Southern District of Texas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Corpus Christi jury convicts Cuban national for transporting illegal aliensRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 52-year-old Cuban citizen lawfully residing in Jacksonville, Florida, has been convicted for transporting seven illegal aliens in a tractor-trailer, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
The federal jury deliberated for under two hours before finding Jorge Grimon Maturell guilty following a less than two-day trial.
On Nov. 1, 2024, Maturell drove to the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint in a tractor-trailer. After a K-9 alerted to the vehicle, authorities directed him to secondary inspection. At that time, they discovered three individuals hiding in the corner of the sleeper area and four underneath a mattress. All seven were illegal aliens with no authority to be in the United States.
The jury heard that authorities also found $20,684 in his possession and discovered communications between Maturell and others discussing transporting people for approximately that same amount of money
Maturell claimed an unknown person at a gas station in Edinburg had threatened him earlier that day to smuggle the illegal aliens. The investigation revealed no evidence he had stopped at the specified gas station at all that day.
The jury also heard Maturell directed the illegal aliens where to hide when entering his vehicle and to not make any noise when they arrived at the checkpoint. Testimony further revealed Maturell made no stops after the aliens got into the vehicle before arriving at the checkpoint.
The defense attempted to convince the jury he transported the illegal aliens under duress. Maturell took the stand and admitted his original statement of being threatened in Edinburg was not true, but that he was really threatened in Laredo. He claimed he was directed to travel to McAllen where he then picked up the illegal aliens and proceeded to travel north through the checkpoint.
The jury did not believe defense claims and found him guilty as charged.
U.S. District Judge David Morales presided over the trial and set sentencing for June 25, at which time Maturell faces up to five years in federal prison.
Previously released on bond, Maturell was taken into custody following the verdict where he will remain pending sentencing.
Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary Bird and Patrick Overman are prosecuting the case.
Two illegal alien human smugglers arrested after dangerous pursuit and crashRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – Two Mexican nationals have been charged with conspiring to transport illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Jose Manuel Zamarripa-Torres, 38, and Daniel Flores-Hernandez, 19, are expected to make their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nadia S. Medrano.
The criminal complaint alleges that on March 20, law enforcement observed a raft cross the Rio Grande River from Mexico and make landfall in the United States. Zamarripa-Torres then allegedly picked up five illegal aliens from that raft in a Ford SUV. The charges allege one of those was Flores-Hernandez who was the brush guide.
Law enforcement attempted to make a traffic stop, but Zamarripa-Torres fled the scene and subsequently failed to yield, according to the charges. The complaint alleges authorities successfully deployed vehicle immobilization devices throughout the pursuit, but Zamarripa-Torres continued driving.
Zamarripa-Torres allegedly crashed into an occupied civilian vehicle, a power pole and fence and ultimately came to a stop after the 6.1-mile pursuit.
If convicted, Zamarripa-Torres and Flores-Hernandez face up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine.
Border Patrol conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Devin V. Walker 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.
Third week of March sees another nearly 250 cases in border security-related matters in Southern District of TexasRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A total of 246 cases have been filed related to immigration and border security from March 14-20, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Of those, 91 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 145 face charges of illegally entering the country, eight cases involve various instances of human smuggling, and the remainder relate to other immigration matters and making false statements.
Among those charged include Rogelio Jaimes-Rodriguez - a Mexican male who was allegedly found in the United States near Roma having previously been removed Feb. 12. The charges allege he had been previously convicted of being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm. If convicted of this illegal reentry charge, he faces up to 20 years in prison. Onesimo Salazar-Torres is also a Mexican citizen charged with illegal reentry. The criminal complaint alleges he was found in the United States near Edinburg having previously been removed in 2018 and has a conviction of indecency with child sexual contact.
Other relevant cases include two more illegal aliens with significant criminal histories that were sentenced in McAllen this week after being previously removed and unlawfully reentered again. Jose Eduardo Soto-Hernandez has prior felony convictions for sexual assault of a child and possession of a controlled substance. He has been removed from the United States two previous times, most recently in 2019. He will serve 27 months, while Salvador Eduardo Gonzalez-Ledezma was ordered to serve 46 months. He has prior felony convictions for assault family violence impeding breath and harboring aliens. Authorities removed him most recently in 2022, but he has a total of four prior removals.
In Houston, Carlos Bedolla Sanchez pleaded guilty to using the identity of a U.S. citizen to fraudulently obtain a passport and identification. As part of the identity theft, he provided the name, Social Security number, date of birth and birthplace on the passport applications and fraudulently certified he was a citizen or non-citizen national of the United States. Sanchez began using the victim’s identity in approximately March 2009 to obtain state driver’s licenses and other U.S. identification.
On Feb. 17, a Corpus Christi federal jury returned a guilty verdict against a South Texas man for transporting illegal aliens. They deliberated for less than 45 minutes before convicting Alberto Chavez Jr. following a one-day trial Feb. 17. Chavez had claimed his two passengers were his cousins, but evidence proved they were not related to him and were actually Honduran citizens illegally present in the United States. Testimony further revealed Chavez bought them clothes to make them appear more “American” and coached them on what to say when trying to pass through the checkpoint.
Another illegal alien was indicted in Laredo in a multi-year human smuggling conspiracy. The charges allege Giovana Lozano Hernandez used multiple cellular devices that had numerous digital images of paper ledgers regarding the scheme. Voice messages with co-conspirators also allegedly detailed the smuggling activity including the many illegal aliens who had already been transported and housed for whom there needed to be financial accountability. Law enforcement also found video messages depicting the transportation of illegal aliens, according to the allegations.
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.
Two illegal aliens imprisoned for unlawfully reentering the U.S.Read the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – Two Mexican nationals with felony criminal histories have been sentenced in two separate cases for illegally entering the county without authorization, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Jose Eduardo Soto-Hernandez, 29, and Salvador Eduardo Gonzalez-Ledezma, 25, pleaded guilty Dec. 17 and 18, 2024, respectively.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now imposed a 46-month term of imprisonment for Gonzalez-Ledezma, while Soto-Hernandez received 27 months. Not U.S. citizens, both are expected to face removal proceedings following their imprisonment.
Soto-Hernandez has prior felony convictions for sexual assault of a child and possession of a controlled substance. He has been removed from the United States two previous times, most recently in 2019.
Gonzalez-Ledezma also has prior felony convictions for assault family violence impeding breath and harboring aliens. Authorities removed him most recently in 2022, but he has a total of four prior removals.
Both 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 investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda McColgan prosecuted the cases.
Sex offender sentenced for transporting illegal alienRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 36-year-old Brownsville man has been ordered to prison for unlawfully transporting an illegal alien, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
A federal jury deliberated for approximately 40 minutes before finding Juan Andres Vasquez guilty Nov. 6, 2024, following a one-day trial.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales has now ordered Vasquez to serve 21 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that Vasquez is a lifetime sex offender with a troubling criminal history including assault.
On Aug. 2, 2024, Vasquez drove to the Javier Vega Jr. Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint accompanied by two individuals. After an immigration inspection, authorities determined the front-seat passenger was illegally present in the United States.
At trial, Vasquez claimed the illegal alien asked him for a ride. However, the illegal alien testified that Vasquez told him to hide his Mexican identification card. Testimony also revealed he was dropped off at a location where Vasquez was waiting for him.
Vasquez 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. Attorneys Liesel Roscher and Ashley A. Pruitt prosecuted the case.
Gang member who coordinated drug deals from state prison sentenced to federal prisonRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 45-year-old Corpus Christi resident has been sentenced conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
George Gomez aka Quick is a confirmed Texas Syndicate gang member. He pleaded guilty Dec. 19, 2024.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales has ordered Gomez to serve 300 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. The court also ordered his federal prison sentence run consecutively to his current state prison sentence. He will begin serving the 25-year sentence following completion of his state prison term of incarceration.
At the hearing, the court heard about Gomez’s extensive criminal history that began at age 17 when he was convicted of unlawful carrying of a weapon and cocaine possession. He was later convicted of possession of cocaine two more times as well as aggravated assault. In handing down the sentence, Judge Morales emphasized that Gomez had committed this current offense while in prison for a drug possession charge. Furthermore, he noted that his crimes seemed be getting worse as he was now possessing narcotics with the intent to distribute and no longer simply possessing them.
Gomez was serving a 17-year sentence in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for cocaine possession when he obtained a contraband cell phone and began coordinating narcotics deals for other Texas Syndicate gang members while incarcerated.
The investigation into the Texas Syndicate led to the discovery that Gomez was facilitating the distribution of methamphetamine to local drug dealers in Corpus Christi.
Gomez was brought over from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to answer for his federal charges.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation with the assistance of the National Guard and Texas Board of Criminal Justice - Office of Inspector General. 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 Barbara J. De Pena and Brittany Jensen prosecuted the case.
Felon extradited from Mexico pleads guilty to illegally acquiring multiple firearmsRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 39-year-old resident of Laredo has entered a guilty plea for his role in a scheme to straw purchase multiple firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Between the February 2021 and July 2021, Jesus Guadalupe Covarrubias aided and abetted the straw purchasing of multiple rifles.
In July 2021, authorities discovered the theft of approximately 10 AK-style and 20 AR-style rifles at a ranch Covarrubias owned. As a convicted felon, Covarrubias is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition per federal law.
Further investigation led law enforcement to his residence in Laredo where they observed Covarrubias and others placing items into nearby vehicles. Covarrubias left the house with two others and went to a second home.
At that location, authorities observed the movement of three rifles from a truck into the house and took Covarrubias and others into custody.
Covarrubias admitted to knowing he was a convicted felon and unable to possess firearms and ammunition. As part of his guilty plea, he acknowledged sending others to stores to purchase firearms on his behalf.
After his arrest in August 2021, Covarrubias was permitted release upon posting bond but fled to Mexico. Law enforcement eventually took him into custody. He was returned to U.S. authorities Feb. 21.
“This case is an important reminder to criminals that they may run from justice, but they can’t hide,” said Ganjei. “The Southern District of Texas is appreciative of the efforts of all those, both in the United States and in Mexico, that made Mr. Corvarrubias’ extradition happen, so he could face justice.”
“Straw purchasing is not only a direct violation of the law, but it also endangers our communities by enabling prohibited incidentals to gain access to firearms,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael Weddel of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “These dangerous actions jeopardize public safety and undermine the trust that we place in our justice system. It is imperative that we hold accountable those who engage in straw purchasing, ensuring that our laws are enforced, and that justice is served to prevent the illegal flow of firearms into the wrong hands.”
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Covarrubias faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum find.
Covarrubias will remain in custody pending that hearing.
ATF conducted the investigation with assistance from the Webb County Sheriff’s Office and Laredo Police Department. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Covarrubias. U.S. Marshals Service completed the removal of Covarrubias from Mexico to the Southern District of Texas. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Day prosecuted the case.
Trafficker sent to prison after cocaine found in batteryRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 28-year-old Illinois resident has been sentenced for possession with intent to distribute more than four kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Rodrigo Mendez pleaded guilty Sept. 1, 2022.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has now ordered Mendez to serve 78 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
On June 23, 2022, Mendez approached the Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint near Sarita driving a Porsche Cayenne. Following a K-9 alert, law enforcement conducted a search of the vehicle and found 4.34 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside a battery under the driver’s seat.
The investigation linked Mendez to 10 previous trips from South Texas to the Chicago, Illinois, area to transport narcotics. Authorities also linked seven other narcotic seizures to the same organization where the drugs were found inside the vehicle’s battery. Six of those seizures also involved cocaine.
Mendez 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 Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of BP. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley Pruitt and John Marck prosecuted the case.
Cocaine smuggler who led law enforcement on high-speed chase sentenced to decade in federal prisonRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 50-year-old Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, man has been ordered to prison for attempting to smuggle cocaine through the Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint near Kingsville, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Christopher Seabrook pleaded guilty Nov. 22, 2024, to possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzalez Ramos has now ordered him to serve 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard evidence describing how Seabrook fled from the checkpoint and led law enforcement on a high-speed chase. In handing down the sentence Judge Ramos noted how the flight from the checkpoint made Seabrook’s offense potentially more dangerous.
On July 25, 2024, Seabrook approached the checkpoint near Kingsville while driving a Chrysler sedan with two people as passengers. Upon initial inspection, Seabrook soon fled and led law enforcement on a chase reaching speeds up to 125 miles per hour.
Authorities brought the vehicle to a stop by puncturing its tires, at which time Seabrook tried to flee on foot. Following his apprehension and subsequent search of his vehicle, law enforcement found 10 bundles of cocaine weighing 9.8 kilograms hidden in the rear panels.
“High-speed flight by smugglers or human traffickers represents a significant threat to public safety,” said Ganjei. “Thankfully, the quick action of law enforcement allowed for the apprehension of Mr. Seabrook without injury to the public, officers, or the defendant himself.”
Law enforcement estimates the narcotics had a street value of $210,000.
Seabrook has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
BP and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Texas Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Lamont and Ashley Pruitt prosecuted the case.
Career criminal sentenced in Corpus Christi to 14 years for drug traffickingRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 46-year-old Santa Rosa resident has been sentenced for possession with intent to distribute nearly six kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Jossue Omar Gonzalez pleaded guilty Aug. 6, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has now ordered Gonzalez to serve 168 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard evidence of Gonzalez’s long criminal history that included two prior federal convictions for the same offense. In handing down the sentence, Judge Ramos noted the seriousness and repetitive nature of his criminal conduct.
On Oct. 22, 2023, Jonathan Anthony Lopez, 38, of Rio Hondo, approached the Sarita checkpoint driving a red Mitsubishi Mirage when a K-9 alerted. Authorities referred the vehicle to secondary inspection where they discovered 5.99 kg of cocaine hidden behind the rear seat of the vehicle.
The investigation linked Gonzalez to the cocaine bundles. Authorities also found a video of Gonzalez purchasing the packaging material wrapped around the drugs the day prior to the offense in the same red Mitsubishi.
Lopez also pleaded guilty and was previously sentenced to 120 months in prison.
Gonzalez 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 Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Martin prosecuted the case.
Undercover operation sends drug dealing sex offender to prisonRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 27-year-old Corpus Christi resident has been sentenced for possession with intent to distribute over 11 grams of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Sunny Ray Garcia pleaded guilty Nov. 21, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has now ordered Garcia to serve 60 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by four years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence of Garcia’s extensive criminal history that includes convictions for aggravated sexual assault of a child, burglary and possession of a controlled substance.
In January 2023, authorities had identified Garcia as a target involved in drug distribution. On Jan. 25, they conducted an operation and purchased drugs from Garcia. The narcotics were later tested and confirmed to be methamphetamine.
When authorities arrested Garcia in February 2023, they also discovered a stolen firearm in his vehicle.
Garcia will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of Corpus Christi Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Izaak Bruce prosecuted the case.
Illegal alien indicted in multi-year smuggling conspiracyRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 26-year-old Mexican national illegally residing in Laredo has been charged with conspiracy to smuggle and harbor illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Originally charged by criminal complaint, Giovana Lozano Hernandez is expected to appear for her arraignment before a U.S. magistrate judge in the near future.
The charges allege she was an alien smuggler in an ongoing conspiracy. Law enforcement took her into custody Feb. 19.
Hernandez allegedly used multiple cellular devices to facilitate the smuggling conspiracy. One such failed event allegedly occurred Oct. 28, 2024. Authorities identified numerous digital images of paper ledgers and illegal aliens in relation to that event on the devices, according to the charges. There were also numerous voice messages allegedly exchanged between Hernandez and coconspirators detailing the human smuggling activity including numerous illegal aliens who had already been transported and housed for whom there needed to be financial accountability. Law enforcement also found video messages depicting the transportation of illegal aliens, according to the allegations.
If convicted, Hernandez faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 maximum possible fine on each of the two counts in the indictment.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, Border Patrol and Texas Department of Public Safety conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Laredo Police Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Scott Bowling 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.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Illegal alien guilty of stealing U.S. citizen’s identityRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 42-year-old Mexican national has entered a guilty plea to using the identity of a U.S. citizen to fraudulently obtain a passport and identification, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Carlos Bedolla Sanchez, who illegally resided in Houston, admitted to making a false statement in application and use of passport and aggravated identity theft.
On May 19, 2022, Sanchez attempted to renew an expired passport he received in 2009 using the identity of a Puerto Rican-born U.S. citizen. As part of the identity theft, he provided the name, Social Security number, date of birth and birthplace on the passport applications and fraudulently certified he was a citizen or non-citizen national of the United States.
“Nearly everyone knows somebody who has had their identity stolen, or perhaps has even been a victim themselves,” said Ganjei. “The theft of identity for financial gain is bad enough, but stealing a person’s identity to make other fraudulent identification documents raises tremendous public safety and national security concerns. Let this case be a warning to those with ideas similar to Mr. Sanchez.”
The investigation revealed Sanchez began using the victim’s identity in approximately March 2009 to obtain state driver’s licenses and other U.S. identification, including a passport.
U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison accepted the plea and set sentencing for June 3. At that time, Sanchez faces up to 10 years imprisonment for the false statement conviction as well as another two-year mandatory term of imprisonment for aggravated identity theft which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Department of State - Diplomatic Security Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Franklyn prosecuted the case.
Corpus Christi jury finds South Texas man guilty of transporting illegal aliensRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A jury has returned a guilty verdict against a 28-year-old Sullivan City resident on two counts of transporting illegal aliens within the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
They deliberated for less than 45 minutes before convicting Alberto Chavez Jr. following a one-day trial.
Testimony revealed that on Nov. 2, 2024, Chavez pulled up to the Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint in Falfurrias for a routine immigration inspection with two passengers in the vehicle. He claimed they were all cousins and were going north to find work.
However, the jury heard that neither of the passengers were related to Chavez in any way. Both were actually citizens of Honduras who were illegally present in the United States.
The jury heard from both men who explained they had crossed the Rio Grande River approximately one month prior and had been placed in various stash houses until Chavez picked them up the night before they arrived at the checkpoint.
Testimony revealed Chavez bought them clothes to make them appear more “American” and coached them on what to say when trying to pass through the checkpoint. The aliens also stated they had specifically informed Chavez they were illegally present in the United States.
“Our Corpus Christi office has secured yet another guilty verdict against a smuggler of illegal aliens,” said Ganjei. “If people think they are going to lie or sneak their way past a Border Patrol checkpoint, they are setting themselves up for a prison stay. I thank the jury for their thoughtful consideration of the evidence in this case.”
The defense attempted to convince the jury that Chavez had simply agreed to give the aliens a ride. They did not believe those claims and found Chavez guilty as charged.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales presided over trial and has set sentencing for June 18. At that time, Chavez faces up to five years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Previously released on bond, the court ordered Chavez into custody pending sentencing.
BP conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Griffith and Zachary Bird are prosecuting the case.
Southern District of Texas charges nearly 250 people in second week of March in relation to border enforcement effortsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A total of 245 new cases have been filed in the last week related to immigration and border security, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Of those, 115 are charged with illegally re-entering the country with the majority having felony convictions such as narcotics, violent and/or sexual crimes and prior immigration offenses. A total 118 face charges of illegally entering the country, 10 cases involve various instances of human smuggling, and the remainder relate to firearms and assault of federal officers.
Of those facing allegations of illegally re-entering the country is Santos Demetrio Marquez-Hernandez from El Salvador. The criminal complaint indicates he has a felony conviction of contact with a minor with sexual intent and was removed just over two months ago on Jan. 8. He could receive up to 20 years in U.S. prison.
Juan Daniel Pena and Jose Cristian Cantu Jr. were also arrested this week for attempting to smuggle 15 aliens through the Border Patrol checkpoint near Sarita. The charges allege the aliens, who were from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Vietnam, were hidden inside two trucks being hauled on a flatbed trailer. Five of the illegal aliens were allegedly previously ordered removed from the United States and are now facing their own charges of illegal reentry into the United States.
Relevant cases also featured this week include an Arkansas man who was found guilty of transporting illegal aliens in a truck’s wheel well and fuel tank. The jury deliberated for under 30 minutes following a less than two-day trial before finding Noel Mercado guilty on two counts of alien smuggling. An x-ray scan revealed at least two individuals in the truck’s wheel wells – found bolted inside modified wheel well compartments. Law enforcement also discovered two more individuals in the auxiliary fuel tank below the truck bed. All four were illegal aliens from the countries of Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala with no authority to be in the United States.
Among those charged this week also includes Gerardo Hervey Rodriguez-Toscano, a Mexican citizen who allegedly ran up the Mexican side of the Hidalgo port of entry and attempted to evade U.S. law enforcement at the midpoint. Authorities were able to detain him, but after a struggle, according to the allegations. One officer allegedly suffered injuries to his wrist, knee and elbow. If convicted, Rodriguez-Toscano faces up to eight years in prison.
In addition, a Honduran man attempted to enter the country illegally by pretending to be a minor. Elger Fabricio Cotto-Navarro claimed he was born in May 2007, when he was actually born the previous year. He initially denied the allegations and made a written statement as such, but ultimately acknowledged he was an adult and that he provided an incorrect date of birth and made false statements.
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.
Several charged in firearms conspiracy linked to weapons at Canadian borderRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - Seven people have been arrested following the return of a nine-count indictment in a conspiracy to provide false information to federal firearms licensed dealers, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Authorities have now taken the final man charged into custody in Chicago. Gemale Sheali, 23, Houston, is expected to make his initial appearance there and will then be ordered to appear for his arraignment in Houston in the near future.
The other six - Eddylson Patino, 23, a Mexican citizen illegally residing in Houston, Mozambique citizen Muhammad Dagha, 22, who also illegally resided in Houston, and Abuelgasim Siddig, 23, Omar Farooq, 24, Erik Aguirre, 23, and Andres Ferman, 24, all of Houston - were previously taken into custody and made appearances in federal court.
According to the charges, the investigation began following the discovery of 68 firearms, including a suppressor, firearm magazines and ammunition, in Neche, North Dakota, along the Canadian border. The indictment alleges some of the Houston-area conspirators had purchased some of the recovered firearms. Further investigation allegedly revealed the conspirators had been acquiring the weapons on behalf of the conspiracy by providing false information to federal firearms licensed dealers.
According to the indictment, beginning around 2024, the conspirators acquired firearms by providing false information as to being the actual purchaser to federal firearms licensed dealers. The investigation allegedly linked two guns, respectively recovered in Mexico and Canada, to the conspiracy.
It is alleged that Patino was responsible for obtaining firearms for later exportation out of the United States, while Dagha recruited conspirators to purchase them on behalf of Patino. Both are charged with conspiracy and aiding and abetting providing false information to federal firearms licensed dealers.
Siddig, Farooq, Aguirre, Sheali and Ferman are all charged with conspiracy, and providing false information to a federal firearms licensed dealers during the acquisition of firearms
All seven face up to five years in federal prison on each count as charged and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Houston and Fargo, North Dakota, and Border Patrol conducted the investigation with the assistance of Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, Canadian law enforcement and the Houston Police Department.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Smith is prosecuting the case with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Lee of the District of North Dakota.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Methamphetamine and fentanyl dealer sentenced to 25 years in Corpus ChristiRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 45-year-old Houston woman has been ordered to federal prison for possessing and distributing numerous illegal drugs between Houston and Rockport, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Cheri Ann Palmer pleaded guilty Sept. 26, 2024.
U.S. District Judge David Morales has now ordered her to serve 240 months for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine in addition to 60 months for possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. The sentences will be served consecutively for a total of 25 years in federal prison which will be immediately followed by a three-year-term of supervised release.
“The Southern District of Texas does not tolerate drug traffickers,” said Ganjei. “Drugs, especially methamphetamine and fentanyl, destroy lives and damage communities. Our Corpus Christi office did great work taking this dealer off the streets.”
On Oct. 2, 2023, law enforcement responded to a disturbance at a local motel. There, they encountered Palmer along with a backpack that contained 388.1 grams of methamphetamine, 3.1 grams of heroin and a Sig Sauer 9mm pistol. Upon searching the motel room associated with Palmer, authorities also discovered an additional 249.9 grams of methamphetamine and 28.45 grams of fentanyl in a box. Palmer admitted that the fentanyl and methamphetamine had been smuggled in from Mexico.
The investigation led to Houston where law enforcement witnessed Palmer loading backpacks and containers into a GMC Denali in Houston. A traffic stop and subsequent search resulted in the discovery of 590.76 grams of methamphetamine, 81.5 grams of fentanyl analogue, 71.85 grams of heroin mixed with fentanyl, 442 grams of marijuana and 10 grams of cocaine.
Authorities also found 1,679 assorted blue, pink and white pills marked M30 intended to replicate Oxycodone pills. However, the pills actually contained fentanyl mixed with traces of methamphetamine, heroin, Xylazine, acetaminophen, benzocaine, caffeine, lidocaine and quinine.
The investigation revealed Palmer had been dealing drugs in the Houston area for several years.
Palmer 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 Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Marshals Service, Rockport Police Department and Harris County Sherriff Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Yasmine K. Tucker and Ashley Martin prosecuted the case.
Adult man guilty of pretending to be minor to illegally enter the countryRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – An 18-year-old Honduran citizen has admitted to making false statements in a juvenile immigration case, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
On Feb. 2, Elger Fabricio Cotto-Navarro represented to law enforcement he was an unaccompanied minor as he attempted to enter the country near Roma.
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) must provide care for each unaccompanied alien child who has no lawful immigration status in the United States for whom there is no parent or legal guardian in the country with the ability to provide such care and custody. As such, Cotto-Navarro was placed in a facility charged with the housing and needs for unaccompanied alien children.
Cotto-Navarro identified himself as a minor with a date of birth of May 2007 to his case manager. However, the investigation revealed Cotto-Navarro was actually an adult posing as a minor. Cotto-Navarro denied the allegations and made a written statement, still claiming to be a juvenile.
He later acknowledged he was born in 2006 and an adult. He admitted he provided an incorrect date of birth and that his submitted written statements attesting to being a juvenile while in DHHS custody were false.
U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. will impose sentencing June 17. At that time, he faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He will remain in custody pending that hearing.
DHHS-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Marian is prosecuting the case.
Repeat child sex predator sentenced to 25 years for possession of child sexual assault materialRead the Press Release
GALVESTON, Texas – A 63-year-old Alvin resident has been sentenced for distribution and possession of child sexual assault material (CSAM), announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Robert Earl Cochran Jr. pleaded guilty Dec. 17, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Brown has now ordered him to serve a total of 300 months in federal prison. Restitution will be determined at a later date. He will also serve 10 years on supervised release following completion of his prison term, during which 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.
“The lengthy sentence imposed today is welcome news” said Ganjei. “The defendant has repeatedly demonstrated that, given the opportunity, he will unrepentantly victimize young children. Every day that he is behind bars, as opposed to walking the streets or accessing the internet, is a win for the community.”
“With today’s sentence we have removed an extremely dangerous child predator from the community who was an immediate threat to every child he encountered,” said Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) Houston Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz. “After spending time in prison for sexually assaulting a child, he brazenly admits to getting out and actively seeking, possessing and distributing child sexual abuse materials with absolutely no remorse for the physical, psychological and emotional trauma inflicted on the innocent children who were victimized to produce them. Thanks to the tireless efforts of our special agents in Galveston, he is returning to prison and will no longer be free in the local community to harm children.”
The investigation revealed Cochran utilized multiple virtual identities to commit violations concerning child exploitation.
From Feb. 24, 2015, to July 16, 2019, he had distributed, received and possessed CSAM of children approximately three to 12 years of age. He was also discovered to be in possession of child pornography at the time of his arrest.
Cochran admitted he began viewing child pornography in 2015, shortly after his release from prison, and heavily traded it between 2015-2016. He also acknowledged using his three cellphones to download and view the material. At the time of his arrest, law enforcement located nine images and 54 obscene representations of children depicting child pornography on those devices.
He is a registered sex offender after serving a lengthy sentence for aggravated sexual assault of a three-year-old child.
Cochran has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
HSI conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Luis Batarse is prosecuting the case 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.
Eight guilty in wide-ranging scheme to monopolize industry serving transmigrantesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Another individual has pleaded guilty in a long-running and violent conspiracy which involved price fixing, extortion and money laundering.
Jose de Jesus Tapia Fernandez, 47, Brownsville, admitted to conspiracy to commit money laundering. He joins seven others who have entered guilty pleas for their various roles in a scheme to monopolize the transmigrante forwarding agency industry in the Los Indios border region near Harlingen and Brownsville.
Those convicted include the leader in the conspiracy - Carlos Martinez aka Cuate, 38, Mission – who had previously admitted to conspiracy to fix prices and allocate the market for transmigrante forwarding agency services and one count of conspiracy to monopolize the same market as well as interference with commerce by extortion, conspiracy to do so and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Transmigrantes are individuals who transport used vehicles and other goods from the United States through Mexico for resale in Central America. Transmigrante forwarding agencies are U.S.-based businesses that provide services to transmigrante clients, including helping those clients complete the Mexican customs paperwork required to export vehicles into Mexico.
“Price fixing harms both the public and the business community,” said U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei for the Southern District of Texas. “Schemes like this artificially drive up prices, forcing consumers to pay more than they ordinarily would. At its core, such market collusion is nothing more than theft from consumers.”
“These guilty pleas bring to justice individuals who used violence and extortion to fix prices and monopolize the market for essential services that Americans rely on to earn a living,” said Director of Criminal Enforcement Emma Burnham of the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division. “The Antitrust Division will continue to use every tool at its disposal to protect the public by prosecuting violent criminals – including those who aim to corrupt America’s free markets.”
“Today’s pleas reflect the relentlessness of the federal government’s pursuit of transnational criminal organizations that exploit international trade and the U.S. economy,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Antonio. “This violent scheme was fueled by greed that undermined the safety and economic security of the border region; HSI has prioritized significant resources to protect the U.S. and our legitimate trade.”
“These defendants tried to rule through fear, using threats, violence and intimidation to eliminate competition,” said Assistant Director Chad Yarbrough of the FBI Criminal Investigative Division. “Their guilty pleas send a clear message that price fixing and market allocation are serious crimes, and we will hold those accountable who put profits over the law and fair commerce.”
The co-conspirators fixed prices and monopolized the market for transmigrante forwarding agency services by requiring participants in the transmigrante industry to pay money into a “Pool” and dividing revenues among themselves. Market participants who were not part of the conspiracy had to join and pay into the Pool. Pool members enforced the rules by monitoring whether forwarding agencies were charging the agreed-upon prices, including by posting prices publicly on social media and monitoring whether agencies were paying into the Pool as required.
Some involved in the scheme also conspired to force forwarding pay other extortion fees, including a “piso” for every transaction processed in the industry as well as a fine for operating in the market outside of Pool rules. Conspirators perpetrated acts of intimidation, coercion and violence in furtherance of the antitrust and extortion conspiracies.
Martinez was responsible for at least $9,500,000 in extortion payments.
Martinez and Tapia Fernandez also laundered extortion proceeds. Cash obtained from the extortion conspiracy was deposited into bank accounts Martinez and his family controlled. Those deposits were made to conceal and disguise the nature, source, ownership and control of the proceeds.
Pedro Antonio Calvillo Hernandez, 51, Mission, Roberto Garcia Villareal, 60, San Benito, Sandra Guerra Medina, 70, Rancho Viejo, and Mireya Miranda, 58, La Feria, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to fix prices and allocate the market for transmigrante forwarding agency services and one count of conspiracy to monopolize the same market. Calvillo, Villareal and Carlos Yzaguirre, 61, Mission, also pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to interfere with commerce by extortion, while Juan Hector Ramirez Avila, 35, Brownsville, pleaded guilty to one count of structuring a financial transaction to evade reporting requirements.
As part of his plea, Martinez has agreed to forfeit four real properties and $375,000 in seized U.S. currency, pay a fine and full restitution to extortion victims.Guerra, Miranda, Calvillo and Villareal have also agreed to pay fines as part of their plea agreements.
Three others charged – Rigoberto Brown, 40, Brownsville; Miguel Hipolito Caballero Aupart, 72, Brownsville; and Diego Ceballos-Soto, 50, Mexico – are fugitives and warrants remain outstanding for their arrests. Anyone with information about their whereabouts is asked to contact HSI at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423).
Conspiracies to allocate the market, fix prices or monopolize in violation of the Sherman Act carry up to 10 years in federal prison and a maximum $1 million possible fine. Conspiracy to interfere with commerce by extortion in violation of the Hobbs Act and money laundering conspiracy carry possible prison terms of up to 20 years and maximum fines of $250,000 and $500,000, respectively, while structuring a financial transaction to evade reporting requirements carries up to five years in addition to a $250,000 maximum fine.
The Justice Department’s Antitrust Division, Violent Crime and Racketeering Section (VCRS), U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, HSI and FBI conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander L. Alum is prosecuting the case along with Trial Attorneys Brittany E. McClure, Anne Veldhuis and Michael G. Lepage of the Antitrust Division and VCRS Trial Attorney Christina Taylor.
Anyone with information in connection with this investigation should contact the Antitrust Division’s Complaint Center at 888-647-3258, or visit http://www.justice.gov/atr/report-violations.
Arkansas man guilty of transporting illegal aliens in wheel well and fuel tankRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 48-year-old man from Jonesboro, Arkansas, has been convicted of unlawfully transporting four illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
The jury deliberated for less than 30 minutes following a less than two-day trial before finding Noel Mercado guilty on two counts of alien smuggling.
On the evening of Jan. 5, Mercado drove to the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint in a Ford F350 pickup truck. After a K-9 alerted to the vehicle, authorities referred him for further inspection.
An x-ray scan revealed at least two individuals in the truck’s wheel wells – found bolted inside modified wheel well compartments. Law enforcement also discovered two more individuals in the auxiliary fuel tank below the truck bed.
All four were illegal aliens from the countries of Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala with no authority to be in the United States.
At trial, Mercado claimed he had travelled to the Rio Grande Valley to trade baseball cards and other collectibles. He testified he had no idea any of the four individuals were concealed inside the truck he was driving. The jury did not believe his claims and found him guilty as charged.
“As the Department cracks down on human smuggling and illegal immigration, we can expect smugglers to get more desperate, and thus more creative,” said Ganjei. “I would like to thank the jury for their service.”
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales presided over the trial and set sentencing for June 11, at which time Mercado faces up to five years in federal prison for each count of conviction as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Lamont and Ashley Pruitt prosecuted the case.
Southern District of Texas charges more than 200 this week alone in relation to border enforcement effortsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Nearly 200 new cases have been filed in the last week related to immigration and border security, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Of those, almost 100 are charged with illegally re-entering the country with the majority having felony convictions such as narcotics, violent crimes and prior immigration offenses. Over 80 face charges of illegally entering the country, 12 cases involve various instances of human smuggling, and the remainder relate to other immigration crimes.
Relevant cases also featured this week include a new indictment charging a dozen illegal aliens with assaulting officers. All 12 men allegedly aided and abetted the assault of two corrections officers at the East Hidalgo Detention Center in La Villa. If convicted, they face up to eight years in federal prison.
Also charged this week are two South Texas bakery owners who were indicted for harboring illegal aliens. At the time of a consensual worksite enforcement action Feb. 12 at Abby’s Bakery and Dulce’s Café, law enforcement allegedly identified several employees and others who were in the United States illegally or in the country under B1/B2 visas without having the right to work. The bakery owners were alleged to have housed these illegal alien workers in an adjacent room with six mattresses on the floor.
Several individuals have also been sentenced for various border-related crimes against the United States, such as a leader of an organization who smuggled aliens through Corpus Christi and was ordered to forfeit $1 million.
Marvin Reyes led the organization which was based out of Houston. The investigation revealed he and others were coordinating the movement of illegal aliens through the Border Patrol checkpoints located near Sarita and Falfurrias as well as by airplane. Reyes also arranged private flights for illegal aliens from Weslaco to Houston. He was ordered to serve 108 months in prison. At the hearing, the court heard additional information including how the conspiracy had stretched over three years with over 200 aliens transported.
Another criminal will serve 69 months in prison after illegally smuggling dozens of people into the United States on two separate occasions. Joe Adam Escobedo drove a tractor trailer to the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint on two occasions in 2024 with a total of 49 illegal aliens from the countries of El Salvador, Mexico, Ecuador, Guatemala and Honduras.
A 27-year-old Los Fresnos man was also sentenced for attempting to smuggle an illegal alien further into the country after feeling from authorities. Carlos Del Angel Bocanegra approached the Border Patrol checkpoint near Kingsville driving a Chevy Tahoe with an adult passenger and four juveniles visibly present. When authorities discovered an illegal alien concealed under a passenger row seat, Bocanegra then immediately fled and led law enforcement on a chase down the highway. He will now serve 24 months in prison.
Jesus Alberto Castro-Garza has prior felony convictions for injury to a child, assault family violence impeding breath, evading with a vehicle and human smuggling. He was first removed from the country in 2019 and has illegally returned three times. He was last removed Nov. 21, 2023. Caastro-Garza must now serve 106 months in federal prison for again illegally re-entering the United States.
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 is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Former refugee admits to supporting ISISRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 28-year-old former Iraqi refugee and legal permanent resident of Richmond has entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Abdulrahman Mohammed Hafedh Alqaysi admitted to providing material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).
From 2015 to 2020, Alqaysi provided his computer expertise to develop and post logos for a media arm of the ISIS group known as the Kalachnikov team. He further sent hacking videos and instructions to ISIS members in addition to stolen credit card information and fraudulently created identity documents.
“The Department of Justice and the Southern District of Texas are committed to rooting out terror elements in our communities, wherever they may be,” said Ganjei. “If you’re working to subvert the United States through violence, you will be found and you will be punished.”
U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett accepted the plea and has set sentencing for June 5. At that time, Alqaysi faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The FBI Houston Joint Terrorism Task Force conducted the investigation with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Winter is prosecuting the case along with NSD Trial Attorney Michael Dittoe.
Former Refugee Pleads Guilty and Admits to Supporting ISISRead the Press Release
A former Iraqi refugee and legal permanent resident of Richmond, Texas, has entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.
Abdulrahman Mohammed Hafedh Alqaysi, 28, admitted to providing material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS).
From 2015 to 2020, Alqaysi provided his computer expertise to develop and post logos for a media arm of the ISIS group known as the Kalachnikov team. He further sent hacking videos and instructions to ISIS members in addition to stolen credit card information and fraudulently created identity documents.
U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett accepted the plea and has set sentencing for June 5. Alqaysi faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine. Alqaysi has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The FBI Houston Joint Terrorism Task Force investigated the case with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Winter for the Southern District of Texas is prosecuting the case with assistance from Trial Attorney Michael Dittoe of the National Security Division's Counterterrorism Section.
Mexican national sentenced for possession of child sexual assault materialRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 26-year-old citizen of Mexico has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Ezequiel Vallejo-Hernandez pleaded guilty Feb. 12, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera has now ordered him to serve 78 months in federal prison. Vallejo-Hernandez was further ordered to pay $57,500 in restitution to various victims and will 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. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
On Sept. 16, 2023, Vallejo-Hernandez attempted to enter the United States through the Gateway International Port of Entry, at which time authorities referred him to secondary inspection. At that time, they noticed that Vallejo-Hernandez had a “lookout” placed on him based on a Cybertip report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Law enforcement conducted a basic search of his cell phone which led to the discovery of child sexual assault material (CSAM) on the device.
“Since its founding, the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Childhood (PSC) has allowed prosecutors and law enforcement to uncover and prosecute those that prey on children online. This case is a textbook example on how PSC is making the internet safer for children,” said Ganjei.
A forensic analysis resulted in the discovery of a total of 557 CSAM files within his MEGA application - a cloud-based storage application – on his phone.
Vallejo-Hernandez admitted to downloading the CSAM files to his cell phone and acknowledged it was a crime to be in possession of that material.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ana C. Cano prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of 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 link on that page.
McAllen resident sentenced to 25 years for using communication app to entice minorRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 28-year-old man has been sent to prison for coercion and enticement of a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
James Christopher Ruiz pleaded guilty Sept. 10, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now ordered Ruiz to serve 300 months in prison. At the hearing, the court heard additional information including testimony from the victim’s mother detailing significant trauma the victim is dealing with and how this crime has negatively impacted not just the her, but everyone in her family. After handing down the sentence, the court addressed the victim and informed her there was nothing wrong with or bad about her and she did not bring this upon herself. The court explained that all the blame lies with the Ruiz who will 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.
In August 2023, law enforcement learned Ruiz had been communicating with a 12-year-old minor online. The investigation revealed he had been chatting with the victim from June to July 2022 via Discord.
“People like the defendant can make the internet a dangerous place for children,” said Ganjei. “Fortunately, law enforcement was able to discover and arrest Mr. Ruiz, bringing an end to his predatory online behavior.”
Ruiz knew the minor victim was only 12 years of age. During their conversations, Ruiz sent sexually explicit photos and videos to the minor and enticed the victim to send nude images of her breasts and genitals on multiple occasions. He also explained what masturbating was and persuaded her to send videos of her doing so.
Ruiz admitted to communicating with other minors via Discord and virtual reality. He said he would tell the minor females to send him sexually explicit images and videos of themselves and instructed them on what to do.
Ruiz has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the New Castle County Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Alexis Garcia 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.
Leader of organization who smuggled aliens through Corpus Christi sent to prison and ordered to forfeit $1 millionRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 39-year-old Honduran national who illegally resided in Houston has been ordered to prison following his conviction for transporting illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Marvin Reyes pleaded guilty May 30, 2024.
U.S. District Judge David Morales has now ordered him to serve 108 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional information including how the conspiracy had stretched over three years with over 200 aliens transported. In handing down the prison term, the court commented that over 200 people could have been hurt or killed because of the Reyes’ actions, and that he was responsible as the leader. The court also took note of the funds received as a result of the criminal activity and imposed a $1 million money judgement.
“Thanks to the teamwork of our office’s Corpus Christi prosecutors and their law enforcement partners, the leader of an alien smuggling ring has been put out of action,” said Ganjei. “Successful interdiction of illegal alien smuggling at the border or at interior checkpoints benefits the nation as a whole. The Southern District of Texas is proud to do its part to support a secure border.”
In July 2021, law enforcement discovered a human smuggling organization based out of Houston that Reyes led. Numerous individuals had been attempting to smuggle illegal aliens further into the United States.
The investigation revealed Reyes and others were coordinating the movement of illegal aliens through the Border Patrol checkpoints located near Sarita and Falfurrias as well as by airplane. Reyes also arranged private flights for illegal aliens from Weslaco to Houston.
Bank records showed Reyes received at least $1 million in proceeds from the human smuggling activities.
Reyes will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Overman and Tyler Foster prosecuted the case.
A dozen illegal aliens charged with assaulting federal officersRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging 12 illegal aliens for assaulting two federal correctional officers in January 2025, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
All are expected to make their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Juan F. Alanis at 9 a.m.
Those charged include Mexican nationals Bryan Hernandez-Ruiz, 25, Francisco Antonio Hernandez-Mora, 27, Ivan Ramirez-Zapata, 40, Adrian David Guzman-Salas, 28, David Ramirez-Bautista, 21, Roberto Fabian Garza-Castaneda, 49, Jose Alberto Resendez-Hernandez, 27, Jose Ramos-Lerma, 45, Ruben Gonzalez-Balderas, 29, and Oscar Ambrocio Hernandez, 25, as well as Osman Joel Hernandez-Pavon, 22, and Roger Emmanuel Lemus, 42, both of Guatemala.
The charges allege that all 12 men aided and abetted the assault of two federal corrections officers at the East Hidalgo Detention Center in La Villa.
“The Department of Justice has zero tolerance for violence against law enforcement officers,” said Ganjei. “The grand jury has returned an indictment that alleges a serious attack on two corrections officers, and, rest assured, the Southern District of Texas will hold accountable all those found guilty.”
If convicted, each face up to eight years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
All have been and will remain in custody.
FBI and U.S. Marshals Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura Garcia and Avery Benitez prosecuted 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.
Young driver faces federal charges after pulling gun during road rage incidentRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 19-year-old Laredoan has been indicted for possession of a machinegun, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Justin Landen Ruiz was originally charged by criminal complaint and is expected to appear in Laredo federal court before a U.S. magistrate judge in the near future.
On Feb. 6, authorities responded to a road rage incident on the northbound lane of Bob Bullock near the entrance to Lake Casa Blanca International State Park, according to the charges. The driver and sole occupant of a black Jeep, later identified as Ruiz, allegedly displayed a firearm during the incident.
The charges allege authorities had pulled over the vehicle and conducted a search which resulted in the discovery of two firearms and three loaded magazines in the center console.
One of the firearms was a tan Glock 19x, 9mm pistol and had an attached machinegun conversion device, according to the charges. These devices convert firearms to be fully automatic.
If convicted, Ruiz faces up to 10 years imprisonment and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Laredo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew P. Hakala-Finch prosecuted 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.
South Texas drug dealer sent to federal prison for firearm violationRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 19-year-old Alamo resident has been sentenced for utilizing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking activity, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Emiliano Cabriales pleaded guilty Dec. 5, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now handed Cabriales a 60-month term of imprisonment immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
On May 29, 2024, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle in which Cabriales was a passenger. During a routine search, they discovered a firearm concealed beneath the seat where Cabriales had been sitting.
Further investigation revealed 14 grams of cocaine, packaged in individual baggies, hidden inside his pants. Cabriales admitted to possessing the cocaine and that he had the firearm in case he had to protect himself and the drugs.
Cabriales 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Alamo Police Department conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan prosecuted the case as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, please visit Justice.gov/PSN.
Mexican national indicted for smuggling $10,000 of cocaine behind trap doorRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A driver has been charged with conspiracy and importation of controlled substances, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Mauricio Sebastian Valdez Rivas, 67, is in custody and expected to make his initial appearances before a U.S. magistrate judge in Laredo in the near future.
A federal grand jury returned the two-count indictment related to an alleged failed smuggling attempt of 16.95 kilograms of cocaine from Mexico into the United States.
On Feb. 7, Rivas allegedly drove into the port of entry at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge seeking entry into the United States. At that time. authorities performed an x-ray scan of the vehicle and noticed an anomaly near the front of the vehicle, according to the charges.
At secondary inspection, law enforcement allegedly found a trap door behind the front license plate which had a hidden compartment containing 15 bundles of cocaine.
The drugs have an estimated street value of $10,000.
If convicted, Rivas faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison as well as up to $10 million in fines.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew P. Hakala-Finch prosecuted 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.
Bakery owners indicted for harboring illegal aliensRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The two owners of a Los Fresnos establishment have been charged with harboring illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Leonardo Baez, 55, and Alicia Avila-Guel, 46, both legal permanent residents of the United States, were originally charged by criminal complaint following a lawful enforcement action Feb. 12. A federal grand jury has now returned a three-count indictment against them. They are expected to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ignacio Torteya III March 13.
Baez and Avila-Guel have owned and operated Abby’s Bakery and Dulce’s Café in Los Fresnos since 2012, according to the charges.
The investigation began after authorities allegedly discovered the pair were potentially employing and housing illegal aliens within their restaurant.
The charges allege that law enforcement conducted a consensual worksite enforcement action at Abby’s Bakery and Dulce’s Café. There, they allegedly identified several employees and others who were in the United States illegally or in the country under B1/B2 visas without having the right to work.
The charges allege both Baez and Avila-Guel illegally hired these individuals to work in their restaurant while harboring them.
According to the criminal complaint, law enforcement identified a room provided for employees in the same shopping plaza as the restaurant. According to the criminal complaint, law enforcement identified a room provided for employees in the same shopping plaza as the restaurant. It was allegedly housing two employees at the time of inspection who were unauthorized to work in the United States. It was a rectangular room with six mattresses on the floor, according to the charges.
The worksite enforcement action allegedly resulted in the discovery of two illegal aliens unlawfully present in the United States and six B1/B2 Visa holders who did not have the right to work in the United States. Another individual was allegedly taken into custody on an outstanding warrant unrelated to the current enforcement action.
Authorities executed arrest warrants Feb. 19 for Baez and Avila-Guel. At that time, no one else was taken into custody or detained.
If convicted, both face up to 10 years in federal prison as well as a fine up to $250,000.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.
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 having child sexual assault material on phoneRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas –A 25-year-old Laredo resident has entered a guilty plea to receiving and possessing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Eduardo Rosas admitted to receiving and possessing numerous images and video files depicting child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on his iPhone.
The investigation began after authorities learned someone had uploaded CSAM onto a Kik account. Rosas was the owner of that account.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence, at which time they seized several electronic devices including an Apple iPhone 11. Rosas admitted to owning the Kik account and the phone.
Forensic analysis revealed 43 images, 99 videos files and 85 thumbnail files, all depicting CSAM. Some of the material depicted bondage, infants, bestiality and sadistic material.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Rosas faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa A. Lopez 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.
Illegal alien sentenced for exporting firearm partsRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 55-year-old Mexican citizen has been sentenced for exporting firearm parts from the United States into Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Oscar Daniel Ramirez Gonzalez pleaded guilty Dec. 12, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has how sentenced Ramirez Gonzalez to serve 24 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following the sentence.
On Nov. 9, 2024, Ramirez Gonzalez attempted to exit the United States and enter Mexico through the Pharr Port of Entry.
Authorities referred him to secondary inspection where they conducted a search of the vehicle and found a firearm upper receiver, lower receiver, four bottles of gun powder and several thousand rounds of ammunition cartridges in various calibers.
Ramirez Gonzalez did not possess a license to export the items from the United States.
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.
Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda McColgan prosecuted the case.
Illegal alien felon imprisoned for unlawfully reentering the U.S.Read the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 30-year-old Mexican national with a felony criminal history has been sentenced for illegally entering the county without authorization for the fourth time, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Jesus Alberto Castro-Garza pleaded guilty Dec. 19, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now imposed a 106-month-term of imprisonment for Castro-Garza. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to again face removal proceedings following his imprisonment.
Castro-Garza has prior felony convictions for injury to a child, assault family violence impeding breath, evading with a vehicle and human smuggling. He was removed from the country first in 2019 and illegally returned three times. He was last removed Nov. 21, 2023.
Then on Dec. 24, 2023, authorities discovered him again in the United States in custody at a local jail.
Castro-Garza will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigrations and Customs Enforcement conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda McColgan prosecuted the cases.
Fleeing alien smuggler sent to federal prisonRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 27-year-old Los Fresnos man has been ordered to prison for attempting to smuggle an illegal alien further into the country, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Carlos Del Angel Bocanegra pleaded guilty Nov. 25, 2024.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales has now ordered him to serve 24 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard evidence describing how Bocanegra had fled from law enforcement with four children in his vehicle. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the potential danger Bocanegra’s conduct posed the public and his passengers.
“Alien smuggling is an incredibly dangerous practice, both for the people smuggled and for innocent bystanders,” said Ganjei. “Fortunately, nobody was killed by Bocanegra’s actions, but the facts of this case could have easily turned tragic. I commend law enforcement for their excellent work in this case.”
On Aug. 27, 2024, Bocanegra approached the Border Patrol checkpoint near Kingsville driving a Chevy Tahoe with an adult passenger and four juveniles visibly present. Upon initial inspection, he denied having any contraband or unlawful people in his vehicle. However, authorities soon discovered an illegal alien concealed under a passenger row seat.
Bocanegra then immediately fled the checkpoint and led law enforcement on a chase down the highway. Authorities were able to end the pursuit quickly and took him into custody.
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.
Border Patrol conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Texas Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Lamont prosecuted the case.
Donna man sentenced for smuggling 49 illegal aliensRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 31-year-old South Texan has been ordered to federal prison for illegally smuggling dozens of people into the United States on two separate occasions, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Joe Adam Escobedo pleaded guilty Sept. 26, 2024.
U.S. District Judge David Morales has now ordered him to serve 57 months in each case to run concurrently. He was also ordered to serve an additional 12 months to run consecutively for a total of 69 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the fact that Escobedo committed the second offense with 42 aliens and it was the very thing for which he had been on bond and imposed the consecutive sentence.
“The Southern District of Texas will vigorously pursue alien smuggling cases, given the risk they pose both to the persons smuggled as well as the public at large,” said Ganjei. “Tractor trailer smuggling can be especially hazardous, given the confined space and the unpredictable Texas weather. All it would have taken is a refrigeration malfunction for this smuggling scheme to have turned deadly.”
On April 12, 2024, Escobedo approached the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint driving a tractor-trailer. He claimed he was heading to Michigan and was hauling pineapples in the trailer. Authorities referred him to secondary inspection after a K-9 alerted to the tractor where they ultimately found seven illegal aliens from El Salvador and Mexico hidden in the sleeper area of the tractor.
He was charged with alien smuggling but permitted release upon posting bond.
Then again, on June 11, 2024, Escobedo drive a refrigerated tractor trailer to the came checkpoint. During primary inspection, law enforcement noticed Escobedo gripping the steering wheel firmly and displaying signs of nervousness and referred him again to secondary inspection. Agents scanned the trailer and observed several anomalies in the trailer.
They then discovered a total of 42 additional people from the countries of Ecuador, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Mexico. All were found to be illegally in the United States.
Escobedo will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Yasmine K. Tucker prosecuted the case.
Two high-ranking members of the Gulf Cartel transferred to U.S. custody for drug traffickingRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Two former high-ranking members of Cartel del Gulfo have been transferred into U.S. custody and are charged in separate indictments with significant drug trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Evaristo Cruz-Sanchez aka Vaquero, 40, and Jose Alberto Garcia-Vilano aka La Kena, 33, are expected to make their initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard Bennett in Houston at 2 p.m.
A federal grand jury in Brownsville returned separate and unrelated indictments against Cruz-Sanchez and Garcia-Vilano Nov. 10, 2021, and Feb. 28, 2024, respectively.
Cruz-Sanchez is charged in nine-count indictment for his involvement in drug trafficking between 2015 through 2021. The allegations include conspiracy to possesses with intent to distribute and conspiracy to unlawfully import more than 50 grams of meth, more than five kilograms of cocaine and more than 400 grams of fentanyl.
The three-count indictment against Garcia-Vilano alleges conspiracy to possesses with intent to distribute and conspiracy to unlawfully import more than five kilograms of cocaine. He is also charged with conspiracy to commit international money laundering. His alleged crimes occurred between 2019 and 2024.
“We are pleased that these two defendants have been extradited to the Southern District to face criminal charges in American courts,” said Ganjei. “This case demonstrates that criminals, be they cartel members or otherwise, cannot escape justice simply by residing abroad. Wherever you may be, if you committed a crime against the United States, know that we are looking for you.”
Both men face a maximum penalty of up to life in prison if convicted.
Authorities had previously arrested Cruz-Sanchez and Garcia-Vilano in Mexico. They were transferred into U.S. custody Feb. 27.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations are conducting both Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operations. 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 both cases.
Thirteen members of Houston robbery crew charged in robbery and drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A grand jury in the Southern District of Texas has returned a superseding indictment charging 13 Texas men for their roles in a robbery crew that engaged in robbery, drug trafficking, obstruction of justice and murder, including the killing of two individuals in July 2023, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei, Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams Jr. of the FBI.
The following 13 men, all of Houston, have been charged in the superseding indictment with one count of robbery conspiracy and one count of drug distribution conspiracy:
- Derrick Dewayne Butler aka Kutt or Kutt Throat, 28
- Travon Maxwel aka Goonie, 29
- Emmanuel Winnfield aka Pimp, 36
- Herman Mitchell aka Boobie, 37
- Tyrone Raymond Bolton aka Honeybee, 32
- Joe Devon Champion aka Champ, 35
- Jonta Allen Glover, 32
- Dewayne Donnell Champion aka Wayne, 37
- Cedric Lynn Andrews aka as Ced, 50
- Jermar Ballard Jones aka Mar, 37
- Christian Xavier Rucker aka Gucci, 30
- Samuel Lamonte Draper, 25
- Jeremy James Jenkins, 21.
If convicted, each faces a maximum of 20 years in prison on the robbery conspiracy and a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life for the drug distribution conspiracy. In addition, all are charged with one or more counts of attempt to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Jones is also charged with obstruction.
Butler, Rucker and Jones are also charged with two counts of murder in aid of racketeering, using a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, using a firearm during a crime of violence and two counts of causing death through the use of a firearm relating to the killing of two men July 19, 2023. If convicted of murder in aid of racketeering, Butler, Rucker and Jones each face a mandatory minimum of life in prison or possibly the death penalty.
Bolton, Joe Champion, Glover, Winnfield, Dewayne Champion, Mitchell, Andrews, Jones, Butler, Maxwell, Draper and Jenkins, each face an additional mandatory minimum of five years and up to life in prison for possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, upon conviction.
“There is no place in our community for groups that terrorize their fellow citizens,” said Ganjei. “This superseding indictment alleges violent criminal acts and the tragic loss of two lives. The Southern District of Texas will continue to pursue justice for these victims as well as for the people of Houston.”
The FBI and Houston Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Texas Department of Public Safety. This case is part of both the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative (VCI) in Houston and an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Byron H. Black and Kelly Zenón-Matos are prosecuting the case along with Trial Attorneys Justin G. Bish, Ralph Paradiso, Ben Tonkin and Jodi Anton of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section.
The Houston VCI is conducted in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas and local, state and federal law enforcement. The joint effort addresses violent crime by employing, where appropriate, federal laws to prosecute gang members and associates in Houston. As part of the initiative, the Criminal Division has dedicated attorneys and other resources to prosecuting violent offenders and assisting intervention, prevention and reentry efforts to address the root causes of violent crime.
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 Justice Department’s OCDETF webpage.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Thirteen Members of Houston Robbery Crew Charged in Robbery and Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
Three Crew Members Charged With Murder
A grand jury in the Southern District of Texas returned a superseding indictment yesterday charging 13 Texas men for their roles in a robbery crew that engaged in robbery, drug trafficking, obstruction of justice, and murder, including the killing of two individuals in July 2023.
The following 13 defendants, all of Houston, have been charged in the superseding indictment with one count of robbery conspiracy and one count of drug distribution conspiracy:
- Derrick Dewayne Butler, also known as Kutt and Kutt Throat, 28;
- Travon Maxwell, also known as Goonie, 29;
- Emmanuel Winnfield, also known as Pimp, 36;
- Herman Mitchell, also known as Boobie, 37;
- Tyrone Raymond Bolton, also known as Honeybee, 32;
- Joe Devon Champion, also known as Champ, 35;
- Jonta Allen Glover, 32;
- Dewayne Donnell Champion, also known as Wayne, 37;
- Cedric Lynn Andrews, also known as Ced, 50;
- Jermar Ballard Jones, also known as Mar, 37;
- Christian Xavier Rucker, also known as Gucci, 30;
- Samuel Lamonte Draper, 25; and
- Jeremy James Jenkins, 21.
If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the robbery conspiracy count and a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison on the drug distribution conspiracy count. In addition, the defendants are each charged with one or more counts of attempt to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and Jones is charged with obstruction.
Three of the defendants, Butler, Rucker, and Jones, were also charged with two counts of murder in aid of racketeering, using a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, using a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of causing death through the use of a firearm relating to the killing of two men on July 19, 2023. If convicted of murder in aid of racketeering, Butler, Rucker, and Jones each face a mandatory minimum of life in prison or a maximum of the death penalty.
Twelve of the defendants, Bolton, J. Champion, Glover, Winnfield, D. Champion, Mitchell, Andrews, Jones, Butler, Maxwell, Draper, and Jenkins, each face, if convicted, an additional mandatory minimum of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison for possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Supervisory Official Antoinette T. Bacon of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei for the Southern District of Texas, and Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams Jr. of the FBI Houston Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI Houston Field Office and Houston Police Department investigated the case with valuable assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Texas Department of Public Safety. This case is part of both the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative (VCI) in Houston and an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation.
Trial Attorneys Justin G. Bish, Ralph Paradiso, Ben Tonkin, and Jodi Anton of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Byron H. Black and Kelly Zenón-Matos for the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.
The Houston VCI is conducted in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas and local, state, and federal law enforcement. The joint effort addresses violent crime by employing, where appropriate, federal laws to prosecute gang members and associates in Houston. As part of the initiative, the Criminal Division has dedicated attorneys and other resources to prosecuting violent offenders and assisting intervention, prevention, and reentry efforts to address the root causes of violent crime.
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 Justice Department’s OCDETF webpage.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Texas woman arrested for attempting to smuggle 9-year-old twins through Laredo checkpointRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 31-year-old Dallas resident has been charged with conspiring to transport, attempting to transport and transporting two undocumented minors illegally in the United States for financial gain, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Jovanna Netzay Diaz is expected to make her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Renee Harris Toliver in Dallas at 10 a.m. She will then be expected in Laredo federal court shortly thereafter.
A federal grand jury returned the three-count indictment Feb. 19 which was unsealed upon her arrest Feb. 27.
The charges allege that on Oct. 26, 2024, Diaz arrived at the Border Patrol checkpoint in Laredo. Upon initial inspection, authorities allegedly observed a blanket moving between the second and third row of the vehicle.
Law enforcement soon found one minor underneath the blanket and another concealed on the floorboard of the vehicle’s front passenger seat, according to the charges. The minors were allegedly determined to be nine-year-old twins, who were nationals and citizens of Mexico with no familial connection to Diaz.
If convicted, Diaz faces up to 10 years in federal prison as well as a $250,000 maximum possible fine.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa A. Lopez 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.
South Texan sent to prison for meth distributionRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 41-year-old Donna resident has been ordered to federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute more than 500 grams of meth, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Rafael Leal pleaded guilty April 11, 2023.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana has now ordered Leal to serve 135 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release.
In October 2020, law enforcement conducted an investigation into a drug trafficking organization that was attempting to distribute a significant amount of liquid meth from the Rio Grande Valley area to Dallas. During that time, authorities conducted a traffic stop and apprehended Leal as he attempted to transport the narcotics.
Leal will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. 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 Customs Border and Protection and Texas Department of Public Saftery. 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. Attorney James Sturgis prosecuted the case.
Romance scheme fraudster admits to $3 million conspiracyRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 47-year-old Houston man has entered a guilty plea to wire fraud and conspiracy for a romance scheme targeting citizens nationwide, many of whom were elderly, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Darlington Akporugo admitted to being a central figure in a long-running romance scheme based in Houston that victimized citizens from Chicago to Kentucky. Akporugo worked with others to lure victims through online romances and then induce them to send money to various bank accounts he controlled.
To further the fraud, Akporugo and his co-conspirators used fake names to contact victims on social media, gain their confidence and then persuade them to invest in non-existent businesses or provide funds for invented personal circumstances.
As part of his plea, Akporugo admitted to approaching potential victims, primarily on social media sites such as Facebook, and then directing them to send money to either his or his associates’ bank accounts. That money was often then directed overseas.
In addition to collecting cash and wire transfers, Akpourgo also admitted to having victims open lines of credit in his name and, in one case, purchasing a luxury vehicle for his personal use.
During the multi-year investigation, authorities were able to identify over 25 victims of the scheme, the majority either retired or of advanced age.
Losses from the fraud ring’s operation total more than $3 million.
“As we unfortunately have seen, victims of romance scams suffer tremendous financial loss, sometimes amounting to their entire life savings,” said Ganjei. “Those have fallen prey to such fraudsters are often too embarrassed to come forward and report the incident to law enforcement. Although this is an understandable reaction, we encourage victims to nonetheless come forward, as their story may help the future victimization of others.”
U.S. District Judge Charles Eskridge will impose sentencing June 6. At that time, Akporugo faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Carter prosecuted the case.
Mexican customs worker guilty in stolen vehicle conspiracyRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 33-year-old former member of the Mexican National Guard has entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to defraud the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Luis Enrique Guzman Pablo was assigned to work at customs in Matamoros, Mexico. As part of his official duties, he would inspect and observe vehicles departing the United States to Mexico.
From May to July of 2024, Pablo facilitated the entry of stolen vehicles into Mexico in exchange for compensation.
As part of the scheme, co-conspirators would provide Pablo a description of the vehicle to be exported. He would then ensure the stolen vehicle would pass through the inspection process without being denied entry into Mexico.
In one instance in May 2024, Pablo assisted co-conspirators with the exportation of a stolen Chevrolet Trailblazer that was exported via the Veteran’s International Bridge in Brownsville to Matamoros in exchange for payment.
“No matter what side of the border or what country they represent, we expect all authorities to do their duties and respect the law,” said Ganjei. “Pablo abused his position in order to enrich himself, and The Southern District of Texas will continue to ensure those like him face the appropriate consequences.”
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane will impose sentencing May 13. At that time, Pablo up to five years in prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Pablo has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Homeland Security Investigations and FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection and the Fiscalia General de la Republica in Mexico.
This case is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (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. Attorneys Roberto Lopez Jr. and Sarina D. DiPiazza are prosecuting the case.
Man alleged to have attempted to shatter plane window mid-flight faces chargesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 31-year-old Cuban national who was on a flight bound for Houston has been charged with destruction of aircraft or aircraft facilities, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Raul Ramos Tamayo is currently in custody on unrelated charges and is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Yvonne Ho at 2 p.m. March 3.
On Feb. 4, Tamayo was aboard Frontier Airlines flight 4856 from Denver, Colorado, according to the charges. Approximately 30 minutes after departure, Tamayo allegedly began punching the seat in front of him.
The charges allege that when flight crew members approached him, Tamayo then began striking the window in his row with his fists, causing damage to the window.
The flight crew allegedly asked for assistance from any law enforcement officers or able-bodied passengers. Several responded, according to the criminal complaint originally filed in the case. They then allegedly placed him in flex cuffs the airline had on board.
“When the public flies, they need to feel confident that they are doing so under safe conditions,” said Ganjei. “Given the fact that greater Houston has two major international airports, with tens of millions of travelers a year, the Southern District of Texas is always ready to prosecute those that endanger the safety of passengers.”
If convicted, Tamayo faces up to 20 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Schammel 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.
Kansas resident sentenced for distributing child sexual assault material while in LaredoRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 44-year-old resident of Madison, Kansas, has been sentenced for distribution of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Terry Lee Trower pleaded guilty Sept. 10, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña has now sentenced Trower to serve 146 months in federal prison. In handing down the prison terms, the court the content of what Trower shared merited a significant sentence. Trower will also serve 10 years on supervised release following completion of his prison term, during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Trower will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
“In order to completely eliminate this terrible industry of exploitation, authorities need to target not just the supply side of the equation, but also the demand side,” said Ganjei. “As the defendant learned, if you committed a federal offense in the Southern District, we’re going to find you, wherever you are, even if it’s out of state.”
On Dec. 13, 2023, law enforcement had identified an online user, later identified as Trower, sharing multiple files containing child sexual assault material (CSAM) in a public Kik chat room. The videos and images depicted children under the age of 12 engaged in various sexual acts with adults and animals.
Trower was in Laredo at the time of the distribution. He was eventually arrested at his residence in Kansas, at which time he admitted he had shared child pornography he found on Kik.
Trower will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine A. Cortez 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.
Houstonian receives prison time for filing over $500,000 in fraudulent disaster relief loansRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 27-year-old woman has been sentenced for conspiracy to commit wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Khalia Douglas pleaded guilty June 13, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett has now ordered Douglas to serve 24 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. She must also pay $318,361.11 in restitution. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that described her criminal history and how her fraudulent scheme lasted 15 months. The court also heard how Douglas submitted applications for approximately 100 different individuals, and that without her, they would not have been possible. In handing down the sentence, the court noted her fraudulent scheme took advantage of programs that were designed to help those in need during a troubling time for the entire country.
From March 2020 until June 2021, Douglas conspired with others to submit false and fraudulent applications to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Small Business Administration (SBA), the U.S. government and a bank for financial assistance.
At the time of her plea, Douglas admitting to using her Instagram account “GoGettaKaee” to post multiple stories advertising her involvement in filing fraudulent SBA COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) applications. Such posts include “SBA is back open. $350 for method. Yes im doing applications $100 upfront & $2k when your money hit. You’ll need a real bank account.”
Douglas accepted payment for her services via CashApp where her clients would make payments to her and send a screenshot of the completed payment as proof.
She also submitted false EIDL applications for herself and false Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) applications for another.
Further investigation revealed Douglas filed eight FEMA disaster assistance applications related to Hurricane Laura.
Additionally, Douglas committed several other fraudulent acts like filing false unemployment benefits in Kansas, using another person’s name to rent her apartment and using another person’s bank account to deposit counterfeit checks.
Authorities discovered her phone and computer contained a multitude of various documents and discussions of fraud in text messages, emails relating to fraudulent applications, false tax documents, images of counterfeit government identification documents and more.
Due to her actions, the EIDL, PPP and the bank lost a total of $318,361.11 with an attempted loss amount of $514,415.
Douglas received approximately $23,775 for her services.
She 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 Department of Homeland Security-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rodolfo Ramirez and Elizabeth Wyman prosecuted the case.
Fleeing felon with machinegun conversion device lands more federal prison timeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 33-year-old man has been ordered to prison after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase through the streets of Houston, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Evan Jones pleaded guilty July 3, 2024, to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal has now ordered Jones to serve 108 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. The court noted a substantial sentence was warranted based on the facts of the case and Jones’ criminal history which includes two convictions for possession with intent to distribute heroin and one for reckless operation of a motor vehicle.
Authorities had tracked Jones to Houston where they attempted to arrest him on an outstanding warrant. As they approached him in a restaurant parking lot, Jones escaped and led the them on a high-speed chase through the streets of Houston. In the process, Jones drove on the wrong side of the road, ran a red light and collided with two vehicles.
His airbags deployed, and Jones then fled on foot. A local law enforcement officer tackled him, at which time Jones pulled out a Glock pistol he was carrying in his waistband.
The investigation revealed the gun was equipped with a machinegun conversion device. These are illegal and enable guns to be converted from semi-automatic to fully-automatic fire.
Jones 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 U.S. Marshals Service Gulf Coast Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Ganz prosecuted the case.
Fort Worth woman sentenced for smuggling minors from MexicoRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 36-year-old woman has been ordered to federal prison for attempting to smuggle two Mexican children from Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Sandra Perez pleaded guilty Nov. 19, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña has now ordered Perez to serve three years in federal prison.
“Smuggling children is absolutely reprehensible,” said Ganjei. “Who knows what awaited these children had the defendant managed to slip past authorities. Fortunately, law enforcement was able to unravel Perez’s false story and stop her smuggling scheme dead in its tracks.”
On Aug. 8, 2024, Perez applied for admission into the United States driving an SUV. She had her three minor U.S. citizen children with her along with two minor Mexican children.
Perez falsely claimed the two Mexican children were also hers and attempted to present Texas birth certificates and Social Security cards that belonged to her two other children as proof.
After the Mexican children failed to answer authorities’ questions, Perez admitted to attempting to bring the Mexican children into the United States to the children’s mother in Fort Worth, knowing that they did not have legal authority to enter the country.
She also admitted she expected to receive $5,000 per child after delivery.
Perez was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose Homero Ramirez prosecuted the case.
Former federal officer guilty of money launderingRead the Press Release
HOUSTON –A former deportation officer has entered a guilty plea to charges of laundering money while working for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Christopher Washington Toral, 49, Spring, began working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in 2008 and was assigned to a processing center in Conroe.
Over a two-month period in 2023, Toral agreed to transport $700,000 in drug proceeds under the protective cover of his position as a federal law enforcement officer.
As part of an undercover operation, Toral agreed to transport a black bag containing $200,000 in cash from Dallas to Houston in February 2023. He believed this money was revenue from the sale of illegal narcotics. Later that same month, Toral repeated the trip, delivering an additional $200,000.
In March 2023, Toral agreed to transport $300,000 from Newark, New Jersey, to Houston on a commercial flight. The money was represented to be the proceeds of drug trafficking. While carrying the illicit gains, Toral bypassed airport security and Transportation Security Administration checkpoints by exploiting his law enforcement position.
Toral did all this in exchange for cash payments.
“Christopher Toral swore to protect America from the cross-border crime and illegal immigration that threatens our national security….but he betrayed that oath,” said Ganjei. “Today’s guilty plea reflects our commitment to hold accountable those who would choose corruption and deception over faithful service to their country, their community, and their brothers and sisters in law enforcement.”
“In choosing greed over duty, former ICE officer Christopher Toral disgraced the badge he vowed to uphold,” said FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams. “His crimes – frequently conducted under the guise of a righteous law enforcement officer – betrayed all the men and women who tirelessly protect and serve their communities with integrity every day. FBI Houston proudly partnered with DHS-Office of Inspector General (OIG) to ensure Toral’s corrupt and deceitful activities were exposed and brought to justice.”
“Today’s plea sends a clear message that federal employees who violate the trust of the public and break the law will be prosecuted,” said DHS-OIG Inspector General Joseph V. Cuffari PhD. “DHS-OIG is grateful for our continued partnership with our law enforcement partners as we continue fighting corruption.”
U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison accepted the plea and set sentencing for May 15. At that time, Toral faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $1 million maximum fine.
FBI and DHS-OIG conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carolyn Ferko and John Marck are prosecuting the case.