Vandalized Texas Billboards May be Cartel Threats

by Kristin Tate 23 May 2014, 4:44 PM PDT
breitbart

http://cdn.breitbart.com/mediaserver...llboardjpg.jpg

Two vandalized billboards in El Paso, Texas, have left residents feeling uneasy. The "disturbing" displays may signify cartel threats.

According to local media outlet KHOU, one of the vandalized signs on highway I-10 says "Plata O Plato," which translates into "silver or lead." Reports state that this message is usually meant as a threat to government officials from cartels in Mexico.

The threat typically signifies that a cartel is prepared to use violence if police refuse to cooperate with them.

A mannequin, dressed in a suit and tie, was found hanging from the sign via a noose.

A second vandalized billboard was subsequently discovered on the same highway. This one was originally a sign advertising a $5 million reward from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for turning in Rafael Caro Quintero, a drug lord.

"Dying for drugs," was painted across the billboard, according to KHOU. The DEA sign also sported a hanging mannequin, this one dressed in jeans.

At this time, authorities do not know who is behind the signs; some suspect they may be the work of activists protesting the so-called "war on drugs."

Regardless of the billboards' intentions, local residents are left feeling disturbed. Given that El Paso is located right on the U.S.-Mexican border, many are concerned that the billboards may signify an increasing spill-over of violent cartel-activity into the U.S.

"Maybe the problems in Juarez are coming over here," one El Paso resident told KHOU. "It’s a little terrifying. You wish it didn’t happen to your home town," another added.

According to KHOU, El Paso police said in a statement, "This symbol has historically been used by Mexican drug cartels to threaten or intimidate Mexican citizens, business owners and government officials; however, we have never experienced this in El Paso."

http://www.breitbart.com/Breitbart-T...Cartel-Threats

Pretty spooky, but maybe it will spur some recognition that our border is vulnerable by someone that can take actioin. Let's hope!

Update: Las Vegas man vandalizes El Paso billboards

Updated: Tuesday, May 27 2014, 12:30 PM MDT

http://www.kfoxtv.com/news/features/...-JEAN_5032.jpg

By: Jamel Valencia

EL PASO, Texas - A Las Vegas man has been arrested in connection to the two El Paso billboards that were vandalized.

Ryan Edward Jean, 25, was arrested on Sunday by the El Paso Police Department's Homeland Security unit.

Fingers prints left at the scene led police and FBI investigators to Jean, according to police sergeant Chris Mears.

On May. 22, a mannequin hanging from a rope around its neck that was attached to a billboard in far east El Paso and another in southcentral El Paso were spotted by motorists.

The billboard in far east El Paso had a message in Spanish that read: "Plata-O-Plomo," translated literally means "silver or lead." But the meaning is much deeper "pay or die."

The second billboard on the 5200 block of Gateway East, near Copia Street read "Dying for Drugs," also had a mannequin hanging from the sign in a noose.

Police investigators dusted for prints and followed tire treads.

Investigators discovered that Jean was in El Paso and had plans to fly back to Las Vegas, according Mears.

Jean was arrested at the El Paso International Airport before boarding a plane.

After an interrogation, police believe Jean has no connection to the Mexican drug cartel or movie production.

They believe Jean was making a political statement.

He was booked into the El Paso County Jail on two counts of graffiti, two counts of criminal trespass and one of criminal mischief.

His bond was set at $21,800.

An investigation is still ongoing.

http://www.kfoxtv.com/news/features/...l#.U4TqPPldV6Y

by Kristin Tate 31 May 2014
breitbart

A man from Las Vegas, Nevada admitted to vandalizing two billboards in El Paso, Texas by painting "cartel-style" threats and hanging mannequins from them.

According to Fox News Latino, Ryan Jean was arrested as he attempted to board a plane in El Paso. The man subsequently told police that he altered the billboards as a way to protest the drug war in the U.S.

Breitbart Texas reported on the billboards when they were first discovered on May 23.

One of the vandalized signs on highway I-10 said "Plata o Plomo," which translates into "silver or lead." Reports state that this message is usually meant as a threat to government officials from cartels in Mexico. Prior to Jean's arrest the threat was perceived my many as a message that a cartel was prepared to use violence if police refused to cooperate with them.

A mannequin, dressed in a suit and tie, was found hanging from the sign via a noose.

A second vandalized billboard was subsequently discovered on the same highway. This one was originally a sign advertising a $5 million reward from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for turning in Rafael Caro Quintero, a drug lord.

"Dying for drugs," was painted across the billboard. The DEA sign also sported a hanging mannequin, this one dressed in jeans.

Reports state that the billboards prompted numerous 9-11 calls from concerned citizens in the area.

According to KHOU, El Paso police issued a statement prior to Jean's arrest that said, "This symbol has historically been used by Mexican drug cartels to threaten or intimidate Mexican citizens, business owners and government officials; however, we have never experienced this in El Paso."

Jean was ultimately caught after investigators found his fingerprints on a plastic bag used to create the head of one of the mannequins, according to Fox News Latino.

He faces graffiti, criminal trespassing, and criminal mischief charges.

http://www.breitbart.com/Breitbart-T...xas-Billboards