EL PASO, Texas — An employee connected to the El Paso County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office has been arrested after investigators alleged that vehicle records were altered to allow cars to be registered without meeting Texas inspection and emissions requirements.
Jessica Marie Alonzo is facing 10 counts of tampering with governmental records following an investigation by the Enforcement Division of the El Paso County Tax Assessor-Collector’s Office.
According to investigators, the alleged scheme involved changing information in the state vehicle registration system so that vehicles could move through the registration process even though they had not met required inspection or emissions standards. Alonzo allegedly charged a fee for processing the transactions.
The investigation identified more than 380 vehicle transactions that were allegedly altered between July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2026. Some of the vehicles reportedly had no current state inspection record, while others had inspection histories that dated back as far as July 2013.
Investigators also examined financial records associated with Zelle payments. Those records reportedly showed that Alonzo received thousands of dollars, although investigators have not determined that every payment was connected to the alleged vehicle-registration activity.
The case has raised concerns about the accuracy of government records used in the vehicle title and registration process. State inspection requirements are intended to ensure that vehicles meet applicable safety and emissions standards before they are processed through the registration system.
Alonzo was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility and was given a total bond of $50,000.
El Paso County Tax Assessor-Collector Ruben Gonzalez said the office’s responsibility extends beyond processing vehicle paperwork and collecting fees. He emphasized that employees are expected to follow the same laws and procedures that govern the public services they provide.
“Public trust is built on accountability,” Gonzalez said, stressing that transparency becomes particularly important when allegations involve someone working within the office.
The tax office said the investigation is part of its broader effort to protect the integrity of vehicle title and registration records and ensure transactions are handled lawfully.
The allegations against Alonzo remain allegations, and the criminal charges are not a finding of guilt. The case will proceed through the legal system as authorities continue addressing the alleged record alterations and related transactions.
