More than a year after a western Kansas man was arrested in connection to a man’s disappearance and suspected death, he is sentenced to prison.
Oscar Corrales was sentenced to 156 months – 13 years – for engaging in a pattern of racketeering activity. It’s a part of a plea agreement for criminal activity, including murder, distribution of meth and fentanyl, theft and criminal damage to property, the Finney County Attorney Susan Richmeier shared today.
Corrales was engaged in the systematic theft of cars from Finney County and surrounding areas. After, he or his associates, would buy wrecked vehicles with good titles, swap the vehicle identification numbers and sell the vehicles and parts. He was also involved in the theft of other personal property to include tools and electronics, Richmeier shares.
As a part of his criminal activity and to protect property he stole, Corrales murdered Alexander “AJ” Perez. Perez went missing in December 2020. On Dec. 2020, he spoke to a family member saying that he was coming home to wash their clothes. He never made it to that family member’s house in Ulysses, Kan. He had not been heard from since then.
The Finney County Attorney said Corrales killed Perez after accusing him of taking property. Perez’ remains have not been located.
ALEXANDER ‘AJ’ PEREZ
Nickname: A.J., Juice, Alex
Missing from: Ulysses, Kan.
Missing since: Dec. 1, 2020
Age when reported missing: 35
Height: 5’11’’
Weight: 230 pounds
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Brown, but he was known to wear non-prescription blue or green-colored contact lenses.
Distinguishing marks: Perez has a tattoo of a bumblebee on his face underneath his left eye. He also has “Perez” tattooed on one of his arms. Three piercings on left earlobe, usually only wears one earring. Eyebrow piercing, unknown if left or right brow. Usually doesn’t wear a ring in the piercing anymore.
If you have information that could help the case, contact the Grant County Sheriff’s office at (620) 356-3500 or the Kansas Bureau of Investigation at (785) 296-4017. You can also leave an anonymous tip with the KBI by clicking here.
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