Northern District of Texas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Las Vegas Man Pleads Guilty to Interfering with a Flight CrewRead the Press Release
LUBBOCK, Texas — Jerry Ba Nguyen, 24, of Las Vegas, appeared in federal court today and pleaded guilty, before U.S. Magistrate Judge D. Gordon Bryant, Jr., to interference with flight crew members and attendants, announced U.S Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Nguyen, who has been in custody since his arrest in September 2016, faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing will be set at a later date by U.S. Senior District Judge Sam R. Cummings.
According to plea documents filed in the case, on September 22, 2016 Nguyen was a passenger on American Airlines flight 2542 in route from Ontario, California, to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, which was diverted to Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport, after Nguyen, knowingly interfered and attempted to interfere with the performance of the duties of a flight crew member and flight attendant, lessening their ability to perform their duties, by assaulting and intimidating the flight attendant and flight crew member by refusing to comply with instructions from flight attendants.
Nguyen came to the attention of the flight attendants as the plane was leaving the gate in Ontario, appearing agitated and walking toward the front of the aircraft as it prepared to take off. Flight attendants were able to calm him down, and the plane departed. After takeoff, however, Nguyen’s erratic behavior continued; he mumbled that the SIM card had been stolen from his phone and he made suicidal statements. He also stated that the police were not his friends, and the U.S. government was responsible for the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Nguyen was asked to remain in his seat by the flight crew on multiple occasions, but refused. Flight attendants were so concerned about his behavior that they recruited several passengers to assist with physically restraining Nguyen if it became necessary.
Upon final approach, Nguyen walked to the front of the aircraft and was near the cockpit door. Flight attendants instructed Nguyen numerous times that he needed to be seated for landing, but Nguyen refused to take his seat. Due to Nguyen’s proximity to the cockpit door, the lead flight attendant signaled other passengers to subdue Nguyen.
The Captain declared an emergency and diverted the flight to Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport, where it landed safely. Nguyen was removed from the plane and taken into custody
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Transportation Security Administration, the Lubbock Police Department and the Lubbock International Airport Police Department are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Haag is in charge of the prosecution.
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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Two Dallas Men for Distributing Large Amounts of Heroin in North TexasRead the Press Release
DALLAS — A federal grand jury in Dallas returned an indictment yesterday charging Reyes Alvarez, 32, and Pedro Calixto, 27, both of Dallas, Texas with one count each of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute one kilogram or more of heroin, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
A date and time for their arraignments has not been set yet.
According to documents filed in the case, in January 2017, Alvarez and Calixto worked together to distribute large amounts of heroin in the Dallas area.
Specifically, on January 26, 2017, the investigation revealed Alvarez and Calixto drove to a gym, and while en route, Calixto received a call asking if he could sell a kilogram of heroin. Following several calls, Calixto agreed to deliver a kilogram of heroin. Calixto and Alvarez left the gymnasium and returned to an apartment at Kiest and Polk. A short time later, the two left the apartment and drove south toward the area of Red Bird Lane and South Polk Street. A Dallas County Sheriff’s Deputy stopped the vehicle occupied by Alvarez and Calixto for having an expired buyer’s license plate. Alvarez presented a fraudulent California Driver’s license, and the officer noted that the vehicle smelled of freshly burnt marijuana. The officers asked Alvarez and Calixto to step out of the vehicle. Officers searched the vehicle and found a kilogram of heroin under the passenger seat where Calixto had been seating. A field test of the heroin yielded a positive result for the presence of heroin.
A federal indictment is an accusation by a federal grand jury, and a defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty. If convicted, however, each count in the indictment carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and 10,000,000 fine.
The matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Dallas Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanna Etessam is in charge of the prosecution.
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Texas Syndicate Member Sentenced to More Than 27 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Methamphetamine, Cocaine and Marijuana Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
LUBBOCK, Texas — Christopher Lee Gonzalez, aka “Gonzo,” 43, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Sam R. Cummings to 327 months in federal prison, following his guilty plea in October 2016 to his role in a methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana distribution conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Twelve individuals were arrested and charged with similar federal offenses, stemming from their respective roles in a drug distribution conspiracy that operated in West Texas. Of those arrested, each defendant has pled guilty. Two defendants remain fugitives.
According to plea documents filed in the case, on October 4, 2015, Gonzales distributed and possessed with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The investigation revealed that late that morning, Gonzalez and co-conspirator Jasmine Pilar Hernandez traded multiple calls and text messages discussing a drug transaction that was going to occur later that day. At approximately 10:10 a.m., Hernandez told Gonzales that “the old man that brings it ... was on his way.” The “old man that brings it” was subsequently identified as co-defendant Belizario Salas-Avenado. Salas remains a fugitive.
Agents established surveillance on Salas’ residence located in Levelland, Texas. At approximately 1:30 p.m., a 2001 Chevrolet Suburban left the residence and traveled to the United Supermarket in Levelland, Texas. Salas purchased a box of Gain laundry detergent and a six pack of beer. Salas then returned to his residence.
At approximately 3:13 p.m., Hernandez told Gonzales, “In 25 minutes, he’ll be here.” Agents observed Salas and two unknown males leave Salas’ residence in the 2001 Chevrolet Suburban and head toward Lubbock, Texas. At approximately 3:30 p.m., a Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper stopped the 2001 Chevrolet Suburban, driven by Salas for traffic violations. Salas was arrested for no driver’s license. Salas stated that the two passengers where his nephews. The rear seat passenger was seated next to a white laundry basket and a box of Gain detergent which appeared to have been tampered with. When the trooper opened the box of detergent, a white plastic bag, containing a crystal-like substance was partially concealed in the detergent.
At approximately 4:05 p.m., Gonzales told Hernandez, “call me when they get there and I’ll go by.” At approximately 4:41 p.m., Hernandez indicated she had tried to call “them people ... twice.” At approximately 8:30 p.m., Gonzales advised Hernandez, “They got um,” referring to the arrest of Salas.
On October 5, 2015, Gonzales instructed Hernandez, “Do not tell nobody... about them getting caught....” “If they asked what happened ... that you still haven’t got nothing. That they ran out or something, you know. Don't tell them that they got caught up, man.”
The Texas Department of Public Safety and the DEA investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Juanita Fielden and Sean Long prosecuted.
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San Angelo Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Role in Conspiracy to Distribute MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
LUBBOCK, Texas — This morning, Senior U.S. District Judge Sam R. Cummings sentenced Richard Jasso, 39, of San Angelo, Texas, to life in federal prison, following a federal jury conviction on one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams of more of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
The government filed a notice of enhancement because Jasso has two previous “felony drug offenses.” The Court found those convictions were final and valid, then, by statute, the Court imposed a life sentence, without parole.
Jasso was convicted at trial in November 2016 and has been in custody since his arrest on July 13, 2016. Twelve defendants were charged in an indictment, most from the San Angelo area, and were arrested in a joint Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the San Angelo Police Department. The indictment charged various felony offenses stemming from their respective roles in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy that operated in San Angelo.
The government presented evidence at trial that Jasso delivered 54 net grams of pure methamphetamine to an individual working at the direction of the Drug Enforcement Administration. The buy took place in San Angelo.
With Jasso’s sentence, all 12 defendants charged in the indictment have been sentenced to the following federal prison sentences:
Rudolfo Ledesma Castaneda, Jr., 31, 360 months
Nancy Ann Flores, 41, 15 months
Adam Gabriel Castaneda, 30, 10 years
Daniel Roy Lombrana, 29, 87 months
Jesse Huerra, 31, Life
Antonio N. Flores, 52, 70 months
Bruno Rudolfo Velasquez, 32, 60 months
Joe Lopez, III, 33, 125 months
Jose G. Montez, 38, 151 months
Shayna Kaye McCann, 24, 10 monthsThe charges were dismissed against Silvia Prado, 36, of Austin, Texas.
The DEA, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Texas Department of Public Safety and the San Angelo Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Haag prosecuted.
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Lubbock Methamphetamine Traffickers SentencedRead the Press Release
LUBBOCK — Two Lubbock residents who pleaded guilty to methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy charges were sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Sam R. Cummings, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Jonathan Lovato, 34, was sentenced to two 480-month sentences in federal prison, to run concurrently, and Crystal Ann Alaniz, 33, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison. Each pleaded guilty in November 2016 to one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting. Lovato pleaded guilty to an additional charge of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and aiding and abetting.
Co-defendants Arleen Theres Keithley, 36, Juan Carlos Lara-Ochoa, 24, and Jose Alberto Cibrian, 41, pleaded guilty to their roles in the conspiracy and are awaiting sentencing.
According to the factual resume filed in the case, on March 17, 2016, officers with the Lubbock Police Department conducted an undercover narcotics purchase from a hotel room in Lubbock and were watching the room to monitor traffic to and from the location while a search warrant was obtained. During this surveillance, officers saw the main target of the investigation, Lovato, arrive in a silver sedan and begin to take items from the hotel room. Lovato attempted to leave the hotel in his vehicle and, when officers tried to detain him, he sped away. He evaded officers for several blocks, driving in excess of the speed limit, against oncoming traffic, and through several traffic-controlled intersections without observing the traffic signals. Lovato’s vehicle was stopped when he struck several other vehicles as he drove against oncoming traffic into a busy street intersection. One of the individuals in a vehicle he struck sustained life-threatening injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
As officers approached Lovato’s vehicle, they discovered he had a 9mm caliber pistol in his waistband. A package containing a substance, later verified as 118.13 grams of methamphetamine, was found in the glove box and five cell phones were found throughout the vehicle. Lovato admitted he possessed the firearm and admitted to selling methamphetamine.
According to documents filed in the case, on April 30, 2016, a trooper with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) stopped a vehicle in Lubbock for traffic violations. Keithley was the driver; Alaniz was the passenger. Keithley was arrested for driving with an invalid license, and Alaniz, who had several outstanding warrants, was also placed under arrest.
Both Keithley and Alaniz were placed in the trooper’s vehicle. The in-car video recording system captured Keithley maneuver her hands—while handcuffed—to her left breast area and force a substance in a plastic bag out of her bra. Keithley then used her teeth to remove the item from her bra and toss it to the back seat area where Alaniz was seated. Alaniz hid the item in her pants. Both women were transported to the Lubbock County Detention Center. When asked if either was in possession of any contraband, Alaniz initially stated, “no,” before admitting “I have stuff on me.” Alaniz was searched and two plastic bags containing suspected methamphetamine were found in her pants. Alaniz was also in possession of two plastic bags that contained several smaller plastic bags with markings consistent with narcotics trafficking.
The Texas DPS Crime Lab determined that the suspected methamphetamine was in fact methamphetamine, and it weighed a total of 54.93 grams.
The Lubbock Police Department, the Littlefield Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Long prosecuted.
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Texas Return Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
WASHINGTON – A Texas resident was sentenced to serve 22 months in prison today for preparing false tax returns, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney John R. Parker for the Northern District of Texas.
According to documents filed with the court, Lourdes Ramirez, a Mexico national unlawfully residing in the United States, operated TX ASAP Tax Services and Fiesta Tax Service located in Greenville. From 2011 through 2014, Ramirez prepared approximately 1,163 federal tax returns that included fraudulent business income, losses, credits and deductions and sought refunds to which her clients were not entitled. Ramirez intended to cause a tax loss of approximately $1,155,383.
In addition to the term of prison imposed, Ramirez was ordered to serve one year of supervised release and to pay $128,958.85 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by District Judge Ed Kinkeade. Judge Kinkeade also ordered Ramirez removed from the United States to Mexico following her sentence.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and U.S. Attorney Parker commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Alexander Effendi and Melanie Smith of the Tax Division, who prosecuted the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
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Texas Return Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Filing False Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
A Texas resident was sentenced to serve 22 months in prison today for preparing false tax returns, announced Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney John R. Parker for the Northern District of Texas.
According to documents filed with the court, Lourdes Ramirez, a Mexico national unlawfully residing in the United States, operated TX ASAP Tax Services and Fiesta Tax Service located in Greenville. From 2011 through 2014, Ramirez prepared approximately 1,163 federal tax returns that included fraudulent business income, losses, credits and deductions and sought refunds to which her clients were not entitled. Ramirez intended to cause a tax loss of approximately $1,155,383.
In addition to the term of prison imposed, Ramirez was ordered to serve one year of supervised release and to pay $128,958.85 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by District Judge Ed Kinkeade. Judge Kinkeade also ordered Ramirez removed from the United States to Mexico following her sentence.
Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Goldberg and U.S. Attorney Parker commended special agents of IRS-Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys Alexander Effendi and Melanie Smith of the Tax Division, who prosecuted the case.
Additional information about the Tax Division and its enforcement efforts may be found on the division’s website.
Desoto Man Arrested for Distributing Kilogram Quantities of Heroin in Dallas MetroplexRead the Press Release
DALLAS, Texas — Jose Luis Martinez-Martinez, 41, of Desoto, Texas, made his initial appearance last week before U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul D. Stickney on a complaint, unsealed today, charging possession with intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Judge Stickney ordered that Martinez remain in federal custody. A preliminary hearing will be set at a later date.
According to the affidavit filed with the criminal complaint, the investigation began when the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) received information that Martinez-Martinez was involved in the distribution of kilogram quantities of heroin in the Dallas metroplex. An undercover officer contacted Martinez-Martinez by cellular phone and placed an order for three kilograms of heroin. Martinez-Martinez agreed to supply the officer with the three kilograms of heroin and they agreed to meet at Flying J Truck stop located at 7425 Bonnie View Road, Dallas, Texas. Dallas County Sherriff’s officers performed a traffic stop on Martinez-Martinez as he arrived at the Flying J Truck stop. During the traffic stop officers observed a small gift style bag with an open top sitting in the front right passenger seat. Also observed in plain view was a black tar like substance inside the bag believed to be heroin. Martinez-Martinez was then placed under arrest. During an interview, Martinez-Martinez stated that he had an additional 2.5 kilograms of heroin concealed at his residence located at Desoto, Texas. During a search of the residence investigators recovered an additional 3,042.3 grams of heroin.
A federal criminal complaint is a written statement of the essential facts of the offense charged, and must be made under oath before a magistrate judge. A defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. The U.S. Attorney’s office has 30 days to present the matter to a grand jury for indictment. The penalty for the charged offense is not less than 10 years or up to life in federal prison and a $10 million fine.
The matter is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachael Jones is in charge of the prosecution.
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Dallas Man Sentenced to 188 Months in Federal Prison on Federal Child Pornography ConvictionRead the Press Release
DALLAS — A 31-year-old Dallas, Texas, man, Rafael Almeida Zapata, who pleaded guilty in August 2016 to one count of transporting and shipping child pornography, was sentenced this morning by U.S. District Judge Sidney A. Fitzwater to 188 months in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
According to documents filed in the case, in June 2015, Dallas Police Department executed a search warrant at the residence of Zapata in Dallas, Texas. Officers showed Zapata still images of a child pornography video downloaded from an IP address through the ARES peer-to-peer file sharing program. The IP address was linked to Zapata and he admitted that he recognized the still images from a child pornography video he downloaded through ARES. Zapata also admits to possessing more than 600 images of child pornography, some of the images depicted sadistic and masochistic content involving children.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative, which was launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/. For more information about internet safety education, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/ and click on the tab “resources.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Dallas Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Camille Sparks prosecuted.
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Fort Worth Man Sentenced to 50 Years in Federal Prison for Producing, Transporting and Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
FORT WORTH, Texas —Pedro Jose Meza, 35, of Fort Worth, Texas, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Terry R. Means to serve a total of 50 years in federal prison and a lifetime of supervised release, following his guilty plea to two child pornography offenses, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Meza has been in custody since his arrest on a related federal criminal complaint in early November 2015. He pleaded guilty in July 2016 to one count of production of child pornography and one count of distribution of child pornography.
According to the factual resume filed in the case, in June 2014 Meza knowingly did employ, use, persuade and induce a six-year-old minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of the conduct. Meza produced the image at a Fort Worth home he was living at with the minor child and her mother.
On a separate occasion in October 2015 Meza used the internet and the Kik messaging application to distribute a one minute, thirty-one second video of an adult male engaging in sexual intercourse with a prepubescent female.
Meza was approached at his work in Fort Worth, Texas by Homeland Security Investigations agents on November 5, 2015 in connection with a child pornography investigation. Meza acknowledged that he had traded child pornography using Kik messaging.
These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/. For more information about internet safety education, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/ and click on the tab “resources.”
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aisha Saleem prosecuted the case.
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Career Offender Bank Robber Sentenced to 262 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
DALLAS — Noah Bradley Lester, 64, of Farmers Branch, Texas was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jane Boyle to serve a total of 262 months in federal prison, following his guilty plea in April 2016 to two counts of bank robbery, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
According to documents filed in the case, on April 17, 2015 Lester entered the BB&T Bank located at 3550 Forest Lane in Dallas, Texas, wrote a demand note then left the bank when approached by bank personnel, leaving the note behind. Lester next entered the Capital One Bank located at 2903 Forest Lane, Dallas, Texas. Lester handed the teller a note demanding money and then lifted his shirt so the teller could see an airsoft pistol in his waistband. The teller, scared and in fear for her life, complied with the demand and provided Lester with cash. After securing the money, Lester left the bank. He was arrested later that same day as he arrived home.
Lester also pleaded guilty in 1993 in the Northern District of Texas to one count of bank robbery and was sentenced in August 1993 to serve 300 months in federal prison. At the time of these April 2015 bank robberies, Lester was on supervised release on that offense. Today, Judge Boyle sentenced Lester to 262 months on the bank robbery offenses and 36 months for violating his supervised release, to be served concurrently.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Robinson was in charge of the prosecution.
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Lubbock Fentanyl Distributor Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
LUBBOCK, Texas — Sidney Caleb Lanier, 36, of Lubbock, Texas, pleaded guilty this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge D. Gordon Bryant Jr. to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Lanier faces a statutory sentence of not more than 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine. Judge Bryant recommended that the district court accept Lanier’s guilty plea. If the district court accepts the plea, it will order a presentence investigation report with a sentencing date to be set after the completion of the report. Lanier has been in custody since his arrest in October 2016 following a law enforcement operation led by Lubbock Police Department and special agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration focused on the distribution in the Lubbock area of the highly potent synthetic opioid, fentanyl. Fentanyl is responsible for a sharp increase in opioid deaths across the U.S. It poses a high risk of death not only to users, but also to law enforcement personnel.
While fentanyl can serve as a direct substitute for heroin in opioid-dependent individuals, it is a dangerous substitute as it is 50 times more potent than heroin and results in frequent overdoses that can lead to respiratory depression and death. Cheaper than heroin, fentanyl can be ingested, inhaled or absorbed through the skin; just a few milligrams, equivalent to a few grains of table salt, may be deadly.
Two additional defendants charged in the case, Jessica Christine Holl, 28, and Jamie Marie Robertson, 32, are scheduled for trial on April 3, 2017.
According to documents filed in this case, from approximately January 2013 to October 27, 2016 on Lanier, Holl, and Robertson did knowingly and intentionally combine, conspire, confederate and agree with each other and with persons known and unknown to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance. Lanier admits to supplying Holl and Robertson with large amounts of Fentanyl he purchased online on the Darknet from China using Bitcoin, a digital currency. The Fentanyl was shipped to various addresses in the Lubbock area, prepared by the defendants and sold for use.
The case is being investigated by the Lubbock Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Haag is in charge of the prosecution.
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Federal Jury Finds Dallas Man Guilty of Child Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
DALLAS — Following a three-day trial before U.S. District Judge David C. Godbey, a federal jury has convicted Martavious Detrel Banks Keys, 33, on felony child sex trafficking offenses, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Specifically, the jury convicted Keys, a/k/a “Cheese” and “Matt,” on two counts of child sex trafficking and one count of sex trafficking through force, fraud or coercion. Keys faces a statutory penalty of not less than 15 years and up to life in federal prison, and up to a lifetime of supervised release. He must also register as a lifetime sex offender. Sentencing is set for June 5, 2017 before Judge Godbey.
According to documents filed in his case, from approximately March 15, 2015, through April 18, 2015, Keys recruited, enticed, harbored, transported, provided, obtained or maintained two minor females, 15-year-old Jane Doe 1 and 14-year-old Jane Doe 2, causing them to engage in commercial sex acts. In addition, he used force, fraud or coercion to cause Jane Doe 1 to engage in commercial sex acts.
Specifically, Keys placed commercial sex advertisements on Backpage.com for Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2. As a result of the Backpage advertisements, the two minor females engaged in numerous commercial sex acts at Keys’ direction. Keys would negotiate with “clients” over text messages pretending to be the minor females. Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2 worked out of Keys’ residence. In addition, Jane Doe 1 also saw commercial sex clients at various hotels in the Dallas area. Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2 engaged in numerous sex acts a day, sometimes even up to sixteen per day. Keys, who was unemployed, kept all of the proceeds from the commercial sex acts; purchasing various items with the money, including a Chevrolet Tahoe with aftermarket rims.
Keys sexually assaulted and physically assaulted both Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2 during the ordeal. In addition, he threatened Jane Doe 1 with a gun, and threatened both girls with harm if they did not continue to engage in commercial sex acts.
Members of the North Texas Trafficking Taskforce, including the Mesquite Police Department, Department of Public Safety (Garland), Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and Child Protective Services investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cara Foos Pierce and Myria Boehm prosecuted the case.
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Colleyville Businessman Pleads Guilty to Mail Fraud Stemming from Ponzi Oil and Gas Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
FORT WORTH, Texas — James VanBlaricum, 77, of Colleyville, Texas, appeared in federal court this morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey L. Cureton and pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
VanBlaricum, who operated Signal Oil and Gas Company (SOG) and Texas Energy Management, which later became Texas Energy Mutual (TEM), has been in custody since his arrest in mid-August 2016. Sentencing is set for June 13, 2017.
According to plea documents, VanBlaricum formed SOG and TEM, ostensibly for the purpose of investing in mineral leases, and oil and gas production and earning a profit from those investments. VanBlaricum ran the fraud scheme from approximately January 2007 to August 2016, from office locations in Grapevine, Texas and Bedford, Texas, as well as from his residence and home office located in Colleyville, Texas where many of the acts and transactions alleged in the indictment took place. VanBlaricum raised millions of dollars from investors by various means, including selling securities in the form of joint ventures in “programs” offered by SOG and TEM.
VanBlaricum employed sales agents who worked on his behalf to raise money, by selling limited partnership interests in these “programs” offered by SOG and TEM. Both personally and through investors, VanBlaricum deceived investors and potential investors by misrepresenting material facts. For example, he represented that investors would earn an “assured” rate of return on their initial investment, and they would receive a full refund of their initial investment amount after a defined period of time. He also represented that he intended to use a certain percentage of investors’ money to purchase mineral leases, and oil and gas well projects, when in fact, he intended to spend a substantially smaller percentage on the leases and oil and gas well projects and use a substantial part of investors’ money for purposes they did not authorize or even know about, including paying purported investment returns to other investors, commissions to sales agents, and paying his personal expenses as well as personal expenses for family members, friends, and business associates.
VanBlaricum also represented that he had purchased certain assets, or was in the process of purchasing them, when in fact, he had not purchased the assets and was not in the process of purchasing them. He also represented that the oil and gas well projects were productive and profitable, when in fact, most were “dry holes,” produced oil for a short period of time, or had not been drilled.
When VanBlaricum made promises about the use of investor funds, he failed to state that he had made the same promises to other investors and then used those investors’ funds for purposes they did not authorize or even know about, including paying purported investment returns to other investors, commissions to sales agents, and payment of personal expenses for VanBlaricum and his family, friends, and business associates.
VanBlaricum, according to plea documents, identified himself to investors using a false name. VanBlaricum deposited investors’ funds into, and withdrew and expended investors’ funds, from accounts he controlled in the names of entities he controlled. He caused funds to be transferred to, withdrawn from, and deposited into various accounts to create the appearance of business operations and revenue that he knew did not exist. He also caused “lulling” payments to be paid to investors, ostensibly as returns on investment, when he knew the funds came from other investors rather than from business operations.
VanBlaricum secretly, and without authorization, took and spend money entrusted to him by investors for advertising; vacations and international travel; rent payments; automobile purchases; and payroll and commissions for employees and sales agents.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service with assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas A. Allen is in charge of the prosecution.
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Dallas Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison after Pleading Guilty to Felony Offense Stemming from his Work with FAIM Economic Development CorporationRead the Press Release
DALLAS — Kevin Kenard Howard of Dallas, Texas, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Jane J. Boyle to serve 30 months in federal prison and pay $1,850,000 in restitution following his guilty plea in May 2016 to a felony offense stemming from his work with co-defendant Ellis Wamsley, IV and the FAIM Economic Development Corporation, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Specifically, Howard, 34, pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and aiding and abetting. Judge Boyle ordered that he surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on April 26, 2017.
Co-defendant Wamsley, 47, of Grand Prairie, Texas, pleaded guilty in May 2016 to one count of engaging in a monetary transaction with property derived from specified unlawful activity and aiding and abetting and. Wamsley was sentenced to 54 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $1,850,000 in restitution in October 2016.
According to documents filed in the case, Wamsley formed FAIM in 2003, and in 2010, as its CEO, hired Howard to work as a financial consultant to assist in recruiting investors for FAIM. In summer 2010, while trying to recruit these investors to supply additional cash revenue for FAIM, Howard and Wamsley recruited “M.R.,” the owner/operator of “Company R,” in Flower Mound, Texas. They advised M.R. that a proposed joint venture between FAIM and Company R would generate funding for FAIM economic development projects in the southern sector of Dallas and throughout the U.S.
In August 2010, M.R. wired $2 million to a FAIM brokerage account at Charles Schwab. Approximately one month later, Wamsley transferred $1,791,703 in Company R’s investment funds from that account to a FAIM Merrill Lynch brokerage account that he had established and to which M.R. did not have access.
Wamsley told Howard that Howard would be FAIM’s primary point of contact with M.R. After the first few trades, the joint venture began to lose money. Wamsley told Howard to hide the investment losses from M.F. Howard agreed to, and did, lie to M.R. about the trading losses and the true balance of the investment account.
Howard knowingly participated in the fraud scheme by sending lulling emails to M.R. that contained false information about the true balance and value of the account. In November 2010, Howard sent an email to M.R. falsely assuring M.R. that profits in the investment account had increased. In December 2010, Howard sent an email to M.R. in which he falsely represented that the account balance was $2,436,611. In January 2011, Howard sent another email saying the total account balance was $2,500,000. In fact, from October 2010 to August 2011, Howard, at Wamsley’s instruction, sent several emails to M.R. with the specific intent to deceive, mislead and confuse M.R. about the account’s true balance. Wamsley and Howard also concealed that fact that Wamsley was diverting some of the funds in the account for his own personal benefit and use.
For instance, from October 2010 through April 2012, Wamsley fraudulently transferred more than $1.7 million of Company R investment funds to FAIM’s business accounts, and he unlawfully spent those funds for his, Howard’s and others’ personal benefits. For example, in November 2010, Wamsley used $40,024 in Company R investment funds to purchase a 2008 Cadillac Escalade for Howard; $41,764 of investment funds to purchase a 2008 Cadillac Escalade for a family member; and $125,477 in investment funds to purchase a 2007 Aston Martin for himself. Wamsley also used more than $200,000 in investment funds to host a Super Bowl fund-raising event in 2011.
This case is one of several felony prosecutions of bankruptcy-related crimes generated by the Bankruptcy Fraud Initiative in the Northern District of Texas. This defendant is the 16th defendant convicted since August 2013 as part of that initiative.
Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Jarvis was in charge of the prosecution.
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Aryan Brotherhood of Texas Members/Associates Convicted for Roles in Methamphetamine Distribution Conspiracy Sentenced to Lengthy Prison SentencesRead the Press Release
FORT WORTH, Texas — Seven defendants, including members and associates of the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas prison gang, who were convicted in September 2016 following a four-day jury trial for their roles in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy that operated in north Texas from approximately January 2014 to April 2016 were sentenced this week by U.S. District Judge John McBryde. U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas made today’s announcement.
Each of the below-listed defendants was convicted on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and received the following federal prison sentences:
Charles Ben Bounds, a/k/a “Pretty Boy,” 31, of Fort Worth, Texas, 360 months
Billy Fred Gentry, a/k/a “Fred Gentry,” 30, of Fort Worth, Texas, 360 monthsKevin Kyle Killough, a/k/a “Kilo,” 29, of Fort Worth, Texas, LIFE
Billy Ray Skaggs, 48, of Brownwood, Texas, 300 months
Michael Clay Heaslet, a/k/a “Whisper,” 38, of Fort Worth, Texas, LIFE
Nicole Cynthia Herrera, a/k/a “Nikki Single,” 21, of Dallas, Texas, 300 months
Trae Short, a/k/a “Twig,” 31, of Dallas, Texas, LIFE
The government presented evidence at trial that some of the defendants were members, including ranking members, or associates, of the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas. The government presented further evidence identifying the defendants and the role of each in the conspiracy. Many of the defendants had numerous prior convictions.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Fort Worth Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn Smith and Frank Gatto prosecuted the case.
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Serial Bank Robber Sentenced to 60 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
DALLAS — A Dallas, Texas, woman, Glenda Faye Hendrix, 50, was sentenced this afternoon by U.S. District Judge Jane J. Boyle to 60 months in federal prison, following her guilty plea in March 2016 to one count of bank robbery.
Hendrix admitted robbing four banks, entering each of the banks with the intent to commit bank robbery. She acted similarly in each robbery, entering the bank and handing a note to the teller demanding that they give her all of their money.
Hendrix committed the following bank robberies:
October 14, 2015 Comerica Bank, 2727 Fort Worth Avenue, Dallas, Texas
October 23, 2015 BBVA Compass Bank, 2307 W. Illinois Avenue, Dallas, Texas
November 9, 2015 Chase Bank, 3929 South Polk Street, Dallas, Texas
November 25, 2015 First Convenience Bank, 200 Short Blvd., Dallas, Texas
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Dallas Police Department investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Wirmani prosecuted.# # #
Dallas Man Sentenced to 18 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
DALLAS — Devin Patrick Lessig, has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sam A. Lindsay to serve a total of 18 years in federal prison following his guilty plea in April 2016 to an indictment charging one federal felony drug offense, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Specifically, Lessig, 25, of Dallas, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. According to the factual resume filed in the case, in June 2015, a Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper attempted to initiate a traffic stop on a motorcycle on Dallas Parkway in Dallas County. The motorcycle, operated by Lessig, failed to stop and a pursuit occurred. After crashing the motorcycle, Lessig was arrested and the motorcycle was confirmed stolen out of New York. During a search of the suspect's backpack, Lessig was found to be in possession of approximately one hundred ten grams of a crystal like substance that was submitted for laboratory analysis. The substance tested positive for methamphetamine. Approximately fourteen grams of a black tar substance believed to be heroin, seven pills believed to be ecstasy, a black Glock 27 .40 caliber pistol and other drug paraphernalia were also located.
Additionally, in August 2015, Addison Police Officers located a stolen motorcycle in the Motel 6 parking lot off Belt Line Road, Addison, TX. While conducting surveillance on the stolen motorcycle, Addison police officers observed Lessig exit a room carrying a black backpack. Addison police officers prevented Lessig from departing the parking lot by blocking the motorcycle in. While blocking the motorcycle in, Lessig jumped off of the motorcycle and fled on foot through the Motel 6 parking lot. As Lessig was running, he discarded the black backpack in the parking lot near the room where he had recently exited. Addison police officers secured the discarded black backpack and the stolen motorcycle. Addison police officers eventually apprehended and detained Lessig a couple blocks away from the Motel 6.
Addison police officers searched the black backpack previously discarded by Lessig and found an AK-47 assault pistol with a pistol grip attached to the front, two loaded pistols and ammunition, prescription medication, a pill bottle containing 88 tablets of suspected 3,4-Methylenedioxy Methamphetamine, and a Tupperware container full of suspected methamphetamine. Addison police officers recovered another pistol in the immediate area of where Lessig was apprehended, believed to have been discarded by Lessig as he fled the location. The substance was ultimately submitted for laboratory analysis and it was found to be methamphetamine.
The Texas Department of Public Safety, Addison Police Department and Dallas Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Leal was in charge of the prosecution.
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“Pimp” Sentenced to 216 Months in Federal Prison in Child Sex Trafficking CaseRead the Press Release
DALLAS — Edric Norvell Robinson, Sr., 46, of Dallas, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade to 216 months in federal prison, following his guilty plea in April 2016 to one count of sex trafficking of children related to his pimping a 16-year-old girl in Dallas and Wichita Falls, Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
In addition, at Wednesday’s sentencing hearing, Judge Kinkeade ordered that Robinson must serve a 15-year term of supervised release after serving his custody sentence. He must also register as a lifetime sex offender.
According to documents filed in his case, from approximately April 7, 2014, through August 19, 2014, Robinson knowingly recruited, enticed, harbored and transported a 16-year-old minor female, whom he caused to engage in a commercial sex act.
Project Safe Childhood (PSC) is a Department of Justice initiative that aims to combat the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, tribal and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. These cases include prosecutions of child sex trafficking; sexual abuse of a minor or ward; child pornography offenses; obscene visual representation of the sexual abuse of children; selling or buying of children; and many more statutes. To learn more about PSC’s work, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The Texas Department of Public Safety and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), both members of the North Texas Anti-Trafficking Taskforce (NTATT), investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cara Foos Pierce was in charge of the prosecution.
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Pharmacist Pleads Guilty in Pill Mill CaseRead the Press Release
DALLAS — A registered pharmacist who owned, operated and served as the pharmacist in charge of GenPharm Pharmacy on Wheatland Road in Desoto, Texas, Ndufola Kigham, appeared in federal court this morning before U.S. District Judge Sidney A. Fitzwater and pleaded guilty to federal felony offenses stemming from her involvement in a “pill mill” operation, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Specifically, Kigham, 45, of Arlington, Texas, pleaded guilty to two counts of misprision of a felony. She faces a maximum statutory penalty of three years in federal prison, on each of the two counts. In addition, according to the terms of her plea agreement, she agrees to pay a $9,500 fine prior to sentencing. She will remain on bond pending sentencing, which is set for May 26, 2017.
After their arrests in January 2016, Kigham, along with another co-defendant pharmacist, Kumi Frimpong, and Dr. Richard Andrews, a doctor of osteopathy who supervised the McAllen Medical Clinic on South Hampton in Dallas, were ordered to surrender their Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) registration numbers, preventing Kigham and Frimpong from dispensing controlled substances and Dr. Andrews from issuing prescriptions for controlled substances. Kigham also surrendered the stock of controlled substances that she had in her pharmacy to DEA.
Dr. Andrews, 64, of Dallas, pleaded guilty in mid-January 2016 to one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances (oxycodone) and one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. According to the plea agreement filed in his case, if the Court accepts the plea, the parties agree that a sentence of at least 48 months but no more than 96 months in federal prison is the appropriate disposition of his case. He has agreed that he will not apply for another DEA Certificate of Registration, and he further agreed never to seek or retain employment, including consulting, in or related to the pain management industry. He also agreed not to obtain or maintain, directly or indirectly, a financial ownership interest in a pain management clinic or home healthcare service. He remains on bond pending sentencing, which is set for April 28, 2017.
Frimpong, 56, of Dallas, who owned, operated, and was the pharmacist in charge at Cornerstone Pharmacy, on Bolton Boone Drive in Desoto, pleaded guilty in September 2016 to one count of conspiracy to illegally distribute oxycodone. He also agreed to surrender $41,112 to the U.S. that constituted proceeds from dispensing oxycodone during the conspiracy. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in federal prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 17, 2017.
According to plea documents filed in Kigham’s case, between approximately January 2013 and August 2014, several individuals conspired to distribute 30mg oxycodone, a Schedule II controlled substance. Kigham admitted that she knew of the conspiracy and failed to notify any authority of it. Instead, she committed affirmative acts to conceal the conspiracy, such as filling prescriptions for 30mg oxycodone written for multiple different individuals and dispensing the filled prescriptions to a single individual, and not to the individuals named on the prescription. By filling these prescriptions while the conspiracy was ongoing, Kigham dispensed more than 70,000 30mg oxycodone pills based on legitimate prescriptions.
Another co-conspirator in the case, Muhammad Faridi, 40, who is not a physician but who was the owner of the McAllen Medical Clinic, pleaded guilty in August 2016 to one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and is scheduled to be sentenced in March 2017.
In February 2015, a federal grand jury in Dallas indicted 23 individuals on offenses related to their participation in the prescription drug distribution conspiracy. That indictment alleged that from at least May 2013 through July 2014, the defendants participated in a scheme to illicitly obtain prescriptions for pain medications, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, and then distribute those controlled substances for profit. As part of the conspiracy, individuals, often homeless or of limited means, were recruited and paid to pose as patients at medical clinics, including the McAllen Medical Clinic, to obtain prescriptions to fill those prescriptions at designated pharmacies.
Superseding indictments were returned in December 2015 and in January 2016, and a total of 31 individuals were charged. Many of those defendants have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Eleven have been sentenced to date. Trial for the one remaining defendant, Carolina Berrio, is set for April 10, 2017.
This Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Louisiana State Police, the Grand Prairie Police Department, the Dallas Police Department, the Houston Police Department, the Arlington Police Department, the Greenville Police Department, the Parker County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshal’s Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Diplomatic Security Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Walters is in charge of the prosecution.
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Texas Syndicate Member Pleads Guilty to His Leadership Role in Methamphetamine, Cocaine and Marijuana Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
LUBBOCK, Texas — Cruz Perez, a/k/a “Travieso,” 40, appeared in federal court yesterday and pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge D. Gordon Bryant to his role in a methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana distribution conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Perez, a member of the Texas Syndicate, faces a statutory penalty of not less than five years nor more than 40 years in federal prison and up to a $5 million fine. A sentencing date was not set.
Perez and eight other west Texas residents, including three other members of the Texas Syndicate, were arrested in early June 2016 by special agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Texas Department of Public Safety, with assistance from the Big Spring, Sundown and Levelland Police Departments, the Howard County and Lubbock County Sheriff’s Offices, the U.S. Marshals Service, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
Perez is the lead defendant in the case, and he is the last defendant charged in the case to plead guilty to his role in the conspiracy. Other defendants charged and convicted include:
Christopher Lee Gonzalez, aka “Gonzo,” 43
Victor Manuel Castillo, aka “Victor Manuel Garza,” 43
Christopher David Gonzales, aka “Chris,” 41
Evan Cruz Parson, aka “Evan,” 21
Alexander Alfonzo Mendoza, aka “Alex,” 20
Jose Gutierrez, III, aka “Baby Joey,” 21
Jasmine Pillar Hernandez, aka “Crazy,” 32
Crystal Dimas, aka “Babe,” 28According to plea documents filed in Perez’s case, on October 3, 2015, Perez distributed and possessed with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The investigation revealed that late that morning, Perez called Christopher Lee Gonzales and discussed Gonzales obtaining a quantity of methamphetamine from Perez. Perez advised that he’d have his nephew, Jose Gutierrez, III, bring it to Gonzales. At approximately 12:05 p.m., Perez called Gutierrez and told him that he needed to come back to Lamesa, Texas. Perez then texted/called Alexander Mendoza, who stored the methamphetamine for Perez, and instructed Mendoza to bring “The two that were left and the one that you got yesterday” and “also another 9.” At approximately 5:55 p.m., Perez and Gonzales discussed that Gonzales owned Perez approximately $21,000 for past drugs and that Gonzales was having trouble selling Perez’s methamphetamine because other dealers were selling a better quality methamphetamine for a cheaper price. Perez and Gonzales then discussed where to do the drug transaction.
Special agents with the DEA who were conducting surveillance in Lamesa observed a 2003 Chevrolet Tahoe, known to be driven by Gutierrez, traveling toward Lubbock. Agents maintained surveillance until approximately 8:35 p.m. when a Texas Highway Patrol trooper stopped Gutierrez in Lubbock and found he was transporting approximately 500 grams of methamphetamine.
That evening, Gutierrez’s wife called Perez and told him that “Joey” texted her at 8:40 p.m., saying that he got “pulled over in Lubbock.” She called Perez and told him, “He went to jail.” When she called Perez at 9:19 p.m. and told him, “he got caught,” Perez asked, “With it? With the stuff?” She responded affirmatively. At approximately 9:11 p.m., Perez called Parson and told him, “Baby Joey went to jail,” referring to Gutierrez being arrested with the methamphetamine. Then, at approximately 9:23 p.m., Perez called Gonzales and told him, “He didn’t make it,” referring to Gutierrez being arrested with the methamphetamine.
The investigation is being led by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Juanita Fielden and Sean Long are prosecuting the case.
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DTO Leader Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
LUBBOCK, Texas — This morning, Senior U.S. District Judge Sam R. Cummings sentenced Rudolfo Ledesma Castaneda, Jr., 31, to 360 months in federal prison, following his guilty plea in October 2016 to one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Castaneda and eleven defendants of a drug trafficking organization (DTO), mostly from the San Angelo, Texas, area, were arrested in July 2016 in a joint Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) operation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Texas Department of Public Safety and the San Angelo Police Department. Other agencies, including the U.S. Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations, and the Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office provided valuable assistance in the operation.
drug traffickers who have taken root in the San Angelo area and jeopardize the safety and security of our communities is a top priority for my office,” said U.S. Attorney Parker. “But one agency can’t do it alone. Today, I commend the dedicated efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the San Angelo Police Department, in addition to the several other federal, state and local agencies that lent assistance when and where needed. When these agencies join efforts, nothing stands in their way, and we will push back hard against those who peddle this poison in our communities.”
“The state of Texas will not tolerate criminals who distribute drugs throughout our communities and endanger our residents,” said Texas Department of Public Safety Regional Commander Carey Matthews. “The department is proud to have participated in the multi-agency investigation that incorporated all levels of law enforcement and was key in identifying and disrupting this methamphetamine trafficking operation.”
“This investigation is another great example of the accomplishments of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies working together to make our communities a safer place,” said Chief Frank Carter of the San Angelo Police Department. “I am very thankful and proud of all the personnel who worked on this lengthy investigation.”
Castaneda was the DTO’s ringleader. Of the 12 defendants who were indicted, 11 have been convicted and 10 have been sentenced. The charges were dismissed against one of the defendants.
last sentencing in the case is set for defendant Richard Jasso, 39, of San Angelo, Texas, on February 17, 2017. Jasso was convicted at trial in November 2016 on one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting. The government filed a notice of enhancement because Jasso has two previous “felony drug offenses.” If the Court finds those convictions are final and valid, then, by statute, the Court must impose a life sentence without parole.
Jesse Huerra, 31, of San Angelo, was sentenced to life in federal prison. He was convicted at trial in September 2016 on one count each of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a convicted felon in possession of firearms.
Nancy Ann Flores, 41, of San Angelo, was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison. She pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful use of a communications facility.
Antonio N. Flores, 52, of San Angelo, was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison. He pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawful use of a communications facility.
Rudolfo Velasquez, 32, of San Angelo, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and aiding and abetting.
Joe Lopez, III, 33, of San Angelo, was sentenced to 125 months in federal prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and aiding and abetting.
Jose G. Montez, 38, of San Angelo, was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and aiding and abetting.
Shayna Kaye McCann, 25, of Great Falls, Montana, was sentenced to 10 months in federal prison. She pleaded guilty to one count of misprision of a felony.
Daniel Roy Lombrana, 29, of San Angelo, was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana, with an enhancement for a prior conviction.
Gabriel Castaneda, 30, of San Angelo, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The Texas Department of Public Safety, San Angelo Police Department, DEA and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Haag is in charge of the prosecution.
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Pilot for Drug Trafficking Organization SentencedRead the Press Release
DALLAS — A former Dallas resident and member of the Jose Paz Garcia drug trafficking organization (DTO), who, after pleading guilty in 1995 to his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, absconded, and remained a fugitive for 17 years, was sentenced today, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Anthony Harrison Bell, a/k/a “Pajaro,” (Bird), 58, worked as a pilot for the Jose Paz Garcia DTO. Arrested in south Florida in 2013, Bell was sentenced today to 168 months in federal prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Barbara M. G. Lynn. He pleaded guilty in October 1995 to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of marijuana and cocaine.
Jose Paz Garcia, along with several coconspirators, was convicted at trial in the Northern District of Texas in May 1996. He was sentenced to serve life in federal prison.
According to Bell’s factual resume, from approximately June 1994 through early August 1995, Bell was employed by Jose Paz Garcia to fly quantities of marijuana and cocaine, for distribution and sale to others throughout the U.S., from El Paso, Texas, to Dallas. Bell would also transport drug proceeds, derived from Garcia from the sale of the marijuana and cocaine, from Dallas to Garcia and his associates in El Paso.
For example, Bell admits that on:
1) June 1, 1995, he used his Cessna 310L aircraft to transport 10 kilograms of cocaine from El Paso to Dallas for Garcia;
2) June 5, 1995, Bell, along with co-conspirator Miguel Robles, acquired approximately 140 pounds of marijuana from Garcia, and the next day Bell used his Cessna 310L aircraft to fly it to Nebraska, Colorado, and Ohio for redistribution;
3) June 30, 1995, Bell, along with Robles, acquired approximately 104 pounds of marijuana from Garcia, and Bell used his Cessna 210 aircraft to fly the marijuana from Dallas to Columbus, Ohio, for redistribution; and
4) July 12, 1995, Bell, using his Cessna 210 aircraft, flew approximately 173 pounds of marijuana from Dallas to Detroit for Garcia.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph M. Revesz prosecuted.
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Federal Jury Convicts Woman in ID Theft CaseRead the Press Release
DALLAS – Following a three-day trial before Chief U.S. District Judge Barbara M. G. Lynn, a federal jury convicted Deborah Petty, 48, of Mesquite, Texas, on several identity theft offenses, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Specifically, yesterday afternoon, the jury convicted Petty on seven counts of identity theft and one count of aggravated identity theft. Each of the identity theft counts carries a maximum statutory penalty of fifteen years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. The aggravated identity theft count carries a $250,000 fine and a mandatory statutory penalty of two years in federal prison, consecutive to any other sentence Petty receives on Counts one through seven. Restitution could also be ordered. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.
The government presented evidence at trial that Petty worked at the Western Regional Center for Brain and Spine Surgery (WRCBSS), a medical facility in Las Vegas, Nevada, between November 28, 2011, and June 29, 2012. In her position, and prior to her termination from WRCBSS, Petty obtained access to patient files, which included patients' names, dates of birth, and social security numbers. Petty understood and signed an acknowledgement that she would have access to confidential patient information and agreed that she would not disclose or share such information. Nonetheless, Petty stole hundreds of patient files and maintained possession of those files until May 2014, long after she left WRCBSS.
During the time in which she possessed these stolen identities, Petty used the identities in connection with a food stamp fraud scheme in the State of Florida. Approximately 110 individual patients from WRCBSS had food stamp benefits obtained in their name, totaling over $44,000 in losses to the government. Petty eventually moved to Mesquite and obtained new employment at another entity, Epic Healthcare Services, by overstating her qualifications and omitting her work at WRCBSS. In her new position, Petty again had access to patient identifiers and other personal information. In May 2014, the Mesquite Police Department recovered approximately 1,500 stolen identities possessed and maintained by Petty in an apartment in Mesquite.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General and the Mesquite Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kate Rumsey and P.J. Meitl are in charge of the prosecution.
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Woman Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud in Scheme to Defraud the IRSRead the Press Release
DALLAS — Crystal Burrows appeared in federal court this afternoon and pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul D. Stickney to one count of wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Burrows faces a maximum statutory penalty of twenty years in federal prison, and a $250,000 fine. She could also be ordered to pay restitution. Sentencing will be set at a later date.
According to documents filed in her case, beginning in 2014, Borrows knowingly and intentionally participated in a scheme to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). More specifically, Burrows electronically filed tax returns for the tax year 2013 with her EFIN, and for tax years 2014 and 2015 with EFINs of coconspirators, under taxpayers’ names and social security numbers without the taxpayers’ knowledge or consent. In total, Burrows prepared and filed at least 22 fraudulent tax returns using stolen identifying information of tax payers. Burrows also used two stolen social security numbers to establish numerous credit card accounts, a car loan, store accounts, and care credit accounts typically used for medical procedures.
Burrows stipulates that her conduct resulted in at least a $692,184 loss.
The case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Wirmani is in charge of the prosecution.
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Arnoldo Rueda-Medina, aka “La Minsa,” Faces Federal Charges in Dallas for Role in Cocaine and Methamphetamine Distribution and Money Laundering ConspiraciesRead the Press Release
DALLAS — Arnoldo Rueda-Medina, known by several aliases including “La Minsa,” arrived in the United States today from Mexico to face criminal charges in connection with his top leadership roles in the “La Familia-Michoacan” Mexican drug cartel, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas and Special Agent in Charge Clyde E. Shelley, Jr. of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Field Division.
Rueda-Medina, 47, made his initial appearance in federal court in Dallas this afternoon before U.S. Magistrate Judge David L. Horan on charges outlined in a second superseding indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Northern District of Texas in September 2010. That indictment charges Rueda-Medina with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine and cocaine and one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.
On February 25, 2010, the U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned Rueda-Medina under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act (Kingpin Act) for his involvement in drug trafficking. The Kingpin Act blocks all property and interests in property, subject to U.S. jurisdiction, owned or controlled by significant foreign narcotics traffickers, as identified by the President. The act also prohibits U.S. citizens and companies from doing any kind of business activity with Rueda-Medina, and it virtually froze all of his assets in the United States.
"This case and others like it around the country demonstrate that, when we work together with our law enforcement partners both here and in Mexico, we can bring cartel leadership to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Parker. “That’s the whole point of the OCDETF program and it certainly worked here.”
“The tireless efforts given to capture and extradite this individual by the men and women of the DEA, the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Northern District of Texas, as well as our law enforcement partners throughout the DFW area and in Mexico, are countless,” said Special Agent in Charge Shelley.
The indictment alleges that from approximately September 2008 to October 21, 2009, in the Dallas Division of the Northern District of Texas, Rueda-Medina and 13 co-conspirators arranged for the acquisition of cocaine and methamphetamine from supply sources affiliated with the “La Familia-Michoacan” Mexican drug cartel, arranged to transport these multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine from Michoacan, Mexico, and other locations to North Texas and elsewhere, and transported U.S. currency representing drug proceeds to Michoacan, Mexico, to pay for these cocaine and methamphetamine shipments.
The indictment further alleges that during the same time, Rueda-Medina and the 13 co-conspirators coordinated the delivery of drug proceeds, used the drug proceeds to rent residences in North Texas that were subsequently used to store both drugs and drug proceeds, and disposed of the drug proceeds in a manner and with the intent to promote or assist the conspiracy.
A federal indictment is an accusation by a federal grand jury, and it is a formal charging document notifying the defendant of the charges. All persons charged in an indictment are presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted on the drug conspiracy, Rueda-Medina faces a statutory sentence of not less than 10 years and up to life in federal prison and up to a $4 million fine. If convicted on the money laundering conspiracy, Rueda-Medina faces a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a fine of not more than $500,000 or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever is greater.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Dallas Police Department and the Garland Police Department; the U.S. Marshals Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations provided special assistance. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs also provided assistance in bringing the defendant to the United States to face charges.
The Justice Department extends its gratitude to the Government of Mexico for their extensive cooperation and assistance in securing the extradition of Rueda-Medina to the United States.
This case is the result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.
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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Former Dallas Resident Who Fled to Switzerland Instead of Appearing, as Ordered, in Federal Court in a Civil CaseRead the Press Release
DALLAS — A federal grand jury in Dallas returned an indictment yesterday charging fugitive Rudolf Suter, 66, formerly of Dallas, with two counts of making false statements under the penalty of perjury when he concealed in his voluntary bankruptcy filing in early 2014 that he had several open and recently closed bank accounts in both the United States and Europe, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Suter, a citizen of Switzerland, failed to appear on March 9, 2016, for a hearing set in a civil case before U.S. District Judge David C. Godbey. That hearing was scheduled for Suter to show cause why he should not be held in contempt for violating post-judgment orders. The following day, Judge Godbey signed a contempt order and ordered that a civil contempt arrest warrant be issued. After remaining a fugitive for approximately nine months, on December 11, 2016, Suter was arrested on that civil contempt arrest warrant as he attempted to re-enter the U.S. at JFK International Airport. He remains in federal custody pursuant to a detention order signed by U.S. Magistrate Judge Irma C. Ramirez that noted his repeated failure to comply with orders of the U.S. District Court and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, including his failure to appear at multiple court hearings.
On January 6, 2017, Suter was charged in a federal criminal complaint with making a false statement, under the penalty of perjury, in a bankruptcy case.
According to the affidavit filed with the criminal complaint and the indictment, in September 2011, counsel for plaintiffs Peter Denton and Harvest Investors, L.P., filed a civil complaint in order to collect a civil claim against in Suter. In August 2012, Judge Godbey issued a final judgment in that civil case in which he granted the motion for confirmation of a foreign arbitration award filed by plaintiffs Peter Denton and Harvest Investors, L.P. Judge Godbey ordered that Harvest have judgment against Suter for $1,025,430 and that Denton have judgment against Suter for $1,025,430. He also ordered Suter to pay interest on both money judgements from June 2009 until the date of payment, and he further ordered judgment against Suter to both plaintiffs to cover other expenses totaling more than $135,000, bringing the total money judgment against Suter to $2,187,055.
After the final judgment in August 2012, and continuing until March 2016, counsel for plaintiffs Denton and Harvest engaged in extensive post-judgment discovery attempts to identify and locate Suter’s property and assets in order to collect this more than $2.1 million judgment. However, from August 2012 through March 2016, Suter engaged in an ongoing pattern of concealing his financial information from the plaintiffs and the court. On January 17, 2014, Suter filed a voluntary bankruptcy petition in U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas.
In that bankruptcy petition, Suter concealed his true financial condition when he filed false statements in his Schedule B (Personal Property), his Statement of Financial Affairs, and in other bankruptcy-related documents. In fact, Suter’s efforts to conceal assets and financial information continued until he fled the jurisdiction of both the above-referenced civil case and his bankruptcy case.
An indictment is an accusation by a federal grand jury, and a defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty. However, the maximum statutory penalty for the offenses charges is five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine, per count.
This case is one of several felony prosecutions of bankruptcy-related crimes generated by the Bankruptcy Fraud Initiative in the Northern District of Texas. Suter is the 26th defendant to have been charged as part of that initiative; 16 have been convicted, one resulted in a mistrial, and nine are pending trial.
Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation in the Suter case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Jarvis is in charge of the prosecution.
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Fort Worth Woman Convicted of Forced Labor and Harboring Illegal Aliens Sentenced to 72 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WORTH, Texas — A Fort Worth, Texas, woman, who, following a one-week trial last year, before U.S. District Judge Reed C. O’Connor, was convicted on all four counts of an indictment charging federal felony offenses related to her harboring two women she illegally brought into the U.S. from Mexico and forcing them, with threat of serious harm and physical restraint, to work for her without pay, was sentenced yesterday, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Olga Sandra Murra, 64, was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison and ordered to pay a total of $795,000 in restitution to her two victims. Murra has been in federal custody since her conviction in August 2016 on two counts of forced labor and two counts of harboring an illegal alien.
From her birth in 1952 to 1997, Murra lived in Mexico. In 1997, Murra, her immediate family, and several other individuals she brought with her, including V.R., an adult female in her 30’s, moved to El Paso, Texas, and then later to Fort Worth. In 1998, Murra arranged for I.G., an adult female in her 20’s, to be transported into the U.S. Both V.R. and I.G. are Mexican citizens and both entered and remained in the U.S. illegally.
From September 1997 to April 29, 2011, Murra kept one or both of the women at her various residences in El Paso and Fort Worth and maintained possession of their identification documents.
In both El Paso and Fort Worth, Murra operated a house-cleaning business. She directed both V.R. and I.G. to work for her business, and both cleaned three to four homes per day up to seven days per week. In addition, the women cleaned Murra’s residence and prepared meals for her. Murra, however, did not pay either woman for this work. In fact, Murra required the two women give her all of the money they earned cleaning houses.
Murra represented herself to the women as the voice of God on earth, and required them to listen to religious recordings of Murra reading Bible verses and discussing their meaning while they cleaned homes. She caused both women to believe they would go to hell if they did not obey her. Murra threatened at least one of the women that if she disobeyed her, she would contact immigration and the woman would be buried in a field with other illegal aliens. Murra also struck at least one of the women.
Murra also restricted the women’s freedom within her house, requiring at times they ask for permission to go to the bathroom. Murra also prohibited them from talking to other individuals living at the residence. Generally, the women slept on the floor of a bedroom in the residence, but when she punished them, Murra required them to sleep in the garage, laundry room or backyard and restricted their food to bread and water.
In 2001, Murra provided I.G. with false identification documents and directed I.G. to work at McDonald’s and Walmart, in addition to working for her house-cleaning business. I.G. worked for approximately one year at McDonald’s in 2001 and at Walmart for approximately six months in 2003. Murra required I.G. to give all the checks she received to her, not allowing I.G. to keep any of the money she earned.
The case was investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (ICE HSI). Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Allen-McCoy and Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Wirmani prosecuted the case.
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Lubbock Man Sentenced to 120 Months in Federal Prison for Attempting to Entice a MinorRead the Press Release
LUBBOCK, Texas — A 55-year-old Lubbock, Texas, man, Danny Ray Caudill, was sentenced today by Senior U.S. District Judge Sam R. Cummings to 120 months in federal prison, following his guilty plea in September 2016 to one count of attempted enticement of a minor, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
According to documents filed in the case, from approximately June 26 through July 20, 2016, Caudill used Facebook messaging to communicate with a person he believed to be a 14-year-old girl, who was, in fact, an undercover officer. In the communications, he knowingly persuaded, induced, and enticed, and attempted to entice this person he believed to be a 14-year-old girl, to engage in sexual activity with him. On July 20, 2016, Caudill made arrangements to meet with the person he believed was the minor girl, and he was arrested when he arrived at the agreed-upon location.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/. For more information about internet safety education, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/ and click on the tab “resources.”
The investigation was conducted by the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven M. Sucsy was in charge of the prosecutions.
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Dallas Woman Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Identity Theft in Scheme to Defraud the IRSRead the Press Release
DALLAS — Alicia Gardner, 43, of Dallas, appeared in federal court this afternoon and pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Sidney A. Fitzwater to one count of aggravated identify theft, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Gardner faces a maximum statutory penalty of two years in federal prison, and a $250,000 fine. She could also be ordered to pay restitution. She will remain on bond pending sentencing set for May 5, 2017.
According to documents filed in her case, from approximately January 11, 2013 to March 1, 2013, Gardner knowingly and intentionally participated in a scheme to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). More specifically, Gardner electronically filed tax returns for the tax year 2012 with her EFIN under taxpayers’ names and social security numbers without the taxpayers’ knowledge or consent. At her consent, the IRS issued refund checks to her as opposed to the unsuspecting taxpayers. Some of those checks were in the taxpayer’s names. Gardner and/or her unindicted coconspirator then proceeded to forge the signatures of the taxpayers on the refund checks and cash them. For instance, on November 11, 2013, Gardner electronically submitted a tax return with a refund request of $1,112 for K.V., without K.V.’s knowledge or consent. Gardner then endorsed and cashed the refund check.
Gardner stipulates that her conduct resulted in at least a $135,942 loss.
The case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Wirmani is in charge of the prosecution.
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DTO Members Who Trafficked Multiple Thousands of Kilograms of Marijuana from El Paso to Dumas, Texas, and Elsewhere are SentencedRead the Press Release
AMARILLO, Texas — Two men from Moore County, Texas, who pleaded guilty last year to federal offenses stemming from their respective roles in a marijuana trafficking organization, were sentenced yesterday, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Manuel Rodrigues Reyes, 48, and Maximilliano Gonzales, 50, both of Cactus, Texas, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sidney A. Fitzwater to 70 months, and 51 months, respectively, in federal prison. Each pleaded guilty in September 2016 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana.
According to plea documents filed in the case, from approximately August 2006 through November 2015, Adan Reyes, along with his brother Guadalupe Reyes, operated a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that trafficked multiple thousands of kilograms of marijuana from El Paso, Texas, to the Dumas, Texas, area, and then to locations primarily in the Midwestern U.S. They transported the marijuana in various ways, including using vehicles and/or horse trailers with hidden compartments. Marijuana was also sometimes hidden inside bone meal.
Adan Reyes led the DTO. It employed people to transport as well as follow load vehicles from El Paso through the checkpoint, and from the checkpoints usually to the Dumas/Cactus, Texas, area, where the marijuana was warehoused at a ranch near Gruver, Texas. From the ranch, Adan Reyes used pickup trucks to drive 500 to 1,000 pound loads of marijuana to customers in the Midwest, including locations in Dodge City, Kansas, and Kansas City and St. Louis, Missouri. Proceeds from the marijuana sales were driven back to the ranch in Gruver. Adan and Guadalupe Reyes shared the drug proceeds. Different drivers were used to drive the money from Gruver to El Paso to deliver Adan Reyes’ share.
Manuel Reyes performed various tasks for the Reyes DTO, including assisting in tracking marijuana loads from El Paso to Cactus/Dumas, and he would ensure the loads made it to the ranch near Gruver, where he would assist in unloading it from vehicles arriving from El Paso and onto vehicles that would transport it to customers. He also counted the drug proceeds that were returned to the ranch and ensured the drivers were paid. On multiple occasions, he also transported cash proceeds from Cactus/Dumas to El Paso.
Maximilliano Gonzales was a driver for the Reyes DTO. He drove marijuana from the ranch in Gruver to customers and was paid for each load he transported. He used a work truck with a welder containing a false compartment to transport the marijuana.
When law enforcement conducted a search at the ranch in February 2016, investigators located a white Ford truck with a welding machine mounted to the truck bed. The welder contained a false compartment that housed packaging material, digital scales, and other items associated with marijuana trafficking. There were also papers in the truck stating the vehicle was registered to, and insured by, Maximilliano Gonzales. In addition, drug ledgers indicating payments to customers as well as payments to Manuel Rodrigues Reyes and Maximilliano Gonzales were found.
Reyes was paid approximately $1,000 per week for his services in working for the Reyes DTO, thus earning at least $150,000 during his employment. According to his plea agreement, Reyes agrees to forfeit $150,000 that represents a portion of the proceeds he obtained as a result of his criminal conduct.
Adan Reyes is currently being detained in the El Paso Division of the Western District of Texas where he is awaiting sentencing next month on charges related to his role in the Reyes DTO. Guadalupe Reyes has pleaded guilty to similar charges and was sentenced in November 2016 to 188 months in federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Moore County Sheriff’s Office and the Cactus Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Long was in charge of the prosecution.
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Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
ABILENE, Texas — A Fort Worth, Texas, man, Manuel Guadalupe Garcia, 21, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Reed C. O’Connor to 135 months in federal prison, following his guilty plea in October 2016 to one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Judge O’Connor further ordered that Garcia’s federal sentence be served consecutively to any sentences imposed in two state cases for murder and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon that are currently pending in Taylor County, Texas.
According to documents filed in the case, on October 22, 2015, an officer with the Abilene, Texas, Police Department was on routine patrol in a high-drug area when he observed an individual leave a residence from which drugs are commonly sold. The 2013 GMC pick-up truck left the residence and failed to stop at a stop sign. The vehicle was stopped and the driver/sole occupant was Garcia, who gave the officer consent to search his vehicle. The officer found a digital scale with a white powdery residue in the center console and an 8-ball of methamphetamine in the ashtray. An additional two baggies of methamphetamine, with a combined weight of more than 400 grams, were found in hidden compartments in the vehicle’s dashboard. Garcia admitted he was paid to transport the methamphetamine to Abilene and deliver it to “Bobby.”
The case was investigated by the Abilene Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Juanita Fielden was in charge of the prosecution.
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Kaufman County Man Who Filmed Young Boys and Claimed to be a Film Director for Film Production Company Indicted for Enticing a Minor and Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is requesting the public’s assistance to identify any other children who Morris has victimized. Morris, who according to public sources claimed to be a film director for “Just Film It Productions,” is known to have set up trips for the purpose of photo and/or film shoots in the Northern District of Texas and Las Vegas, Nevada. Anyone who may have been victimized or who has additional information is asked to contact the FBI or the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
DALLAS — Kevin Scott Morris, 44, of Forney, Texas, has been indicted on one count of enticement of a minor, one count of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas,
The indictment in the case alleges that in May 2012, Morris knowingly persuaded, induced and enticed John Doe #1, a boy approximately 13 years old, to engage in sexually explicit conduct, which Morris filmed. It further alleges that in October 2016, Morris possessed a digital videotape that depicted John Doe #2, a boy approximately 12 years old. In the video, an adult male directs the boy to “start saying nasty stuff” to “lay down,” and to take off his underwear, and depicts the child lying on the floor with his genitals exposed.
The investigation began when the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office was contacted by a detective in Orange County, California. That detective advised that a minor male victim made an outcry that Morris sexually assaulted him in 2012, when the victim was approximately 13 years old.
According to documents filed in the case, John Doe #1 flew to Dallas for photography and videography sessions with Morris. While in Dallas, Morris took photos of, and filmed, John Doe #1 and engaged in sexually explicit activity with him. Morris also was present in a bathroom while John Doe #1 undressed and showered. Law enforcement is aware of allegations of Morris traveling to Las Vegas, Nevada with at least one other boy for what Morris assured the boy’s family were legitimate acting or modeling purposes.
An indictment is an accusation by a grand jury and a defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty. If convicted, however, the statutory penalty for the enticement count is not less than 10 years and up to life in federal prison; for the production count is not less than 15 years or more than 30 years in federal prison; and for the possession count is up to 10 years in federal prison. Each count of conviction also carries a maximum fine of $250,000 and up to a lifetime of supervised release.
Morris has been in federal custody since his arrest in October 2016 on a related federal criminal complaint. A trial date of June 5, 2017, before U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade has been set.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, tribal and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. Since FY 2011, the Department of Justice has filed 20,260 PSC cases against 19,111 defendants. These cases include prosecutions of child sex trafficking; sexual abuse of a minor or ward; child pornography offenses; obscene visual representation of the sexual abuse of children; selling or buying of children; and many more statutes. To learn more about PSC’s work, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/psc.
The Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI are investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie L. Hoxie is in charge of the prosecution.
Anyone who, or whose child, may have been victimized in this case is asked to call Lisa Shedden at the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 1-800-496-8341. Anyone who has additional information is asked to contact the FBI at 972-559-5000, the Kaufman County Sheriff’s Office at 972-932-9631, or Kaufman County Crime Stoppers at 877-TIPSKCC (847-7522).
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Fort Worth Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Federal Prison on Child Pornography ConvictionRead the Press Release
ABILENE, Texas — Jose Diego Gonzales, 30, of Fort Worth, Texas, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Reed C. O’Conner to 240 months in federal prison, following his guilty plea in September 2016 to one count of receipt of child pornography and aiding and abetting, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Gonzales has been in custody since his arrest in July 2016 in Fort Worth.
According to documents filed in the case, in December 2015, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) learned that an individual, later identified at Gonzales, was using the free instant messenger software, Kik, and free public WiFi in Tye, Texas, to receive and distribute child pornography.
Special Agents with HSI executed a search warrant and obtained two cell phones; a forensic examination of one of the phones revealed 30 images of child pornography.
The investigation also identified a Dropbox file hosting service account that Gonzales used that also contained images of child pornography. In fact, the investigation revealed that the Dropbox account contained 56 images of child pornography and 279 videos of child pornography.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the proliferation of technology-facilitated sexual exploitation crimes against children. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, PSC marshals federal, state, tribal and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. To learn more about PSC’s work, please visit: https://www.justice.gov/psc.
ICE HSI investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Juanita Fielden was in charge of the prosecution.
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Garland Couple Sentenced in Federal Firearms Offense Case Involving Robbery of FFL in Arlington, TexasRead the Press Release
DALLAS — A previously deported convicted felon and his roommate were sentenced this week following their guilty pleas last year related to the April 2016 burglary of a Federal Firearms Licensee in Arlington, Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Flor Trevino, 23, of Garland, Texas, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Jane J. Boyle to 34 months in federal prison. She pleaded guilty in September 2016 to one count of conspiracy to possess a stolen firearm.
Trevino’s roommate, Francisco Perez, a/k/a “Ismael Zoria Rivera,” “Ismael Zoria” and “Ismael Lopez Perez,” 27, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Barbara M. G. Lynn to 30 months in federal prison on January 11, 2017. Perez pleaded guilty in August 2016 to one count of possession of a firearm by an illegal alien.
A third defendant convicted in a related case, Xiao Chen Lin, 32, of Dallas, pleaded guilty in September 2016 to one count of felon in possession of a firearm. He faces a maximum statutory penalty of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Lynn later in 2017.
According to documents filed in the cases, numerous firearms were stolen from Weby Shop, a Federal Firearm Licensee in Arlington during a burglary on April 7, 2016.
Trevino admitted knowing about the Weby Shop burglary and further admitted that following the burglary, one of the individuals who broke into the FFL contacted her and had her store several of the stolen firearms in her apartment in Garland. Many of these stolen firearms were then moved to a storage unit in Garland, where ATF agents recovered 13 stolen firearms.
On April 22 2016, ATF agents conducting surveillance observed Perez leave his apartment in Garland and place a bag in a black pick-up truck. Perez gave agents consent to search the truck, which he identified as his. ATF agents located the bag, and inside, agent discovered a Glock 45 caliber pistol. Perez advised the firearm was his and further advised he was in the U.S. illegally.
When special agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives executed a state search warrant at Lin’s residence on April 22, 2016, they seized approximately 14 firearms, including six that had been stolen in the Weby Shop burglary. Lin admitted he knew one of the firearms had been stolen from a FFL. Lin has three prior felony convictions, and is currently on supervised release after serving a 97-month federal prison sentence on arson and felon in possession out of the Southern District of Mississippi.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Garland Police Department and the Arlington Police Department investigated the cases. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Walters is prosecuting the cases.
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Doctor Who Owned McAllen Medical Clinic in Dallas Pleads Guilty in Pill Mill CaseRead the Press Release
DALLAS — Dr. Richard Andrews, 64, of Dallas, who was an owner and the sole supervising physician at the McAllen Medical Clinic located on South Hampton in Dallas, appeared in federal court this afternoon before U.S. District Judge Sidney A. Fitzwater and pleaded guilty to two conspiracy offenses stemming from his involvement in a “pill mill” operation, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Specifically, Andrews, a doctor of osteopathy, pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances (oxycodone) and one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. While each count carries a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in federal prison, according to the plea agreement, if the Court accepts the plea, the parties agree that a sentence of at least 48 months but no more than 96 months in federal prison is the appropriate disposition of the case. Andrews also faces a statutory fine of up to $1 million on the drug conviction and up to $500,000 on the money laundering conviction. He remains on bond; sentencing is set for April 28, 2017.
Andrews has surrendered his DEA Certificate of Registration and agrees that he will not apply for another one. He further agreed never to seek or retain employment, including consulting, in or related to the pain management industry. Andrews also agreed not to obtain or maintain, directly or indirectly, a financial ownership interest in a pain management clinic or home healthcare service.
A co-conspirator in the case, Muhammad Faridi, 40, who is not a physician but who was also a part owner of the McAllen Medical Clinic, pleaded guilty in August 2016 to one count of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and is scheduled to be sentenced in March 2017.
According to documents filed in the case, from approximately January 2013 through July 2014, Andrews and his co-conspirators, including Faridi, distributed and caused to be distributed at least 150,000 30mg oxycodone pills in Dallas. The prescriptions were issued in Andrews’ name and under his DEA registration number. Andrews wrote or signed prescriptions for 30mg oxycodone pills without conducting medical exams of patients, without determining there was a legitimate medical purpose for the prescription, and outside the usual course of professional practice. Andrews admits he and his coconspirators issued the illegitimate prescriptions to make money.
The proceeds of the drug-trafficking conspiracy consisted of cash payments collected by Faridi and other coconspirators at McAllen Medical Clinic for fake patient visits. Those payments varied per patient, per visit, and were payable only in cash. Andrews received a share of those cash payments.
Andrews further admitted that he and his coconspirators, including Faridi, conspired to conduct financial transactions with what he knew, or should have known, were proceeds of the drug trafficking in order to conceal and disguise the nature, location, source, ownership or control of those proceeds.
In fact, according to the factual resume, Andrews admitted that he knew or should have known certain facts. He admitted that, to the extent that he did not know certain facts, he had deliberately closed his eyes to what would otherwise have been obvious to him. He was not merely negligent, careless or foolish; rather, with respects to the facts that the did not know, he deliberately blinded himself to their existence.
In February 2015, a federal grand jury in Dallas indicted 23 individuals on offenses related to their participation in the prescription drug distribution conspiracy. That indictment alleged that from at least May 2013 through July 2014, the defendants participated in a scheme to illicitly obtain prescriptions for pain medications, such as oxycodone and hydrocodone, and then distribute those controlled substances for profit. As part of the conspiracy, individuals, often homeless or of limited means, were recruited and paid to pose as patients at medical clinics, including the McAllen Medical Clinic, to obtain prescriptions to fill those prescriptions at designated pharmacies.
Superseding indictments were returned in December 2015 and in January 2016, and now, a total of 31 individuals have been charged. Many of those defendants have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Eight have been sentenced to date. Additional guilty pleas in the coming weeks are possible; trial for the remainder of the defendants is set for February 13, 2017.
After their arrests in January 2016, Andrews and co-defendant pharmacists Ndufola Kigham and Kumi Frimpong, were ordered to surrender their DEA registration numbers, preventing Dr. Andrews from issuing prescriptions for controlled substances and Kigham and Frimpong from dispensing controlled substances. Kigham also surrendered her stock of controlled substances that she had at her pharmacy to DEA.
This Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Louisiana State Police, the Grand Prairie Police Department, the Dallas Police Department, the Houston Police Department, the Arlington Police Department, the Greenville Police Department, the Parker County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Marshal’s Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Diplomatic Security Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Walters is in charge of the prosecution.
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Armed Carjacker Sentenced to More Than 23 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
DALLAS — A Dallas man who admitted committing two armed carjackings in Dallas on two consecutive days in May 2015, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge Barbara M. G. Lynn to a lengthy federal prison sentence, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Verod Woodard was sentenced to 283 months in federal prison. He pleaded guilty the day his trial was to begin in May 2016 in federal court in Dallas to one count of using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
According to documents filed in his case, Woodard committed a carjacking at gunpoint in the parking lot of a Family Dollar store in Dallas on the afternoon of May 15, 2015. He took a 2006 Chrysler Sebring from its occupant by pointing a loaded .25 caliber Raven Arms handgun at her. The following day, Woodard brandished the same loaded .25 caliber Raven Arms handgun at a second victim at a gas station/convenience store, and he took the victim’s 2007 Ford F-250 pickup truck. Shortly after driving away from the gas station/convenience store, Woodard ran a red light, and a DART police officer observed that violation and made a traffic stop. After calling in the license plate number, officers discovered that the vehicle had recently been carjacked and Woodard was then arrested. A .25 caliber Raven Arms handgun, that matched the description given by the truck’s owner, was found in the cab of the pickup truck
The case was investigated by the FBI, the Dallas Police Department and the DART Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Penley and Kate Pfeifle prosecuted the case.
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Texas Man Who Burglarized a Convenience Store in Waxahachie is Sentenced to 98 Months in Federal Prison on Firearm ConvictionRead the Press Release
DALLAS — Terry Bridgewater, 30, of Waco, Texas, was sentenced this morning by U.S. District Judge David C. Godbey to 98 months in federal prison, following his guilty plea in August 2016 to one count of felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Judge Godbey ordered that Bridgewater serve that sentence consecutive to a 10-year state sentence he is currently serving for burglary.
According to documents filed in the case and information presented at his sentencing hearing today, Bridgewater, who has prior felony convictions for both assault and arson, was caught by officers with the Waxahachie Police Department on June 2, 2015, while burglarizing a convenience store in Waxahachie, Texas. At the time, Bridgewater was armed with a loaded Kel-Tec 9mm caliber pistol. While being transported to the police station following his arrest, Bridgewater told the arresting officer that he was lucky that he only had two rounds of ammunition in his pistol, because if he had had more ammunition, he would have engaged the officer in a gun battle. Bridgewater also admitted that he had just sold “on the streets” another pistol that he had obliterated the serial number.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Waxahachie Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Robinson prosecuted.
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Texas Dental Management Firm, 19 Affiliated Dental Practices, and Their Owners and Marketing Chief Agree to Pay $8.45 Million to Resolve Allegations of False Medicaid Claims for Pediatric Dental ServicesRead the Press Release
DALLAS – Texas-based MB2 Dental Solutions (MB2) and 21 pediatric dental practices affiliated with MB2, along with their owners and marketing chief, have agreed to pay the United States and the State of Texas Medicaid program $8.45 million to resolve allegations that they violated the False Claims Act by knowingly submitting, or causing the submission of, claims for pediatric dental services that were not rendered, were tainted by kickbacks, or falsely identified the person who performed the service, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
“Today's settlement demonstrates our unwavering commitment to protect the Medicaid program and the patients it serves from unscrupulous providers,” said U.S. Attorney Parker. “Providers who waste taxpayer dollars by billing for services that were not provided, or were otherwise improper, will be held accountable.” U.S. Attorney Parker commended the Texas Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, the Civil Division of the Texas Attorney General’s Office, the FBI and the Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General for their coordinated efforts to investigate and resolve these allegations.
This settlement resolves allegations that between Jan. 1, 2009, and Dec. 31, 2014, MB2 and affiliated dental practices submitted claims to the Texas Medicaid Fee for Service Program for single-surface fillings in children that were not provided. The settlement also resolves allegations that MB2 paid kickbacks to Medicaid beneficiaries and their families, marketers, and marketing entities, in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute, and that MB2 and affiliated dental practices used erroneous Medicaid provider numbers misrepresenting the dentists performing the pediatric procedures.
Medicaid is funded jointly by the states and the federal government. The State of Texas paid for part of the Medicaid claims at issue and will receive approximately half of the settlement amount.
MB2 is a dental management firm based in Carrollton, Texas, that provides management services to affiliated dental offices. The dental practices included in the settlement are Dental Professionals of Texas PLLC; Archstone Dental PLLC; Bliss Dental PLLC; Crescent Dental PLLC; Dental Central PLLC; Dental Family Circle PLLC d/b/a Forney Wellness Dental; DFW Family Dental Centers PLLC; Element Dental PLLC; Fresh Dental PLLC; Galaxy Dental PLLC; Legend Dental PLLC; Peppermint Dental PLLC; Picasso Dental PLLC; Sage Dental PLLC; Spearmint Dental PLLC; Tide Dental PLLC; Vida Dental PLLC; Viva Orthodontics PLLC and Wow Dental PLLC.
As part of the settlement agreement today, Drs. Christopher Steven Villanueva, Trung Minh Tang, Mauricio Dardano, Gabriel Shahwan and Akhil Reddy agreed to pay $250,000 each to resolve the governments’ claims against them individually. They are owners or part owners of MB2 and the dental practices included in this settlement, and practice dentistry in Texas. Frank Villanueva, MB2’s head of marketing, also will pay $100,000 to resolve his alleged personal liability.
As part of this settlement, MB2, Drs. Villanueva, Tang, Dardano, Shahwan, and Reddy have entered into a five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement (CIA) with the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). The CIA requires an independent review organization to annually assess whether claims reimbursed by a federal health care program were correctly coded, medically necessary and appropriately documented.
“HHS-OIG is particularly vigilant about potential abuses in Medicaid pediatric dental offices where patients and their families are especially vulnerable to questionable practices,” said Special Agent in Charge CJ Porter for the HHS-OIG in Dallas. “Today’s settlement should ensure other dental clinics are aware that we are watching how they operate and will pursue appropriate resolutions when profits are put before patient care.”
Part of the allegations resolved by this settlement were originally filed under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act by Veronica Garcia, a former MB2 employee. The act permits private parties to sue on behalf of the government for false claims for government funds and to receive a share of any recovery. It also permits the government to intervene in such lawsuits, as it did in this case. Ms. Garcia will receive $1.521 million from the United States and the State of Texas.
This settlement illustrates the government’s emphasis on combating health care fraud and marks another achievement for the Health Care Fraud Prevention and Enforcement Action Team (HEAT) initiative, which was announced in May 2009 by the Attorney General and the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The partnership between the two departments has focused efforts to reduce and prevent Medicare and Medicaid financial fraud through enhanced cooperation. One of the most powerful tools in this effort is the False Claims Act. Since January 2009, the Justice Department has recovered a total of more than $31.8 billion through False Claims Act cases, with more than $19.3 billion of that amount recovered in cases involving fraud against federal health care programs.
The matter was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kenneth G. Coffin and Scott Hogan. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
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Rockwall, Texas, Man Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Federal Prison for Role in Methamphetamine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
DALLAS — A Rockwall, Texas, man, Richard Deon Murrell, was sentenced last week by U.S. District Judge Jane J. Boyle to 190 months in federal prison, following his guilty plea in April 2016 to his role in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
On September 3, 2015, Murrell was driving on I-30 and was pulled over by an officer with the Rockwall Police Department. Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer smelled marijuana. The officer asked Murrell for his driver’s license and Murrell said he didn’t have one. When Murrell was asked to step out of his vehicle and write his name and date of birth on a piece of paper, Murrell provided the officer with a fake name and fake date of birth. Murrell then told the officer his license was suspended. The officer told Murrell he was being detained because of the validity of his license and told him to place his hands behind his back. Murrell jerked away, ran along the passenger side of the vehicle, entered the vehicle and grabbed a dark bag from the vehicle. Murrell then ran north across the east and west-bound lanes of I-30.
A search of the vehicle revealed that it contained approximately one gram of marijuana. When Murrell was subsequently located coming out of a wooded area and was arrested, he advised he’d thrown the bag away near a tractor trailer, but no bag was found in that area.
Later, officers located a soft-sided cooler, containing numerous clear baggies of methamphetamine, in a culvert. That methamphetamine had a gross weight of 1142 grams. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) examined the baggies for fingerprints and concluded that prints on the baggies belonged both to Murrell and his co-defendant, Toby Deodric Hawkins. Charges remain pending against Hawkins.
The FBI, Rockwall Police Department and Texas DPS investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney George Leal prosecuted.
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Man Who Wrote More Than $100,000 of Bad Checks at Texas Post Offices is Sentenced to Five Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
FORT WORTH, Texas — A 46-year-old man, Ronald Hinshaw, who admitted writing numerous bad checks in U.S. Post Offices in Texas, has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Reed C. O’Connor to serve 60 months in federal prison, a sentence higher than that recommended by the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
In addition, Judge O’Connor ordered that Hinshaw pay $126,098 in restitution to the U.S. Postal Service. Hinshaw, who most recently resided in Lufkin, Texas, pleaded guilty in July 2016 to a felony information charging one count of theft of government funds. He has been in custody since he entered that plea.
"This sentence should be a signal to offenders like Ronald Hinshaw that defrauding a government entity relied upon by millions of citizens every day for safe and dependable delivery of their personal effects is a serious crime that can result in serious time,” said Ralph A. Key, Acting Inspector in Charge of the Fort Worth Division.
According to information presented during his sentencing hearing last week, Hinshaw negotiated 140 checks, totaling $126,098, at post offices throughout Texas. According to the factual resume filed in the case, on May 20, 2015, Hinshaw knowingly provided a “hot check” at a Post Office in Fort Worth to purchase 300, 20-stamp booklets of 49-cent stamps that he then sold at a reduced rate for money.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Wolfe was in charge of the prosecution.
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Man Sentenced to Two Years in Federal Prison for Role in IRS Impersonation Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
DALLAS — Arnoldo Perez Mirabal, 42, has been sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jane J. Boyle to 24 months in federal prison, following his guilty plea in September 2016 to a superseding information charging wire fraud related to an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) impersonation fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
At Thursday’s sentencing hearing, Judge Boyle also ordered Mirabal to pay more than $97,000 in restitution to the 182 victims of his scheme. Mirabal has been in custody since his arrest in Miami in May 2016 on charges outlined in a federal complaint filed in Dallas.
According to documents filed in the case, from approximately November 2015 until April 2016, Mirabal or other individuals would make unsolicited phone calls to unsuspecting taxpayers claiming to be IRS agents or employees, telling the taxpayer they owed the IRS an outstanding debt that must be paid immediately. This IRS impersonator would typically threaten the taxpayer with arrest or a lawsuit if the funds were not immediately paid.
Mirabal admitted that the impersonator would direct the taxpayers to settle this purported IRS debt by wiring funds to Mirabal via MoneyGram or Walmart-2-Walmart services at a location in the Northern District of Texas or elsewhere.
Mirabal admitted that as part of the scheme, on approximately November 5, 2015, an individual posing as “Jake Davis,” representing the IRS, called victim W.H. and informed him that he owed back taxes, and as a result, a warrant had been issued for his arrest. “Jake Davis” informed W.H, that he must immediately pay $1,000 to satisfy the warrant. “Jake Davis,” however, was not affiliated with the IRS and had no authority to seek these funds. When W.H. stated he could only pay $600 toward the total amount, “Jake Davis” instructed him to wire those funds to Arnoldo Perez Mirabal in Texas. W.H. then threatened with “liens and levies” and informed W.H. that he would need to make arrangements to pay the remaining funds. “Jake Davis” also advised W.H. that he should not hang up the phone until the funds were wired, as the IRS would consider that a sign of non-compliance with their order. W.H. then transferred $600 via Moneygram from a Walmart store in Bloomington, Indiana in response to this phone call. Mirabal accepted these funds at a Walmart store in Richardson, Texas,
The case was investigated by the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Dana was in charge of the prosecution.
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Lubbock Men Receive Hefty Federal Prison Sentences for Attempting to Entice a MinorRead the Press Release
LUBBOCK, Texas — In unrelated cases, two Lubbock, Texas, men, who each pleaded guilty in September 2016 to one count of attempted enticement of a minor, were sentenced on Friday to hefty federal prison sentences, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Dustin Mathew Buckaloo, 29, of Lubbock, Texas, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge Sam R. Cummings to 162 months in federal prison. Patrick Wong, 36, was sentenced by Judge Cummings to 120 months in federal prison.
According to documents filed in Buckaloo’s case, from approximately July 9 through July 23, 2016, Buckaloo used Facebook messaging to communicate with a person he believed to be a 14-year-old girl, who was, in fact, an undercover officer. In the communications, he knowingly persuaded, induced, and enticed, and attempted to entice this person he believed to be a 14-year-old girl, to engage in sexual activity with him. On July 23, 2016, Buckaloo made arrangements to meet the person he believed was the minor girl, and he was arrested when he arrived at the agreed-upon location.
According to documents filed in Wong’s case, from approximately June 26, 2016, through August 9, 2016, Wong used Facebook messaging to communicate with a person he believed to be a 14-year-old girl, who was, in fact, an undercover officer. In these communications, Wong knowingly persuaded, induced, and enticed, and attempted to entice this person he believed to be a 14-year-old girl, to engage in sexual activity with him. On August 9, 2016, Wong made arrangements to meet the person he believed was the minor girl, and he was arrested when he arrived at the agreed-upon location.
The cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/. For more information about internet safety education, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/ and click on the tab “resources.”
The Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI investigated the cases. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven M. Sucsy was in charge of the prosecutions.
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Duncanville Resident Sentenced to 55 Months in Federal Prison After Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
DALLAS — A man residing in Duncanville, Texas, who admitted failing to register as a sex offender, Colby Levell Styles, 36, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jane J. Boyle to 55 months in federal prison and 10 years of supervised release, a sentence higher than that recommended by the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
According to documents filed in the case, in October 2005, Styles, a former resident of Georgia, was convicted of aggravated assault with intent to rape in the Superior Court of Fulton County, Georgia. Around February 2, 2016, and continuing to April 8, 2016, Styles traveled to Texas, where he knowingly failed to register as a sex offender and update a registration, as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act.
According to information presented at his sentencing hearing, since being released from his aggravated assault with intent to rape conviction, Styles had been convicted twice in Georgia for failing to register as a sex offender. Shortly after being released from custody, Styles moved from Georgia to Texas. At the time of his arrest in April, Styles was living in an apartment complex in Duncanville, next to an elementary school. Prior to his arrest, Styles had been questioned by local police in connection with an unrelated incident, at which time Styles gave the police a fake name to avoid being detected as an unregistered sex offender.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jamie Hoxie was in charge of the prosecution.
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Former Postal Employee Faces Five Years in Federal Prison for Working as a Personal Trainer While Receiving Workers' Compensation Disability BenefitsRead the Press Release
DALLAS — Less than one week before her trial was scheduled to begin in federal court in Dallas, a Grand Prairie, Texas, woman, Andria Victoria Booker, a/k/a Andria Victoria Crosby, 36, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Sidney A. Fitzwater to one count of making false statements or fraud to obtain federal employees’ compensation, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Booker, who is in custody, faces a maximum statutory penalty of five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. According to the plea agreement filed in the case, Booker agrees to pay $41,395 in restitution to the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP). Sentencing is set for April 21, 2017, before Judge Fitzwater.
In March 2012, Booker claimed she was injured by a dog bite on her finger through a residential mail slot while she was working for the U.S. Postal Service. OWCP accepted her injury claim and began paying her disability benefits.
As part of the OWCP benefits program, a claimant must annually truthfully complete Form EN-1032 that requires a claimant to report employment, self-employment activities, volunteer activities, or any activities that may affect the claimant’s eligibility for payments. Form EN-1032 encompasses all activities for the 15-month period preceding the date of the claimant’s signature.
According to plea documents filed in her case, Booker admits that she did not immediately report to OWCP her employment or employment activity, and she concealed the fact that she was working when she signed and dated Form EN-1032 in September 2014. Booker admits that she worked as a personal trainer at I.T. Fitness in Grand Prairie, Texas, and elsewhere, including forming her own personal training business while she was receiving disability compensation benefits from the OWCP and had stated she did not work. Booker further admitted that she did not report any of her volunteer activities to the OWCP, as she was required to do, when she regularly volunteered for her son’s football program as team representative.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Bray is in charge of the prosecution.
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Two Men Convicted in Unrelated Cases for Producing and Distributing Child Porn Sentenced to Lengthy Federal Prison SentencesRead the Press Release
FORT WORTH, Texas — Two men who were convicted in unrelated cases earlier this year on child pornography offenses have been sentenced to lengthy federal prison sentences by federal judges in Fort Worth, Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Today, U.S. District Judge Reed C. O’Connor sentenced Ronald Eric Ary, 55, of Erath County, Texas, to 360 months in federal prison. Ary pleaded guilty in September 2016 to one count of distributing child pornography. He has been in custody since his arrest in July 2016 on a related federal criminal complaint. According to documents filed in his case, Ary admitted that he used the Internet and an instant messaging application to distribute and trade child pornography, including a sexually explicit video of an infant child and adult man. The FBI and the Erath County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case.
On Friday, December 30, 2016, Friday, U.S. District Judge John McBryde sentenced Robert Eugene Sanders, 74, of Hood County, Texas, to 360 months in federal prison, fined him $10,000, and ordered him to pay nearly $65,000 in restitution. Sanders pleaded guilty in July 2016 to one count of production of child pornography, and he has been in custody since his arrest in May 2016 on a related federal criminal complaint. According to documents filed in his case, in August 2011, Sanders knowingly used, persuaded, and induced two prepubescent female victims to engage in sexually explicit conduct that he photographed. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Keller Police Department and the Hood County Sheriff’s Office investigated this case.
These cases were brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/. For more information about internet safety education, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/ and click on the tab “resources.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney A. Saleem prosecuted both cases.
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Garland Man Sentenced to 30 Months in Federal Prison and Fined $3,000 on Firearms ConvictionRead the Press Release
DALLAS — Melvin Yip, 31, of Garland, Texas, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Sam A. Lindsay to 30 months in federal prison and fined $3,000, following his guilty plea in April 2016 to one count of engaging in the business of firearms without a license. The announcement was made today by U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Judge Lindsay ordered that Yip surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on January 24, 2017.
According to documents filed in the case, Yip admitted that in September 2015, he was not a licensed dealer of firearms, but he did engage in the business of dealing firearms.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Wirmani was in charge of the prosecution.
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Federal Grand Jury Indicts Four for Running “Foreclosure Rescue Scheme” That Exploited Vulnerabale Homeowners Facing ForeclosuresRead the Press Release
DALLAS — A federal grand jury in Dallas returned an indictment yesterday charging four individuals with felony offenses stemming from a “foreclosure rescue scheme” they ran from approximately February 2012 through January 2013, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Specifically, the indictment charges each of the defendants, Mark Demetri Stein, 36, of Carrollton, Texas, Richard Bruce Stevens, 51, of San Antonio, Texas, Bruce Kevin Hawkins, 52, of Desoto, Texas, and Christina Renee Caveny,37, of Dallas with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and five counts of mail fraud.
The defendants are expected to make their initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul D. Stickney later this week.
The indictment alleges that the defendants recruited at least 70 distressed and vulnerable homeowners who were facing the imminent threat of foreclosure on their homes and fraudulently collected a total of at least $242,000 from them.
According to the indictment, Stein operated Real Estate Solutions, Stevens used Texas Real Estate Services, and Hawkins formed ERealty Mortgage Group, LLC, as foreclosure rescue companies. The conspirators used third parties to contact homeowners and offer them an opportunity to get out of their present home loans and receive a new home loan with a reduced interest payment and reduced monthly payment. The conspirators falsely represented to homeowners that they had “investors” standing by who were ready to quickly purchase the homeowner’s present loan from the lender holding the current mortgage. They also falsely represented that they would use investors to purchase the homeowner’s loan from the original lender at a greatly reduced price through a “short sale” process.
Furthermore, the conspirators falsely represented to the homeowners that the homeowners had the legal authority to transfer their homeowner’s deed to the defendants.
As part of the scheme, the conspirators fraudulently required homeowners to start making all future loan payments to them based on fraudulent so-called “loans,” and they also told homeowners to ignore late payment notices sent by lenders. As part of the scheme, the conspirators conducted a fraudulent “closing” for each homeowner where they caused the homeowner to pay them a large down payment on the new “loan,” and they also had the homeowner sign fraudulent documents, such as a promissory note, deed of trust, special warranty deed, and/or a so-called “land trust.”
Further, according to the indictment, the conspirators falsely represented to homeowners that the conspirators could “sell” their property back to the homeowner with a new loan, when the conspirators well knew they did not legally own the property. The conspirators also told homeowners to ignore notices of nonpayment from their present lender as they continued to unlawfully collect monthly so called “mortgage payments” from homeowners. In fact, conspirators instructed several homeowners to file for bankruptcy but to not follow up with the bankruptcy process as an additional means to delay foreclosure and conceal the conspirators’ criminal conduct. Conspirators concealed that all down payment and monthly mortgage payments fraudulently collected from homeowners was spent for their own personal benefit.
An indictment is an accusation by a federal grand jury, and a defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty. If convicted, however, each count charged in the indictment carries a maximum statutory penalty of five years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine. Restitution could also be ordered.
This case is one of several felony prosecutions of bankruptcy-related crimes generated by the Bankruptcy Fraud Initiative in the Northern District of Texas. With the charges in this indictment, 25 defendants have been charged as part of that initiative. Sixteen have been convicted, one resulted in a mistrial, and eight are pending trial.
The Dallas FBI is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Jarvis is in charge of the prosecution.
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Convicted Felon Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Federal Prison on Firearm and Methamphetamine Trafficking ConvictionsRead the Press Release
WICHITA FALLS, Texas — John William Sturm, 54, was sentenced on Monday by U.S. District Judge Reed C. O’Conner to serve a total of 190 months in federal prison, following his guilty plea in August 2016 to a three-count indictment charging firearm and drug distribution offenses, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Specifically, Sturm pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, one count of possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to documents filed in the case, on April 6, 2016, in the Wichita Falls, Texas, area, Sturm, a convicted felon, possessed a Hi-Point, nine millimeter pistol, while possessing with the intent to distribute more than a “user quantity” of methamphetamine.
Sturm had been convicted in 2004 in federal court in the Northern District of Texas for being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to a 10-year federal prison sentence. He served that sentence and then, in August 2013, Judge O’Conner found that Sturm had violated the terms of his supervised release. Judge O’Connor revoked his supervised release and sentenced him to 24 months in federal prison.
The case was investigated by the Wichita Falls Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Deputy Criminal Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Nicholas Bunch was in charge of the prosecution.
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Lubbock Man Sentenced to 135 Months in Federal Prison on Attempted Enticement of a Child ConvictionRead the Press Release
LUBBOCK, Texas — Mike Lozano, 29, of Lubbock, Texas, was sentenced this morning by Senior U.S. District Judge Sam R. Cummings to 135 months in federal prison, following his guilty plea in September 2016 to one count of attempted enticement of a minor, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
According to documents filed in the case, from approximately July 1, 2016, though July 22, 2016, while living in Lubbock County, Lozano engaged in Facebook messaging with a minor female. In these Internet communications Lozano knowingly attempted to persuade, induce, and entice the minor female to engage in sexual activity with him, even after the minor female made him aware that she was only 15-years-old. On July 22, 2016, the minor female’s Facebook account was taken over by another person, but Lozano still believed he was communicating with the minor female. That day, Lozano made arrangements to meet with the person he believed to be the minor female, and he was arrested upon his arrival at the agreed location.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative, which was launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice, to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals, who sexually exploit children, and identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/. For more information about internet safety education, please visit http://www.justice.gov/psc/ and click on the tab “resources.”
The case was investigated by the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven M. Sucsy was in charge of the prosecution.
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