Crime Stoppers TIP Brings Down Top Houston Gang Fugitive

HOUSTON, TX – Just two days after Crime Stoppers of Houston joined with the FBI and numerous additional local, state and federal law enforcement agencies in support of the Houston Gang Task Force, StopHoustonGangs.org’s recently featured fugitive is in custody thanks to a TIP to Crime Stoppers.

On Wednesday, April 24, 2013, Crime Stoppers Executive Director Rania Mankarious took the podium at a joint press conference with the FBI, Houston Police Department, Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Harris County District Attorney’s office, the US Attorney’s Office and other area law enforcement agencies.  Representatives from the aforementioned agencies joined forces to lend their support to the anti-gang efforts behind the FBI’s StopHoustonGangs.org project.  The website, which has been in operation for two years, features wanted gang fugitives and serves as an educational tool for the community at large.  Wednesday’s press conference celebrated the ongoing success of StopHoustonGangs.org and announced the marriage between Crime Stoppers of Houston and their program.

As of Wednesday, callers to Crime Stoppers’ TIP line 713-222-TIPS were offered up to $5,000 in cash rewards for information leading to the arrest of StopHoustonGangs.org featured fugitives.  At Wednesday’s press conference Director Mankarious announced the profile of this week’s wanted gang fugitive, Gus Matthew Soto.  Soto was charged with the aggravated robbery of a Montgomery County citizen, and was believed to be hiding in the Houston Area.  

On Friday, April 26, 2013, a TIP was received by Crime Stoppers of Houston, and Soto was promptly taken into custody.  Were it not for the marriage of StopHoustonGangs.org and Crime Stoppers of Houston, Soto may have continued to evade authorities and abscond from justice. 

Anyone with information about location of StopHoustonGangs.org featured gang fugitives is asked to contact Crime Stoppers of Houston at (713) 222-TIPS (8477). 

Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for any information called in to the 713-222-TIPS (8477) or submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org  that leads to the filing of felony charges or arrest of gang fugitives and offenders in our jurisdiction.  Tips can also be sent by text message. Text TIP610 plus your tip to CRIMES (274637).  All tipsters remain anonymous.

In Support of Kaufman County Crime Stoppers

Crime Stoppers of Houston stands behind the efforts of our brethren at the Kaufman County District Attorney’s Office and their partners with the Kaufman County Crime Stoppers organization.  While all Crime Stoppers organizations world wide operate independently, faced with a tragedy such as this, we stand united as one. 

In January of 2013, Kaufman County Assistant District Attorney Mark Hasse was gunned down outside of the County Courthouse in a violent attack.  At the time of his death, Hasse was assisting in the prosecution of an arm of the Aryan Brotherhood operating in his jurisdiction.  Months later, Hasse’s boss, District Attorney Mike McLelland and his wife Cynthia were fatally shot in their home. 

While authorities work to piece together the series of attacks in north Texas, Crime Stoppers of Houston applauds the coalition of crime fighters at work in Kaufman County.  Kaufman County Crime Stoppers, who has partnered with the District Attorney’s Office, the Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, has offered up to $100,000 for information that leads to the arrest and indictment of the responsible parties.  In an act of solidarity, Governor Rick Perry matched the reward amount, bringing the total reward to $200,000 for information leading to an arrest.

At a time when crime knows no boundaries, and the crushing grip of organized criminal activity abounds, Crime Stoppers of Houston stands with its community partners in the battle to solve and prevent crime in our own backyard.  Never is that mission more sacred than when protecting the lives of our public servants and peace officers.  Our commitment to public safety grows stronger in light of these unfortunate circumstances and never waivers in the face of tragedy. 

Crime Stoppers of Houston continues to offer its prayers and condolences to the community impacted by these horrific events, and stands along side its law enforcement partners to see to a swift closure of the ongoing investigation. 

We ask that you keep the fallen in your memories, and encourage your support of the efforts of Kaufman County’s law enforcement community.   

Jumpstart to 2013 – Crime Stoppers VIP Reception

Crime Stoppers kicked off the New Year Monday, hosting a group of VIP guests at its headquarters in Midtown, for a reception and guided building tour.  Guests enjoyed delicious appetizers from  Damian’s Cucina Italiana, and beverages generously provided by Faust Distributing.  

Attendees included Harris County Criminal Court Judges, Houston City Council Member Helena Brown, Mayor Pro-Tem Ed Gonzalez, County Commissioner Jack Cagle, FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael Anderson, HPD Chief Charles McClelland, and honored guest Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia. 

Crime Stoppers contributors, friends, and supporters lauded the success of Crime Stoppers, and looked forward to the organization’s future.  The evening highlighted the Capital Campaign to renovate Crime Stoppers’ headquarters at 3001 Main Street.  The headquarters, purchased in 2011, is a 20,000 square foot office space that sits on a full city block..  Once renovated, the building will consolidate Crime Stoppers’ multiple offices and increase productivity for the benefit of community safety.

Crime Stoppers’ Safe School Program was also highlighted. Since 1997, Crime Stoppers has operated in more than 20 school districts to keep kids safe at school. Crime Stoppers looks forward to increasing the impact of this program in 2013, especially in light of recent tragic events in other jurisdictions.

 Crime Stoppers thanked its many supporters from 2012, and recognized many who will be partners in 2013.  To take part in the action, scroll through the photo essay below:

Darrell Whitley and Rocky Mafrige 

Former Council Woman Toni Lawrence and
Houston PoliceChief Charles McClelland 

Board Member Melissa Davis and husband Charles,
The Charles and Melissa Davis Foundation  

 Sheriff Adrian Garcia and Katherine Cabaniss

Harris County Judge Ruben Guerrero and County Commissioner
Jack Cagle