Ralph G. Diaz, Special Agent in Charge of the San Antonio Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), whose territory includes the Rio Grande Valley, announced the arrest of Alfonso A. Villareal, age 62. Mr. Diaz stated that Villareal was taken into custody earlier today by members of the FBI's Rio Grande Valley Violent Crimes Task Force (Safe Streets Task Force) in coordination with the Office of The Inspector General, Social Security Administration, United States Border Patrol and the Weslaco, Texas Police Department. Villareal was arrested based on a Federal arrest warrant out of Van Buren County, Michigan charging him with a violation of Title 18, United States Code Section 1073, that is Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution. Mr. Diaz stated that Villareal was also wanted on Michigan State charges for Homicide.

According to Michigan State charges, in 1989 while employed in that state as a migrant worker, Villareal was involved in an altercation which resulted in the shooting death of a fellow migrant worker. After nearly 17 years of flight, Villareal was arrested this morning at a family member's residence in Weslaco, Texas.

Mr. Diaz stated that Villareal is expected to be returned to Michigan to face homicide charges.

Mr. Diaz emphasized that the charges in this matter are merely accusations and Villareal is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.