For Immediate Release
July 10, 2000

Washington D.C.
FBI National Press Office

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), announces the arrest of Agustin Vasquez-Mendoza, a member of the FBI's "Ten Most Wanted" list, on July 9, 2000 in Mexico. The arrest was conducted by the Procuraduria General De La Republic (PGR) with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) and FBI. This completes a six year search for Vasquez-Mendoza.

Vasquez-Mendoza was charged, along with several other co-defendants, in the 1994 shooting death of DEA Agent, Richard Fass. On July 11, 1994, Vasquez-Mendoza was indicted by a Maricopa County Grand Jury, Phoenix, Arizona, for First Degree Murder, Conspiracy to Commit Armed Robbery, Kidnapping and Attempted Armed Robbery and has been a fugitive since the time of the shooting. On August 2, 1994, a Federal warrant was issued in the District of Arizona, charging him with Unlawful Flight to Avoid Prosecution. Vasquez-Mendoza was placed on the FBI's "Ten Most Wanted" list on August 3, 1996.

The prosecution will be handled by the Maricopa County Attorney's Office, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney's Office. Extradition proceedings will be initiated through a cooperative effort between the U.S. Attorney's Office, Department of Justice and the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.