(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) — The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office (EPSO) announced that in April, deputies participated in a multi-agency operation that resulted in two arrests, convictions, and the seizure of information belonging to more than a hundred victims across the Pikes Peak region.

According to EPSO, the multi-agency operation was a Beat Auto Theft Through Law Enforcement (BATTLE), a specialized initiative targeting complex vehicle-related crimes. At around 3 p.m. on April 8, 2024, deputies attempted a traffic stop on a black Toyota FJ Cruiser with no license plates. EPSO said the driver refused to stop, drove past officers, and was later found to have eluded Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) officers multiple times in recent days.

On April 26, 2024, deputies found the Toyota in the 4000 block of Loomis Avenue near South Academy Boulevard and I-25. The SUV was recovered, and search warrants were executed after investigators found evidence linking the SUV to multiple crimes.

EPSO said deputies seized:

34 grams of methamphetamine

Several pieces of drug paraphernalia, commonly used for distribution

Altered checks

Forged documents

and personal identifying information belonging to more than 120 victims across the Pikes Peak region

Following an investigation by EPSO’s Criminal Intelligence Unit, two suspects were identified: 47-year-old Juanita Martinez and 29-year-old Justin Stroup. Both were arrested on charges of:

Second Degree Motor Vehicle Theft

Second Degree Burglary

Vehicular Eluding

Reckless Driving

Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute

Multiple counts of Forgery and Criminal Possession of Financial Documents

Justin Stroup, Courtesy: El Paso County Sheriff’s Office

Juanita Martinez, Courtesy: El Paso County Sheriff’s Office

On Nov. 20, 2024, Stroup pleaded guilty and was sentenced to four years in the Colorado Department of Corrections. On Sept. 11, 2025, Martinez pleaded guilty and was sentenced to six years in the Colorado Department of Corrections.

“This case demonstrates my unwavering commitment to holding criminals accountable,” said El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal. “Those who prey on our community by stealing property, trafficking dangerous drugs, and exploiting innocent citizens will not find safe harbor in El Paso County. They will be caught, prosecuted, and face the full weight of the law. My deputies and our partners worked tirelessly to deliver justice in this case, and we will continue to dismantle criminal enterprises that threaten the safety and security of our residents.”