DPS: 27 of Texas' most wanted fugitives captured in 2019

Law enforcement officers captured 27 of the State of Texas' most wanted fugitives in 2019, including including 14 convicted sex offenders, the Texas Department of Public Safety announced Thursday.

The fugitives were sought through the Texas 10 Most Wanted Program. Ten of the fugitives were located outside Texas and extradited.

DPS said $40,500 in reward money was paid for the anonymous tips that resulted in the arrests.

"Each year, the tips sent into Crime Stoppers from the public help law enforcement take the most dangerous fugitives off our streets. These programs play an integral role in our work to ensure justice is served and that the state of Texas is safe and secure," said Texas Governor Greg Abbott.

Investigators said 10 of the fugitives apprehended were affiliated with gangs, including the Texas Mexican Mafia, Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), Aryan Brotherhood of Texas and the Texas Syndicate.