The FBI on Friday upped the ante for information that leads to the arrest of a man charged with trafficking cocaine.
Herbert Pulgar -- the father of the teen recently in the news over possible gang symbolism in his Chicago vehicle sticker design -- was among 17 known gang and suspected gang members charged four years ago.
Herbert Pulgar, whose last known address was on the 2700 block of West Wilson Avenue, has been the subject of an international manhunt since 2008, said Robert Grant, the Special Agent-in-Charge of Chicago's FBI office.
Pulgar, who posed with guns on his now-private Facebook page, is also wanted by the international law enforcement agency INTERPOL.
The reward for information leading to his arrest now stands at $10,000. Anyone with information as to Pulgar's whereabouts should contact the FBI's Chicago office at 312-421-6700. Due to his criminal record and the nature of the charges against him, Pulgar is to be considered armed and dangerous, the FBI said.
Earlier this week, City Clerk Susana Mendoza axed a controversial winning design for the 2012-13 city sticker, submitted by 15-year-old Herbie Pulgar, saying it could be "misinterpreted" as including gang signs.
The boy and his mother, Jessica Loor, confirmed to NBC Chicago Friday night that the elder Pulgar is the boy's father. They said they haven't seen him in years.
The FBI's announcement, especially its timing, incensed Blake Horwitz, the attorney representing the boy and his mother.
"Why would they do this on a Friday, when there's no chance for rebuttal and exploration? It's just nothing but painful and difficult for the little boy," he said.
FBI spokesman Ross Rice stressed the agency has no interest in the teen.
"We have no involvement with the sticker. We have no interest in anything having to do with the young man," said Rice. "Our only interest is in trying to get the public's help."
Former police Supt. Jody Weis, who now heads the Chicago Crime Commission and who advised Mendoza on her decision, said it's common practice for law enforcement to make use of increased media attention on a topic to highlight other subjects.
"Where are we at as a society when trying to capture a fugitive is somehow viewed in a negative context?" said Weis. "Hopefully it will work in this case."
Herbie Pulgar, a student at Lawrence Hall Youth Services, will still receive the $1,000 bond prize for winning the popular vote in the design.
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