El Paso, TX – Luis A. Munoz, 57 years old, originally of El Paso, Texas was arrested today after 22 years as a fugitive. Munoz was originally arrested in 1989 by DEA for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine out of the Northern District of Illinois – Chicago Division. In 1990, Munoz, who was on bond during the pendency of his case, was convicted by a jury in Chicago, IL. After his conviction Munoz was allowed to stay on bond until his sentencing hearing. Munoz never showed up for that hearing and has been a fugitive since.

Through their investigation Deputy United States Marshals learned that Munoz was living in Mexico. Deputies were able to obtain a telephone number for Munoz and began to communicate with him. After a lengthy dialogue with Munoz that lasted months, Deputies were able to convince Munoz to surrender himself to the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS). This morning Munoz met Deputies at the Bridge of the America’s port of entry in El Paso, Texas wearing a military uniform which Munoz had established as a condition of his surrender. Munoz, a Vietnam Veteran, had served 4 years in the United States Air Force. It was learned that Munoz had spent the last 22 years traveling throughout Mexico working.

Robert Almonte, the United States Marshal for the Western District of Texas, stated “I’m sure Mr. Munoz felt a sense of relief today. 22 years is a long time to be a fugitive. Other fugitives would do well to follow his example. These warrants never go away, the USMS never stops looking for you and there are legal benefits for surrendering to authorities.”

Additional information about the U.S. Marshals Service can be found at http://www.usmarshals.gov.

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