HOUSTON — Houston police say they’ve arrested two men accused of using pirated computer software to steal more than 100 vehicles that likely ended up in Mexico.
Authorities say 24-year-old Michael Arce and 22-year-old Jesse Zelaya focused on new Jeep and Dodge vehicles, which attract big money on the black market in Mexico. The men allegedly used a laptop computer to reprogram the targeted vehicles’ electronic security.
Arce’s lawyer didn’t return a message seeking comment Friday. Court records show Zelaya doesn’t yet have an attorney.
Both were arrested last weekend driving a stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee. Police say their months-long investigation was aided by home-surveillance video showing someone with a laptop walking up to a parked Jeep and quickly driving away.
Zelaya has a court appearance Wednesday. Arce is set to appear in court Aug. 26.
