IRVING, Texas — A 31-year-old Irving resident is facing severe felony charges, outstanding misdemeanor warrants, and a federal immigration hold following a series of arrests across North Texas.
Wilber Eduardo Lopez-Santillana, a native and citizen of El Salvador residing in Irving, was taken into custody by the Denton County Sheriff’s Office on September 11, 2026. The arrest stems from a long-outstanding warrant issued by Denton County Criminal Court #2 (Case No. CR-2019-00914-B) after he failed to appear for a scheduled court hearing years prior.
A Years-Long Legal Timeline
The original case dates back to May 27, 2018, when Lopez-Santillana was arrested and charged with Harboring a Runaway Child. Court records show that after posting bond and securing defense representation, formal charges were filed in February 2019.
However, when scheduled to enter a formal plea before Judicial Officer Susan Piel on May 29, 2019, Lopez-Santillana failed to appear in court. Judge Piel subsequently ordered a Judgment Nisi, forfeiting his bail bond, and issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
Multi-County Felony Arrest
The outstanding Denton County warrant surfaced on September 14, 2025, when Grapevine Police arrested Lopez-Santillana on multiple new offenses, including:
- Manufacture or Delivery of a Controlled Substance (Penalty Group 1/1-B, 4g–200g): A first-degree felony in Texas, carrying a potential sentence of 5 to 99 years or life in prison.
- Failure to Identify as a Fugitive (Giving False Information): Class A misdemeanor.
- Resisting Arrest: Class A misdemeanor.
- Active Denton County Warrant: Harboring a Runaway Child / Failure to Appear.
After facing the primary felony drug distribution charges in Tarrant County, Lopez-Santillana was formally transferred to the Denton County Jail on September 11, 2026, to resolve his 2018 misdemeanor case and missed court appearance.
Current Custody Status & ICE Hold
Denton County officials set his bond at $5,500 for the harboring/failure to appear warrant. On July 14, 2026, defense counsel submitted a Request for Time Served on the Denton County docket, seeking credit for the time he spent incarcerated following his Grapevine arrest…