EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — An arrest in Far East El Paso County revealed that a suspect who claimed he was a “high-ranking cartel member” allegedly threatened sheriff’s deputies during a a traffic stop.
According to court documents, Jon Christian Orozco, 25, is facing charges for obstruction or retaliation after he told two El Paso County sheriff’s deputies “he could place a green light” on both of them, following his arrest on Friday, April 10.
Mugshot of Jon Christian Orozco (El Paso County Sheriff’s Office)
The term “green light” is commonly used within criminal organizations and correctional environments to signify authorization for an individual to be assaulted or killed, according to the deputy who filed the arrest affidavit.
It stated at about 10:45 p.m., deputies pulled over Orozco, the driver of a white Mercedes SUV, for reversing the SUV, which was at a red traffic light.
Orozco allegedly ignored the red light and made an illegal turn at the intersection of Eastlake Boulevard and Rojas Drive.
The deputy noted after turning on the emergency lights, Orozco came to a stop in a parking lot at 12594 Rojas Drive.
The affidavit pointed out that there was one passenger identified as 36-year-old Raymond Jacob Ramirez.
After asking Orozco to exit the SUV, Vergara said he immediately detected a strong odor of alcohol on Orozco’s breath while exhibiting slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and being unsteady, swaying side-to-side.
Orozco admitted to having “a couple of drinks” due to his grandmother’s passing and said the Ramirez had been drinking as well.
Orozco told the deputy he was a “high-ranking cartel member” and claimed he may have a warrant for an attempted murder for threatening the life of a U.S. Marshall.
The deputy said he found that Orozco had lost the normal use of his mental and physical abilities after he failed a standardized field sobriety test.
Orozco was placed under arrest for driving while intoxicated.
The arrest affidavit reported that Orozco made multiple verbal threats towards deputies, stating that they would “enjoy their last weeks” and “it was going to be over.”
He also claimed to have placed “green lights” on other officers from the El Paso Police Department.
The deputy stated he was filing two additional charges for retaliation against Orozco for intentionally and knowingly threatening to harm a public servant.
On April 13, 2026, Orozco was taken into custody again and booked on the additional charges.
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