Chilean Nationals Arrested in Multi-State Criminal Investigation

OXFORD - United States Attorney Scott F. Leary announced today that two Chilean nationals who have overstayed their visas were arrested in Missouri for criminal offenses committed in the Northern District of Mississippi and elsewhere.

These arrests follow an investigation by the Oxford Police Department (OPD) which began after officers responded to a burglary where evidence was retrieved that allowed them to track the suspect's vehicle. Investigators learned that the vehicle was associated with burglaries in Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Missouri and Illinois. Law enforcement was able to locate the vehicle in Missouri where two suspects were arrested.

Fabian Ignacio Navarro-Aliaga, 27, and Marcelo Alejandro Telechea-Droguett, 36, were arrested after a brief pursuit by Howell County sheriff's deputies with the assistance of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Items of investigatory value were recovered from the scene where the arrest was made as well as from the vehicle.

This case was investigated through collaboration of HSI, Howell County, Missouri Sheriff's Office, Missouri Highway Patrol, Oxford Police Department and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Mississippi.

Oxford Police Chief Jeff McCutchen stated, "This case is a testament to what can be accomplished when law enforcement agencies work together toward a common goal. The Oxford Police Department is grateful for the outstanding support provided by Homeland Security Investigations and our other law enforcement partners. Through intelligence sharing, technology, and relentless investigative work, we were able to identify those responsible, recover stolen property, and hold these offenders accountable."

"I am extremely proud of the work done by our deputies and our partner agencies in bringing this situation to a safe conclusion," said Howell County Sheriff Matt Roberts. "This case is a strong example of what happens when criminals try to operate across jurisdictions and underestimate the coordination between local, state, and federal partners. Because of that teamwork, two individuals believed to be responsible for crimes across multiple states are now in custody."

This case is being prosecuted by John Herzog Jr. of the United States Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Mississippi.

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.