A man from Texas, who allegedly boasted connections to Mexican drug cartels, was detained for the second time on Monday, accused of threatening harm against sheriff’s deputies and their families during his first arrest, according to officials.
Jon Christian Orozco, 25, was initially apprehended on April 10 in El Paso following a traffic stop for reportedly running a red light, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office reported. During the stop, deputies claimed to detect the odor of alcohol, leading to Orozco’s arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence, a second-degree offense.
As he was being taken into custody, Orozco allegedly issued threats to the deputies and their families, warning two officers that he could “place a green light” on them. The phrase “green light” is a term used by criminal groups to authorize an attack or assassination on a target.
“He persisted in making explicit threats, including intentions to track down and injure law enforcement members,” the sheriff’s office explained. “Due to these actions, further charges for obstruction or retaliation were added.”
Jon Christian Orozco, 25, who claimed cartel affiliations, allegedly threatened Texas sheriff’s deputies and their families during an arrest last week. (Kelly Laco/Fox News Digital; El Paso County Sheriff’s Office)
Orozco informed the authorities that he had been drinking to cope with the recent death of his grandmother, as reported by KTSM-TV.
He also allegedly claimed to be a “high-ranking cartel member” and suggested he might have an active warrant for attempted murder involving the life of a U.S. Marshal.
During the arrest, Orozco reportedly told deputies to “enjoy their last weeks” because “it was going to be over,” further claiming he had previously placed “green lights” on El Paso police officers.
Orozco was initially booked into jail on a $12,500 bond.
However, he was arrested again on Monday after a judge found probable cause to issue an additional warrant for obstruction or retaliation regarding threats made against a second deputy. He was booked on a separate $10,000 bond.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the sheriff’s office for further comment.
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