Bustamante was on paid administrative leave for the U.S. Marshals after being accused of stealing weapons from the department. Between September 15, 2004, and December 20, 2007, Bustamante pawned a 40 caliber gun four times, two Ruger revolvers on two separate dates, binoculars, and three different Remington 870 shotguns on three different dates.

 

When Bustamonte tried to pawn a shotgun at Cash America Pawn, the clerk grew suspicious and notified the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Agents took the weapon and notified the U.S. Marshals. After a full inventory check in El Paso, all of the weapons were recovered and Bustamante pled guilty to the allegations. He was scheduled to appear in court on March 18, but never showed up.

 

Bustamante was a Deputy Marshal for 18 years and a former El Paso Police officer who lived in El Paso with his wife and two children. He was last seen March 17 walking across the border into Mexico. He left his truck running and the lights on, but did not return.

 

The FBI is currently investigating why he was in Juárez. Alhough he was on leave, the case will be tried as an assault on a public officer and he is expected to be buried with full honors.

-Jessica Giffin