U.S. Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation
In Reply, Please Refer to
File No.
Midland, Texas 79701
December 11, 2006
To: All Area Media
From: Manuel E. Mora
Special Agent in Charge
El Paso Division
Federal Bureau of Investigation
PRESS RELEASE
WAMO TASK FORCE CONDUCTS FIRST OPERATIONS IN MIDLANDCOUNTY
On 12/11/2006, Dereck Lee Riley, age 20, of Midland, Texas, and Jesus Alfredo Reyes, age 21, also of Midland, were arrested by the West Texas Area Major Offenders (WAMO) Task Force. Riley and Reyes have been charged by complaints with federal weapons violations under Title 18, United States Code, Section 922. As part of the same investigation, on 12/07/2006, Alfredo Dorantes, age 29, of Midland, was arrested based upon a federal complaint charging him with the distribution of cocaine.
These individuals, and others, are believed by investigators to compose a criminal enterprise engaged in ongoing criminal activity . Investigation continues to determine if they meet the definition of a criminal street gang under federal statutes and/or are affiliated with a larger criminal enterprise.
This investigation commenced on 11/06/2006, when a search warrant was executed in Midland County. That search warrant resulted in the recovery of marijuana, cocaine, and property stolen from residences in Midland County, the City of Midland, and Martin County. The stolen property included eight firearms.
The WAMO Task Force has been operating in Ector County and the City of Odessa since 10/03/2005. The Midland County Sheriff's Office joined the Task Force in 10/2006. This case represents some of the Task Force's initial efforts in Midland County.
The WAMO Task Force is composed of officers and agents of the Midland County Sheriff's Office, the Ector County Sheriff's Office, the Odessa Police Department, and the FBI.
The individuals named above have only been charged with crimes and should be presumed to be innocent.
WAMO is part of the nationwide Safe Streets Program, which seeks to benefit local communities by reducing violent crime. Through the Safe Streets Program funding has been made available to WAMO to pay for local officer overtime, leased vehicles, specialized equipment, and other expenses.
Any person with information about gang activity is encouraged to contact the WAMO Task Force at 432-570-0255.
Questions regarding this press release should be directed to Supervisory Senior Resident Agent William S. Vanderland at 432-570-0255.