El Paso Man Sentenced in 4 Year Theft Forgery Case

What Happened

An El Paso man, Alex Montoya, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for multiple thefts, forgery, and tampering with government records. The 34th Judicial District Attorney’s Office and El Paso County Attorney’s Office reported that Montoya, 31, pleaded guilty to nine counts of theft valued between $2,500 and $30,000, three counts of theft valued between $30,000 and $150,000, two counts of forgery of financial instruments, and tampering with a government record. His crimes spanned from 2022 to 2026, involving selling vehicles, land, and mobile homes he didn’t own, and cashing checks with insufficient funds. Prosecutors also noted he admitted guilt in unindicted cases. His previous probation for evading arrest was revoked, with sentences running concurrently. Separately, a 71-year-old man named Mario Esparza Montes was arrested Tuesday morning on two felony warrants for continuous sexual abuse of a child under 14 and indecency with a child by sexual contact. The bonds total $350,000.

Why it matters

The sentencing of Alex Montoya affects victims of his fraud and theft schemes, including elderly individuals he targeted with forged checks and land sales. His crimes, which occurred over four years, have left financial and legal consequences for victims and the El Paso County legal system. Mario Esparza Montes’ arrest for child sexual abuse and indecency charges raises immediate concerns for the safety of children in San Elizario and the county’s ability to secure bonds for his detention. Both cases highlight ongoing legal challenges in El Paso, with Montoya’s sentence running concurrently with his revoked probation and Montes facing potential bond hearings and court proceedings.

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