ALLEGED GANG MEMBER ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE FELONIES AFTER MONTH LONG INVESTIGATION
By: Sachet A. Sullivan
A man with alleged ties to the “South-Side Sureno” gang was arrested for two separate incidents after a month-long investigation.
Christian Munoz-Renoisa, 33, was arrested and booked into the Iron County Jail on New Year’s Day.
According to court records filed in 5th District Court, agents with the Iron-Garfield-Beaver Narcotics Task Force started investigating Munoz in late November.
The investigation involved an undercover agent who started texting Munoz, pretending to be a 16-year-old female trying to purchase drugs.
Munoz told the agent he didn’t believe the person was only 16 but then said “it was fine,” after he learned ”she” turned 17 in January.
Initially, Munoz was hesitant about the text communication between the two and said he couldn’t get marijuana.
However, Munoz was insistent about meeting the agent and repeatedly tried to court the individual with offers of cooking for her and made statements like “she was beautiful” and “a queen”, the affidavit states.
Munoz also allegedly told the agent that he “loved her beautiful lips and mouth.”
During Christmas week, the agent didn’t contact Munoz at all. Communication resumed after the suspect texted a picture of a marijuana vape pen labeled ‘Sustsauce,’ the affidavit states.
The agent responded to Munoz, telling him “she hadn’t texted him because she was grounded” and asked if “she” could come over and smoke the marijuana pen that night.
Munoz suggested they meet at his sister’s house, who spoke better English and could translate better for them.
Task force agents used this information and applied for a search warrant for the residence.
When authorities arrived at the home Munoz wasn’t there. The family told police he had left after allegedly attacking his friend the day before. According to the affidavit, Munoz had been drunk during the incident and beat his friend so severely he needed multiple stitches on his face.
Munoz was later arrested for aggravated assault charges related to this incident.
Officers conducted a search on Munoz‘ room where they reportedly found a half empty box of .40 caliber bullets and assorted gang clothing.
Prior to the search, investigators received information from one of their informants that Munoz may be part of the Sureno gang, also known as the Mexican Mafia. The family told police, “they didn’t know if he is in a gang, but if he is, it’s the ’South-Side Sureno’ gang.”
The next day, the undercover agent received a text from Munoz asking to have dinner.
Munoz told the agent he would pick “her” up for dinner and Tequila at his home. The agent gave Munoz an address to pick “her” up at.
When Munoz got close to the area, law enforcement had it surrounded. They conducted a high-risk felony stop on his vehicle.
During the interview with authorities, Munoz reportedly told them “he knew the girl was 16” but said “she looked like she was in her mid-20’s.”
Police were able to confirm Munoz’ gang membership by tattoos discovered on his body during the arrest.
Munoz tattoos included a portrait of “Santa Muerte”, the death Saint often worshipped by drug traffickers. He also had a “13” on his chest, which officials consider to be a Sureno tattoo meaning Mexican Mafia.
Munoz is already on probation for earlier charges including driving under the influence and fleeing from Utah Highway Patrol.
He is considered a flight risk due to his ties in Las Vegas and Mexico and is being held on an immigration detainer.
INDIVIDUALS LISTED ON THIS PAGE HAVE BEEN BOOKED INTO IRON COUNTY JAIL AND ARE ACCUSED OF THE FOLLOWING CRIMES BUT ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL AND UNLESS PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.
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