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Border Patrol Agent Jailed On $2.5M Bond In Killings Of 4 Women In Texas

Former U.S. Border Patrol agent Juan David Ortiz, 35, was arrested over the weekend after a fifth woman escaped from a Texas gas station, and flagged down a state trooper.
Former U.S. Border Patrol agent Juan David Ortiz, 35, was arrested over the weekend after a fifth woman escaped from a Texas gas station, and flagged down a state trooper. (SOURCE: Webb County Sheriff's Office)

HOUSTON (CBSLA/AP) — A U.S. Border Patrol supervisor was arrested Saturday on suspicion of murder in the deaths of four sex workers, authorities said.

Juan David Ortiz, 35, was arrested over the weekend after a fifth woman escaped from a Texas gas station, and flagged down a state trooper.

Webb County District Attorney Isidro Alaniz said Ortiz has been charged on suspicion of aggravated assault, unlawful restraint, and four counts of murder.

Alaniz told The Texas Tribune that the four women were killed Sept. 3.

According to the Associated Press, U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued a statement saying that it was fully cooperating with the investigation.

"Our sincerest condolences go out to the victims' family and friends. While it is CBP policy to not comment on the details of an ongoing investigation, criminal action by our employees is not, and will not be tolerated," the agency said.

Ortiz had worked for the agency for 10 years, the wire service reported.

Yesterday it was reported that one of his victims was a male prostitute but on Sunday officials said his victims were all female. That victim was a transgender woman, authorities said, explaining the confusion.

Officials said they believe there could be more victims.

The victims were all shot in the head and left by the side of the road, authorities said. Most were found dead but one was taken to the hospital where she died hours later.

(@Copyright 2018. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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