Houston Police Search for Man Accused of Impersonating Officer and Defrauding Migrants
Houston police are searching for a man accused of impersonating a police officer and defrauding multiple migrants through an elaborate scheme involving a church music group. The suspect, Jose Israel Ruano Ventura, 54, faces felony charges for impersonating a public servant and theft. He allegedly targeted migrants through a Spring Branch church, where he played in the church band and posed as a law enforcement officer.
Pattern of Deception Through Religious Communities
Victims who spoke with KPRC 2 News said Ruano Ventura used his musical talents to gain the congregation’s trust, and then falsely claimed to be a police officer who could help them get their citizenship paperwork. "He gained our trust because he said he was a police officer," one victim said. "The fact that we met him through church made us believe he was trustworthy." Ruano Ventura showed victims photos of himself in police uniform, with a badge, and with a gun, according to court records.
The Alleged Fraud
The alleged fraud targeted victims in different ways. Ruano Ventura approached multiple families with promises to help establish an international traveling music company. He allegedly charged each family approximately $450, claiming he would assist them in obtaining United States visas. "We started rehearsals as a group because we were supposedly going to Great Britain, Canada, and many other places," another victim explained.
Financial and Identity Theft Impact
The scheme’s sophistication extended beyond immediate financial fraud. Victims said they provided Ruano Ventura with comprehensive personal identifying information, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Vehicle titles
- Current address information
- Family member details
Ruano Ventura allegedly claimed these documents were necessary for visa applications before announcing he needed to travel to Mexico to process the paperwork. After collecting both money and personal data, police said he terminated all communication with the victims.
Cross-State Operations
The investigation took an unexpected turn when, after nearly a month of silence, victims said they discovered Ruano Ventura performing music through a Facebook Live stream at another church in California. "We never imagined what kind of person he was," one of the victims said. It’s unclear if other victims have been targeted out of state.
Law Enforcement Response and Community Impact
Court records indicate the known theft amount is near $10,000, but the alleged victims who spoke with KPRC 2 said they believe there are additional victims who have not yet reported. Anyone with information about Ruano Ventura’s whereabouts should contact local law enforcement immediately. Victims of similar schemes are encouraged to report incidents to the Houston Police Department’s Major Offenders Division.
Conclusion
The case of Jose Israel Ruano Ventura serves as a reminder to be cautious of individuals who use deception and manipulation to exploit vulnerable communities. The Houston Police Department’s efforts to bring Ruano Ventura to justice demonstrate their commitment to protecting the city’s residents from fraud and identity theft. As the investigation continues, it is essential for community members to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. By working together, we can prevent similar schemes from targeting innocent individuals and promote a safer and more trustworthy community.
