Mexican Mafia Hitman Captured in Tucson by U.S. Marshals Task Force

TUCSON, Ariz. United States Marshal David Gonzales announced the arrest of Tucson resident Juan Montiel, 44, a known member of the Mexican Mafia street gang. Montiel was captured by U.S. Marshals, the Pima County FIST Unit, and Tucson Police in the 1600 block of East Calle Muleta. Montiel is wanted by the Phoenix Police Department for Conspiracy to Commit 1st Degree Murder, 1st Degree Murder, and Assisting a Criminal Street Gang. The charges stem from the execution style murder of Mexican Mafia member Lorenzo Peralta, 34. In the early morning hours of December 5, 2004, Peralta was shot at 9th Street and Elwood in Phoenix. According to Phoenix Police, Montiel murdered Peralta on the authority of Robert Harvill, a high ranking member of the Mexican Mafia in the Phoenix area. On November 14, 2005, Phoenix Police requested assistance from U.S. Marshals in Phoenix in the apprehension of Montiel. Information developed by U.S. Marshals in Phoenix led investigators to a home in the 1200 block of East Ohio St. in Tucson. At approximately 1:45 this afternoon, surveillance was established at this location. Montiel was seen by officers leaving the home in a dark gray BMW station wagon with two other individuals. Shortly thereafter, marked units of the Tucson Police Department stopped the BMW and Montiel was arrested without incident. Montiel was booked at the Pima County Jail. Also arrested and booked at the Pima County Jail was George Aguilar, 45. Aguilar was wanted on misdemeanor charges in Mesa, Ariz. The third man was released at the scene. Montiel will remain at the Pima County Jail pending extradition proceedings to Maricopa County. U.S. Marshal Gonzales lauded the efforts of all involved in the arrest of Montiel, saying, Information evolved quickly in this case and immediate action was required in both Phoenix and Tucson. The rapid response to this developing information ultimately led to the capture of this dangerous individual.