Diplomatic Security Returns A Fugitive Murder Suspect from Mexico

Excerpt

Press Release from Diplomatic Security:Diplomatic Security Returns A Fugitive Murder Suspect from Mexico: Amador Lujan Lomeli Wanted in Texas

Bureau of Diplomatic Security
Washington, DC
December 23, 2008 A special agent from the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service returned a murder suspect to the United States to face trial on Friday, December 5.

The suspect, 32 year-old Amador Lujan Lomeli, is wanted in Texas for a homicide that took place in an Amarillo bar on August 17, 2007.

Based on investigative findings, Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) officials stationed in the U.S. Consulate in Chihuahua provided information on Lomeli’s whereabouts to Mexican authorities. Local authorities then raided Lomeli’s house and took him into custody. DSS officials subsequently obtained copies of Lomeli’s fingerprints and birth certificate to prove his American citizenship to Mexican authorities, and his arrest warrant in order to coordinate his extradition to the United States.

A DSS special agent escorted Lomeli back to the United States on Friday before turning him over to the custody of U.S. Marshals.

Gregory B. Starr, Director of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), stated, “It’s through Diplomatic Security’s relationship and cooperation with foreign law enforcement agencies that this type of action and result can occur. The success of this investigation is a result of DS’ worldwide mission and the critical law enforcement role we play.”

Because the U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service is the most widely represented law enforcement organization in the world, DS’s capability to track and capture fugitives who have fled U.S. jurisdiction to avoid prosecution is unmatched. During 2007, DS assisted in the resolution of 113 international fugitive cases from over 30 different countries.

The Bureau of Diplomatic Security is the U.S. Department of State’s law enforcement and security arm. The special agents, engineers, and security professionals of the Bureau are responsible for the security of 285 U.S. diplomatic missions around the world. In the Untied States, Diplomatic Security personnel protect the U.S. Secretary of State and high-ranking foreign dignitaries and officials visiting the United States, investigate passport and visa fraud, and conduct personnel security investigations. More information about the U.S. Department of State and the Bureau of Diplomatic Security may be obtained at www.state.gov/m/ds.

Contact: Sarah Rosetti
Phone 571-345-2507
Fax 571-345-2527
RosettiSN@state.gov
Released on December 24, 2008