Southern District of Texas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Cinco traficantes de personas guatemaltecos acusados en Estados Unidos del siniestro masivo en 2021 en Chiapas, MéxicoRead the Press Release
Remote video URLVea la acusación here.
Vea las declaraciones videograbadas del fiscal Alamdar Hamdani here.
Una operación internacional de aplicación de la ley resultó hoy en el arresto de cinco traficantes de personas guatemaltecos vinculados al siniestro masivo del 9 de diciembre de 2021 en Chiapas, México, donde un camión semirremolque que contenía al menos 160 migrantes, muchos de ellos ciudadanos guatemaltecos, se estrelló, provocando la muerte de más de 50 personas e hiriendo a otros más de 100. El operativo fue resultado de la coordinación entre el Departamento de Justicia y las autoridades guatemaltecas, y marca el tercer aniversario del trágico suceso.
A solicitud de Estados Unidos, las autoridades guatemaltecas de aplicacion de la ley ejecutaron órdenes de arresto provisionales contra Tomás Quino Canil, de 36 años; Alberto Marcario Chitic, también conocido como Alberto De Jesús, de 31 años; Oswaldo Manuel Zavala Quino, también conocido como Osvaldo ZQ, de 24 años; y Josefa Quino Canil De Zavala, de 42 años. Un quinto ciudadano guatemalteco, Jorge Agapito Ventura, fue arrestado en su residencia en Cleveland, Texas. Los cinco ciudadanos guatemaltecos han sido acusados en el Distrito Sur de Texas en relación con la investigación.
Según la acusación revelada hoy, desde octubre de 2021 hasta febrero de 2023, los acusados conspiraron con otros traficantes para facilitar el viaje de migrantes desde Guatemala a través de México con el destino previsto de Estados Unidos. Los acusados supuestamente reclutaron a migrantes guatemaltecos, cobraron y organizaron viajes a los Estados Unidos. En algunos casos
relacionados con el tráfico de menores no acompañados, los acusados proporcionaron guiones e instrucciones sobre qué decir si eran detenidos. Algunos de los inmigrantes reclutados por los acusados murieron o sufrieron lesiones corporales graves como resultado del accidente del 9 de diciembre de 2021.
“El Departamento de Justicia está haciendo rendir cuentas a los individuos que presuntamente se aprovecharon de migrantes vulnerables y son responsables de este crimen atroz que causó la muerte de más de 50 personas y heridas a otros más de 100. Los traficantes de seres humanos deben tener en cuenta estos cargos y detenciones como una advertencia: tendrán que rendir cuentas por sus crímenes mortales”, dijo el fiscal general Merrick B. Garland. “Desde que pusimos en marcha la Fuerza de Tarea Conjunta Alfa (JTFA) hace más de tres años, hemos conseguido más de 330 detenciones nacionales e internacionales y más de 275 condenas por delitos de tráfico ilícito, así como importantes penas de cárcel y cuantiosas confiscaciones. Seguiremos trabajando con todos las agencias y a través de las fronteras para acabar con la lacra del tráfico de seres humanos”.
“Hoy, los presuntos autores de un crimen abominable, uno que resultó en la muerte sin sentido de más de 50 migrantes y las lesiones de otros más de 100, están siendo responsabilizados gracias a la labor de investigación de los agentes del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (DHS) y nuestros socios federales e internacionales”, dijo el secretario de Seguridad Nacional Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “La tragedia ocurrida hoy hace tres años en Chiapas es una prueba más de que los traficantes de personas son despiadados, crueles y peligrosos, los migrantes no deben creer sus mentiras. El DHS continuará interrumpiendo y desmantelando las operaciones ilegales de tráfico de personas y ayudando a llevar ante la justicia a quienes perpetran tal horror”.
“La acusación revelada hoy alega que los acusados conspiraron para contrabandear migrantes guatemaltecos, incluidos menores, a Estados Unidos, y que algunos de estos migrantes murieron cuando el camión en el que viajaban volcó en Chiapas, México”, dijo la subdirectora fiscal general Adjunta Principal, Nicole M. Argentieri, jefa de la División Criminal del Departamento de Justicia. “El anuncio de hoy, en el tercer aniversario de la muerte de las víctimas, demuestra el compromiso de la División Criminal en hacer rendir cuentas a los contrabandistas, sin importar dónde se encuentren, por su indiferencia hacia la vida humana en su cruel búsqueda de ganancias. Estoy orgullosa del excelente trabajo de los fiscales e investigadores de la Fuerza de Tarea Conjunta Alfa, y estoy agradecida por nuestra asociación con las autoridades guatemaltecas, cuya asistencia fue esencial en esta investigación y proceso penal”.
“Hoy hace tres años, en Chiapas, México, un lugar conocido por sus maravillas naturales y riqueza cultural, ocurrió una escena de tragedia inimaginable”, dijo el fiscal federal estadounidense Alamdar Hamdani. “Nuestra investigación sobre este evento catastrófico que mató a más de 50 personas, incluidos niños, significa el compromiso inquebrantable del Distrito Sur de Texas de hacer rendir cuentas a quienes participan en el tráfico de personas, independientemente del lugar donde se produzcan sus actos o el daño resultante. Si bien este accidente se produjo más allá de nuestras fronteras, es imperativo que la búsqueda de la justicia trascienda esas fronteras. Hoy reiteramos nuestro compromiso de garantizar que los presuntos responsables de explotar las vulnerabilidades de las familias que buscan refugio y oportunidades enfrenten todo el peso de la ley”.
“Los agentes especiales de Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), junto con nuestros colaboradores de aplicación de la ley de JTFA, trabajaron incansablemente para investigar, localizar y detener a los responsables de este atroz acto”, dijo Katrina W. Berger, directora ejecutiva adjunta de HSI. “Ahora, tres años después, me siento orgullosa de estar junto a nuestros colegas del Departamento de Justicia para anunciar que hemos realizado estas aprehensiones. HSI mantiene su compromiso de desmantelar las redes de tráfico de seres humanos que explotan y engañan a los migrantes, frecuentemente sometiéndolos a condiciones peligrosas y abusivas. Estas organizaciones ilícitas obtienen beneficios aprovechándose de poblaciones vulnerables y HSI trabaja asiduamente para interrumpir sus operaciones. Quiero expresar mi sincero agradecimiento a todos nuestros socios de la aplicación de la ley en Estados Unidos, Guatemala y México por su invaluable trabajo para llevar a buen término esta investigación”.
El Grupo de Investigación Global de HSI en Washington D.C. investigó el caso en asociación con HSI Guatemala y HSI México. Valiosa asistencia fue brindada por la Unidad de Contrabando de Personas de HSI; el Centro Nacional de Búsqueda de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza; Operación Centinela; Patrulla Fronteriza de Estados Unidos; Alguacil del Condado de Liberty, Precinto 6; Inmigración y Control de Aduanas, Operaciones de Ejecución y Remoción, Houston; Fiscalía Federal para el Distrito Este de Texas, División Beaumont; y la Oficina de Asuntos Internacionales (OIA) y la Oficina de Desarrollo, Asistencia y Capacitación de Fiscales en el Extranjero (OPDAT) del Departamento de Justicia. El Departamento de Justicia agradece a los oficiales de aplicación de la ley de Guatemala y México, que desempeñaron un papel decisivo en el avance de esta investigación.
La abogada litigante Danielle Hickman de la Sección de Derechos Humanos y Procesamientos Especiales (HRSP) de la División Criminal y la fiscal federal adjunta para el Distrito Sur de Texas, Jennifer Day, están procesando el caso, asistencia sustancial de la historiadora/especialista latinoamericana de HRSP, Joanna Crandall.
La acusación de estas personas es el resultado de los esfuerzos coordinados de la JTFA. El fiscal general Merrick B. Garland creó la JTFA en junio de 2021 para unir los recursos de investigación y procesamiento del Departamento de Justicia, en asociación con el DHS, para combatir el aumento de prolíficos y peligrosos grupos de contrabando y trata que operan en México, Guatemala, El Salvador y Honduras. La iniciativa se amplió a Colombia y Panamá para combatir el tráfico de personas en el Darién en junio. La JTFA está integrada por funcionarios de las Fiscalías Federales a lo largo de la frontera suroeste, incluidos los distritos sur y oeste de Texas, el distrito de Nuevo México, el distrito de Arizona, y el Distrito Sur de California.
Numerosos componentes de la División Criminal del Departamento de Justicia, dirigidos por HRSP y apoyados por OPDAT, la Sección de Narcóticos y Drogas Peligrosas, la Sección de Lavado de Dinero y Recuperación de Activos, la Oficina de Operaciones de Cumplimiento, la OIA y la Sección de Delitos Violentos y Extorsión, brindan apoyo dedicado.
La JTFA también depende de una inversión sustancial en materia de aplicación de la ley por parte del Departamento de Seguridad Nacional, el FBI, la Administración de Control de Drogas (DEA) y otros socios. Hasta la fecha, el trabajo de la JTFA ha resultado en más de 330 arrestos nacionales e internacionales de líderes, organizadores y facilitadores importantes del tráfico de personas; más de 275 condenas en Estados Unidos; más de 225 sentencias de cárcel importantes impuestas; y decomisos de activos sustanciales.
Una acusación formal es simplemente una alegación. Se presume que todos los acusados son inocentes hasta que se demuestre su culpabilidad más allá de toda duda razonable en un tribunal de justicia.
Young drug dealer admits to having weapon for “protection”Read the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – An 18-year-old Alamo resident has pleaded guilty to utilizing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking activity, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
On May 29, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle in which Emiliano Cabriales was a passenger. During a subsequent search, law enforcement discovered a firearm concealed beneath the seat where Cabriales had been sitting.
Further investigation revealed approximately 14 grams of cocaine, packaged in individual baggies, hidden inside Cabriales' pants. He admitted to possessing the cocaine. He further admitted he had the firearm in case he had to protect himself and the drugs.
U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton will impose sentencing March 11, 2025. At that time, he faces up to life in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Cabriales has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Alamo Police Department conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan is prosecuting the case as part of the joint federal, state and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. In May 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced a new effort to reduce violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. Integral to that effort was the reinvigoration of PSN, a two-decade old, evidence-based and community-oriented program focused on reducing violent crime. The updated PSN approach, outlined in the department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime is guided by four key principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.
Leading member of drug smuggling group headed to prisonRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 66-year-old Mexican man has been sentenced for his role in smuggling fentanyl into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Juan Hernandez Alcantar pleaded guilty Aug. 6.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo has now ordered him to serve 168 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, Alcantar is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. In handing down the sentence, Judge Marmolejo noted Alcantar’s role as a leader/organizer, how deadly and dangerous fentanyl is and the number of deaths that could result from such a large amount of drugs.
In July 2023, Alcantar recruited drug mules to transport fentanyl and cocaine. He had been residing at his daughter’s residence and was using her vehicle to conduct his drug operation. During the scope of the conspiracy, Alcantar arranged for the smuggling of 2,194 grams of fentanyl, 1,200 grams of heroin and 2,100 grams of cocaine.
Authorities learned Alcantar was going to be smuggled to San Antonio in a tractor trailer with other undocumented aliens in an effort to evade the Border Patrol checkpoint north of Laredo. They were able to stop the trailer and take him into custody.
Alcantar is an undocumented alien who has a history of illegally entering the United States and committing criminal offenses.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from Border Patrol as part of the South Texas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) Task Force. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Terence A. Check Jr. prosecuted the case assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Hakala-Finch.
South Texan imprisoned for attempting to run over federal agentRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 23-year-old San Benito man has been ordered to federal prison after attempting to run over an FBI agent while trying to evade arrest in a stolen vehicle, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Damian Evans Lopez pleaded guilty to assaulting a federal officer Sept. 9.
U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera has now ordered him to serve 110 months to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. Judge Olvera enhanced the sentence for use of a motor vehicle as a deadly weapon, reckless endangerment during flight and official victim adjustments. At the hearing, the court heard how Lopez had a history of placing law enforcement and the public in danger given his three prior felony convictions for evading arrest with motor vehicles.
On June 28, an FBI agent was engaged in an investigation involving stolen vehicles being illegally exported into Mexico. He identified a stolen Chevrolet truck parked near the Gateway International Bridge Port of Entry in Brownsville and called for assistance.
The agent was wearing FBI gear with clear law enforcement markings and began approaching the vehicle. Authorities asked Lopez to exit from the driver’s seat, but he failed to do so. Instead, he turned the vehicle’s wheels to exit the parking space and aggressively accelerated directly at the FBI agent.
He managed to jump out of the way of the accelerating vehicle and avoided serious injury and or death by mere inches.
Authorities apprehended Lopez in San Benito, following a high-speed vehicle chase through the streets of Brownsville and onto the freeway. The pursuit, which lasted 20 minutes, involves speeds exceeding 100 mph.
He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI and Brownsville Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel Castro prosecuted the case.
Former high school teacher sent to prison for possessing images and videos depicting sexual abuse of childrenRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 35-year-old Houston resident has been sentenced for distribution and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Emilio Santiago De Los Santos pleaded guilty April 16.
U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal has now ordered De Los Santos to a total of 97 months in prison. He was further ordered to pay restitution to the victims and will serve 10 years 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. De Los Santos will also be ordered to register as sex offender.
“As a high school teacher, De Los Santos held a special trust, charged with watching over the children in his care. At the same time, he was sharing his own stash of child pornography with like-minded offenders and that’s what makes this crime especially abhorrent,” said Hamdani. “The exploitation of children has no place in our community and my office will vigorously prosecute those involved in the distribution and possession of child pornography to the fullest extent of the law, in particular a teacher like De Los Santos.”
“The FBI’s violent crimes against children squad consists of very special individuals who work every day to identify, investigate and arrest predators like De Los Santos,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams of the FBI’s Houston Field Office. “Today’s sentencing is another testament to their commitment and dedication to protect our children from these types of monsters.”
De Los Santos came to the attention of law enforcement after he shared multiple child pornography files in various subgroup chatrooms on the Keybase application. Authorities obtained a search warrant for De Los Santos’s residence and seized his electronic devices.
A forensic examination of those devices resulted in the discovery of 853 images and 380 videos of child pornography. The material included depictions of sexual abuse of infants and toddlers, sadistic and masochistic conduct involving children under the age of 12 and bestiality.
At the time of his arrest, De Los Santos was a high school teacher in the greater Houston area.
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.
The FBI conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherin Daniel 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 link on that page.
Bank contractor indicted for loading debit cards with fraudulent fundsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A Houston woman who worked as a contractor for a national bank has been taken into custody on wire fraud and conspiracy charges, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Jaysha Victorian, 23, has already made her initial appearance in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Hanovice Palermo.
A federal grand jury returned the two-count indictment Nov. 20, which was unsealed upon her arrest.
In the span of just a few weeks in January 2021, Victorian allegedly utilized her access to the victim bank’s systems to load prepaid debit cards with fraudulent credits when she knew no such credits were warranted. The charges allege the debit cards included prepaid cards that were used to provide unemployment benefits, including for the state of California.
According to the indictment, cardholders were able to withdraw the fraudulent funds from bank branches and ATMs before the credited money could be rescinded.
Victorian’s conduct allegedly resulted in over $8 million of fraudulent credits, over $7 million of which were withdrawn or used.
If convicted, Victorian faces up to 20 years in prison for the wire fraud charge as well five years for the conspiracy. Both convictions also carry fines of up to $250,000.
The FBI, Department of Homeland Security - Office of Inspector General (OIG) and Department of Labor-OIG conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brad Gray and Karen Lansden are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Gang member sentenced for possessing grenades and firearmRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A self-admitted member of the Westside gang has been sentenced for possessing destructive devices and utilizing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking activity, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Jamez Aaron Sandoval, 26, of San Juan, pleaded guilty on Sept. 19.
U.S. Chief District Judge Randy Crane has now imposed a total sentence of 120 months in the Bureau of Prisons to be immediately followed by 3 years of supervised release. At the hearing, the Court learned Sandoval attempted to make a homemade grenade, carried a firearm during a grenade transaction and recorded himself firing fully automatic weapons. In handing down the prison terms, Judge Crane noted that Sandoval promoted violence with his social media post of an individual firing a firearm equipped with a machinegun conversion device towards law enforcement.
On Aug. 1, authorities arrested Sandoval after he purchased two grenade-style destructive devices from an ATF undercover agent. Law enforcement then conducted a search of his residence and found cocaine, marijuana, drug dealing paraphernalia as well as firearms. Sandoval previously sold law enforcement machinegun conversion devices before asking to purchase the grenades.
Further investigation revealed Sandoval used a firearm found in the residence for protection during the commission of drug trafficking activities.
Sandoval has been and will remain in custody pending his transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Alamo Police Department conducted the joint investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan prosecuted the case as part of the joint federal, state and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. In May 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced a new effort to reduce violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. Integral to that effort was the reinvigoration of PSN, a two-decade old, evidence-based and community-oriented program focused on reducing violent crime. The updated PSN approach, outlined in the department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime is guided by four key principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.
Former police officer and felon admits to illegally possessing firearmRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 44-year-old resident of McAllen has pleaded guilty to unlawfully being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
On June 25, 2023, Michael Gallegos-Martinez was driving a Cadillac CTS when he failed to come to a complete stop. Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop, at which time they noticed Gallegos-Martinez appeared nervous. He claimed there were no firearms or narcotics within the vehicle. However, a K-9 alerted, and authorities conducted search of the vehicle which resulted in the discovery of a firearm Rossi, Model 461, .357 caliber magnum revolver in a grocery bag hanging from the gear shift. They also discovered 25 grams of cocaine, a bottle of Xanax pills and approximately $25,000 in cash.
The investigation revealed Gallegos-Martinez had previously served as a police officer before being convicted of a felony for possession of a controlled substance. As a felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition per federal law.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane accepted the plea and has set sentencing for Feb. 2, 2025. At that time, Gallegos-Martinez faces up to 15 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with assistance from the Alamo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose A. Garcia is prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Final co-conspirator ordered to prison for dark web pill manufacturing and distribution ringRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 37-year-old Houston man has been sentenced for his role in operating an illicit manufacturing and distribution ring of pills containing meth, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Marco Juarez pleaded guilty June 16, 2023.
U.S. District Judge Gray Miller has now imposed a 120-month-term of imprisonment to be followed by five years of supervised release.
Alexander Fernandez, 33, Christopher Houser, 36, and Alexis Sandoval, 26, all of Houston, also pleaded guilty and were previously sentenced. The leader – Fernandez – received 20 years, while Houser and Sandoval were ordered to serve respective terms of 36 and 120 months. In handing down the sentences, Judge Miller noted the serious nature of distributing pills to customers who were unaware that what they believed to be Adderall in fact contained meth.
“These conspirators manufactured and distributed large quantities of fake Adderall pills that actually contained meth in order to make money at the expense of the health and safety of others,” said Hamdani. “The public must be aware that while counterfeit pills may look like legitimate prescription drugs, they may actually contain a deadly controlled substance. Instead of ingesting quality-controlled products of a heavily regulated prescription drug industry, users of counterfeit drugs may be putting powerful crystal meth into their bodies, which leads to increased addiction rates and health risks.”
“Trafficking counterfeit prescription medications laced with deadly and highly addictive narcotics is extremely dangerous and has been a major contributor to the ongoing drug epidemic that is destroying communities across the country,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Houston acting Special Agent in Charge Robert Kurtz. “Leveraging HSI’s unique cross-border authorities and extensive expertise in cyber and narcotics investigations, we were able to pierce the veil of anonymity that these drug traffickers falsely believed they possessed by operating on the dark web to expose their conspiracy and hold them accountable for their actions.”
In 2020, law enforcement discovered Fernandez was ordering pill press machines, pill stamps, dyes and bulking agents frequently used in illicit pill manufacturing.
The investigation revealed the ring was manufacturing the pills within local residences - first on Yale Street in the Houston Heights neighborhood and later at two separate locations in Fulshear.
Fernandez was behind the logistics of the pill manufacturing ring while Juarez supplied the organization with the meth used as the active ingredients. Houser produced the pills using the pill press machines. Sandoval was responsible for the packaging and mailing of pills from orders placed on the dark web.
A search warrant executed in October 2020 at the Fulshear manufacturing residence revealed approximately seven kilograms of “ice” meth and four kilograms of meth in the form of Adderall pills and powder.
Additionally, almost five kilograms of Adderall pills were found at a second Fulshear residence where they packaged the pills for mailing out to dark web buyers.
The pill press operation was also responsible for manufacturing and distributing “Alprazolam” pills containing Etizolam, a central nervous system depressant with sedative-hypnotic and muscle relaxant effects.
Juarez was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender 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 Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen M. Lansden prosecuted the case.
Neurosurgeon pays $2M to settle allegations involving false proceduresRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 53-year-old Sugar Land man has agreed to pay $2,095,946 to resolve allegations he submitted false claims for the placement of electro-acupuncture devices, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Dr. Rajesh Bindal used the entity Texas Spine & Neurosurgery Center P.A. to conduct his medical practice. From March 16, 2021, to April 22, 2022, Bindal billed Medicare and the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP) for the surgical implantation of neurostimulator electrodes.
These are invasive procedures usually requiring use of an operating room. As a result, Medicare and the FEHBP pay thousands of dollars per procedure.
However, neither Bindal nor his staff performed these surgical procedures, according to the allegations.
Instead, patients allegedly received devices used for electro-acupuncture, which only involved inserting monofilament wire a few millimeters into patients’ ears and taping the device behind the ear with an adhesive. In some instances, a device sales representative or a physician assistant allegedly performed these placements, which were then billed as surgeries. All device placements took place in Bindal’s clinic, not a hospital or surgical center, and no incision was made on a patient. Most patients claimed the adhesive came loose and the device fell off on its own accord within a few days.
“A neurosurgeon, like Bindal, should know when he is and is not performing surgery,” said Hamdani. “Even though neurosurgeons, according to one study, are the highest paid physician specialists in the United States, Bindal allegedly submitted false claims in an effort to further enrich himself. To maintain the trust of the public in our federal health care system, it is imperative that medical professionals, such as neurosurgeons, bill accurately for the services provided. Otherwise, my office may get involved and seek to hold accountable anyone who violates that trust.”
“Ensuring that health care professionals are held accountable for submitting false claims to Medicare is essential for preserving public trust and safeguarding critical resources,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows of the Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General (DHHS-OIG). “Dr. Bindal not only submitted false claims to Medicare but also deceived our most vulnerable population. DHHS-OIG and our law enforcement partners remain committed to working together to uphold the integrity of federal health care programs.”
“False claims come at a cost not only to our federal health care programs but also to the members who rely on these programs for necessary care,” said Special Agent in Charge Derek M. Holt of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM-OIG.) “We support the efforts of our law enforcement partners and colleagues to protect not only the integrity of federal health care programs but also the safety of federal employees, annuitants and their families.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation with DHHS-OIG and OPM-OIG.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Collins handled the matter.
Weslaco resident imprisoned for attempting to transport weapons and possession of child pornographyRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 37-year-old man has been sentenced for straw purchasing and possessing child pornography on his cellphone, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Jose Angel Hinojosa Jr. pleaded guilty Jan. 19.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Hinojosa to serve 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that cases like these are far from victimless, with many of the weapons being traced to Mexico. In handing down the sentence, the court emphasized the seriousness of these crimes, describing them as heinous and reaffirming that they have real victims and far-reaching consequences.
From June 5, 2016, through May 9, 2022, Hinojosa engaged in firearms dealing by straw purchasing firearms from an online gun broker. He then arranged for the weapons to be exported into Mexico. Law enforcement was able to locate several weapons tied to Hinojosa.
At the time of his plea, he admitted to attempting to smuggle more than 40 firearms.
During the firearms investigation, authorities learned Hinojosa maybe linked to crimes involving child pornography. A search warrant was executed and authorities discovered several videos of minors engaging in sexual conduct on Hinojosa’s phone. Hinojosa admitted to receiving child pornography on his cellphone from various third parties.
Hinojosa was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility on Jan. 7, 2025.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation in conjunction with Homeland Security Investigations - Child Exploitation Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric D. Flores prosecuted the case.
Spring resident sent to prison for embezzling nearly $1M from local HVAC companyRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 52-year-old woman has been sentenced in a wire fraud embezzlement scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Sonia Yvonne Rodriguez pleaded guilty Aug. 15.
U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett has now ordered Rodriguez to serve 23 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by one year of supervised release. At the hearing, the victim testified that the defendant, once considered one of her best friends, had deeply betrayed her.
“This sentencing sends a clear message that those who abuse positions of trust for personal gain will face serious consequences,” said Hamdani. “Embezzlement schemes like this not only harm businesses financially but also shatter personal and professional relationships built on trust. We remain committed to holding offenders accountable and seeking justice for victims.”
For approximately 26 years, Sonia Yvonne Rodriguez worked as an office manager for a local heating, ventilating and air-conditioning company.
At the time of her plea, Rodriguez admitted to embezzling $938,387.26 in business funds allocated for federal tax payments from 2015 to 2020. Rodriguez would key payments into the company’s accounting software for tax payments and subsequently clear out the payments from the check register upon making the payments into her personal bank account.
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 Secret Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sherin Daniel and James Hu prosecuted the case.
McAllen felon convicted of possessing multiple firearmsRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 34-year-old man has pleaded guilty to possessing firearms while a felon, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
On Sept. 11, law enforcement stopped David Michael Saenz for a traffic violation, at which time they also smelled the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Saenz informed law enforcement he was in possession of firearms.
A search of the vehicle revealed two handguns in a holster and two additional firearms in his vehicle. Authorities also found methamphetamine and marijuana in the vehicle.
Further investigation revealed Saenz was previously convicted of aggravated robbery in 2021. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms per federal law. Saenz also admitted to possessing one of the firearms to protect himself while engaging in drug dealing.
Chief U.S District Judge Randy Crane accepted the plea and set sentencing for February 4, 2025. At that time, Saenz faces up to 15 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Saenz has been and will remain in custody pending his sentencing.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Rio Grande City Police Department conducted the joint investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan is prosecuting the case as part of the joint federal, state and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. In May 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced a new effort to reduce violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. Integral to that effort was the reinvigoration of PSN, a two-decade old, evidence-based and community-oriented program focused on reducing violent crime. The updated PSN approach, outlined in the department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime is guided by four key principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.
Authorities intercept liquid meth shipment sending the trafficker to prisonRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 59-year-old Mexican citizen residing in Houston has been sentenced for his role in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of meth, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Abiel Gudino-Garcia pleaded guilty Aug. 26.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Gudino to serve a total of 96 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court learned that Gudino initially claimed he had purchased diesel, but when confronted with the overwhelming evidence, he realized that authorities knew about the drug deal.
“This operation demonstrates the unwavering commitment to protecting our communities from the scourge of meth trafficking,” said Hamdani. “By intercepting this shipment and apprehending those involved, we are taking significant steps toward dismantling dangerous drug networks and ensuring public safety.”
In April 2018, Gudino arranged a meeting with drug traffickers in Houston to obtain a shipment of 80 gallons of liquid meth. Gudino was unaware that authorities had intercepted and seized the shipment in Rio Grande Valley before his planned delivery. Gudino arrived at the meeting location with empty gasoline tanks ready to transport the illegal substance and brought $15,000 for the purchase.
An undercover member of law enforcement posing as a trafficker handed Gudino what he believed was the meth. After the exchange, authorities followed Gudino to his home and detained him as part of their ongoing investigation.
Previously released on bond, Gudino was taken into custody following the sentencing where he will remain pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura Garcia and Cahal P. McColgan prosecuted the case.
Alton resident admits to distributing 10 kilos of liquid methRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 26-year-old man has pleaded guilty to distributing liquid methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Authorities conducted an investigation revealing Jesus David Medrano Grimaldo intended to sell approximately 10 kilograms of what he knew to be an illegal controlled substance to another individual. Medrano made this initial sale in hopes of selling more illegal controlled substances.
Law enforcement observed the transaction and watched as Medrano placed a jug containing a liquid in the other individual’s vehicle. Authorities later acquired the jug and determined the liquid to contain methamphetamine.
The liquid methamphetamine weighed approximately 10 kilograms.
Chief U.S District Judge Randy Crane accepted the plea and set sentencing for Feb. 3, 2025. At that time, Medrano faces up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
Medrano will remain in custody pending his sentencing.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan is prosecuting the case.
Duo sentenced for illegally selling machine gunsRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – Two individuals have been sentenced for their roles in firearms trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Dallas resident Luis Azael Berlanga, 21, and Juan Jose Moreno Jr., 20, a Laredo resident, both pleaded guilty Nov. 20.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo has now imposed a 60-month term of imprisonment for Berlanga, while Moreno received 48 months. Both must serve three years of supervised release following their sentences. At the hearing, the court heard the extensive evidence that showed Berlanga led the illegal operation, which involved numerous firearm sales in the Laredo area. The firearms contained machine-gun conversion devices (MCDs) modifying semi-automatic firearms into fully automatic (and illegal) machine guns. The court noted how such machine guns are often linked to devastating mass shootings. Judge Marmolejo also emphasized the serious consequences of the duo’s actions and noted they had chances every step of the way to say no. “It only hits home when this happens to you or one of your family members,” she said.
“MCDs present a unique and insidious threat to our communities – criminals can conceal something as small as a paperclip, install it in a legal gun, quickly converting the legal handgun into a machinegun, capable of firing hundreds of rounds of ammunition per minute,” said Hamdani. “MCDs often ending up in the hands of dangerous criminals, gang members and cartel assassins. This case represents the Southern District of Texas’ continued commitment to do everything it can to keep these types of weapons off the streets of Laredo and elsewhere.”
Between Jan. 24 and May 15, authorities coordinated with Berlanga to conduct three controlled purchases of the machine guns. Undercover members of law enforcement bought six functional machine guns from Berlanga.
As part of the plea agreement, Moreno admitted to participating in the sale of machine guns alongside Berlanga.
Berlanga and Moreno have 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 conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Laredo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Leslie Ann Cortez prosecuted the case.
The case is part of “Operation Texas Kill Switch,” a statewide initiative taking aim at MCDs, which transform commercially available semi-automatic firearms into fully-automatic weapons capable of firing faster than military-grade machine guns. U.S. Attorneys Hamdani, Leigha Simonton, Damien Diggs and Jaime Esparza of the Southern, Northern, Eastern and Western Districts of Texas, respectively, have spearheaded Operation Texas Kill Switch which relies on partnerships with state and local law enforcement as well as rewards Crime Stoppers offers.
Two men admit to transporting undocumented individuals in stolen pickup trucksRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A Texan and a Mexican national have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport undocumented aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Juan Daniel Saldaña, 30, San Antonio, and Noe Alonso Moreno-Alvarez, 23, Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, pleaded guilty for their roles in the conspiracy.
On Sept. 13, law enforcement patrolling near Bruni observed two pickup trucks driving in tandem in high speed on FM Road 205. Saldana and Moreno-Alvarez were the respective drivers and were transporting several undocumented individuals in the stolen vehicles.
Attempting to evade authorities, both men crashed through a ranch fence. Saldana stopped after he collided into a tree and fled with his girlfriend. Moreno-Alvarez kept driving until he stopped some distance from the other truck.
The next day, law enforcement found and arrested both men as well as the illegally present individuals. Saldaña and Moreno-Alvarez admitted to driving through private ranches in attempts to circumvent a Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint. Saldaña used bolt and wire cutters to gain access to the ranches and expected to receive payment from smugglers in Mexico.
Saldaña admitted he worked for the alien smuggling organization for some time.
Moreno-Alvarez said he entered the United States illegally a few months ago and agreed to transport undocumented migrants to work off his smuggling fee. He drove the lead vehicle, but after abandoning the truck, he joined the group of migrants in an attempt avoid arrest. However, Saldaña and the others identified him as a driver.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña accepted the plea and will set sentencing at a later date. At that time, the men face up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Saldana and Moreno-Alvarez have been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.
Border Patrol conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Webb County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose Homero Ramirez prosecuted the case.
Fort Worth mother admits to smuggling minors from MexicoRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 36-year-old woman has pleaded guilty to attempting to smuggle children into the United States for financial gain, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
On Aug. 8, Sandra 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 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.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña accepted the plea and will set sentencing at a later date. At that time, Perez faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Perez was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.
Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose Homero Ramirez is prosecuting the case.
Six now charged in human smuggling conspiracy resulting in deathRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – Three more individuals are in custody for a human smuggling conspiracy that resulted in the July death of an undocumented individual, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Mexican national David Alejandro Gomez Flores 28, and Laredo residents Dagoberto Mizzael Flores, 24, and Angel Misael Elias, 22, are expected to make their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher dos Santos at 9:30 a.m.
A federal grand jury returned the superseding indictment Oct. 29.
Previously charged and arrested were Guatemalan national Edy Ronaldo Lima Flores, 36, and Mexican nationals Cynthia Gabriela Muniz Carreon, 29, and Martha Angelica Limon Parra, 29.
The charges allege that on July 2, authorities learned of a group of undocumented aliens loading into a Ford-150 near a ranch in Laredo. They allegedly began pursuing the vehicle which suddenly came to a stop before all occupants fled into the brush. Law enforcement was able to apprehend one female, identified as an undocumented individual from Guatemala, according to the charges.
They also located the body of a deceased male in the brush, according to the criminal complaint originally filed in the case. Upon further investigation, authorities were allegedly able to identify him as an undocumented Guatemalan national who was part of the earlier bailout.
The charges further allege they recovered a cell phone in the victim’s possession which showed direct communications with both Lima Flores and Carreon in the hours leading up to his death. The victim had allegedly reported that a rancher had seen them, and that he was hiding the in brush.
Authorities also discovered ledgers and communications in Parra’s cell phone that linked back to the same human smuggling organization involved in the July 2 bailout event, according to the charges. The communications allegedly dated back to April 2024 and referenced other human smuggling events, one of which resulted in serious bodily injury to a separate individual.
All six are charged with conspiracy to smuggle an undocumented alien, placing life in jeopardy, causing serious bodily injury and resulting in death and two substantive counts. They face up to life in federal prison and the possibility of death as well as a possible $250,000 fine, upon conviction.
Homeland Security Investigations (including the Laredo Gang Activity and Trafficking Enforcement Unit), Border Patrol, Laredo Police Department (including the Texas Anti-Gang Unit), Texas Department of Public Safety, Encinal Police Department and Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. 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.
This case is also the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). Attorney General Merrick B. Garland established JTFA in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to combat the rise in prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. The initiative was expanded to Colombia and Panama to combat human smuggling in the Darién in June 2024. JTFA comprises detailees from U.S. attorneys’ offices along the southwest border including the Southern District of California, districts of Arizona and New Mexico and the Western and Southern Districts of Texas. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, and supported by the Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training; Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section; Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; Office of Enforcement Operations; Office of International Affairs; and the Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, Drug Enforcement Adminstration and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in over 325 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers and significant facilitators of human smuggling, more than 270 U.S. convictions, more than 210 significant jail sentences imposed and forfeitures of substantial assets.
Assistant U.S. Attorney and JTFA detailee Jennifer Day is prosecuting this case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Felon heads to prison for violent carjacking attackRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 28-year-old Houston resident has been sentenced for carjacking during which one victim was repeatedly struck with a pistol, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Dominique Luis-Donte Quinones-Amos pleaded guilty Feb. 12.
U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen has now ordered Quinones-Amos to serve 108 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that detailed his arrests in the Los Angeles vicinity for burglary and grand theft auto. In handing down the sentence, the court noted his previous convictions which included one for felony assault of a family member impeding breathing or circulation in which the victim lost consciousness.
“Quinones-Amos engaged in a series of offenses that put the people of this district in danger in a variety of ways – a carjacking, brandishing a gun, using fully-automatic conversion devices and even financial crimes,” said Hamdani. “This office will not allow such dangers to go unanswered, and today’s sentence will keep the community safe for several years to come from this one-man wrecking crew.”
As a convicted felon, Quinones-Amos was prohibiting from possessing a firearm or ammunition per federal law. However, law enforcement had discovered social media postings in which he appeared to be selling two firearms with extended magazines and firing a firearm with a machine gun conversion device (MCD) which makes a semi-automatic handgun operate as a fully automatic handgun.
Upon his arrest, authorities found him again in possession of another firearm.
During the investigation, law enforcement was able to tie Quinones-Amos to the violent carjacking that occurred Oct. 4, 2021.
On that date, two men were returning to an apartment complex located on Dunlap Street in a 2013 Dodge Avenger. Once they exited the vehicle into the parking lot, Quinones-Amos approached the two men, striking one in the face. That victim subsequently fled.
Quinones-Amos then pointed a firearm at the driver and struck him in his face with the gun multiple times. Quinones-Amos entered and drove off in the victim’s vehicle while he laid motionless on the ground.
Law enforcement later recovered the vehicle and were able to link it to Quinones-Amos through DNA testing.
In addition, the investigation further revealed Quinones-Amos was selling fraudulent credit cards and money orders in the names of other people.
Quinones-Amos will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Houston Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Laurence Goldman prosecuted the case.
Houston man charged with attempting to provide material support to ISISRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 28-year-old man has been indicted for attempting to provide material support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), a designated foreign terrorist organization, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani and FBI Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams Jr.
Anas Said is now in custody and set for a detention hearing at 2 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter Bray. Authorities arrested Said Nov. 8.
According to court documents, multiple social media accounts linked to Said contained messages and posts that allegedly revealed that Said supported ISIS and the violent attacks carried out in its name.
Law enforcement executed searches of Said and his residence, vehicle and electronic devices. According to court documents, analysis of the seized devices ultimately revealed Said’s activities relating to the creation and dissemination of propaganda on behalf of ISIS.
If convicted, Said faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
FBI Houston's Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF) conducted the investigation with special assistance from Houston and Sugar Land Police Departments and Harris County Sheriff’s Office. The JTTF is comprised of Houston Police Department, sheriff’s offices in Harris and Montgomery Counties, Sugar Land Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, IRS – Criminal Investigation, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Secret Service, Houston Metro Police Department, Customs and Border Protection and Federal Air Marshals Service.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Houston dental clinic employee imprisoned for role in $6M bribery schemeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 54-year-old man has been sentenced following his conviction for conspiring to pay and receive health care kickbacks and payment of kickbacks to marketers, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
A federal jury deliberated for an hour following a three-day trial before finding Ifeanyi Ozoh guilty on all counts Feb. 14.
U.S. District Chief Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Ozoh to serve 72 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. Ozoh was also ordered to pay restitution to Medicaid in the amount of $4.9 million. At the hearing, the court heard Ozoh was integral to the kickback scheme as he bribed marketers and parents to bring their Medicaid-insured children to a sham dental clinic. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the overwhelming evidence of Ozoh’s guilt presented at trial.
Ozoh worked at a local dental clinic known as Floss Family Dentalcare Center from January 2020 to February 2021.
At the time of trial, the jury heard how Ozoh paid marketers $20 to $100 for each Medicaid-insured child referred to Floss. The marketers testified that Ozoh secretly paid them in cash and out of sight of other witnesses, sometimes putting their illegal kickback payments on top of a vending machine down the hall from the clinic.
One clinic manager testified that she repeatedly warned Ozoh that paying marketers was illegal.
The jury also heard that Ozoh paid out over $163,000 in bribes to marketers and received bonuses for reaching a quota of patients.
From 2020 to 2021, Floss billed Medicaid over $6 million. Floss received over $4 million on those claims, most of which were predicated on a kickback paid to marketers and for dental services that were not provided.
During the trial, a representative testified that Medicaid prohibits the payment of kickbacks for referrals of medical services.
Ozoh was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
FBI, Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn Olson and Lauren Valenti prosecuted the case.
Alvin woman admits to death threats against public officialsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 44-year-old woman has pleaded guilty to transmission in interstate commerce containing a threat to injure the person of another, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Abigail J. Shry admitted that on Aug. 5, 2023, she placed a call to the chambers of a federal judge and made derogatory statements and threats to anyone that went after then former President Donald Trump. She also made a direct threat to a then sitting congresswoman, all democrats in Washington D.C. and all people in the LGBTQ community.
At the hearing, Shry claimed that at the time she made the calls, she did not think it was illegal to do so. She said she thought it was freedom of speech and that she did not intend to act on the threats.
In her calls, Shry stated, “You are in our sights, we want to kill you. If Trump doesn’t get elected in 2024, we are coming to kill you, so tread lightly...” She added that “you will be targeted personally, publicly, your family, all of it.”
On Aug. 8, 2023, authorities went to her residence, at which time she admitted the phone number associated with the calls was hers and that she did in fact make the call to the judge’s chambers. She noted that she had no plans to travel anywhere to carry out anything she stated. However, she told authorities that if the congresswoman ever traveled to her city, then “we need to worry.”
“Shry thought the First Amendment protected her from sending a death threat to a member of congress,” said Hamdani. “She was wrong, and today’s plea demonstrates how the Southern District of Texas has no patience for those who target and threaten public servants – ignorance of the Constitution notwithstanding.”
Sentencing is set for Jan. 14 before U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison. At that time, Shry faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
She was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Hanes is prosecuting the case.
Mexican man sent to prison for using fake Union Pacific trucks to smuggle migrantsRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – Another individual has been sentenced for his role in a Laredo human smuggling conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Jesus Aleman-Serrano, 34, Mexican citizen illegally residing in Laredo, and Laredo pleaded guilty May 8.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña has now imposed a 24-month term of imprisonment for Aleman-Serrano. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. In handing down the prison terms, Judge Saldaña noted the intricacy and level of sophistication involved and the danger the migrants faced.
Two others – Laredo residents Edison Alfredo Escalante, 23, Clarissa Villarreal, 29, previously received sentences of 18 months in prison and time served, respectively. All were also ordered to serve a three-year term of supervised release.
“Moving 11 individuals in dangerously cramped conditions inside a vehicle not only reflects the callousness of these operations but underscores the serious risk to life—where even a minor accident could have led to a tragic outcome,” said Hamdani. “Our efforts, including uncovering two stash houses used by the smuggling organization, send a clear message: we will continue to disrupt and dismantle these dangerous networks to protect lives and uphold the law.”
On Feb. 26, law enforcement observed a work truck displaying Union Pacific decals attempting to bypass the Interstate Highway 35 checkpoint north of Laredo.
Authorities later determined that this vehicle was not registered to Union Pacific; instead, the human smuggling organization had used decals to make it appear legitimate.
Law enforcement stopped the truck and identified Escalante as the driver. Upon further inspection, authorities found eight undocumented individuals concealed under a makeshift compartment in the bed of the truck.
Authorities found the compartment, hidden beneath a metal grate, which had plywood and a 102-pound generator resting on top.
Law enforcement used a crow bar to free three additional females from another small, locked hidden compartment within the vehicle. In total, authorities found 11 undocumented individuals from Mexico and Honduras trapped inside the truck.
Escalante initially told law enforcement he worked for Union Pacific and claimed that people in Mexico forced him to commit the crime.
However, evidence from Escalante’s cell phone revealed his connections to Cartel del Noreste and showed his participation in planning the smuggling event and purchasing the Union Pacific decals.
Later, Escalante admitted to smuggling another group of 10 migrants to San Antonio for the same organization.
Further investigation revealed the location where the undocumented individuals were harbored prior to Escalante transporting them. Authorities obtained a search warrant for a home on the 3600 block of Cancun Loop in Laredo and began surveillance later that day.
Law enforcement observed Aleman Serrano transport two individuals from the Cancun Street address to another apartment on Ligarde Street in a Ford Expedition. They approached the apartment and contacted the owner, who authorities identified as Villarreal.
Villarreal admitted Aleman Serrano hired her to “take care” of the people and that she knew they were undocumented.
Law enforcement later executed the search warrant at the Cancun Street address, where Aleman Serrano was identified as one of the owners. The evidence revealed this address was used as a stash house to harbor undocumented individuals.
Authorities recovered handwritten ledgers documenting the dates the migrants arrived, the number of days they stayed and how much was being charged.
Both Escalante and Aleman Serrano will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Homeland Security Investigations, Border Patrol and the Laredo Police Department conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. 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.
This sentencing is also the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). Attorney General Merrick B. Garland established JTFA in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to combat the rise in prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. The initiative was expanded to Colombia and Panama to combat human smuggling in the Darién in June 2024. JTFA comprises detailees from U.S. attorneys’ offices along the southwest border including the Southern District of California, districts of Arizona and New Mexico and the Western and Southern Districts of Texas. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, and supported by the Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training; Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section; Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; Office of Enforcement Operations; Office of International Affairs; and the Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in over 325 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers and significant facilitators of human smuggling, more than 270 U.S. convictions, more than 210 significant jail sentences imposed and forfeitures of substantial assets.
Assistant U.S. Attorney and JTFA detailee Jennifer Day prosecuted this case.
Houstonian found guilty of committing armed robberies of Houston-area fast-food restaurantsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A federal jury has convicted a 25-year-old man for interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Hamdani.
The jury deliberated for two hours and 45 minutes before finding Caleb Pickens guilty following a four-day trial.
Law enforcement began investigating a series of armed robberies at fast-food restaurants, primarily McDonald’s, and convenience stores, which drew attention to Pickens.
Pickens came to the attention of law enforcement between after they began an investigation into a series of armed robberies of fast-food restaurants, mainly McDonald’s, and convenience stores.
HOUSTON – A federal jury has convicted a 25-year-old man for interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Hamdani.
The jury deliberated for two hours and 45 minutes before finding Caleb Pickens guilty following a four-day trial.
Law enforcement began investigating a series of armed robberies at fast-food restaurants, primarily McDonald’s, and convenience stores which drew attention to Pickens.
In January, Pickens wore either a red Nike sweatshirt or a black hooded jacket while committing a series of armed robberies at McDonald’s locations and brandishing a pistol.
Occasionally, Pickens held the gun to victims’ heads, backs or stomachs, demanding money from the safe. In one incident, he eventually fired his pistol into a microwave oven at a McDonald’s location.
During the robberies, Pickens ordered the manager to hand over the money from the safe before exiting through the restaurant’s back door.
He fled the locations in a stolen black Chevrolet Tahoe that had a broken left rear window, used scissors to start the ignition and drove away.
Law enforcement located the vehicle and started conducting surveillance. On Jan. 23, the Chevy Tahoe arrived at a McDonald’s in Houston where Pickens again committed another armed robbery.
Authorities arrested him on scene. At that time, he was wearing the same Nike sweatshirt and hooded jacket and was in possession of a pistol.
“Going to McDonald’s has become a quintessential part of American life, offering a familiar, convenient spot for families to come together for a meal, where kids feast on Happy Meals searching for hidden toys,” said Hamdani. “Pickens turned that idyllic scene into a violent nightmare when he robbed several locations and pointed his gun at his victims. This verdict will insure that he is taken off Houston’s streets and away from its families for many years to come.”
He has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.
U.S. District Judge David Hittner presided over the trial and set sentencing for Feb. 13, 2025. At that time, Pickens faces up to life imprisonment and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
The Houston Police Department’s Violent Crime Task Force and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jill Stotts and Brian Hrach are prosecuting the case.
Porter resident heads to prison for producing child sexual abuse materialRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - A 44-year-old man has been sentenced for producing and distributing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Adam Michael Ohlsen pleaded guilty May 5.
U.S. District Judge Charles R. Eskridge has now ordered Ohlsen to serve 280 and 200 months for the production and distribution convictions, respectively. They will run consecutively for a total 480-month term of imprisonment. Restitution will be determined at a later date. During the hearing, the court learned how deeply and terribly this crime has affected the minor victim who suffered sexual abuse from Ohlsen. The court heard how the dissemination of the child pornography images depicting her being sexually abused will cause ongoing harm to the minor victim. Ohlsen was further ordered to remain on supervised release for the remainder of his life 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. Ohlsen will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
The investigation began after authorities discovered Ohlsen was distributing child pornography in 2022 using a Russian image hosting website.
Prior to executing a search warrant at his home, law enforcement found evidence he had sexually abused the minor victim and shared images of the abuse on an image sharing platform. Ohlsen confessed to the abuse and distribution.
Ohlsen 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 Queensland Police Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Lu 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.
Maryland Business Owner Pleads Guilty for Scheme to Bribe Texas-Based U.S. Customs and Border Protection OfficialRead the Press Release
A Maryland man pleaded guilty today for his role in a bribery scheme to give kickbacks to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official in exchange for the official’s efforts to influence the award of lucrative federal contracts.
According to court documents, Christopher “Mac” Cassity, 51, of Glenwood, was charged in a single-count criminal information with honest services wire fraud, pursuant to a written plea agreement. As part of the plea agreement, Cassity admitted that, between July 29, 2019, and Dec. 29, 2022, he and Public Official A, an information system security officer residing in Pharr, Texas, devised and executed a bribery scheme in which Cassity paid Public Official A kickbacks in exchange for Public Official A taking official action to influence the award of CBP contracts to businesses that would subcontract with Cassity’s business, IVV Solutions. Specifically, Public Official A directed and pressured CBP contracting officials to select contractors, who bid on contracts to upgrade CBP’s information security system in various CBP facilities, from a list of contractors that Public Official A knew would then subcontract with IVV Solutions to provide “independent verification and validation services.”
According to court documents, Cassity’s business received approximately $814,570 in payments related to CBP contracts during the bribery scheme. In return, Cassity made approximately 58 kickback payments to Public Official A, totaling approximately $443,125. To conceal the scheme, Cassity transmitted the kickback payments by wire from IVV Solutions’ bank accounts to bank accounts in the name of conduits of Public Official A, which were controlled and used by Public Official A.
Cassity is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 10, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani for the Southern District of Texas; and Assistant Commissioner Matthew Klein of CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) made the announcement.
CBP OPR is investigating the case.
Trial Attorney Demetrius D. Sumner of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Schammel for the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.
Business owner admits to scheme to bribe Pharr Customs & Border Patrol officialRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 49-year-old man has pleaded guilty for his role in a bribery scheme to give kickbacks to a U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP) official in exchange for the official’s efforts to influence the award of lucrative federal contracts, announced U.S. Attorney Hamdani.
Court documents charge Christopher Cassity aka Mac, Glenwood, Maryland, with one count of honest services wire fraud.
As part of the plea agreement, Cassity admitted that between July 29, 2019, and Dec. 29, 2022, he and an information system security officer (ISSO) residing in Pharr carried out a bribery scheme.
Cassity provided kickbacks to the ISSO in exchange for the officer’s influence in awarding CBP contracts to businesses that would subcontract with Cassity’s company, IVV Solutions.
The ISSO specifically directed and pressured CBP contracting officials to select contractors from a preferred list, who bid on contracts to upgrade CBP’s information security system in various CBP facilities.
The ISSO knew the contractors on his preferred list would subcontract with IVV Solutions to provide “independent verification and validation services.”
Court documents reveal that Cassity’s business received approximately $814,570 in payments for CBP contracts during the bribery scheme. In exchange, Cassity made approximately 58 kickback payments to the ISSO, amounting to approximately $443,125.
To conceal the scheme, Cassity falsely claimed that the ISSO conduits received payments for unnecessary and unperformed services, including translation services.
Cassity is scheduled for sentencing on Feb. 10, 2025. At that time, he faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.
Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Assistant Commissioner Matthew Klein of CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) made the announcement as well.
CBP OPR is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Schammel and Trial Attorney Demetrius D. Sumner of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section are prosecuting the case.
Siblings sent to prison for roles in human smuggling schemeRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – Two individuals have been sentenced for their roles in a Laredo human smuggling conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Laredo resident Carlos Alberto Gonzalez, 23, and his sister Erika Yazbett Mendoza-Gonzalez, 36, a Mexican citizen illegally residing in Laredo, both pleaded guilty July 8.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo has now imposed a 46-month term of imprisonment for Gonzalez, while Mendoza-Gonzalez received 57 months. Both must also serve three years of supervised release following their sentence, although Mendoza-Gonzalez, not a U.S. citizen, is expected to face removal proceedings following her imprisonment. At the hearing, the court also noted Gonzalez had previously been sentenced for human smuggling and was still serving his term of supervised release when he committed this offense. The court also ordered Gonzalez to serve a consecutive 10 months for this violation.
In handing down the prison terms, Judge Garcia Marmolejo commented that Gonzalez learned nothing from his last offense and that Mendoza-Gonzalez was highly involved in the smuggling organization. The court also considered the conditions inside the stash house, noting that the siblings regarded the people they harbored as “commodities” and stating, “we just don’t treat human beings like this.”
“No electricity, no running water and no toilet. Human smugglers do not care,” said Hamdani. “No individual should be subjected to such inhumane conditions. This case underscores our commitment to dismantling human smuggling networks that exploit vulnerable individuals, including children.”
On March 7, law enforcement observed Mendoza-Gonzalez pick up three suspected undocumented individuals near the intersection of Kearney Street and McDonnell Avenue in Laredo. Gonzalez was driving another vehicle that appeared to be traveling together with Mendoza-Gonzalez. Law enforcement followed both vehicles to a home on the 2300 block of San Leonardo Avenue where Mendoza-Gonzalez dropped off the individuals before leaving with two others.
Several hours later, they observed a large group of people exiting the backyard of this address and running into a nearby creek. A foot pursuit began, and law enforcement apprehended 20 individuals, all of whom are undocumented aliens from other countries.
Two were unaccompanied minors, ages 13 and 15.
Upon entering the San Leonardo residence, authorities discovered deplorable living conditions. The home had no electricity or running water and large amounts of trash piled up throughout the home. They also observed large tubs of water in the home where the migrants would bathe and relieve themselves.
There have been no utilities in the residence since 2022.
Gonzalez was the stash house operator while Mendoza-Gonzalez was a transporter and delivered food to those harbored inside the home.
On April 23, authorities conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle Mendoza-Gonzalez was driving and found a female back seat passenger covered in mud, with a strong body odor, torn pants and scratch marks all over her arms. She was a Mexican national with no legal status in the United States.
Mendoza-Gonzalez admitted to her involvement with the human smuggling organization and stated she expected to receive $50 per migrant she transported.
Phone communications between Mendoza-Gonzalez and co-conspirators revealed that over only a seven-week period, she was also involved in coordinating the transportation and/or harboring of at least 55 additional individuals.
Mendoza-Gonzalez and Gonzalez will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Homeland Security Investigations, Border Patrol and the Laredo Police Department conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. 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.
This sentencing is also the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). Attorney General Merrick B. Garland established JTFA in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to combat the rise in prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. The initiative was expanded to Colombia and Panama to combat human smuggling in the Darién in June 2024. JTFA comprises detailees from U.S. attorneys’ offices along the southwest border including the Southern District of California, districts of Arizona and New Mexico and the Western and Southern Districts of Texas. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, and supported by the Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training; Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section; Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; Office of Enforcement Operations; Office of International Affairs; and the Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in over 325 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers and significant facilitators of human smuggling, more than 270 U.S. convictions, more than 210 significant jail sentences imposed and forfeitures of substantial assets.
Assistant U.S. Attorney and JTFA detailee Jennifer Day prosecuted this case.
Jury convicts felon for possessing firearms and pipe bombsRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A federal jury has convicted a 35-year-old Corpus Christi resident for felon in possession of a firearm and possessing unregistered pipe bombs, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
The jury deliberated for approximately 90 minutes before convicting Robert Spencer following a three-day trial.
The jury heard that law enforcement investigated a call reporting a shooting in the area. During the investigation, authorities approached Spencer, who fled into his home while appearing to be armed. This led to a standoff lasting an hour, during which law enforcement heard two gunshots from inside the home as Spencer yelled for them to leave. Eventually, Spencer exited his home without a firearm and law enforcement arrested him.
Authorities executed a search warrant for Spencer’s home and found six pipe bombs and three firearms, along with boxes of ammunition, in the attic. They also discovered another firearm next to Spencer’s home, where authorities initially spotted him. Spencer admitted to law enforcement that he personally assembled the pipe bombs and claimed ownership of the firearm found next to the house.
Testing confirmed the pipe bombs were destructive devices as defined by the law. In addition, the pipe bombs were not properly registered to Spencer in the National Firearms Registration and transfer record.
During the trial, the defense attempted to convince the jury that Spencer was unaware of the firearms found in his attic and outside his home. They contended that the pipe bombs Spencer admitted to making were not destructive devices. The jury rejected these claims and found him guilty as charged.
As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms by federal law.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos presided over the trial and set sentencing for Feb. 4, 2025. At that time, Spencer faces up to 15 years in federal prison for possession of firearms and up to 10 years for possession of unregistered pipe bombs and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The Corpus Christi Police Department with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S Attorneys Patrick Overman and Ashley Martin prosecuted the case with the assistance of Paralegal Rachel Gonzales.
Final men sent to prison for their roles in international cocaine and drug money conspiracyRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – Two Texans have been sentenced for their roles in distributing and conspiring to distribute cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Guillermo Fernando Rojo, 39, Laredo, and Gilbert Zambrano Saldivar, 45, Dallas, each pleaded guilty March 5 and April 4, respectively.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña has now imposed 120-month-terms of imprisonment for both men. They must also serve five years of supervised release following their sentences.
Two others - Omar Acosta, 41, Laredo, and Juan Ambrosio Barrientos-Cano, 34, Austin, were previously sentenced to the same terms of imprisonment.
Between November and December 2021, Acosta and Rojo directed another individual to travel from Laredo to Austin to retrieve five kilograms of cocaine and $9,000 in cash from Barrientos-Cano. He was to deliver the cocaine to their courier in Dallas and the money to the two men.
The cocaine had an approximate street value of $81,150.
In Dallas, he actually delivered bundles of sham cocaine to Saldivar, who was also acting on instructions from the two men and reported the bundles had been successfully delivered. Authorities intercepted the delivery and arrested Saldivar.
Several days later, Rojo contacted the individual to make payment arrangements for picking up cocaine from Barrientos-Cano and delivering the drugs to Saldivar. Law enforcement arrested the remaining three co-conspirators who confessed to their roles in the crime.
The investigation revealed previous incidents where co-conspirators delivered multikilogram quantities of cocaine from the Laredo border to major cities in Texas, Illinois, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri and Mississippi.
The co-conspirators also collected several hundred thousand dollars of drug proceeds and delivered it to Acosta and Rojo to fund the organization’s operations in the United States and Mexico.
Additionally, truck drivers smuggled cocaine bundles from Mexico and delivered them to Acosta, Rojo or to couriers who the men recruited, gave orders to and paid.
Acosta and Rojo transported approximately $280,000 in cash proceeds three weeks before their arrest and occasionally delivered up to $500,000 to Mexico in single smuggling episodes.
The investigation also revealed Mexican organizers paid Acosta and Rojo 5% of money collections from outside Texas and 2% of proceeds collected within Texas.
Rojo was permitted to remain on bond while Saldivar 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 Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshals Service and police departments in Laredo and Austin.
Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose Angel Moreno prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose Homero Ramirez handled the sentencings.
Weslaco resident sent to prison for importing 101 bricks of methRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 43-year-old man has been sentenced for importing meth, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Arnulfo Hinojosa Jr. pleaded guilty Aug. 1.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Hinojosa to serve 135 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that Hinojosa played an integral role in smuggling illegal narcotics into the United States. In handing down the sentence, the court noted traffickers could not succeed without the willing participation of transporters like Hinojosa.
On April 22, Hinojosa claimed he had no illegal drugs in his vehicle when arriving at the Rio Grande City Port of Entry.
Authorities referred him to secondary inspection where a K-9 alerted to the odor of narcotics. A subsequent search revealed 101 bricks of meth, weighing approximately 140 kilograms and hidden in compartments under the vehicle’s cargo bed.
The meth had an estimated street value of approximately $350,000.
At the time of his plea, Hinojosa admitted he knew he was smuggling narcotics into the United States.
Hinojosa 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 and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Theodore Parran III prosecuted the case.
Two sent to prison for roles in cartel-linked human smuggling schemeRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – Two individuals have been sentenced to prison for their roles in an extensive human smuggling conspiracy involving Cartel del Noreste (CDN), announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Laredo resident Francisco Suarez, 20, and Luis Daniel Segura Guzman, 26, a Mexican citizen residing in Laredo. Suarez pleaded guilty Dec. 20, 2023, and Jan. 18, respectively.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña has now imposed a 33-month term of imprisonment for Suarez, while Segura received 30 months. Both must serve three years of supervised release following their sentences. Not a U.S. citizen, Guzman is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that Suarez and Segura were a part of Los Fantasmas, a gang and alien smuggling organization who works hand-in-hand with Mexican cartels. Judge Saldaña imposed sentencing enhancements that held each responsible for smuggling at least 100 aliens or more. The court commented that both were “committed to this lifestyle” and noted the importance of imposing a sentence that would deter them from becoming involved in this conduct in the future.
Another co-conspirator Bernardo Aniceto Garza, 27, Laredo, also pleaded guilty and is set for sentencing Nov. 4.
“Cartel del Noreste, a Mexican cartel, is known for engaging in ruthless acts of violence and extortion to support its drug trafficking operations, and in recent years it has added human smuggling to its list of illicit money-making operations, with Facebook and social media becoming invaluable tools to facilitate its new venture,” said Hamdani. “CDN uses these platforms to recruit, coordinate and expand its criminal operations, reaching broader audiences, while putting countless lives at risk. For years, Suarez and Guzman used Facebook to exploit and profit from vulnerable individuals while also evading detection, but thanks to the efforts of my office, those days are now over.”
On Aug. 23, 2023, authorities discovered a Facebook post that appeared to be advertising transportation services for undocumented aliens via sleeper cabs of tractor trailers. The investigation revealed Segura coordinated the transportation of three undocumented aliens for approximately $8,000 and arranged for a Garza to make the pickup in Laredo that afternoon.
Authorities were able to apprehend Garza and found two women and a 15-year-old minor inside a parked tractor. All were citizens of Mexico and El Salvador and illegally present in the United States. Law enforcement also discovered a firearm inside the vehicle Garza was driving.
On Sept. 16, 2023, authorities encountered Segura in Laredo. He admitted the CDN had recruited him in Mexico to smuggle aliens and that he worked with Suarez to do so. Law enforcement located a cell phone in Segura’s possession that was still logged into the Facebook account used to advertise and coordinate the August smuggling event.
Suarez was acting as a scout in a separate smuggling attempt Sept. 19, 2023, when law enforcement arrested him. He admitted he worked for Garza and had provided him with the three migrants authorities caught Garza transporting. The investigation also identified Suarez as a stash house operator responsible for harboring undocumented individuals.
An analysis of Segura’s phone revealed his involvement in the smuggling of at least 133 undocumented individuals. Historical data and messages traced Segura’s smuggling activities back to May 2020. The phone also contained detailed information, including photographs and identifying information of suspected migrants, screenshots of smuggling routes and deposit receipts for payments tied to smuggling services.
Authorities found similar information on Suarez’s cell phone which included photos of approximately 300 unique individuals illegally smuggled across the border, including children, dating back to September 2022.
The men will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Homeland Security Investigations, Laredo Police Department and Border Patrol conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations and the Texas Department of Public Safety. 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.
This sentencing is also the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). Attorney General Merrick B. Garland established JTFA in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to combat the rise in prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. The initiative was expanded to Colombia and Panama to combat human smuggling in the Darién in June 2024. JTFA comprises detailees from U.S. attorneys’ offices along the southwest border including the Southern District of California, districts of Arizona and New Mexico and the Western and Southern Districts of Texas. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, and supported by the Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training; Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section; Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section; Office of Enforcement Operations; Office of International Affairs; and the Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, Drug Enforcement Adminstration and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in over 325 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers and significant facilitators of human smuggling, more than 270 U.S. convictions, more than 210 significant jail sentences imposed and forfeitures of substantial assets.
Assistant U.S. Attorney and JTFA detailee Jennifer Day prosecuted this case.
Former prosecutor goes to prison for extorting moneyRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – The former elected Starr County Attorney has been sentenced for extortion under color of law, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Victor Canales Jr., 51, pleaded guilty Sept. 5, 2023.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Canales to serve 37 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard testimony from an auditor with the Texas Attorney General’s Office describing the cash deposits made into Canales’s personal accounts and his use of funds from the Starr County Attorney’s account. In imposing the sentence, the court determined the amount of the bribes at $44,000. The court also noted comments about the culture of corruption in Starr County, and said today’s sentence would act as a deterrent to that corruption.
“Prosecutors of all stripes, whether at the federal, state or city level, are defined by an oath, one to serve and protect their communities. It’s an oath that seeks only one thing—justice,” said Hamdani. “Victor Canales Jr. violated that oath and the trust of Starr County’s residents in exchange for tens of thousands of dollars in bribes. As an office of dedicated public servants, including 200 prosecutors, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District has little patience for corrupt officials, especially when a prosecutor trades his authority, his oath, for personal gain.”
“Today’s sentencing highlights the FBI’s commitment to combat public corruption at every level. Citizens in the Rio Grande Valley deserve local government officials who can be trusted,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp of the FBI’s San Antonio Field Office. “The FBI would like to thank our Operation Ice River partners at the Drug Enforcement Administration, as well as Texas Office of the Attorney General, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Rangers for their continued collaboration in rooting out corruption and keeping our communities safe.”
Canales was the Starr County Attorney from 2005 to 2022. In that role, he was responsible for prosecuting misdemeanor crimes.
In September 2021, a woman reached out to Canales for assistance because her son had been charged with three misdemeanor offenses in Starr County. He said he could help her and that for $1500, he could take care of the Starr County tickets.
The mother gave Canales three money orders totaling $1500. He deposited the proceeds into his own checking account and used it for his own personal needs rather than depositing the monies into the Starr County account.
Canales then sent a series of letters to Cameron County indicating the three charges against the woman’s son would be dropped.
Canales was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI worked in partnership with the Texas Attorney General’s Office to conduct the Border Corruption Task Force investigation with the assistance of Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Forces agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Department of Public Safety - Criminal Investigations and Texas Rangers.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Cook Profit prosecuted the case.
Federal prosecutors stand ready to address voting rights concerns or election fraudRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Two Assistant U.S. Attorneys will lead the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Southern District of Texas (SDTX) in connection with early voting in Texas, which runs through Nov. 1, and the upcoming Nov. 5 general election, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Civil Chief Daniel Hu has been appointed to serve as the election officer for civil matters, while Deputy Criminal Chief Sharad Khandelwal is the criminal election officer. In their capacities, both are responsible for overseeing the SDTX’s handling of election related complaints related to voting rights, such as limiting access to the polls, threats of violence to election officials or staff and election fraud.
“Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election,” said Hamdani. “Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. My office will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers and election fraud. The department will address these violations wherever they occur. The department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
“The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy,” said Hamdani. “We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice.”
In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, Khandelwal and Hu will be on duty in this district while the polls are open and can be reached at 713-567-9345 and 713-567-9518, respectively.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The main number in Houston is 713-693-5000, while South Texas residents can contact the San Antonio office at 210-225-6741.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.
“Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate,” said Hamdani. “It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to DOJ.”
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
Woman admits to smuggling rare chickensRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 46-year-old Aransas Pass resident has pleaded guilty to smuggling Dong Tao chickens into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
In August 2023, Jennifer Mayo had illegally smuggled 60 Dong Tao chicken eggs into the United States from Vietnam and Cambodia. She was also attempting to hatch them at her home in Ingleside.
Although Mayo initially reported all the animals that hatched had died, authorities conducted subsequent checks which revealed there were multiple live Dong Tao chickens on her property. However, due to their health, they had to be euthanized.
Dong Tao chickens aka Dragon chickens are a rare, expensive breed of chicken typical to southeast Asia. Originally from the village of Dong Tao in Vietnam, these chickens have very large legs as their identifying feature.
It is illegal to import poultry into the United States from regions affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza or regions where Newcastle disease exist in commercial poultry populations unless specific conditions are met.
According to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Vietnam and Cambodia are listed as regions affected with highly pathogenic avian influenza and are not listed as free of Newcastle disease.
U.S. District Court Judge David S. Morales will impose sentencing Jan. 23, 2025. At that time, Mayo faces up to 20 years imprisonment and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Mayo was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture conducted the investigation with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Liesel Roscher and Tyler Foster are prosecuting the case.
Organizer sent to prison for smuggling 60 kilos of meth into United StatesRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 55-year-old Mexican national residing in Houston has been sentenced following her conviction of conspiracy to import and possession with intent to deliver meth, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
A federal jury in Laredo deliberated for less than two hours before returning the guilty verdict Feb. 8, 2023, against Ana Maria Pena-Gutierrez following a two-day trial.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña has now ordered Pena-Gutierrez to serve 210 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release.
“Pena-Gutierrez and others like her who poison our communities with drugs and jeopardize the lives of countless persons of all ages deserve to be found and prosecuted without hesitation,” Hamdani said. “That continues to be my commitment to our communities, our people and our youth.”
Between Dec. 13, 2020, and June 14, 2022, Pena-Gutierrez and others conspired to import almost 60 kilograms of meth. She organized transportation, provided vehicles to load drivers and paid the drivers for each successful criminal venture.
At the time of the trial, co-conspirator Mike Mendoza testified Pena-Gutierrez hired and paid him to drive two vehicles to smuggle drugs from Mexico into the United States several times from Jan. 10, 2021, through Feb. 25, 2021.
Law enforcement arrested Mendoza Feb. 25, 2021, as he drove a pickup truck into Laredo with 24 bundles of meth, weighing 56.232 net kilograms and hidden within the tires. According to testimony given at trial, the approximate street value of the drugs was $451,244.
Mendoza admitted he successfully made two prior trips from Mexico at Pena-Gutierrez’s direction; however, an investigation revealed Mendoza had four prior entries from Mexico in a sedan.
Mendoza testified Pena-Gutierrez paid him $5,000 for each of the two prior smugglings and promised to pay him $9,000 at the time of his arrest. Pena-Gutierrez also fronted Mendoza $500 for travel expenses.
Authorities arrested another co-conspirator, Erik Alonso Martinez, April 23, 2021, as he entered Laredo with 52.28 kilograms of meth in the sedan’s fuel tank with a net weight of 25.04 kilograms and an approximate street value of $200,938.
During an interview, Martinez told law enforcement he picked up the car in Houston from someone whom he declined to identify. An investigation later revealed Pena-Gutierrez provided Martinez with the sedan.
After her arrest Aug. 10, 2021, Pena-Gutierrez told authorities others paid her to recruit Mendoza and Martinez. She also told law enforcement she received about $4,000 for each successful drug importation and paid each driver between $7,000 and $8,000 per trip.
During the trial, authorities presented evidence including charts of 350 phone calls and text messages between Pena-Gutierrez and Mendoza regarding the price of meth and how it increases as one travels further north from the border.
At the trial, the jury also heard from an expert in financial records describing the irregularities of Pena-Gutierrez’s bank activities. Authorities also testified, detailing her confession and the entire conspiracy.
Mendoza and Martinez received 84 months and 174 days in federal prison, respectively, for their roles in the smuggling organization.
Pena-Gutierrez 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 assistance from Customs and Border Protection.
Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Jose Homero Ramirez prosecuted the case. Former AUSAs Matthew Isaac and José Angel Moreno tried the case to a jury.
Local business owner admits to receiving over $400,000 in CARES Act conspiracyRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 52-year-old Stafford resident has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Kristen Fenrick admitted the fraud was in connection to false applications through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Programs provided through the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
From March 2020 until February 2022, at the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, Fenrick conspired to submit false and fraudulent applications to the Small Business Administration (SBA) via the PPP and EIDL programs.
Fenrick was the owner of Klearly Kristen Inc., a business engaged in the sale of jewelry and accessories. As part of her plea, she admitted to conspiring to submit a PPP loan application that grossly inflated the number of employees her business purportedly had as well as the business’s average monthly payroll expenses.
In support of the application, she and a co-conspirator she paid for assistance submitted fraudulent IRS documents to the lender. Relying on the false representations in the application, a third-party lender with SBA-delegated authority disbursed a PPP loan to Klearly Kristen in the amount of $405,340 in June 2020.
Fenrick admitted to using at least some of those funds for her own personal benefit including the lease of a luxury vehicle and not for the loan’s intended use. The loan was later forgiven based on continued misrepresentations about the business’s employee headcount and payroll expenses.
Fenrick further admitted she submitted several false EIDL applications for Klearly Kristen and several other purported businesses she owned, most of which were unsuccessful except for a $10,000 advance issued to Klearly Kristen.
Due to her actions, the PPP and EIDL programs lost a total of $415,340.
U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett has set sentencing for Jan. 30, 2025. At that time, Fenrick faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Fenrick was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The SBA-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shirin Hakimzadeh is prosecuting the case.
Humble resident arrested in connection to fatal fentanyl overdoseRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 22-year-old man has been taken into custody in connection to the fentanyl overdose death of a Houston resident, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Law enforcement arrested Cole Martin Millsap Oct. 23. He is set to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Hanovice Palermo at 2 p.m.
“The victim in this case had just completed rehabilitation before allegedly receiving the fatal dose,” said Hamdani. “Time and time again, Millsap had the chance to change his ways; however, he allegedly continued to sell fentanyl while on bond. Alleged poison peddlers who think they’re getting away with plaguing our communities have no place to hide.”
According to court documents, Millsap allegedly sold drugs to the victim multiple times. A forensic examination of the victim’s phone allegedly revealed text message conversations between Millsap and the victim discussing the purchase of illegal narcotics.
On April 22, law enforcement discovered the victim deceased at his residence following a welfare check, just three days after his last message to Millsap, according to the charges. The criminal complaint alleges an autopsy later confirmed that fentanyl toxicity caused the victim’s death.
At the time, Millsap was allegedly on felony bond with a condition that he wear a GPS monitoring device. Millsap’s GPS coordinate allegedly corroborate the delivery described in the text messages.
Through a cell phone number in the victims’ phone allegedly labeled as “COLE WORLD,” law enforcement identified Millsap as the alleged fentanyl dealer responsible for the overdose death.
On Aug. 29, Millsap allegedly arranged the sale of 0.4 grams of powder fentanyl for $40 to a member of law enforcement as part of an undercover investigation.
On Sept. 4, Millsap sold 3.55 grams of powder fentanyl and 3.9 grams of heroin in plastic baggies to an undercover member of law enforcement for $530, according to the charges.
Again, on Oct. 3, Millsap allegedly sold 105.4 grams of fentanyl powder for $3,470.
If convicted, Millsap faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years and up to life in prison as well as a possible $5 million maximum fine.
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Fentanyl/Overdose Task Force conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Houston Police Department and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart Tallichet 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.
Three ordered to prison for trafficking $29M in methRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – Three Houston-area residents have been sent to prison following their convictions of possessing with intent to distribute 777 kilograms of meth, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Eduardo Figueroa Jr., 29, Cleveland, and Cynara Lucia Sarmiento, 26, Conroe, pleaded guilty March 22, 2023. Marlon Deon Martin, 31, Conroe, pleaded guilty March 21, 2023.
U.S. District Chief Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Figueroa, Sarmiento and Martin to serve 144, 60 and 37 months in federal prison, respectively. All three must also serve three years of supervised release following their sentences. In handing down the prison terms, Chief Judge Crane informed Figueroa that he would end up with the biggest sentence as he was the organizer of this offense. During his statement at sentencing, Figueroa took responsibility for getting his co-conspirators involved and stated that he was in charge. Chief Judge Crane noted that he handed down lighter sentences as the co-conspirators were young and foolish with little to no criminal history who he wanted to help get back on the right path.
At the time of his plea, Figueroa admitted he hired Sarmiento as his personal assistant and tasked her with leasing warehouse space and forming Hive Logistics, a business warehouse located in Houston. Figueroa recruited Martin to help unload the narcotics.
On May 12, 2021, authorities executed a search at the location and discovered 777 kilograms of meth, 10 kilograms of cocaine, ledgers, two pistols and five magazines. The meth was located inside metal barrels marked as mango puree.
In furtherance of his plea, Figueroa admitted the meth was part of a larger shipment he had received, of which approximately 800 kilograms had already been delivered to several individuals. Sarmiento also admitted to creating a ledger for the drugs and delivering them on at least one occasion with Figueroa.
The estimated street value of the meth is $29 million.
This case is part of an exportation and straw purchasing of firearms investigation from March 2021 where Figueroa was identified as a recruiter. He also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to straw purchase five shotguns on Nov. 22, 2021, and was sentenced to 60 months in prison to run concurrently.
Sarmiento and Martin were permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facility to be determined in the near future. Figueroa will remain in custody pending transfer to a BOP facility to be determined in the near future.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Alexis Garcia prosecuted the case.
Laredo drug dealer receives three decades in prisonRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 46-year-old man has been sentenced for possession with the intent to distribute meth, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Daniel Rodriguez pleaded guilty April 2.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo has now ordered Rodriguez to serve 360 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Rodriguez sold poison to people and despite having multiple opportunities to stop, he continued selling drugs. During the hearing, Rodriguez remarked he was a father and the court asked if he sold these same drugs to his family. Additionally, the court questioned if he would stop selling drugs if one of his own children had overdosed.
On Jan. 3, authorities executed a search warrant at Rodriguez’s residence. While approaching the house, law enforcement saw Rodriguez flee from inside his home, during which time he attempted to discard a baggie that was later found to contain meth.
After detaining Rodriguez, authorities searched the home and found more meth inside. He later admitted that the seized drugs belonged to him.
Rodriguez 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, Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol and the Laredo Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Bajew and Leslie Cortez prosecuted the case.
The case was prosecuted as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF is the largest anti-crime task force in the country. 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.
Illegal export of multiple firearms sends Mexican national to prisonRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 54-year-old man has been sentenced for illegally exporting firearms from the United States into Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Elmer Espinoza-Ortega pleaded guilty July 11.
U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now ordered Espinoza-Ortega to serve 36 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release.
“Many guns exported from the United States into Mexico are used for criminal activity or end up in the hands of the cartels,” said Hamdani. “My office is committed to preventing transnational gun violence by stopping the export of firearms from the United States.”
On May 26, Espinoza-Ortega attempted to exit the United States through the Anzalduas Port of Entry. Upon further inspection, law enforcement discovered a firearm magazine in Espinoza-Ortega’s pocket.
A subsequent search of his vehicle revealed four firearms and five firearm magazines concealed in the bumper of the vehicle.
At the time of his plea, Espinoza-Ortega admitted he did not possess a license to export firearms or ammunition, he knew the firearms were in his vehicle and he intended to transport the firearms into Mexico.
Espinoza-Ortega 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 and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda McColgan prosecuted the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
South Texan sent to prison for receiving child porn via messaging appRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 21-year-old resident of Edinburg has been ordered to prison for receipt of child pornography depicting prepubescent minors, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Lazaro Segundo-Vazquez pleaded guilty May 15, 2023, admitting he received over 1,800 images and video files containing child sexual abuse material.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now sentenced Segundo-Vazquez to 78 months in federal prison. He must also pay $3,000 in restitution to three victims and will serve 10 years 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. Segundo-Vazquez will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
An alert from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children led authorities to a residence in Edinburg appearing to be uploading child pornography to a Google account. The investigation revealed Segundo-Vazquez received images and videos containing child sexual abuse material via a third-party messaging application on his cellular phone.
Segundo-Vazquez admitted to receiving child sexual abuse material that included videos and images of prepubescent children and toddlers. The material depicted children engaged in sexual acts with adults and other children. Segundo-Vazquez then uploaded several images of child sexual abuse material to a Google account.
He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Homeland Security Investigations - Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Task Force conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan 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 link on that page.
Laredo resident sent to prison for second felon in possession of firearm convictionRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 41-year-old man has been sentenced for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Fernando Perez pleaded guilty July 9.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo has now ordered Perez to serve 71 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
The case began June 12, 2019, when authorities conducted an investigation into illegal firearms trafficking in Webb County.
Law enforcement identified Perez as the individual who was illegally selling semi-automatic rifles on the streets of Laredo. The investigation revealed Perez illegally sold a Stag Arms, model Stag 15, 5.56 caliber semi-automatic rifle for $2,000 in broad daylight.
At the time of the illegal sale, Perez already had a prior 2012 felony conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm. As such, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition per federal law.
He 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 conducted the investigation with assistance from the Laredo Police Department and Webb County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Francisco J. Rodriguez and Andrew Hakala-Finch prosecuted the case.
Mexican national admits attempted distribution of 1.4 million pills containing nearly 153 kilograms of fentanylRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas - A 38-year-old man is facing life in prison after pleading guilty in one of the largest fentanyl cases prosecuted in the Southern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Juan Jesus Orozco-Vargas admitted he knew drugs were hidden within pallets of limes he helped import from Mexico.
On April 5, a tractor-trailer containing 24 pallets of limes crossed into Texas from Mexico through the Pharr Port of Entry and arrived at a warehouse in McAllen. Orozco-Vargas was waiting at the warehouse to supervise the transfer of the pallets. While warehouse workers were unloading the boxes of limes, a pallet broke, causing pink and blue fentanyl pills stamped “M30” to spill out onto the floor.
Orozco-Vargas attempted to flee upon law enforcement’s arrival on scene, but they quickly apprehended him.
He admitted he was there to make sure the pallets were not damaged. He planned to move the pallets containing the fentanyl pills to the side so they could be transported from the warehouse. He admitted he was going to be paid for his services.
Authorities examined the pallets and discovered they concealed approximately 1.4 million fentanyl pills totaling 152.98 kilograms.
“At 1.4 million doses, this is one of the largest seizures of fentanyl the Southern District of Texas has prosecuted,” said Hamdani. “Removing these deadly pills from the streets of American cities, especially streets that are a few miles away from Mexico, will only save countless lives. My office is committed to dismantling the drug trafficking organizations that flood the United States with deadly fentanyl. This prosecution is emblematic of that commitment.”
“Today’s guilty plea further emphasizes how critical the investigative efforts of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) are, particularly those involving the smuggling of fentanyl into the United States,” said HSI San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. “HSI is relentless in its fight against those who deliberately engage in the illicit manufacturing and trafficking of dangerous drugs. We will continue to identify and investigate those who seek to introduce lethal drugs into our communities.”
U.S. District Judge Tipton will impose sentencing Feb. 4, 2025. At that time, Orozco faces up to life in federal prison as well as a possible $10 million maximum fine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda McColgan is prosecuting the case.
Two charged with conspiracy to traffic firearmsRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A Texas man and a Mexican national have been indicted for allegedly attempting to purchase firearms in the United States to bring across the border into Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
A federal grand jury has now returned a three-count indictment against Jorge Alberto Morales-Calvo, 25, Mexico, and Homero Arteaga Jr., 45, Mission.
Originally charged by criminal complaint and in custody, they are expected to appear for their arraignment before a U.S. magistrate judge in the near future.
In September, Morales-Calvo and Arteaga allegedly went to Zapata to purchase a .50 caliber rifle and a FN Five-Seven pistol. The charges allege they were given a bag containing $16,850 in counterfeit U.S. currency to purchase the firearms.
According to the complaint, Morales-Calvo and Arteaga arrived in a black pickup truck at the predetermined meeting point, at which time Arteaga inspected the firearms. After retrieving the counterfeit money for the transaction, Arteaga allegedly grabbed the case holding the firearms and attempted to place them in the bed of the truck.
The charges allege Morales-Calvo noticed authorities and attempted to flee and left Arteaga behind. Law enforcement quickly apprehended both men, according to the complaint.
The firearms were intended for ultimate delivery in Mexico, according to the charges.
If convicted of the conspiracy, both men face up to 15 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Arteaga and Morales-Calvo are also charges with felon in possession of a firearm and alien in possession of a firearm, respectively, and face an additional 10 years in federal prison, upon conviction.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety and Border Patrol.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew P. Hakala-Finch is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Local men charged with distributing fentanyl resulting in the death of twoRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 24-year-old Houston resident has been ordered to remain in custody for trafficking fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Antonio Curo has now appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan, at which time the court found him to be a danger to the community and a flight risk and ordered he remain in custody pending further criminal proceedings.
The indictment, returned Sept. 18, alleges Curo was a member of an ongoing 13-month conspiracy to distribute more than 400 grams of fentanyl resulting in death. According to records filed in the case, he recruited and directed accomplices and exercised decision making authority over the distribution of fentanyl during the conspiracy. He set the prices for the pills; negotiated, planned and organized their sale; prepared them for shipment; mailed parcels containing pills to individuals across the country; received payments; and claimed a right to the majority share of the drug proceeds, according to the allegations.
“Fentanyl is the greatest drug threat of our time, killing young people at catastrophic rates and devastating families in communities across the United States,” said Hamdani. “Curo allegedly used modern day methods and traditional means--social media and the mail--to help market and distribute his deadly fentanyl stock to victims near and far. Today’s announcement is a step towards achieving justice and closure for the families of the victims in this case.”
In December 2023, Curo allegedly distributed fentanyl that resulted in the death of a 24-year-old male in Connecticut. The victim had ordered pills via a social media and instant messaging service, according to records, and Curo sent them through the mail. The victim’s girlfriend allegedly saw him receive the package and ingest the pills before he died.
Records revealed he was also linked to shipments sent in January to Vermont and Iowa. A 16-year old juvenile residing in Vermont had allegedly purchased and received approximately 30 pills in a glass bottle. The pills were determined to be alprazolam. This individual did not ingest any of the substances.
Authorities also identified the intended recipient of the Iowa parcel who had ordered what she thought was Oxycodone through the mail, according to court records. Authorities allegedly tested the pills and found they actually contained fentanyl with a net weight of 5.1 grams. She alleges she was not aware the pills she ordered contained fentanyl.
Also in January, Curo again distributed fentanyl that resulted in the death of another, according to the charges. On Jan. 19, a 16-year-old female allegedly died after consuming pills that contained fentanyl. Curo had directly provided the pills to her, according to the allegations.
The victim’s father had found her deceased in her room with an imprinted “M-30” pill in a small, orange plastic bag next to her body, according to records. Lab testing confirmed the pill allegedly contained fentanyl.
Records also indicate a trip Curo paid for occurred from an address near the minor victim’s residence to an address near the his residence on the day before the minor victim died.
At the hearing, the court heard that Curo was aware of the deaths and that he knew he was selling fentanyl.
Curo is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl resulting in death or serious bodily injury as well as six substantive counts of distribution of fentanyl from August 2023 through April 2024. He is also charged with a conspiracy to distribute and distribution of alaprazolam commonly known as “Xanax.”
At the time of his arrest, he also had several pills in his possession, according to the charges.
If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum of 20 years imprisonment and up to life as well as a maximum $10 million possible fine.
Mikalob Hill, 24, Houston, is also charged in relation to the case. He allegedly picked up several parcels containing fentanyl at Curo’s direction and rented his mailbox to him. He faces one count of possession with intent to distribute alprazolam and faces up to five years in prison, upon conviction.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) and Homeland Security Investigations in Houston conducted the investigation with the assistance of the USPIS in Vermont and Iowa and USPIS – Office of Inspector General, Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office, Fort Bend County Narcotics Task Force, Houston Police Department and Harris County Sherriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anibal J. Alaniz and Casey N. MacDonald are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Falfurrias felon sentenced for possessing a firearmRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 57-year-old Falfurrias resident is headed back to prison for illegally possessing a rifle, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Gerardo Vargas pleaded guilty July 25.
U.S District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has ordered Vargas to serve 84 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard about Vargas’ extensive criminal history involving burglary, narcotics trafficking and firearms charges and the fact that he was on supervised release for conspiracy to harbor/transport undocumented aliens at the time of the offense. The court also heard that Vargas has been a member of the Texas Syndicate Prison Gang since 1990. In imposing the sentence, the court noted his extensive criminal history, that this was his fifth federal case and his previous revocations.
In December 2022, authorities encountered Vargas hunting with a rifle on private property and took him into custody on related charges. At the time of his arrest, Vargas admitted to having hunted just days prior on another property.
At the time of his arrest, law enforcement knew he was a convicted felon. As such, he is prohibited from possessing firearms per federal law.
Vargas will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Brazoria man heads to prison for exploiting 13-year-old child through nude photos and explicit textsRead the Press Release
GALVESTON, Texas – A 46-year-old man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction for sending obscene photos and messages to a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Brown convicted George Jimenez April 23 following a one-day trial earlier that month. Prior to trial, Jimenez pleaded guilty to two counts of transfer of obscene material to a minor.
Judge Brown has now sentenced Jimenez to 24o and 120 months for the coercion and enticement of a minor and transfer of obscene material to a minor convictions, respectively. They will run concurrently for a total 240-month-term of imprisonment. At the hearing, the court also heard additional information including testimony from four victims detailing how Jimenez’s actions affected them. In handing down the prison terms, the court noted the reprehensibility of Jimenez’s conduct and the need for a severe sentence to deter and prevent future criminal conduct. Jimenez was further ordered to serve 10 years 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. Jimenez will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
“Today’s sentence should be a deterrence to individuals who commit serious online crimes against minors, even when there has been no physical contact,” said Hamdani. “Jimenez preyed on vulnerable victims who were unaware they were communicating with an adult male.”
In April 2019, law enforcement discovered Jimenez had sent pictures of his genitals to a 13-year-old girl and other contacts in his phone. Five were the minors’ 12 and 13-year-old classmates.
Authorities executed a federal search warrant and discovered Jimenez was using the TextNow application to disguise himself as a teenage boy to engage in sexually explicit conversations with minors.
From March until April 2019, Jimenez engaged in those communications, including sending at least five pictures of his genitals to the 13-year-old child. In approximately 17 communications, Jimenez asked the minor victim for pictures of either her breasts, buttocks or genital area.
In a text exchange, the minor shared information with Jimenez that she shaved her genital region. Jimenez then sent messages asking to see images of it.
At the time of the trial, the defense attempted to convince the court the messages he sent to the minor did not arise to the level of attempting to persuade the minor to send him sexually explicit photos of herself. He did not believe those claims and found Jimenez guilty as charged. In his ruling, the court stated, “these requests were direct, specific and unambiguous. They were not shrouded in innuendo or bashfulness. Simply put, there is no question that Jimenez repeatedly asked [the minor] to take and send him pictures of her genitals and pubic area.”
He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
FBI conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen M. Lansden and Sherin S. Daniel 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.
Armed hotel robbery of $30 lands young man in prisonRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 22-year-old Corpus Christi resident has been sentenced following his conviction of robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Rudy Feregrino pleaded guilty May 23.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has now ordered him to serve a total of 90 months in prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
On Jan. 20, at approximately 1:44 a.m., Feregrino entered the Holiday Inn Express on Brookhaven Dr. in Corpus Christi. He was wearing distinctive grey high-top Nike sneakers and a black windbreaker with white reflective stripes. He went directly to the front desk and pointed a black and tan firearm at the clerk and demanded money from the register. The frightened clerk complied, after which Feregrino left.
Several hours later, law enforcement saw an individual that matched Feregrino’s description entering a vehicle. They discovered the vehicle had been reported stolen and conducted a traffic stop.
Feregrino was still wearing the same distinctive clothes from the robbery. Authorities also found the black and tan firearm.
Feregrino 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 conducted the investigation with assistance from the Corpus Christi Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Dunn prosecuted the case.