Southern District of Texas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Two illegal aliens and a Laredoan charged with various firearms offensesRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – Three men are in custody on charges related to the discovery of various weapons and ammunition at a Laredo residence linked to another crime, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Erick Lopez-Rivera Sr., 37, and Marcos Lora-Morales, 24, both illegal aliens unlawfully residing in Laredo, and Erick Lopez Jr., 18, Laredo, are expected to make their appearances before a U.S. magistrate judge in the near future.
The investigation began March 21 when law enforcement discovered the location of a firearm allegedly used in a crime, according to the charges. During execution of search warrant at the residence, authorities allegedly discovered two machine gun conversion devices (MCDs) and a backpack that contained magazines and ammunition that Lopez had been storing.
MCDs convert semi-automatic handguns into fully automatic weapons.
According to the complaint, authorities also located .38 special and .22LR ammunition linked to Lopez-Rivera Sr.
Upon further investigation, they allegedly found a grey backpack containing a 9mm S&W handgun Lora-Morales had purchased and a Mexican passport that belonged to him in a detached structure on the property. According to the complaint, Lora-Morales had overstayed his visa and was unlawfully present in the United States.
Lopez-Rivera Jr. is charged with possession of a machine gun, while Lopez-Rivera Sr. and Lora-Morales are facing charges of alien in possession of ammunition and alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition, respectively. Lopez-Rivera Sr. is also charged with felony reentry of an alien.
Possession of a machine gun carries a possible 10-year prison sentence, while alien in possession of ammunition and alien in possession of a firearm and ammunition have maximum penalties of 15 years. Illegal reentry after removal has a maximum 20-year-term of imprisonment. All three men could also be ordered to pay up to $250,000 in fines, upon each count of conviction.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, FBI and Laredo Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew P. Hakala-Finch is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Fentanyl distributor gets 13 years in prisonRead the Press Release
GALVESTON, Texas – A 46-year-old Texas City resident has been ordered to federal prison for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
John Earl Edwards pleaded guilty Sept. 24, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey V. Brown has now ordered Edwards to serve 156 months to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
“Taking fentanyl off the street is good, but taking a fentanyl dealer off the street is even better,” said Ganjei. “This is one less person who makes their living off of the misery of their fellow citizens.”
On July 22, 2021, Edwards negotiated the sale of a small amount of fentanyl and arranged to have it delivered on July 22, 2021.
The investigation revealed Edwards’ drug distribution also included cocaine, cocaine base and methamphetamine.
He was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI’s Safe Streets and Violent Crimes Task Force and the La Marque Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Cusick prosecuted the case.
Federal jury finds human smuggler guilty of possessing child sexual abuse materialRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 43-year-old Lyford man has been convicted of possessing 150 images of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
The jury deliberated for approximately 15 minutes before finding Jose Rodriguez Jr. guilty after a one-day trial.
Law enforcement originally arrested Rodriguez Aug. 12, 2024, in connection with an alien transportation event. At that time, they seized his phone and discovered over 150 images and videos of child sexual assault material (CSAM).
During the trial, the jury heard testimony and evidence regarding the multiple images and videos of CSAM downloaded and stored on Rodriguez’s phone over multiple months. The evidence included numerous files depicting sexual assaults of prepubescent children. The jury also learned Rodriguez has a prior conviction for criminal attempted sexual assault from 2010 which involved a minor victim.
The defense attempted to convince the jury that a virus downloaded the CSAM onto his phone. However, evidence showed that Rodriguez had over 100 user accounts on the phone linked to him and that the child pornography was downloaded on 20 separate occasions from April through August of 2024.
The jury also heard from a computer forensic expert who rendered an opinion that the pattern of activity indicated intentional downloading.
“The Southern District of Texas has zero tolerance for child sex offenses, much less repeat sex offenders like the defendant in this case,” said Ganjei. “We are grateful to the jury for serving justice in this case.”
U.S. District Judge Drew Tipton set sentencing for July 15. At that time, Rodriguez faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Rodriguez was charged in a separate case for the human smuggling event and later pleaded guilty.
He was taken into custody following the verdict where he will remain pending sentencing in both cases.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations and Border Patrol conducted the investigation with assistance from Raymondville Police Department and Willacy County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Devin Walker and Jose Garcia are prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
Third man guilty of laundering funds from 9-year fraud schemeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 62-year-old Houston resident has admitted to laundering proceeds from a large-scale bank fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
William Mills admitted that from 2014 to 2023, he conspired with others in a bank fraud scheme involving dozens of loans totaling at least $35 million in fraudulent loan proceeds.
As part of the plea, Mills acknowledged opening and maintaining shell companies and bank accounts to collect money from the scheme. He then laundered the fraud proceeds by wiring them to bank accounts other co-conspirators controlled.
Mills and others accomplished the bank fraud by preparing loan applications that contained false and fraudulent information and documents, including fake equipment sales invoices, income tax returns and financial and bank statements.
U.S. District Keith Ellison will impose sentencing June 27. At that time, Mills faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine or twice the amount involved in the transaction.
He will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Two other Houston residents charged in the case, Jeremiah Almaguer, 45, Bun Khath, 44, both of Houston, previously pleaded guilty to money laundering in the same scheme and are awaiting sentencing. Another Houston resident charged in the case - Hugo Villanueva, 70, - is considered a fugitive, and a warrant remains outstanding for his arrest. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the FBI at 713-693-5000.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency-Office of Inspector General (OIG), IRS Criminal Investigation, FBI and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation-OIG conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Belinda Beek is prosecuting the case.
Southern District of Texas charges more than 200 persons for immigration and border security offenses this weekRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A total of 229 cases have been filed in border security-related matters from April 4-10, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
As part of those cases, 80 face allegations of illegally reentering the country with the majority having felony convictions such as narcotics, firearms or sexual offenses, or prior immigration crimes. A total of 126 people face charges of illegally entering the country, 18 cases involve various instances of human smuggling with others relating to firearms, false statements and other immigration matters.
One such case alleges Victor D. Perozo-Zarraga committed fraud and misuse of a visa after authorities found him in possession of fraudulent legal permanent resident and Social Security documents. He indicated he had legal status to be in the United States, which he does not, according to the complaint.
Other relevant matters this week include a Mexican visa holder who attempted to bring child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and drugs across the border. Christian Christopher Rodriguez-Lopez was ordered to serve 151 months after attempting to enter the United States from Mexico. Upon inspection, law enforcement located approximately five kilograms of cocaine in his vehicle. Further investigation following his arrest resulted in the additional discovery of CSAM on his cell phone. His visa has since been revoked.
“Mr. Rodriguez-Lopez is a perfect example of why our more aggressive approach to border security is so critical,” said Ganjei. “Neither these drugs, nor this defendant, have any place in our communities. Due to the excellent work of our law enforcement partners, this cocaine will never make it to the streets and this offender will spend the next decade in federal prison.”
Also announced was a 29-year-old Mexican national with a felony criminal history who was sentenced for illegally entering the country without authorization. Joaquin Hernandez-Reyes has felony convictions for illegal reentry as well as assault of a public servant and possession of a controlled substance. He was first removed from the United States in 2016 and returned illegally several more times. He received a 72-month sentence.
A Mexican national who illegally resided in Roma has been ordered to federal prison for 37 months for human smuggling. Allan Eduardo Mar-Uballe was driving a Ford Expedition with the back seats and seatbelts removed. Inside the vehicle were 18 illegal aliens, including two unaccompanied minors. Authorities attempted to stop the vehicle, but he evaded at a high rate of speed and drove erratically, disregarding stop signs and other vehicles, before crashing into a ditch. Several inside the vehicle sustained injuries.
Another human smuggler was sentenced to 46 months. On Dec. 23, 2024, Felipe Montez attempted to transport seven illegal aliens. He was driving a vehicle waiting by the Rio Grande River near Escobares as the individuals ran from the river towards him. Upon the sight of law enforcement, they all attempted to flee, but authorities apprehended them. Further investigation revealed Montez was involved in four previous alien smuggling events which involved attempts to evade law enforcement. His crimes have involved a total of 41 illegal aliens.
In a case out of the Corpus Christi office, the court found Hosmel Vences responsible for organizing the smuggling of at least 75 illegal aliens between Aug. 16 – Dec. 17, 2023, and ordered him to serve 48 months. The investigation revealed Vences recruited many different drivers from all over South Texas to drive to Brownsville and Raymondville for the purpose of transporting illegal aliens further into the United States.
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) - Homeland Security Investigations, ICE - Enforcement and Removal Operations, Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.
The cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX). Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.
The SDTX remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than nine million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes.
An indictment or criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
COVID scammer admits to defrauding investors with fake products and false documentsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 30-year-old Los Angeles, California, resident has pleaded guilty to wire fraud in a $12.5 million scam that victimized investors in the Southern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
In the first years of the COVID-19 pandemic, Robert Maxwell falsely represented to investors that he had procured a manufacturing contract with a Chinese company for personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks and gloves. He also purported to have a domestic agreement to sell the PPE.
He used fabricated bank records, agreements and other documents to solicit millions in investments to aid in this purported venture. He then pocketed the investment funds, while the PPE never existed.
At the same time, Maxwell agreed to help produce an at-home aerosol product intended to kill coronavirus. While again taking in millions from investors, Maxwell claimed he was working with a manufacturing plant in Texas and an out-of-state distributor to produce and deliver the product to major retailers.
Maxwell told victims that retailers were selling out of the product and ordering millions of additional units in a bid to obtain additional investor funds. However, the entire arrangement was a fraud. No one had even manufactured the product, retailers had never heard of it nor of Maxwell, and he had fabricated all the documents he showed to investors to bolster the scheme.
Maxwell admitted to stealing more than $12.5 million from victims in the course of his fraudulent scheme.
“The Southern District of Texas takes an aggressive approach against would-be fraudsters and swindlers,” said Ganjei. “Those who take advantage of a national emergency to enrich themselves by false pretenses will find themselves where they belong - in prison.”
U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett will impose sentencing July 17. At that time, Maxwell faces up to 20 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Carter and Christian Latham prosecuted the case.
Five sentenced for smuggling cocaine into the countryRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – Four more individuals from Mexico have been sentenced for their roles in a conspiracy involving over 100 kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Bolivar Ramos-Barragan, 45, Angel Ramirez-Serna, 28, and Claudia Contreras-Viveros, 41, all of Mexico, had all previously pleaded guilty.
U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now imposed a 70-month-term of imprisonment for Ramos-Barragan, while Ramirez-Serna and Contreras-Viveros received respective terms of 36 and 50 months. Not U.S. citizens, all are expected to face removal proceedings following their sentences.
Victor Aguilar, also of Mexico, was previously sentenced to 127 months.
The investigation revealed that in 2022 and 2023, all had smuggled multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine from Mexico into the United States. The co-conspirators would utilize vehicles to smuggle the drugs which would then be stored in local stash houses before being distributed to others for further distribution.
In December 2022, authorities arrested Ramirez-Serna while in possession of eight kilograms of cocaine. The following month, Filiberto Elizalde-Hernandez had delivered eight kilograms of cocaine to Contreras-Viveros and her husband - Aguilar. During each of the events, Ramos-Barragan oversaw the transfer and distribution of the narcotics.
The investigation revealed the conspirators had possessed and distributed over 100 kilograms of cocaine over several months.
Elizalde-Hernandez is set for sentencing April 28.
Ramos-Barragan, Ramirez-Serna and Contreras-Viveros will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation with the assistance of the Edinburg Police Department and the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.
Assistant U.S. Attorney James Sturgis prosecuted the case.
Visa holder arrested for facilitating prostitution across international borderRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 33-year-old Mexican woman has been charged for facilitating the transportation of two females from Mexico into the United States for the purpose of engaging in prostitution, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Jaqueline Rios Garcia De La Cadena is set for a detention hearing at 1 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Scott Hacker.
The charges allege that on April 2, Garcia De La Cadena and two females presented themselves individually for admission into the United States at the Hidalgo International port of entry. All three are allegedly citizens and nationals of Mexico who possessed B1/B2 visitor visas and were referred for secondary inspections.
The charges allege Garcia De La Cadena organized a trip for the women to travel to Houston to engage in prostitution. She allegedly paid for transportation from Mexico and made further travel arrangements from McAllen to Houston for the women to meet unknown persons and engage in sexual activity for which they would be paid.
According to the complaint, Garcia De La Cadena instructed them to enter the United States through different pedestrian lanes at the port of entry to avoid suspicion.
Garcia De La Cadena had allegedly facilitated a similar trip to Houston for one of the women on a previous occasion.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection are conducting the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexa D. Parcell is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Tax preparer indicted for filing false tax returns resulting in tens of thousands in fraudulent claimsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A Needville tax preparer has been taken into custody on charges that she willfully helped clients file false tax returns with the IRS, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Monica Green is set to make her initial appearance in Houston federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina A. Bryan at 2 p.m.
A federal grand jury returned the six-count indictment April 2, which was unsealed upon her arrest.
Green ran a tax preparation business in Needville from at least 2017 to 2021, according to the charges. At times during those years, she allegedly added false credits or deductions on tax returns to fraudulently lower her clients’ overall tax liability.
The indictment alleges Green utilized false Schedule A deductions, false Schedule C losses for businesses that did not even exist and false education credits showing expenses for colleges her clients did not attend. The fraudulent amounts claimed on these returns would, at times, exceed tens of thousands of dollars, according to the charges.
Green allegedly earned money from the scheme by charging her clients preparation fees of hundreds of dollars per return.
If convicted, she faces up to three years in prison for each count of aiding in the preparation and filing of false tax returns as well as potential fines of up to $250,000.
IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Gray is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Repeat alien smuggler sent to prisonRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 32-year-old Roma resident has been sentenced for his involvement in alien smuggling, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Felipe Montez pleaded guilty Jan. 23.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Montez to serve 46 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that Montez had four prior state arrests for human smuggling within the seven months preceding his federal arrest in December 2024. Several of these prior smuggling attempts involved fleeing from law enforcement. Two resulted in injury to illegal aliens present in his vehicle. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Montez’s dangerous activities.
“If you smuggle, assist, or attempt to bring people into this country illegally, you are going to serve federal time,” said Ganjei. “The Department of Justice is going to be relentless in its pursuit of those that make their money violating our nation’s immigration laws.”
On Dec. 23, 2024, Montez attempted to transport seven illegal aliens.
He was driving a vehicle waiting by the Rio Grande River near Escobares as the individuals ran from the river towards him.
Upon the sight of law enforcement, they all attempted to flee, but authorities apprehended them.
Further investigation revealed Montez was involved in four previous alien smuggling events which involved attempts to evade law enforcement. All five occurred in the area of Roma.
Montez’s smugglings attempts have involved a total of 41 illegal aliens.
He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Border Patrol, Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Department of Public Safety and Roma Police Department conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Mexican national receives more than a decade in prison after attempting to bring drugs and child sexual abuse material across the borderRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 44-year-old Mexican citizen has been ordered to federal prison for transporting child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and importing cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Christian Christopher Rodriguez-Lopez pleaded guilty Aug. 21, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Drew Tipton has now sentenced Rodriguez-Lopez to a total of 151 months for the CSAM and drug trafficking convictions. At the hearing, the court heard additional information including that the CSAM victims ranged in age from infants to 12 years old. This led to enhancements for material depicting prepubescent minors and for sadistic or masochistic material. Rodriguez-Lopez must also serve the rest of his life on supervised release following completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. Once permitted to reside in the country, his visa was revoked at the time of his arrest, and he is expected to face removal proceedings following his sentence.
In April 2024, Rodriguez-Lopez attempted to enter the United States from Mexico. Upon inspection, law enforcement located approximately five kilograms of cocaine in his vehicle, at which time he admitted to knowingly importing the drug.
Further investigation following his arrest resulted in the additional discovery of CSAM on his cell phone.
“Mr. Rodriguez-Lopez is a perfect example of why our more aggressive approach to border security is so critical,” said Ganjei. “Neither these drugs, nor this defendant, have any place in our communities. Due to the excellent work of our law enforcement partners, this cocaine will never make it to the streets and this offender will spend the next decade in federal prison.”
Rodriguez-Lopez has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarina S. DiPiazza is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
Mexican citizen and felon imprisoned for smuggling illegal aliensRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 32-year-old Mexican man who illegally resided in Roma has been ordered to federal prison for human smuggling, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Allan Eduardo Mar-Uballe pleaded guilty Dec. 12, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now ordered Mar-Uballe to serve 37 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. Not a U.S. citizen, Mar-Uballe is expected to face removal proceedings following the sentence. Mar-Uballe has prior convictions for illegal reentry into the United States, assault on a federal officer and possession of a controlled substance.
“Mr. Mar-Uballe’s prior convictions obviously did not dissuade him from engaging in dangerous criminal activity,” said Ganjei. “His actions put the lives of law enforcement, innocent motorists, and every person in his vehicle at risk that day. Hopefully his new stay in federal prison will give him time to learn the lessons his earlier convictions didn’t teach him.”
On Oct. 22, 2024, Mar-Uballe was driving a Ford Expedition with the back seats and seatbelts removed near Roma. Inside the vehicle were 18 illegal aliens, including two unaccompanied minors.
Authorities attempted to stop the vehicle, but Mar-Uballe evaded at a high rate of speed and drove erratically through the streets of Roma, disregarding stop signs and other vehicles, before crashing into a ditch. Several inside the vehicle sustained injuries.
Mar-Uballe and the others were all determined to be in the United States illegally and from the countries of Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and the Dominican Republic.
Mar-Uballe will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda McColgan prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Leader of alien smuggling organization heads to federal prisonRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 29-year-old Houston resident has been ordered to prison for his role as the leader and organizer of a conspiracy to transport illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Hosmel Vences pleaded guilty May 22, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has now ordered Vences to serve 48 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, Vences filed objections claiming not to be a leader/organizer and against enhancements for recklessness and possession of weapons. Judge Ramos ultimately found all to be true and noted Vences was aware of any firearms that drivers he recruited possessed and recklessness in the transport of the illegal aliens. As the leader/organizer of the smuggling events, Vences was held responsible for everything he knew about regarding the actions of others, including possession of firearms and recklessness.
“The human smuggling business is all about money and nothing else,” said Ganjei. “These smugglers don’t care about the lives of those that they transport, nor do they care about the impact their business has on American communities. Fortunately, through the hard work of our law enforcement partners and this office, this human smuggling conspiracy has been dismantled, and its ringleader will be off to federal prison.”
The court found Vences was found responsible for organizing the smuggling of at least 75 illegal aliens between Aug. 16 – Dec. 17, 2023.
The investigation revealed Vences recruited many different drivers from all over South Texas to drive to Brownsville and Raymondville for the purpose of transporting illegal aliens further into the United States.
Vences would personally speak to all the drivers. He confirmed details of their trips, communicated directly with individuals who loaded the aliens into the vehicles and then got updates on the progress of each individual trip. He would also meet up with his drivers and pay them for getting the aliens past the checkpoint.
He posted about his activities on social media, demonstrating how much money he was making as part of the conspiracy.
Vences will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Griffith prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Illegal alien felon imprisoned for unlawfully reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 29-year-old Mexican national with a felony criminal history has been sentenced for illegally entering the country without authorization, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Joaquin Hernandez-Reyes pleaded guilty Jan. 9.
U.S. District Court Judge Drew B. Tipton has now ordered Hernandez-Reyes to serve 72 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to again face removal proceedings following his imprisonment.
Hernandez-Reyes has felony convictions for illegal reentry as well as assault of a public servant and possession of a controlled substance. He was first removed from the United States in 2016 and returned illegally several more times.
On Dec. 10, 2024, authorities discovered Hernandez-Reyes near McAllen again.
He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel Delcolle prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Fraudulent firearms purchases lead to federal prison sentenceRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 43-year-old Corpus Christi man has been sentenced for directing the fraudulent purchase of 40 firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Jaime Eduardo Cano pleaded guilty June 27, 2024, to making false or fictitious statements to a licensed firearms dealer.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has now ordered Cano to serve 24 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence detailing how Cano had directed his employee to fraudulently purchase firearms. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Cano could have legally purchased the firearms himself, but chose not to do so, because he must have known they would be illegally disposed.
The investigation revealed that between May 6, 2021, and June 10, 2022, Norma Andrade had purchased 40 guns from a local firearms dealer at Cano’s direction.
Authorities conducted surveillance June 10, 2022, at which time they witnessed her pick up an order of 10 pistols and drive them to Cano’s place of business. He then came outside to retrieve them.
Text messages in Cano’s phone revealed communications regarding the sale of the firearms Andrade had purchased. Cano had directed her to purchase the firearms and lie on the required purchase forms. Authorities also discovered other messages between Cano and another individual with details about how much Cano would be paid and when the firearms would be exchanged.
As part of the investigation, law enforcement discovered and confiscated in Acapulco, Mexico, three of the firearms for which Cano arranged purchase.
Andrade, 56, Corpus Christi, also pleaded guilty and was previously sentenced to 15 months in prison.
Cano was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley Martin and John Marck prosecuted the case.
Final sentence imposed in multimillion-dollar money laundering conspiracyRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 49-year-old naturalized citizen from Arlington has been ordered to prison for unlicensed money transmitting and money laundering, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Nhiem Thi Dan “Sam” Nguyen entered a guilty plea Oct. 5, 2021.
U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison has now sentenced Nguyen to serve 40 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by one year of supervised release. She will also forfeit $76,848 in cash seized at the time of her arrest and another $17,801.52 in seized accounts. Judge Ellison found Nguyen managed others in the conspiracy and did not commit the crimes inadvertently.
“Money transmitters are regulated specifically to avoid the type of criminal facilitation that took place here,” said Ganjei. “Drug trafficking organizations spread misery, addiction, and violence, but they are fueled by cash. Money laundering schemes allow criminals to convert their ill-gotten gains into spendable currency, and so it’s always a win for the public when we can put one of these launderers out of operation.”
“In any scheme, criminals have to get the money distanced from the crime to avoid detection, which is the criminal business Nguyen and her accomplices ran. They were big players in the deception and lies that allowed drug money and other cash to be moved almost undetected. I say ‘almost’, because we caught them,” said acting Special Agent in Charge Lucy Tan, of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Houston Field Office. “These conspirators set up various accounts, some even moved cash themselves. When you touch money, cash or virtual currency, you leave a trail for us to follow and that’s the expertise of IRS-CI special agents.”
Nguyen was the top lieutenant in an unlicensed money transmitting business that Vinh and Diana Phan and others ran. The illegal business transmitted funds received in the form of bulk U.S. currency. During the course of the approximately 21-month conspiracy, the unlicensed money transmitting business received and transmitted more than $33 million in cash.
At least some of this cash had been earned from the trafficking, distribution and sale of controlled substances, including approximately $9 million received from Branden Denver Richards, Douglas Paul Michael Davis and Michael Dean Richards. All were members of a Dallas-area drug trafficking organization.
The Phans and Nguyen introduced this bulk cash into the banking system through more than nine “money mules.” The Phans then used the funds to buy virtual currency which was sold for cash in California - the state where the controlled substances originated. The Phans used virtual currency to eliminate the risk of driving cash across the country.
The Phans and Nguyen did not register their money transmitting business with the Department of the Treasury nor did the state of Texas license them to engage in money transmission.
Nguyen was the last of six to be sentenced. Vinh Quang Phan and Diana Le Phan, 59, and 47, a Houston-area married couple, received prison terms of 10 years and were ordered to pay $80,000 in fines and forfeit their home and more than $486,000 in cash and seized accounts.
Branden Richards, 33, Little Elm, was ordered to serve five years in prison, while Davis, 31, Keller, and Michael Richards, 36, Frisco, were both ordered to serve two years.
Nguyen was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
IRS Criminal Investigation-led South Texas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Financial Crimes Task Force conducted the investigation with assistance from Drug Enforcement Administration, Houston Police Department and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Bauman and Eun Kate Suh prosecuted the case with assistance from Deputy Chief Brandon Fyffe of the Asset Recovery Section.
Former teacher sentenced for possession of child sexual abuse materialRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 31-year-old former College Station resident has been ordered to federal prison after he shared multiple images on various online platforms containing child sexual abuse material (CSAM), announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Daniel Byrd pleaded guilty Nov. 25, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt has now sentenced Byrd to a total of 60 months in prison. In handing down the sentence, the court stated that the defendant may never have control of his addictive conduct, but the responsibility lies with Byrd himself. He was further ordered to serve 10 years on supervised release following the completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Byrd will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
The investigation began after authorities discovered Byrd shared multiple CSAM images on various online platforms. Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Byrd’s residence and seized his electronic devices.
Some images depicted sexual contact between prepubescent males, while others showed adult males having sex with prepubescent males.
Byrd admitted to using online platforms Telegram and Kik to view and download CSAM utilizing his smart phone. He also stated he created a Mega account, a cloud-based storage and file hosting service, to save the child pornography. He would then distribute it to others by sending them links.
At the time of his arrest, Byrd was a teacher in the Navasota area.
Previously released on bond, Byrd was taken into custody following the sentencing today where he will remain pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance from College Station Police Department and the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly Leo and Jay Hileman prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
Laredo man convicted after purchasing firearms with stolen bank heist fundsRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A federal judge has found a 42-year-old resident of Laredo guilty of bank robbery, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana determined Arturo Limon II was guilty on all four counts as charged following a one-day bench trial. She convicted him of two counts of bank robbery, one count of bank theft and one count of false statements during purchase of a firearm.
On April 27, 2024, Limon entered Falcon International Bank located at 10511 McPherson Road. He approached the bank tellers, handed them an empty camouflage backpack and demanded they put money in it. During the robbery he said, “yes this is happening.”
Limon stole a large amount of cash from the teller’s drawer, exited through the main lobby entrance and drove away in blue Ford Mustang.
Authorities responded, reviewed bank surveillance footage and issued a “be on the lookout” for an individual matching Limon’s description.
Later that day, he entered Arena Gun Club shortly after the robbery with the same green camouflage backpack and attempted to purchase a firearm with a large amount of cash. He left the club while employees conducted the mandatory background checks. They alerted law enforcement due to his suspicious behavior.
The court heard that he had lied about his residential address on the required form when he attempted to purchase five pistols and one rifle from the Arena Gun Club.
Authorities arrested Limon at his residence as he arrived driving a blue Mustang. At that time, they found marked currency in his vehicle and a green camouflage backpack.
Judge Saldana will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Limon faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Leslie Cortez and Mike Makens are prosecuting the case.
Federal action filed against aircraft operator for sham dry lease schemeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A civil penalty action has been filed against Walter Benjamin Bius and his solely owned company, Prairie Flower Air Asset Company LLC, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
The complaint alleges Bius knowingly operated Prairie Flower, based in Huntsville, as a direct air carrier without the required Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification. A direct air carrier is one who provides, or offers to provide, air transportation and who maintains control over the operational aspects of those flights. To operate as a direct air carrier, one must hold an FAA-issued certificate after demonstrating they meet the requisite requirements.
The complaint alleges Bius uses what is known in the industry as a “dry lease” to circumvent the FAA requirements for direct air carriers, which purportedly creates an illegal charter service.
Between 2019 and 2023, Bius and Prairie Flower allegedly chartered at least 237 flights for various clients under dry leases. The civil complaint alleges each flight violated at least 16 FFA regulations.
Of the alleged regulation violations, the most serious include pilots operating the aircraft without passing competency checks or instrument proficiency checks required under FAA regulations. The complaint also alleges there were instances in which Bius illegally flew the plane himself.
“When people choose to book private charter travel, they need to feel confident that the company transporting them meets all applicable safety and regulatory standards,” said Ganjei. “This action will help ensure the safety of air transportation and safeguard the public from carriers that might endanger passengers by cutting corners.”
“Today’s announcement should cause people to think twice before choosing to intentionally ignore federal aviation regulations and requirements,” said Special Agent in Charge Joseph Harris, Department of Transportation - Office of Inspector General (DOT-OIG), Southern Region. “We will continue to partner with law enforcement and prosecutors to pursue those whose actions jeopardize the safety and integrity of the nation’s airspace.”
DOT-OIG conducted the investigation with the FAA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Wiley is handling the matter.
Fatal human smuggling case and two alleged MS-13 members among those charged in relation to immigration and border securityRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A total of 225 cases have been filed in border security-related matters from March 28-April 3, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
As part of those cases, 70 face allegations of illegally reentering the country with the majority having felony convictions such as narcotics, violent and/or sexual crimes and prior immigration offenses, among others. A total of 144 people face charges of illegally entering the country, nine cases involve various instances of human smuggling with others relating to firearms and assault of a federal officer.
Among those charged as part of these cases include an illegal alien and a McAllen resident who are now in custody for alien smuggling resulting in two deaths. Vicente Garcia Jr. was allegedly transporting one illegal alien whom he was to transfer to Jose Alexis Baeza-Combaluzier. Baeza-Combaluzier had four other illegal aliens in his vehicle and departed the area with the passengers but eventually came to a stop due to a flooded road, according to the charges. When authorities attempted to make an approach, he allegedly accelerated and drove through a flooded area and eventually drove into a canal. Law enforcement immediately began rescue operations, but two drowned, including a 14-year-old child, according to the charges. If convicted they face up the life in prison or the possibility of a death sentence.
Four of those charged in illegal reentry cases include two El Salvadoran males who are identified as potential MS-13 gang members. Authorities found Edwin Geovanny Parada-Granados near Hidalgo less than a year after he was previously removed, according to the charges. Misael Antonio Mendez-Mendez was allegedly found near Mission having previously been removed less than six weeks ago. The charges allege he is also a convicted felon.
Another El Salvadorian male is alleged to be a convicted sex offender. Nicolas Alberto Hernandez-Lopez was previously sentenced to 60 months for second degree sexual assault, according to the charges and had been removed in 2023. However, he was found again in the United States near Escobares.
Law enforcement also encountered Cesar Humberto Leal-Garcia unlawfully in the country and attempted to place him into custody, according to a criminal complaint. At that time, he allegedly assaulted two Border Patrol agents. Leal-Garcia is now charged with illegal reentry and assault on a federal officer. He has four prior convictions for illegal reentry after removal, according to the allegations.
Also charged this week is a Mexican national facing charges of trafficking firearms and smuggling goods from the United States. Pedro Cardiel Rodriguez allegedly attempted to transport a 9 mm pistol and 1,852 rounds of ammunition to Mexico through the Brownsville Gateway International Bridge. He purchased the pistol on behalf of an individual in Mexico, according to the allegations.
Other relevant matters announced this week include the sentencing of a repeat illegal alien offender sent to prison for 33 months in a case out of the Brownsville Division. Fidel Jose-Ramirez has other criminal convictions including driving while intoxicated, assault family violence, criminal mischief and possession of a controlled substance. He was first ordered removed from the United States in 2019 and was previously convicted of being an alien unlawfully found in the United States after removal in 2023. After his conviction and subsequent removal, he had illegally reentered the country Jan. 3, 2024, after crossing the Rio Grande River.
In Corpus Christi, an illegal alien with seven DWIs was also ordered to prison. In handing down the 24-month sentence, the court noted Arturo Cruz-Badillo’s previous driving while intoxicated convictions (DWI) and how they are very dangerous for communities and its citizens. He has seven prior DWI convictions in addition to a conviction for battery and was removed from the country three times between 2012 and 2023. However, on Aug. 22, 2024, law enforcement discovered Cruz-Badillo again in the country along with 10 other illegal aliens being smuggled in a commercial cargo trailer.
Also announced this week was the conviction of another human smuggler in an event that resulted in death. Jose Guadalupe Antonio-Arredondo admitted to assisting in the smuggling of an illegal alien July 12, 2024. He guided the illegal alien and a brush guide to the border wall before he returned to Mexico. However, after they crossed the wall, the alien had trouble breathing and ultimately collapsed. The alien was pronounced deceased July 17, 2024.
Also in McAllen, a Mexican citizen illegally residing in San Benito was indicted for using someone else’s identity to pose as an American citizen. Cristina Amezcua Valencia allegedly applied for a U.S. passport, claiming the identity of another individual. She later utilized the passport containing the individual’s name and date and place of birth so she could enter the U.S. from Mexico, according to the charges. If convicted, Amezcua faces up to 10 years for the false statement in application of a U.S. passport and up to three years for false claim to U.S. citizenship. She will also be ordered to serve a mandatory two years for identity theft, upon conviction, which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed.
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) - Homeland Security Investigations, ICE - Enforcement and Removal Operations, Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.
The cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX). Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.
The SDTX remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than nine million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes.
An indictment or criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Mexican woman arrested for falsely claiming to be U.S. citizenRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A Mexican citizen illegally residing in San Benito has been indicted on charges related to using someone else’s identity to pose as an American citizen, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Authorities have now taken Cristina Amezcua Valencia, 53, into custody. She is expected to make her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Scott Hacker at 9 a.m. April 4.
A federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment April 1. The charges include one count of false statement in application of a U.S. passport, one count of aggravated identity theft and one count of false claim to citizenship.
The charges allege that on Sept. 25, 2018, Amezcua applied for a U.S. passport, claiming the identity of another individual. On May 18, 2023, she allegedly utilized the passport containing the individual’s name, and date and place of birth so she could enter the U.S. from Mexico.
If convicted, Amezcua faces up to 10 years for the false statement in application of a U.S. passport and up to three years for false claim to U.S. citizenship. She will also be ordered to serve a mandatory two years for identity theft, upon conviction, which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed. She could also be ordered to pay up to a $250,000 fine.
Department of State - Diplomatic Security Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarina S. DiPiazza and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel Delcolle are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Human smuggler pleads guilty in fatal smuggling eventRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 23-year-old Mexican national has admitted to alien smuggling resulting in death, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Jose Guadalupe Antonio-Arredondo admitted to assisting in the smuggling of an illegal alien July 12, 2024, by acting as a river guide. He guided the illegal alien and a brush guide across the river and to the border wall before he returned to Mexico.
The brush guide and illegal alien continued on and crossed the wall. However, after doing so, the alien had trouble breathing and ultimately collapsed. The brush guide abandoned him in the brush and ran to a nearby house to attempt to conceal herself from law enforcement.
Law enforcement later found the alien and arranged transportation to the hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased July 17, 2024.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane accepted the plea and set sentencing for June 20. At that time, Antonio-Arredondo faces up to life in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
“Human smuggling is a dangerous enterprise, one that doesn’t care about the lives or well-being of those that are being smuggled,” said Ganjei. “The loss of life in this incident is yet another example of why it is so vital to discourage people from risking their lives trying to enter this country illegally.”
Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Devin V. Walker is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Corpus Christi resident gets 20 years for distributing child sexual abuse materialRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 23-year-old Corpus Christi resident has been ordered to federal prison for trading images and videos containing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Pete Frank pleaded guilty Nov. 25, 2024.
U.S. District Judge David Morales has now ordered Frank to serve 240 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court heard additional information including online conversations he had which detailed his past sexual assaults of a young family member. Frank must also serve 25 years of supervised release, during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Frank will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
On April 14, 2020, authorities discovered an internet user accessing files depicting child sexual assault material (CSAM). Further investigation led them to Frank.
They conducted a search and found his cell phone.
Forensic examination of the device revealed Frank had been engaging in online conversations with individuals interested in CSAM. Frank participated in these conversations, seeking to trade images and videos with other individuals. Frank also discussed with others different strategies to engage in sexual activities with minors.
He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
“Those that possess and trade CSAM indirectly contribute to the production of that terrible material, and so punishing possession helps to diminish demand,” said Ganjei. “The 20-year sentence in this case should serve as a warning to those who would otherwise seek out CSAM.”
The Corpus Christi Police Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Overman prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
Bank contractor admits to conspiracy to load debit cards with fraudulent fundsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 23-year-old Houston woman has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Jaysha Victorian worked for a bank contractor from late 2020 to early 2021. She used her access to the systems of a national banking institution to load prepaid debit cards with fraudulent funds. These included prepaid cards that were used to provide unemployment benefits, including for the state of California.
The cards were distributed to other recipients, who withdrew the funds at ATMs and other locations. In total, Victorian credited at least 187 cards with nearly $8.6 million in fraudulent funds. Over $7.6 million of that amount had been withdrawn or spent before the bank could freeze the cards.
Victorian admitted she used some of the funds to conduct ATM transactions on her own, including a $1,000 withdrawal at a branch in Houston.
She also received approximately $300,000 in cash proceeds from her role in the scheme.
U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen will impose sentencing July 7. At that time, Victorian faces up to five years in prison and a possible $250,000 fine.
She was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The FBI, Houston Police Department, Department of Homeland Security - Office of Inspector General’s Covid Fraud Unit and Department of Labor conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brad Gray and Karen Lansden are prosecuting the case.
16 charged in sweeping Houston-based multimillion-dollar illegal gambling and money laundering conspiracyRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Several Houston-area residents are now in custody on various charges including conspiracy, operating illegal game rooms, bribery and money laundering in one of the largest ever law enforcement operations in the Southern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
They are expected to make their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan at 2 p.m.
In addition to those indicted in the scheme, authorities also arrested 31 illegal aliens on various immigration and firearms charges during the operation April 2. One of those included an illegal alien who allegedly assaulted a law enforcement officer.
The indictment, returned March 26 and unsealed upon the arrests, alleges Nizar Ali, 61, Richmond, and others allegedly conspired to own, operate or assist in the operation of illegal game rooms. All also conspired to conduct financial transactions to conceal and disguise the nature and source of the proceeds of the illegal gambling business, which totaled more than $22 million, according to the charges.
More than 700 law enforcement officers from 18 agencies served a total of 45 search and 40 seizure warrants at locations throughout Houston and the surrounding area. The locations included 30 illegal game rooms with names such as El Portal and Yellow Building.
During the operation, authorities recovered more than $4.5 million in cash as well as $5 million in property and vehicles, 2000 slot machines, 100 Rolex watches and eight firearms. Law enforcement also seized approximately $6.5 million from bank accounts and other financial institutions pursuant to the court-issued warrants.
In addition to Ali, others taken into custody include Naeem Ali, 33, and Amer Khan, 68, both of Richmond; Ishan Dhuka, 33, and Sahil Karovalia, 32, both of Rosenberg; Sarfarez Maredia, 38, and Shoaib Maredia, 40, both of Sugar Land; Yolanda Figueroa, 40, Pasadena; Viviana Alvarado, 45, LaPorte; and Anabel Eloisa Guevarra, 46, Precela Solis, 27, Maria Delarosa, 53, Claudia Calderon, 37, and Lucia Hernandez, 34, all of Houston.
Two others - Sayed Ali, 59, Richmond, and Stephanie Huerta, 35, Houston – are considered fugitives and warrants remain outstanding for their arrests.
All are charged with conspiracy, operating an illegal gambling business and interstate travel in aid of racketeering which each carry possible prison terms of five years as well as conspiracy to commit money laundering which has a maximum 20-year possible prison term.
Ali is also charged with 32 counts of federal program bribery for allegedly paying more than $500,000 to an undercover officer in an attempt to protect the illicit game rooms from law enforcement intervention. If convicted, he faces up to 10 more years in prison on each count.
With the exception of the money laundering charge which has the possibility of a $500,000 maximum fine or twice the value of the property involved, the remaining counts carry a maximum $250,000 potential fine.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) led the investigation along with IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) and the assistance of Houston Police Department (HPD); FBI; High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas Program; Harris County Constable’s Office – Precinct One; Harris County District Attorney’s Office; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and Drug Enforcement Administration. Other agencies providing support include ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations, Customs and Border Protection, sheriff’s offices in Harris and Montgomery Counties, Houston Fire Department, Texas Attorney General’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety and police departments in Baytown and Pasadena.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys S. Mark McIntyre, John Marck and Carolyn Ferko are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon Fyffe and Tyler Foster are handling the seizure and forfeiture of assets.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Straw purchaser sentenced for supplying firearms smuggled across the borderRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 38-year-old McAllen resident has been ordered to prison for her role in firearms trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Jazmin Gutierrez and her co-defendant, Isai Alpides-Navarrete, each pleaded guilty July 25, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has now ordered Gutierrez to serve 121 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence about the number of firearms the pair purchased and their frequent trips around the state to collect them before transferring them to another individual who would smuggle them across the border. In handing down the sentence, Judge Ramos commented that this wasn’t an isolated incident, but multiple trips and that the firearms were going to individuals who commit serious crimes.
Judge Ramos previously sentenced Alpides-Navarrete, a citizen of Mexico illegally residing in the United States, to a total of 121 months for straw purchasing firearms and being an alien in possession of ammunition.
As part of an investigation involving the unlawful purchase, transfer and exportation of firearms, authorities arrested Gutierrez March 21, 2024. At that time, they found her in possession of five handguns, a 7.62x39mm assault rifle, high-capacity magazines and ammunition.
Law enforcement also conducted a search warrant at a residence in McAllen and took Alpides-Navarrete into custody. Inside the residence, they seized approximately 275 rounds of ammunition and high capacity magazines as well as 21 empty pistol boxes.
At the time of her arrest, Gutierrez admitted to finding firearms online from private sellers and purchasing over 50 of them which other individuals later smuggled into Mexico.
Gutierrez was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
This case is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations and IRS Criminal Investigation are conducting the OCDETF operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Watt is prosecuting the case.
Pharr resident charged with production of child sexual abuse material after attempting to exit U.S. into Mexico with minorRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas - A 26-year-old Pharr resident has been charged with producing child pornography involving a 16-year-old minor, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Carlo Ivan Hurtado is expected to appear for a detention hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Scott Hacker at 11:15 a.m.
The criminal complaint, filed March 28, alleges Hurtado arrived at the Hidalgo Port of Entry with a 16-year-old female passenger attempting to exit the United States. She had allegedly left home without her parent’s permission.
Upon questioning, the minor reported she and Hurtado had stayed in a hotel room the night before in McAllen, according to the charges. She allegedly claimed she and Hurtado had sexual intercourse and recorded it using the minor female’s Snapchat account.
The complaint alleges law enforcement conducted a search of her phone and discovered sexually explicit images and videos of her and Hurtado.
If convicted, Hurtado faces up to 30 years in federal prison and a possible fine of up to $250,000.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Alexis Garcia is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
Woman admits to smuggling firearms into MexicoRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 38-year-old woman has entered a guilty plea to smuggling several firearms and magazines hidden in a vehicle’s gas tank, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Mirna Luna traveled from her Canton, Georgia, residence Dec. 15, 2024, and attempted to cross at the Brownsville/Matamoros port of entry into Mexico.
Once there, authorities had referred her to secondary inspection where they discovered 17 firearms and 27 magazines hidden in the gas tank of the Nissan car she was driving.
Luna claimed ownership of the car and admitted she is the only person who drives it. She does not have a license to export firearms and has not applied for one.
U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. accepted the plea and set sentencing for July 8. At that time, Luna faces a maximum of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 maximum possible fine.
She has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jose Esquivel and Ana Cano prosecuted the case.
Two charged in smuggling deaths of woman and child during recent flooding eventRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – An illegal alien residing in McAllen and a local resident are now in custody for alien smuggling resulting in two deaths, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Authorities have now arrested Vicente Garcia Jr., 18, Roma. He is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Scott Hacker at 9 a.m. April 2. Mexican national Jose Alexis Baeza-Combaluzier, 26, was already in custody and made his initial appearance March 31.
The criminal complaint alleges that on March 28, law enforcement observed a suspected alien smuggling event in McAllen. Garcia was allegedly transporting one illegal alien and was to transfer them to Baeza-Combaluzier. Baeza-Combaluzier had four other illegal aliens in his vehicle and then departed the area with the passengers but eventually came to a stop due to a flooded road, according to the charges.
The complaint alleges authorities attempted to make an approach, but Baeza-Combaluzier accelerated and drove through a flooded area. Approximately half a mile later, he allegedly drove the vehicle into a canal.
Law enforcement immediately jumped into the canal and began rescue operations, but two drowned, including a 14-year-old child, according to the charges.
If convicted, Baeza-Combaluzier and Garcia could up life in prison or the possibility of a death sentence as well as a $250,000 maximum fine.
Border Patrol conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Weslaco Fire Department and sheriff’s offices in Hidalgo and Starr Counties. Assistant U.S. Attorney Devin V. Walker is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Three arrested after 182-kilogram cocaine seizureRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Three people have been charged after authorities seized a large amount of cocaine over the weekend destined for the Houston area and northern states, announced U.S. Attorney Nicolas J. Ganjei.
Pablo Luis Fuentes-Rivas, 40, Baytown, Efren Pinales-Hernandez, 51, Weslaco, and Daniel Teniente-Marfileno, 39, an illegal alien residing in Houston, made their appearances in Houston and will be transferred to Brownsville for further criminal proceedings.
The charges allege that on the early morning hours of March 29, law enforcement observed the three men at a truck lot in Baytown offloading a large amount of narcotics from a semi-tractor trailer onto a vehicle.
As Teniente-Marfileno drove off with the cocaine bundles, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop and seized the cocaine, according to the charges. Authorities then immediately arrested Fuentes-Rivas and Pinales-Hernandez as they attempted to leave the truck lot.
The seized narcotics had total weight of 182.25 kilograms and an estimated street value of nearly $2.3 million.
All are charged in a criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and conspiracy to do so. If convicted, each face up to life in prison as well as a possible $10 million fine.
The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug trafficking organizations and other criminal networks that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Texas Department of Public Safety, Houston Police Department, Cameron County Sheriff’s Office, and the Baytown Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Oscar Ponce is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Standoff with pipe bomb and firearm lands felon in prisonRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 36-year-old Corpus Christi resident has been ordered to prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing unregistered pipe bombs, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
The jury deliberated for 90 minutes following a three-day trial before finding Robert Spencer guilty Nov. 6, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has now ordered Spencer to serve a total 180-month-term of imprisonment to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional information about the firearm Spencer possessed, being the firearm used in a murder that occurred earlier the same day.
On Aug. 3, 2022, authorities were investigating a call about shots fired in the area of Nueces and Van Loan Avenue in Corpus Christi. At the sight of law enforcement, Spencer fled into his nearby home, sparking an hour-long standoff. He appeared to be armed. During that time, Spencer yelled at law enforcement to leave the area. Authorities also heard two gunshots. Ultimately, they arrested him after he exited his home, but he did not have a firearm.
Authorities obtained a search warrant for Spencer’s residence and discovered a rifle just outside the home as well as six pipe bombs, three firearms and boxes of ammunition in the attic. He admitted he personally assembled the pipe bombs.
As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition per federal law.
Testing confirmed the pipe bombs were destructive devices as the law defines. The pipe bombs were not properly registered to Spencer in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.
The defense tried to convince the jury he didn’t know of the firearms in his attic, and that the pipe bombs were not effective enough to be considered explosive devices. They did not believe those claims and found him guilty as charged.
“The standoff in this case was fortunately resolved peacefully. Nevertheless, this defendant needlessly created a dangerous situation for himself, the police, and the community at large,” said Ganjei. “I would like to thank the jury for their attention and service in this case.”
He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Corpus Christi Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Overman and Ashley Martin prosecuted the case.
Mexican national caught transporting child sexual abuse materialRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 39-year-old Mexican national has been indicted for transportation and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Already in custody following the filing of a criminal complaint, Raul Velasco-Leon is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher dos Santos in the near future.
On March 12, authorities encountered Velasco-Leon at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge as he was returning to Mexico, according to the charges. They searched his belongings and allegedly found what appeared to be a piece of youth-sized clothing with the words “Girl Power” tucked inside a jean pocket.
The charges allege law enforcement also found multiple electronic devices, including 10 USB flash drives. On one of those, were five files containing child sexual abuse material.
If convicted, Velasco-Leon faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine A. Cortez is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Laredo man admits to robbing bank which led to dangerous pursuitRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas - A 42-year-old resident of Laredo has pleaded guilty to robbing Falcon International Bank, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
On June 10, 2024, Adrian Hernandez entered the location at 212 Bob Bullock Loop in Laredo. He approached the counter and passed a note to the bank teller which read – “this is a bank robbery, give me all the money.”
Hernandez had a gray shirt wrapped around his hand to conceal, or appear to conceal, a weapon. The teller activated the silent alarm and placed the money that was in her teller drawer, including bait money, into a brown paper bag and handed it to Hernandez. He then left the bank, got into his car and sped away.
Authorities later observed a car matching the description of Hernandez’s vehicle parked at a motel. They attempted a felony stop but Hernandez evaded, and a chase ensued. Eventually, Hernandez collided with a chain link fence in the vicinity of Salinas Avenue.
At the time of his arrest, he was wearing the same clothing as viewed in the security footage from the Falcon International Bank.
Law enforcement also found a large amount of cash in the car as well as a yellow note and blue marker.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Hernandez faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Makens is prosecuting the case.
Illegal alien with 7 DWIs sent to federal prison after reentering the United StatesRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 44-year-old Mexican national has been sentenced to federal prison for illegally reentering the United States after a previous removal, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Arturo Cruz-Badillo pleaded guilty Nov. 5, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has now ordered Cruz-Badillo to serve 24 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings again following his imprisonment. In handing down the sentence, the court noted his previous driving while intoxicated (DWI) convictions and how they are very dangerous for communities and the citizens that live there.
Cruz-Badillo has seven prior DWI convictions in addition to a conviction for battery. He removed from the country three times between 2012 and 2023.
However, on Aug. 22, 2024, law enforcement at the Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint near Sarita discovered Cruz-Badillo again in the country along with 10 other illegal aliens being smuggled in a commercial cargo trailer.
Cruz-Badillo will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
BP conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Thorpe is prosecuting the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Tren de Aragua members arrested on federal charges of international drug distributionRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Two Venezuelan nationals and alleged members of the recently designated foreign terrorist organization known as the Tren de Aragua (TdA) have been arrested on charges filed in the Southern District of Texas (SDTX), announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Jesus Miguel Barreto Lezama, 29, who was residing in Houston, has now appeared in federal court in Houston.
Also in custody is Briley Jesus Ballera Farias aka Derek, 32, who was arrested March 30 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where he made his initial appearance.
A federal grand jury returned the indictment Jan. 29.
According to the allegations in the indictment, both men participated in a conspiracy, along with others, to import more than five kilograms of cocaine into the United States from Venezuela and Colombia. Barreto Lezama is also charged with importing nearly five kilograms of cocaine into the United States from Colombia between June 26, 2024, and July 3, 2024.
If convicted, they face a up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
The FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Colombian National Police. FBI-Houston’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force made the Houston arrest with the assistance of the Houston Police Department, DEA, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and U.S. Marshals Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey N. MacDonald and Anibal J. Alaniz are prosecuting the case along with Trial Attorney David C. Smith from the Department of Justice’s Joint Task Force Vulcan.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
This case is also part of JTFV, which was created in 2019 to destroy MS-13 and now expanded to target TdA. It is comprised of U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country, including SDTX; Southern and Eastern Districts of New York; Districts of New Jersey, Utah, Massachusetts, Nevada, Alaska; Northern District of Ohio; Eastern District of Texas; Southern District of Florida; Eastern District of Virginia; Southern District of California; and the District of Columbia; as well as the Department of Justice’s National Security Division and the Criminal Division. Additionally, the FBI; DEA; Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Marshals Service; and Federal Bureau of Prisons have been essential law enforcement partners and spearheaded JTFV’s investigations.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Texas residents admit to smuggling $2 million in fentanyl from MexicoRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – Two people have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import 11.65 kilograms of fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Taneka Desha Felder, 27, Amarillo, and Gustavo Morales Aguilar, 40, a naturalized U.S. citizen living in Dumas, admitted they traveled into Mexico Dec. 17, 2024. There, they allowed drug smugglers to load their car with 10 bundles of fentanyl powder in the car’s hidden compartment.
They then attempted to enter the United States from Mexico at the Lincoln Juarez International Bridge.
At secondary inspection, authorities discovered the bundles hidden in the specially-manufactured compartment under the center console. They admitted they bought the car a few days before traveling to Mexico for the specific purpose of smuggling drugs on their return trip. Both admitted that they expected to be paid after successful delivery of the car and drugs to other persons in Dallas.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Felder and Morales Aguilar face up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
Both have been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose Homero Ramirez prosecuted the case.
Illegal alien repeat offender sent to prisonRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 41-year-old man who illegally resided in Harlingen has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of unlawfully reentering the country again, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Fidel Jose-Ramirez pleaded guilty Dec. 18, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. has now ordered him to serve 33 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, Jose-Ramirez is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard about his violations of supervised release stemming from a prior conviction. In handing down the sentence, Judge Rodriguez considered factors to protect the public and noted Jose-Ramirez’s criminal history represented a higher risk of harm to the public.
He has other criminal convictions including driving while intoxicated, assault family violence, criminal mischief and possession of a controlled substance. He was first ordered removed from the United States in 2019.
Jose-Ramirez was previously convicted of being an alien unlawfully found in the United States after removal in 2023. The investigation revealed that after his conviction and subsequent removal, he had illegally reentered the country Jan. 3, 2024, after crossing the Rio Grande River near Brownsville.
He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Marian prosecuted the case.
Victoria contractor imprisoned for defrauding investors of millions in material schemeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 62-year-old man has been sentenced for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Michael Wayne Galvan pleaded guilty Sept. 26, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Charles Eskridge has now ordered Galvan to serve 27 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay nearly $3 million in restitution. At the hearing, the court considered victim statements regarding the seriousness of Galvan’s offense, including the lasting impact of his crimes and the negative consequences they continue to suffer.
Galvan, operating as a high-end contractor under MWG Ventures LLC dba MGB Builders, fraudulently obtained over $2.8 million from at least six private investors. In some cases, Galvan found future victims when he volunteered as a vice president of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR).
From February 2016 to March 2018, Galvan used his position with HLSR to find victims, many of whom were likewise in volunteer leadership positions. To solicit short-term loans, he offered opportunities to earn 10 to 12 percent interest through his contracting business. Galvan falsely represented he would use the money to purchase materials such as exotic tiles and granite from China and other overseas countries for his construction business.
At the time of his plea, Galvan admitted he did not use the money for its intended purpose. The scheme unraveled when he ran out of victims and money. In total, he defrauded multiple victims of $2,878,661.30 and was ordered to pay restitution in that amount.
He was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christian Latham and Thomas Carter prosecuted the case.
Southern District charges 265 individuals in border security-related cases this weekRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A total of 257 cases have been filed in relation to immigration and border security from March 21-27, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Of those, 98 face allegations of illegally re-entering the country with the majority having felony convictions such as narcotics, violent and/or sexual crimes and prior immigration offenses, among others. A total of 132 face charges of illegally entering the country, 23 cases involve various instances of human smuggling, and the remainder relate to firearms and other immigration matters.
Among those charged as part of these new cases include two illegal alien human smugglers who engaged in a dangerous pursuit and crash (pictures attached). Jose Manuel Zamarripa-Torres picked up brush guide Daniel Flores-Hernandez and four illegal aliens who had crossed the Rio Grande in a raft, according to the allegations. Authorities attempted to stop the SUV he was driving, but the charges allege he fled which resulted in a 6.1-mile pursuit with Zamarripa-Torres ultimately crashing into an occupied civilian vehicle, a power pole and fence. If convicted, they both face up to 10 years in federal prison.
Other relevant cases announced this week include a 20-year-old Mexican national affiliated with Cartel Del Noreste (CDN) was sentenced in Laredo for illegally possessing thousands of rounds of ammunition. Charbel Garza Macias admitted it was to be smuggled into Mexico and that it was for the CDN. In handing down the 63-month sentence, the court noted Macias was providing tools of war to a brutal criminal organization.
In Corpus Christi, a jury convicted Cuban citizen Jorge Grimon Maturell for transporting seven illegal aliens in a tractor-trailer. They had been hiding in the corner of the sleeper area and underneath a mattress. Maturell had directed the illegal aliens where to hide when entering his vehicle and to not make any noise when they arrived at the checkpoint. As a result of the verdict, he is now in custody.
The last of five members of an alien smuggling group also learned his fate for leading the conspiracy. Jaquon Davis was a long-time alien smuggler who recruited several people. On March 19, 2024, Davis and four others travelled in three cars using an access road in an attempt to avoid law enforcement. Authorities ultimately pulled them over and discovered a total of 12 illegal aliens in the vehicles. One was concealed in a box located in a truck bed. Davis will now serve 44 months for leading and coordinating the event.
These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) - Homeland Security Investigations, ICE - Enforcement and Removal Operations, Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.
The cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX). Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.
The SDTX remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than nine million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes.
An indictment or criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Illegal alien indicted for smuggling 19 other illegal aliensRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 33-year-old Mexican national has been charged for smuggling 19 people and for illegally re-entering the United States following an order of removal, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Orlando Daniel Hernandez-Cepeda is now in custody and is expected to appear for his arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ignacio Torteya III April 10 at 8:45 a.m.
The criminal complaint originally filed in the case alleges that on March 10, authorities observed a white cargo van drive towards the Rio Grande River and come to a stop. At that time, they observed approximately 20 individuals entering the van, according to the allegations.
The charges allege that after the vehicle departed the location, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop. A search allegedly resulted in the discovery of 19 illegal aliens in the back with no legal status to enter or remain in the United States.
The indictment, returned March 27, alleges authorities also identified Hernandez-Cepeda as a Mexican citizen with no legal status to enter or remain in the United States and had been previously removed.
Hernandez-Cepeda is charged with conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and faces up to 10 years in federal prison, upon conviction. If convicted of any of the three counts of transporting illegal aliens, he could receive up to five years and another two years upon conviction of illegal reentry. All charges also carry a potential $250,000 maximum fine.
Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luis Salazar is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Former federal officer sentenced for smuggling aliens and receiving bribes from cartelRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A former Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer has been sentenced to federal prison in two separate cases for allowing aliens and cocaine across the border, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Emanuel Isac Celedon, 37, Laredo, pleaded guilty March 11, 2024, for his role in illegally smuggling illegal aliens into the United States through the Lincoln Juarez Port of Entry (POE) in Laredo. He also admitted to bribery and attempted importation of cocaine for accepting money to allow what he thought was cocaine to cross into the United States from Mexico.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana has now imposed a total of 117 months in prison for both cases to be immediately followed by four years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a money judgment of $17,980. At the hearing, the court noted Celedon’s job was to protect the United States from introduction of controlled substances and people not authorized to be in the country, and that he had failed in both regards. Judge Saldana added that Celedon was deeply involved in the organization and appeared to want to go even deeper.
“Anybody who aids or works for the cartel is going to find themselves on the wrong end of a federal indictment,” said Ganjei. “This case was especially troubling given the position of trust the defendant held. His criminal conduct stands in stark contrast to the heroic work the men and women of CBP are doing every day to keep our border and ports secure.”
While employed as a CBP Officer in Laredo in 2023, Celedon sought contacts within the Mexican criminal organization known as the Cartel del Noreste in order to smuggle drugs and aliens through his inspection lane in exchange for monetary payment.
During an undercover operation, Celedon expressed his interest in smuggling cocaine for payment, provided his duty schedule and gave instructions directing a loaded vehicle to his inspection lane at the port of entry. He then allowed the vehicle to safely cross into the United States.
Using his position as a CBP officer, Celedon allowed several kilograms of what he believed to be cocaine into the United States on two separate occasions in October 2023. In exchange, he received $6,000.
Further investigation revealed Celedon also conspired with at least three others to bring illegal aliens into the United States without inspection. Celedon provided his daily lane assignment to Mexican national Homero Romero-Hernandez, 32, who passed the information to Jose Osvaldo Zapata-Vasquez, 25, another Mexican national with ties to the cartel. Zapata-Vasquez hired Cotulla resident Beatris Guadalupe Martinez, 22, to act as the driver.
Zapata-Vasquez relayed instructions to Martinez based on information Celadon provided regarding when to pick up the aliens in Mexico and which lane to approach when making entry to the United States.
The investigation revealed Martinez transported people through Celedon’s lane on at least nine separate occasions between September and November 2023. Each time, Celedon permitted entry without inspecting any of Martinez’s passengers. Additionally, on at least two of those dates, Celedon falsely inputted information into a CBP database in order to avoid sending Martinez to a mandatory secondary inspection.
Celedon then asked Zapata-Vasquez and Romero-Hernandez to relay this to smugglers in Mexico in order to reassure them that he was doing his part to facilitate the cartel’s smuggling efforts. Law enforcement seized $1,980 in cash from Celedon at the time of his arrest, which he admitted were proceeds from human smuggling.
Judge Saldana previously sentenced Zapata-Vasquez, Romero-Hernandez and Martinez to 46, 36, and 42 months in prison, respectively.
Celedon has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) - Office of Inspector General, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) and CBP - Office of Professional Responsibility conducted the investigation with assistance from the HSI Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., CBP’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force, Texas Department of Public Safety, Border Patrol, Webb County Precinct 2 Constable’s Office and CBP Laredo Joint Forensic Center.
The case is the result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation and coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA).
OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach.
JTFA, a partnership with DHS, has been elevated and expanded with a mandate to target cartels and transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama and Colombia that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border, including the Southern District of California, District of Arizona, District of New Mexico and Western and Southern Districts of Texas. Dedicated support is provided by the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, Office of Enforcement Operations and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, DEA and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 355 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers and significant facilitators of alien smuggling, more than 320 U.S. convictions, more than 265 significant jail sentences imposed and forfeitures of substantial assets.
This case is also part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s OCDETF and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Day and Arthur R. Jones prosecuted the cases.
9-time illegal alien offender admits to unlawfully returning to U.S. againRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 33-year-old Mexican national has pleaded guilty to illegally reentering the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Francisco Raymundo Dominguez-Sanchez was previously convicted twice of the same crime.
He was first removed in 2013 with eight subsequent removals between then and 2023.
On Jan. 28, Dominguez-Sanchez was driving northbound and approached the Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint near Falfurrias. During a routine immigration inspection, authorities discovered Dominguez-Sanchez to be an illegal alien who had been previously ordered removed from the country.
U.S. District Judge David Morales will impose sentencing June 25. At that time, Dominguez-Sanchez faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
BP conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Martin is prosecuting the case.
Repeat illegal alien admits to human smuggling after high-speed chaseRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 36-year-old Mexican national who illegally resided in Laredo has admitted to unlawfully reentering the country and human smuggling charges, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Jesus Hernandez-Herrera has five prior removals from the United States.
On Dec. 10, 2024, law enforcement was conducting surveillance on Clark Boulevard in Laredo in an area human smuggling organizations commonly use. There, a Ford Expedition and Cadillac were driving in tandem and stopped at an intersection where three suspected illegal aliens approached the two vehicles.
Authorities followed the Expedition to a location on Green Street where they observed suspected illegal aliens leave the residence and enter the Expedition. They attempted to perform a traffic stop, but the driver - Hernandez-Herrera - led them on a high-speed pursuit. At times, speeds reached 95 miles per hour with Hernandez-Herrera weaving in and out of heavy traffic.
The pursuit ended when Hernandez-Herrera crashed into two vehicles on Santa Maria Avenue. He and four illegal aliens ran on foot. Hernandez-Herrera ran into oncoming traffic, but law enforcement was able to apprehend him before he could cross onto the southbound lanes of IH-35.
He took full responsibility and admitted there were additional aliens in the Green Street residence. Authorities discovered an additional four people illegally in the United States and approximately 50.8 kilograms of marijuana at the location.
"This is precisely the type of dangerous behavior we need to deter through vigorous enforcement of our immigration laws," said Ganjei. “Here you have human smuggling, drugs, high-speed flight from officers, and a car crash. The Laredo community shouldn’t have to bear the brunt of such reckless criminality, and the Southern District of Texas is working hard to make sure they don’t have to. Similar offenders will find themselves in the same position, that being federal charges and a long prison stay."
U.S. District Judge John Kazen will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Hernandez-Herrera faces up to 20 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Texas Department of Public Safety and Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew P. Hakala-Finch is prosecuting the case.
McAllen man admits attempting to send kilograms of cocaine in the mailRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 26-year-old McAllen resident has entered a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Narciso Dominguez III attempted to place packages in the mail that contained narcotics.
On May 23, 2024, authorities were conducting surveillance at suspected stash house locations in McAllen. During the operation, they observed Dominguez purchase shipping products such as boxes and bubble wrap and followed him to one of the locations. He departed and drove to a local mail shipping establishment where he provided multiple packages to be mailed to Dallas.
Authorities conducted a search of the items and discovered a total of 19 kilograms of cocaine in the same shipping materials as he had previously purchased.
He admitted he knew the items contained cocaine.
U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton will impose sentencing July 15. At that time, Dominguez faces up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million fine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose A. Garcia prosecuted the case.
Houston man guilty of trafficking minors in two citiesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 22-year-old man residing in the Houston and Dallas areas has been convicted of two counts of sex trafficking and one count of enticement of a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
A federal jury deliberated for a day and a half before returning the guilty verdict against Cristian Morris following a three-day trial.
From Jan. 1 - June 23, 2023, Morris recruited young teenage girls. He supplied them with drugs, posted sexually explicit advertisements for commercial sex online and forced them to engage in sex acts with clients for money in hotels around the “blade” in Houston and Dallas.
The blade or “track” is an area near I-59 Southwest Freeway and Bissonnet Street in Houston and Harry Hines Boulevard in Dallas where pimps and traffickers commonly place their victims to engage in commercial sex.
During trial, the jury heard from the three victims whom Morris trafficked over the course of several months. They testified he instructed them on how to walk the blade, how much to charge and provided them with condoms. The jury also heard that Morris would transport them between Houston and Dallas to engage in sex acts.
Morris kept all the proceeds.
“What this case demonstrates is that if you pimp, traffic, or exploit either women or children, you will be caught, and you shouldn’t expect anything other than the hardest charges that we can bring,” said Ganjei. “This is a great result for victims and will hopefully serve as a warning to other pimps that you’re not just risking state charges, you’ll also have the feds on you as well.”
Morris was ultimately arrested June 23, 2023, after he had posted commercial sex ads for the youngest victim, a 15-year-old runaway.
The defense attempted to convince the jury that the victims were just a group of runaways and school drop-outs engaged in bad behavior. They did not believe those claims and found him guilty as charged.
U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett presided over the trial and set sentencing for July 10. At that time, Morris faces up to life in prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He has been and will remain in custody until the sentencing.
FBI and Houston Police Department (HPD) conducted the investigation as part of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA).
HTRA law enforcement includes members of HPD, FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Attorney General’s Office, IRS Criminal Investigation, Department of Labor (DOL), DOL – Wage and Hour Division, Department of State, Texas Alcoholic and Beverage Commission, Texas Department of Public Safety, Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General (OIG), Social Security Administration – OIG and Sheriff’s Offices in Harris and Montgomery counties in coordination with District Attorney’s offices in Harris, Montgomery and Fort Bend Counties.
Established in 2004, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Houston formed HTRA to combine resources with federal, state and local enforcement agencies and prosecutors, as well as non-governmental service organizations to target human traffickers while providing necessary services to those that the traffickers victimized. Since its inception, HTRA has been recognized as both a national and international model in identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking and prosecuting those engaged in trafficking offenses.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren Valenti and Kimberly Leo prosecuted the case.
15 charged in scheme to defraud government aid programsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Fourteen Texas residents and one Louisiana woman have been indicted for participating in schemes using falsified documents to obtain Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans and unemployment insurance benefits, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
The final five taken into custody are expected to make their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Dena Hanovice Palermo at 2 p.m. Those include Brittany Garner-Richard, 38, Humble; Miguel Bell, 39, Port Arthur; Candace Booker and Andrea King, both 33 and of Beaumont; and Joshe Johnson, 34, Corrigan.
A federal grand jury returned the 18-count indictment March 4.
The charges allege Ebone Myrriah Mott, 37, Houston, conspired with others to falsify applications and claims to help them qualify for PPP loans and unemployment insurance benefits for which they were not otherwise eligible.
Mott allegedly created fictitious companies, prepared falsified records and submitted the applications on behalf of co-conspirators. The charges allege they paid her for her assistance - approximately $200 up front and 10% of the payouts.
The Small Business Administration relied on the fraudulent loan applications, insurance claims and falsified supporting records in the application process and the subsequent disbursement of loan proceeds or benefits, according to the charges.
Mott is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and 17 counts of wire fraud.
In addition to Garner-Richard, Bell, Booker, King and Johnson, all others are also charged in the conspiracy and one or two counts of wire fraud. They were also taken into custody between March 23-26 and include Tiara Petties, 31, and Jennifer Petties, 32, both of Livingston; Kierra Patrice Chancey, 29, and Dekovan Williams, 28, both of Nacogdoches; Roy Shemeaker, 38, Dallas; Trakeesha Nishell Brown, 40, Lufkin; Veronica Moses, 40, Diboll, Travecia Hampton-Isabell, 37, Whitehouse, and Frankie Desiree Bogany 33, Vivian, Louisiana.
PPP loans are a source of financial relief The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act provides. The CARES Act is a federal law enacted in March 2020 designed to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans who were suffering economic effects the COVID-19 pandemic caused. Unemployment insurance provides benefits to persons who are out of work due to no fault of their own and who meet other eligibility requirements of state laws.
If convicted, each face up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
The Department of State - Diplomatic Security Service, Department of Labor - Office of Inspector General and California Employment Development Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Day is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Humble man sentenced in relation to scheme to illegally ship firearms to IraqRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 53-year-old local resident has been sentenced to federal prison for providing false information on federally mandated firearms records, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Yashab Idnan Sandhu, Humble, pleaded guilty July 24, 2023.
U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen has now ordered Sandhu to serve 42 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
“The Southern District of Texas is pleased to have worked with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) to have intercepted this shipment of guns before they reached Iraq, and used for whatever unknown purpose,” said Ganjei.
“Being a responsible gun dealer is not just a matter of business; it’s a fundamental duty to safeguard public safety and uphold the trust placed in our agency by the American people,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Michael Weddel. “ATF puts great trust in Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLs), to include ‘responsible persons,’ as they carry significant responsibility. When that trust is violated, it undermines the confidence the public has in the system. ATF Houston is committed to maintaining public safety, which includes holding these FFLs and their associated employees responsible when the laws and regulations are not followed."
The investigation began March 13, 2020, when authorities discovered a cache of handguns concealed in a shipping crate addressed to Iraq at a Port of Houston warehouse. They recovered approximately 473 handguns, 38 of which were pistols with obliterated serial numbers.
Law enforcement ultimately traced 38 pistols with obliterated serial numbers to R’s Golf & Guns, an FFL for whom Sandhu was a “responsible person.”
A responsible person is someone who has the authority and power to direct firearm compliance decisions and operations for an FFL.
The investigation revealed Sandhu had sold these firearms to a suspected firearms smuggler. As part of his plea, Sandhu admitted he went back to previously completed forms and added the firearms, falsely reporting they had been sold to other innocent persons.
Sandhu was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
ATF conducted the investigation with the assistance of the FBI and Bureau of Industry and Security. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven Schammel and Heather Winter prosecuted the case.
Drug trafficking, murder-for-hire and kidnapping conspiracies send cartel leader to prison for lifeRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 41-year-old Mexican citizen residing in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, has been ordered to federal prison following his multiple convictions related to a murder-for-hire scheme that brought three sicarios aka hitmen across the border into Laredo, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Noe Gonzalez-Martinez aka Tocayo was a leader and manager of the Cartel Del Noreste (CDN). A federal jury deliberated for approximately one hour before convicting him Dec. 13, 2023, on all counts following a three-day trial. They found him guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, murder-for-hire conspiracy, murder for hire, conspiracy to kidnap, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking-related crime and interstate travel in aid of racketeering.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has now ordered Gonzalez-Martinez to serve the rest of his life plus 60 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court heard about his role as a leader/organizer and his conduct in the crimes as well as the substantial progress Gonzalez-Martinez made toward the completion of the offenses.
“Drug trafficking and violence go hand-in-hand, and this is particularly true in the case of cartels, as this case shows,” said Ganjei. “The Department of Justice is committed to preventing the cartels from ever gaining a foothold in America, and the vigorous prosecution of their leadership is a critical component of that. Through the conviction of Mr. Gonzalez-Martinez, the Southern District of Texas (SDTX) has dealt a major blow to the CDN cartel. This is, however, just the beginning. SDTX is pursuing every opportunity and every avenue to dismantle cartel operations on both sides of the border. Stay tuned.”
“With drug trafficking comes violence that typically spills over from Mexico and into the United States, particularly the southwest border. The Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) tenacious agents did not only thwart the drug trafficking activities of this violent CDN but successfully managed to halt several murders, one of which would have been carried out by the drug trafficking organization's trusted lead enforcer Noe Gonzalez Martinez,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux. “This case is a testament that the DEA is definite in its fight against these foreign terrorist drug trafficking organizations who illegally crossed into the United States for the sole purpose of kidnapping and murdering an American Citizen. We will continue to bring to justice anyone thinking about ripping peace out of our American neighborhoods and communities.”
“This brazen scheme planned out by CDN is a direct threat to the safety and stability of South Texas. The campaign of terror, drug-trafficking, and violence this man employed has no place on American soil. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), in coordination with our federal partners, have prioritized Mexican cartels, like CDN, and will continue to aggressively combat their criminal acts until they are no more,” said ICE-HSI San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee.
During the trial, the jury heard evidence that between Sept. 7, 2021, and Sept. 13, 2021, Gonzalez-Martinez and several other CDN members traveled from Nuevo Laredo into Laredo. There, Gonzalez-Martinez solicited the help of other CDN affiliates to recruit, plan and coordinate the kidnapping and murder of an individual the cartel believed had stolen from them.
The investigation revealed Gonzalez-Martinez communicated via cellphone with co-conspirators to plan and coordinate the recovery of drugs and proceeds from the intended victim. In addition, Gonzalez-Martinez provided co-conspirators with an address where they could retrieve firearms to execute the murder.
On Sept. 13, 2021, co-conspirators took possession of an automobile and firearms to carry out the murder. The firearms included a .45 caliber pistol, .357 magnum revolver, and two AR-15s.
Testimony also revealed the CDN’s operations and additional details of the murder-for-hire plot. The three sicarios were to kidnap the suspected drug thief and return him to Mexico for cartel members to make an example of him. If they were unable to do so, they were to kill him and return the stolen property to the cartel.
The jury heard from law enforcement who were able to thwart the crime and take the hitmen into custody prior to carrying out the murder. Authorities apprehended Gonzalez-Martinez July 29, 2022, at the international port of entry in Laredo.
At trial, Gonzalez-Martinez attempted to convince the jury someone else was responsible for arranging and overseeing the commission of the crime. The jury did not believe defense’s claims and found him guilty as charged.
The three sicarios - Juan Antonio Martinez-Padilla aka Juan Antonio Martinez-Lopez aka Otoniel Martinez-Padilla, 60, Gregorio Gonzalez-Barragan, 34, and Rodolfo Reyna-Zapata, 27, all from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, previously received sentences of 240, 352, and 352 months, respectively.
Gonzalez-Martinez will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
DEA, ICE-HSI and the Laredo Police Department conducted the investigation. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Jose Angel Moreno and AUSA Steven Chamberlin prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Alien smuggling group dismantledRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A group of five Laredoans have now been sentenced for operating an alien smuggling organization, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Jaquon Davis is the last to be sentenced and pleaded guilty Oct. 10, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo determined him to be the leader of the conspiracy and sentenced him to 44 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that showed Davis was a long-time alien smuggler who recruited several people.
“This case demonstrates the Southern District of Texas’ commitment to stopping the flow of illegal aliens into our country,” said Ganjei. “That means prosecuting not only illegal aliens, but also those who support and help them in breaking our laws.”
On March 19, 2024, Davis and four others travelled in three cars around the I-35 checkpoint north of Laredo using the access road in an attempt to avoid law enforcement.
One car was used as a scout and the other two cars carried illegal aliens. Authorities ultimately pulled them over and discovered a total of 12 illegal aliens in the vehicles. One was concealed in a box located in a truck bed.
Two of the illegal aliens claimed they had arranged to be smuggled to cities in Texas for large amounts of money. They had crossed the Rio Grande River and stayed at a stash house before being picked up by someone in the group.
The investigation revealed the smugglers had stayed in a local motel and coordinated the event from there. Davis was the leader and coordinator of this event and had paid for the hotel rooms.
Carlota Herrera, 34, and Ruben Campos, 30, previously received 21 and 37 months, respectively, for transporting the illegal aliens. Bobby Vaughan Hoodye, 40, was sentenced to six months for his role in providing one of the cars that was used to transport the illegal aliens, while Jakhalib Fisher, 21, was ordered to serve 33 months for coordinating and overseeing the smuggling event.
Davis has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan L. Oliver prosecuted the case.
Illegal alien cartel member sent to prison for possessing nearly 5,000 rounds of ammunitionRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 20-year-old Mexican national affiliated with Cartel Del Noreste (CDN) unlawfully residing in Laredo has been sentenced for illegally possessing ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Charbel Garza Macias pleaded guilty Oct. 8, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo has now ordered Macias to serve 63 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that described Macias as member of the CDN. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that Macias was providing tools of war to a brutal criminal organization.
“This defendant’s goal was to get this ammunition to Mexico and, if he had succeeded, would have contributed to the cartels’ ongoing campaign of brutality,” said Ganjei. “Those who work to arm, supply, fund, or otherwise aid these organizations take notice; you are going to be found and prosecuted.”
“The conviction and sentence of this individual highlights the serious consequences of smuggling ammunition across international borders,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee of Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI). ICE-HSI remains committed to disrupting cross-border criminal operations and ensuring that individuals who engage in these illegal activities face the full weight of the law.”
Macias had made several bulk purchases of ammunition in Laredo with the intention of transporting them to Mexico for profit.
On July 16, 2024, authorities were conducting surveillance when they observed a vehicle previously suspected of transporting large amounts of high caliber ammunition. Macias was driving and had loaded ammunition into the trunk of the vehicle.
Macias attempted to elude law enforcement as they followed him after departing the parking lot.
Following a traffic stop, a search resulted in the discovery of approximately 4,800 rounds of .223/5.56 caliber ammunition in the vehicle. At the time of his arrest, Macias admitted he was hired to purchase approximately 20,000 rounds of ammunition to be smuggled into Mexico. He claimed the ammunition was for the CDN operating in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico.
Macias did not have a license to export ammunition or firearms and knew it was illegal to smuggle ammunition into Mexico.
He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
ICE-HSI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bryan L. Oliver prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.