Vanessa Tarrango, Communicating a Threat Online, Texas 2020

El Paso, TX – In a disturbing display of online vitriol, 25-year-old Vanessa Tarrango is facing federal charges for communicating a threat online, announced U.S. Attorney John F. Bash and FBI Special Agent in Charge Luis M. Quesada, El Paso Division.

The federal complaint alleges that on May 13, 2020, Tarrango posted a threatening message on Facebook, stating, “For the past years or so theres been Walmart shootin that jst keep getting funnuer n funnier immab the nxt one to shoot up Walmart n hopefully one of these x or even my bd will be there Cruel yes but idc more.”

Tarrango’s online rant did not end there. She went on to respond to posted comments, stating, “lmao bitch they act like imam take time out of my day too shoot these dumb ppl idc or heard of im not gunna get a charge for ppl idk” and “Or maybe only time will tell fukk it.”

According to the complaint, Tarrango also tagged a Facebook user in a post stating, “Hoe got scared n reported it shell be the first one I shoot.” She also responded to another Facebook user’s response with, “Idc dude fr they can kiss my ass in jail n ill send them letters sayin there nxt.”

The threats allegedly made by Tarrango were in response to the arrest this week of her friend, Alex Barron, who was arrested on federal firearms charges in connection with an investigation into the alleged posting on a social media application of a photograph of an AR-15 style rifle with a caption stating “…#watchoutwalmartimcoming #droplikeflys….”

Upon conviction, Tarrango faces up to five years in federal prison. She remains in custody at this time. Her initial appearance before a federal magistrate judge is expected to occur next week.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Luis Quesada stated, “Once again our community stepped up in order to protect itself. It takes the help of the entire community and the resources from law enforcement to keep our fellow citizens safe from harm. We thank you.”

Tarrango’s case is being investigated by the FBI, El Paso Police Department, and the Socorro Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ian Hanna is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

A criminal complaint is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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