into the roles and responsibilities of Detectives within the Sheriff’s Office. The Detectives provided an in-depth explanation of investigative procedures and offered a comprehensive overview of the criminal justice system. Students were walked through the entire process, from the moment a call for service is made by the public, to the report initiated by a Deputy, the subsequent investigation led by Detectives, and the eventual court proceedings. Additionally, EMPS-CITRU Detectives engaged with students by offering guidance, answering questions, sharing personal stories, and creating an approachable and informative atmosphere. They also discussed the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office hiring process and gave students an authentic look into the life of a Sheriff’s Deputy. This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to strengthen community ties, support youth outreach, and provide mentorship to aspiring law enforcement professionals.
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NEWS RELEASE - THEFT OF FIREARM - JUAN MANUEL WILSON
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EL PASO, TEXAS - FEBRUARY 6, 2025 - On January 5th, 2025, Deputies from the Northwest Patrol Station were dispatched to the 8800 Block of De Alva Drive in El Paso County, Texas in reference to information on a Burglary of a Vehicle. Throughout the investigation, it was determined that five vehicles in the area had been burglarized. The Northwest Patrol Station Detective and TRU Team conducted several follow-ups in which they were able to positively identify the subject involved through direct fingerprint comparison, such as 47-year-old Juan Manuel Wilson. Additionally, their follow-ups linked Mr. Wilson to other theft occurrences in the area. Mr. Wilson was located and booked into the El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility on charges that included Theft of a Firearm with a $26,000 Bond and two counts of Theft Under $100.
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NEWS RELEASE - EXPLORER POST 2005 TRAINING - Empowering Women Through Strength: Physical Fitness and Resilience Training for a Brighter Future
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EL PASO, TEXAS – On February 5, 2025, Explorer Post 2005, a youth program aimed at introducing young people to the law enforcement profession, hosted a training session at 12501 Montana. The session featured a series of engaging exercises designed to develop both the physical and professional skills of future law enforcement leaders. The day began with a physical training session focused on helping the explorers progress toward their goal of completing "The Murph" workout in its entirety by Memorial Day (May 26, 2025). The explorers participated in a 30-minute workout, performing as many reps as possible (AMRAP), inspired by the El Paso County Sheriff's Office academy staff. After the physical training, the explorers received instruction on the Penal Code, with a special focus on Assault and Assault Family Violence. Following a presentation led by Explorer mentors, the explorers participated in practical scenarios to test their knowledge, officer safety skills, procedures, and other law enforcement-related functions.
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NEWS RELEASE- MISSION RIDGE AREA- THEFT OF PACKAGES AND CRIMINAL MISCHIEF
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EL PASO, TEXAS – FEBRUARY 6, 2025 - On January 30, 2025, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Montana Patrol Station responded to two separate incidents of Criminal Mischief in the 12700 block of Monmouth Ave. in east El Paso County, Texas. In both cases, a juvenile offender, identified by surveillance footage, was seen throwing rocks at residential windows, causing significant damage. The suspect was described as wearing white tennis shoes, khaki pants, and a black hoodie.
Later that same day, the popular local Instagram account “Therealfitfamelpaso” posted videos showing the same juvenile stealing packages in the same area shortly after the window damage was reported. Following an investigation, it was confirmed that the juvenile involved in both incidents was the same individual.
Through a collaborative effort, including public outreach via “Therealfitfamelpaso” and assistance from the Socorro Independent School District Police Department, the juvenile was positively identified. The 14-year-old suspect was charged with Criminal Mischief in two categories: damage of $2,500 to $30,000 and damage between $100 and $750, in connection with the broken windows.
The juvenile offender was taken into custody by deputies and detectives from the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and referred to the El Paso County Juvenile Probation Department. While the victims of the package thefts have yet to come forward, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone who may have been affected by theft or criminal mischief in the area to report their incidents.
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NEWS RELEASE- MENTORING OUR FUTURE PROGRAM HOSTS LUNCH WITH COPS EVENT AT MOUNTAIN VIEW HIGH SCHOOL
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EL PASO, TEXAS – On January 24, 2024, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office (EPCSO) East Montana Patrol Station (EMPS), in partnership with the Narcotics Unit, hosted a "Lunch with Cops" event as part of the ongoing "Mentoring Our Future" program. The event featured insightful presentations from the EMPS Station Commander, Administrative Sergeant, and K9 Deputy, who highlighted the critical functions and responsibilities of the Narcotics Unit within the Sheriff's Office.
In addition to offering a deeper understanding of law enforcement operations, the guest speakers engaged with students by providing valuable guidance, addressing inquiries, and sharing personal stories from their careers. This interactive session created a supportive atmosphere, encouraging students to explore potential law enforcement careers.
The generous donation of lunch and beverages from EMPS further enriched the event, ensuring all attendees enjoyed a meal while engaging in meaningful conversations. This initiative is integral to the EPCSO's commitment to fostering stronger community ties, advancing youth outreach, and nurturing the next generation of law enforcement professionals.
