The Horizon City Police Department has uncovered a significant theft scheme involving a UPS driver and an accomplice, drawing considerable attention due to the scale of the operation and the involvement of drugs. On Wednesday, Horizon police announced the arrest of Jason Zubia, 44, and Monica Almanza, 46, who were implicated in the theft of numerous UPS packages. This investigation commenced several months ago after the police received multiple reports of missing and empty packages, prompting a detailed examination of the suspects’ activities.
Discovery of Stolen Packages
Through meticulous surveillance efforts, Horizon police tracked the suspects, eventually identifying them in a lime green Toyota on Darrington Road. Jason Zubia, a UPS driver, was observed meeting Monica Almanza at a business known as Las Banderas. Officers witnessed Zubia retrieving a large black backpack from his UPS truck, which he then handed over to Almanza, who placed it into her vehicle. This backpack was later found to contain several stolen UPS packages. The discovery affirmed the suspicions surrounding the pair and provided concrete evidence of their involvement in the theft scheme.
Further surveillance efforts and a subsequent traffic stop deepened the investigation. Officers observed Almanza retrieving the backpack from her vehicle at her residence, which led to more incriminating discoveries. The unfolding events underscored the systematic nature of the thefts and provided law enforcement with the necessary leads to take decisive action against the perpetrators.
Implication of Drug Activity
When confronted, Almanza denied knowledge of the contents of the backpack, attributing them to her husband. However, a search warrant executed at her residence revealed a more complex scenario. Inside her home, investigators uncovered multiple empty UPS parcels along with various cell phones intended for delivery, adding another layer to the theft operations.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, officers detected the odor of marijuana, which led to a more extensive search. This search uncovered drugs, paraphernalia, weight scales, and substantial quantities of cocaine hidden in a lunchbox and a Ray-Ban sunglasses box. The discovery of drugs alongside stolen packages highlighted the dual nature of the criminal activities undertaken by Zubia and Almanza.
Arrest and Charges
Following the thorough investigation and the discovery of evidence, both suspects were taken into custody. Jason Zubia and Monica Almanza were charged with the theft of property valued between $30,000 and $150,000, possession of a controlled substance (4 to 200 grams), and possession of marijuana (more than 4 ounces but less than 5 pounds). Zubia’s bond was set at $100,000, reflecting the serious nature of his charges, while Almanza’s bond totaled $30,000.
The arrest and subsequent charges against Zubia and Almanza send a strong message about the consequences of engaging in such criminal activities. These charges reflect not only the theft of property but also the possession of substantial quantities of controlled substances, amplifying the severity of their actions.
Encouragement for Public Awareness
Horizon police have urged any additional victims to come forward and contact law enforcement. Sgt. L. Rodriguez can be reached at 915-852-1047 for those who may have more information or believe they have been affected by the theft scheme. This call for public assistance underscores the importance of community involvement in uncovering and addressing crime within the area.
The arrest of Zubia and Almanza highlights the issue of internal theft within delivery services and underscores the lengths to which criminals will go to exploit their access to goods. The coordinated effort between surveillance operations and law enforcement has proven crucial in bringing the perpetrators to justice, emphasizing the need for vigilant oversight within delivery services.
Conclusion
The Horizon City Police Department has discovered a major theft ring involving a UPS driver and an associate, which has gained significant attention due to its scale and the involvement of drugs. On Wednesday, Horizon police announced the arrests of Jason Zubia, 44, and Monica Almanza, 46, who were implicated in the theft of numerous UPS packages. The investigation began several months ago when police started receiving multiple complaints about missing and empty packages, leading to a comprehensive investigation into Zubia and Almanza. Authorities believe Zubia, leveraging his position as a UPS driver, was able to divert packages that were then stolen by the pair, contributing to the large-scale theft operation. The nature of this crime has concerned many residents and raised questions about package security. Horizon police continue to investigate, aiming to determine the full extent of the theft and potential involvement of additional suspects.
