Staff Report
Teens arrested in connection to fraud, stolen vehicles, firearms
A routine traffic stop resulted in the arrest of three teen suspects and the recovery of stolen firearms, stolen vehicles and fraud-related property Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025.
During the stop, Kyle Police Department stated that the suspects admitted to involvement in multiple criminal offenses, including the theft of firearms and the theft of multiple vehicles in the Spicewood area on the night of Tuesday, Dec. 30.
As the investigation continued, officers recovered a significant amount of stolen and fraudulent property, including 14 stolen credit cards, three stolen checks and two driver's licenses, associated with a total of five victims. Officers also located multiple alcohol bottles and a distributable amount of THC vape pens inside the vehicle.
The suspects were identified as Nathaniel Montalvo, 18, of Kyle, Eduardo De Jesus Ramirez, 17, of Austin, and Jorge Sanchez, 17, of Manor.
Montalvo was charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, credit card or debit card abuse, unlawful carrying of a weapon and evading arrest or detention.
Sanchez was charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance, fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, credit card or debit card abuse, unlawful carrying of a weapon and prohibited weapon.
De Jesus Ramirez was charged with engaging in organized criminal activity, credit card or debit card abuse, fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, possession of a controlled substance and unlawful carrying of a weapon.
KPD is assisting the Travis County Sheriff’s Office in its investigation into the incidents that occurred in Spicewood.
Community members are encouraged to take proactive steps to reduce criminal activity, including locking doors, removing valuables, securing firearms and reporting suspicious activity immediately. These actions help protect property, reduce opportunities for crime and keep the community safer.
Kyle police remove dangerous drugs, intoxicated drivers
Multiple arrests were made between Dec. 25, 2025, and Dec. 27, 2025, according to a news release from KPD, resulting in the seizure of dangerous drugs and the removal of intoxicated drivers from the streets.
Four individuals were arrested during three unrelated traffic stops along the IH-35 corridor over the holiday weekend. During each incident, officers discovered a multitude of illegal drugs, including a significant amount of methamphetamine, phencyclidine — commonly referred to as PCP — psilocybin — commonly referred to as magic mushrooms — marijuana, THC wax and vape pens, unprescribed Xanax and sildenafil, as well as drug paraphernalia, such as syringes and pipes. Items consistent with drug distribution, including baggies and digital scales, were also located within the vehicles.
“We are incredibly proud of the work our officers do to get these dangerous drugs off the streets,” said KPD Chief Jeff Barnett. “Their efforts reflect our department’s ongoing commitment to keeping our city safe.”
The four individuals arrested were:
Gary Hesseltine, 55, of San Antonio — Two counts of manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance; two counts of possession of a controlled substance; possession of a dangerous drug; possession of drug paraphernalia; and possession of marijuana.
Andrew Lopez, 25, of Austin — Three counts of manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance; deadly conduct; evading arrest; driving while intoxicated; unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon; unlawful carrying of a weapon by a felon; possession of a dangerous drug; and possession of marijuana.
Jason Dermont, 41, of New Braunfels — Two counts of manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance; evading arrest; driving while intoxicated; failure to identify (fugitive); unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon; unlawful carrying of a weapon by a felon; possession of a controlled substance; and possession of marijuana.
Luis Villarreal, 38, of San Marcos — Two counts of manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance; public intoxication; unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon; unlawful carrying of a weapon by a felon; and possession of marijuana.
KPD urges community members to report potentially intoxicated drivers or suspicious activity immediately to help keep the roadways and community safe for all.
