Successful Capture of Escaped TDCJ Inmate Jesus Villarreal in Corpus Christi, Texas

Corpus Christi, TX – On September 08, 2024, escaped inmate Jesus Villarreal was taken into custody by a joint operation involving the Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the U.S. Marshals Service Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Fugitive Task Force (GCVOFTF). Villarreal, who was serving a 63-year sentence for multiple counts of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, had fled from a TDCJ (Texas Department of Criminal Justice) unit in Huntsville, Texas. The GCVOFTF apprehended escapee Villareal in the parking lot of a Walmart in Calallen, Corpus Christi, TX, without incident. Along with Villarreal, Melissa Lozano was arrested for hindering apprehension.

The GCVOFTF quickly responded in Houston, Texas, to assist in Villarreal's capture after he was believed to be traveling towards the Corpus Christi area and potentially heading to Mexico. Villarreal was identified driving a stolen vehicle, members of the GCVOFTF located the vehicle at the Walmart in Calallen, where he was safely apprehended.  Authorities discovered a replica firearm and $1,507 in U.S. currency in his possession.

This successful joint operation involved the U.S. Marshals Service, The Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Texas Department of Public Safety, Nueces County Sheriff's Office, Corpus Christi Police Department, Robstown Police Department, and the San Antonio Police Department.

The U.S. Marshals led Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force with base in Corpus Christi, Texas, is integrated by remarkable agents from Texas Department of Public Safety, Nueces County Sheriff’s Office, Aransas County Sheriff, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Corpus Christi Police Department, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Kleberg County Attorney Office and other partner federal agencies that work together for the protection of our communities.