Southern District of Texas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Repeat offender drug smuggler sent to prisonRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 47-year-old resident of Matamoros, Mexico, has been sentenced for possession with intent to deliver cocaine and illegal re-entry after removal, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Ricardo Rios-Alanis pleaded guilty June 13.
U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera has now ordered Rios-Alanis to serve a total of 66 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, Rios-Alanis is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence detailing his lengthy criminal history, with many convictions dating back to 1997. The convictions include assaultive conduct, two for felony drug offenses and three for illegal reentry after removal. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that in 2021 he granted Rios-Alanis a “sentencing variance,” lowering his sentence to 30 months after Rios-Alanis promised not to return and not continuing to violate the law.
On Feb. 21, law enforcement on routine surveillance of the Rio Grande River in Brownsville observed a vehicle speeding away from the area. Rios-Alani was driving. As authorities attempted to stop the vehicle, Rios-Alanis continued at a high rate of speed, eventually losing a tire.
Law enforcement approached and removed him, at which time they noticed bundles within the vehicle. They conducted a further search of the vehicle and discovered 10 bundles containing marijuana with a total weight of 203.9 kilograms (448.5 pounds).
Rios-Alanis told law enforcement in return for transporting the narcotics within the United States, he expected to not have to pay for his illegal entry into the country.
Rios-Alanis has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Oscar Ponce prosecuted the case.
Mexican national admits laundering $1.5 million on behalf of CartelRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 40-year-old associate of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) has pleaded guilty to drug trafficking and money laundering offenses, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar H. Hamdani.
Mexican national Victor Miguel Curiel Valadez admitted to conspiring to launder monetary instruments, possession with intent to distribute meth and that he was an associate of the CJNG.
Members and associates of the CJNG hired Valadez to retrieve drug proceeds in the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia and move them back to Mexico.
From 2016 to 2019, Valadez recruited others in Chicago, Illinois; Atlanta, Georgia; Detroit, Michigan; Kansas City, Missouri, and other cities across the United States to pick up drug proceeds in the United States. Those individuals were in possession of drug proceeds that needed to be moved to Mexico. Valadez then coordinated the transfer of proceeds back to Mexico through financial institutions.
Valadez and co-conspirators laundered more than $1.5 million in drug proceeds during the course of the conspiracy.
He also admitted in February 2018 that he negotiated and coordinated the distribution of three kilograms of meth. He proceeded to direct a co-conspirator to deliver the meth to an individual in Houston.
“The CJNG is one of the most powerful and dangerous criminal organizations in Mexico, characterized by a business model of extreme violence and trafficking in the most deadly of substances - cocaine, heroin, meth and fentanyl - relying on money launderers and drug distributors, like Valadez, to wash its ill-gotten gains and infect local communities with drugs,” said Hamdani. “This prosecution should serve as a warning to the Mexican cartels of my office’s focus on dismantling and disrupting their operations, while holding to account anyone who seeks to help launder monies and deliver dangerous drugs that destroy our neighborhoods and communities.”
U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison has set sentencing for Nov. 20. At that time, Valadez faces up to life in federal prison and a possible $1o million maximum fine for the drug conviction. He also faces up to 20 years and a $500,000 maximum fine or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction, whichever is greater, for the money laundering conspiracy.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted investigation as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration and IRS Criminal Investigation. These such cooperative matters provide for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations. The specific mission of the Houston Strike Force is to disrupt and dismantle the drug trafficking organizations that are designated as Consolidated Priority Organization or Regional Priority Organization Targets and that impact Houston and south Texas. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anibal J. Alaniz and Casey N. MacDonald are prosecuting the case.
Dual citizen arrested for unlawfully exporting U.S. technology to IranRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - A 76-year-old man has been taken into custody on charges of smuggling parts and components used in the production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as well as other manned aircraft, from the United States to Iran.
Gholam Reza Goodarzi aka Ron Goodarzi is a dual U.S. and Iranian citizen who resides in Porter. Authorities arrested him Aug. 30 at George Bush Intercontinental Airport upon the filing of a federal criminal complaint. He has now made his initial appearance, at which time the complaint was unsealed, and he was ordered into custody pending a detention hearing set for Sept. 5 at 10 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Yvonne Ho.
“Smuggling aircraft parts into Iran endangers U.S. national security by potentially enhancing Iran's military capabilities, enabling them to advance their aerial combat potential, increase regional power and threaten U.S. allies and interests in the Middle East,” said U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. “This prosecution represents my office’s core commitment - in partnership with the DOJ’s National Security Division, FBI and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) - to disrupt and hold accountable Goodarzi’s alleged efforts to evade sanctions against Iran, a hostile nation.”
“For years, the defendant allegedly used proxy destinations to try to smuggle UAV components and other controlled technology to Iran, even concealing controlled items in his own luggage,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The Justice Department and our law enforcement partners are committed to vigorously enforcing export controls to protect U.S. national security.”
“Illegally smuggling sensitive U.S. technology to a foreign nation jeopardizes our national security and undermines the integrity of our trade laws,” said Robert Wells, FBI Executive Assistant Director of the National Security Branch. “The U.S. does not tolerate illegal smuggling of our advanced tech to our adversaries, and the FBI will work with our partners to vigorously pursue and hold accountable those who violate our laws and put our country at risk.”
According to court documents, from Dec. 1, 2020, through July 5, 2024, Goodarzi illegally exported aircraft-related parts, in addition to oil and drilling components, to Iran. Goodarzi allegedly purchased U.S.-origin aircraft components from U.S.-based suppliers and then exported them to Iran – typically through Dubai, UAE. He also traveled to and from Iran multiple times per year and concealed aircraft parts and other items in his checked luggage, according to the charges.
Goodarzi also allegedly exchanged multiple emails with suppliers and customers, acknowledging that parts could not be shipped to Iran because of sanctions.
The complaint alleges that on several occasions, authorities searched Goodarzi’s luggage and found numerous aircraft parts and components hidden within articles of clothing. Some of the items allegedly had characteristics consistent with parts for the production of UAVs as well as parts with electrical motor and/or generator applications.
Goodarzi does not have the required licenses to export such items to sanctioned countries, including Iran, according to the complaint.
If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
The FBI conducted the investigation with assistance from CBP as part of the Disruptive Technology Strike Force.
The task force is an interagency law enforcement strike force the departments of Justice and Commerce co-lead, designed to target illicit actors, protect supply chains and prevent authoritarian regimes and hostile nation states to acquire critical technology. Under the leadership of the Assistant Attorney General for National Security and the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Enforcement, the strike force leverages tools and authorities across the U.S. government to enhance the criminal and administrative enforcement of export control laws.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Winter is prosecuting the case along with Trial Attorney Christopher Cook of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section.
A complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Dual U.S. and Iranian Citizen Arrested for Unlawfully Exporting U.S. Technology to IranRead the Press Release
Gholam Reza Goodarzi, also known as Ron Goodarzi, 76, a dual U.S. and Iranian citizen who resides in Porter, Texas, made his initial appearance today in the Southern District of Texas following his arrest at the George Bush International Airport on Aug. 30. Goodarzi is charged by criminal complaint with smuggling parts and components used in the production of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as well as other manned aircraft, from the United States to Iran.
“For years, the defendant allegedly used proxy destinations to try to smuggle UAV components and other controlled technology to Iran, even concealing controlled items in his own luggage,” said Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department’s National Security Division. “The Justice Department and our law enforcement partners are committed to vigorously enforcing export controls to protect U.S. national security.”
“Smuggling aircraft parts into Iran endangers U.S. national security by potentially enhancing Iran's military capabilities, enabling them to advance their aerial combat potential, increase regional power and threaten U.S. allies and interests in the Middle East,” said U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani for the Southern District of Texas. “This prosecution represents my office’s core commitment – in partnership with the Justice Department’s National Security Division, FBI and Customs and Border Protection – to disrupt and hold accountable Goodarzi’s alleged efforts to evade sanctions against Iran, a hostile nation.”
“Illegally smuggling sensitive U.S. technology to a foreign nation jeopardizes our national security and undermines the integrity of our trade laws,” said Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI's National Security Branch. “The U.S. does not tolerate illegal smuggling of our advanced tech to our adversaries, and the FBI will work with our partners to vigorously pursue and hold accountable those who violate our laws and put our country at risk."
According to court documents, from December 1, 2020, through July 5, Goodarzi illegally exported aircraft-related parts, in addition to oil and drilling components, to Iran. As alleged, Goodarzi purchased U.S.-origin aircraft components from U.S.-based suppliers and then exported them to Iran – typically through Dubai, UAE.
He also traveled to and from Iran multiple times per year and concealed aircraft parts and other items in his checked luggage.
Goodarzi exchanged multiple emails with suppliers and customers, acknowledging that parts could not be shipped to Iran because of sanctions.
The complaint alleges that on several occasions, authorities searched Goodarzi’s luggage and found numerous aircraft parts and components hidden within articles of clothing. Some of the items had characteristics consistent with parts for the production of UAVs, as well as parts with electrical motor and generator applications.
Goodarzi does not have the required licenses to export such items to sanctioned countries, including Iran, according to the complaint.
If convicted, he faces a penalty of up to 10 years in prison for the charge of smuggling goods and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The FBI, with assistance from and Customs and Border Protection, is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Winter for the Southern District of Texas and Trial Attorney Christopher Cook of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.
This prosecution is being coordinated through the Disruptive Technology Strike Force, an interagency law enforcement strike force co-led by the Departments of Justice and Commerce designed to target illicit actors, protect supply chains, and prevent critical technology from being acquired by authoritarian regimes and hostile nation states. Under the leadership of the Assistant Attorney General for National Security and the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Export Enforcement, the Strike Force leverages tools and authorities across the U.S. Government to enhance the criminal and administrative enforcement of export control laws.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Bryan resident heads to prison for attempted robbery and assault of postal workerRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 26-year-old Bryan resident has been sentenced after a conviction for assaulting and attempting to rob a postal worker, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
The jury deliberated for two hours before convicting Adon Bryce Clary March 22 of attempted robbery of a post office with a dangerous weapon, assault of a public official with a dangerous weapon and assault of public officials with intent to commit a felony following a four-day trial.
U.S. District Judge George Hanks has now ordered Clary to serve 84 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court considered statements from postal employees and customers, including one victim that explained the harrowing experience they underwent and the effect it continues to have on their lives. In handing down the sentence, Judge Hanks noted Clary could not be trusted to not put others in harm’s way if released.
On April 29, 2019, Clary entered the post office located at 2121 Wm. Bryan Parkway in Bryan. Clary proceeded to bang a Game of Thrones beer bottle while pointing an apparent firearm at the clerks. Clary demanded all of the mail while stating Clary had a gun. The “firearm” was actually an empty pack of green Paul Maul menthol cigarettes.
Five postal workers, three post office customers, three Bryan police officers and two postal inspectors testified during the trial. The postal workers and civilians all explained in emotional detail the fear they had for their lives.
In addition, the jury saw body camera video from the officers and a cell phone video of the incident which one of the postal workers took.
Clary will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Anthony Porto and Adam Laurence Goldman prosecuted the case.
Laredoan receives max for possessing pornographic images of children, including his own minor relativeRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 33-year-old man has been ordered to prison for receipt and possession of child pornography, some of which depicted sexual abuse of babies and toddlers, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
David de los Santos pleaded guilty March 3, 2022.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana has now sentenced de los Santos to a total of 240 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court also heard that some of the images de los Santos possessed were of a two-year-old minor relative. In imposing the imprisonment, the court enhanced the sentence to the maximum possible term, noting the graphic images of the relative.
The court also noted the severity of de los Santos’ crimes. He was further ordered to pay $84,304 in restitution to known victims and will serve five 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. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
“A parent’s worst nightmare is to discover someone you trusted with your family, such as a relative, was actually preying on your child’s innocence,” said Hamdani. “De los Santos made that nightmare a terrifying reality, but thankfully he is now off the streets and out of our community, allowing for the possibility that his victims can start to heal.”
The investigation began when authorities discovered an IP address associated with de los Santos had uploaded child pornography online.
On July 1, 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his home. At that time, they found and seized several electronic devices which contained child pornography and took de los Santos into custody. He was ultimately found to be in possession of 1,038 images and 393 videos of child pornography, which included abuse of babies and toddlers.
The investigation also determined de los Santos was in possession of pornographic images of a minor relative sometimes in his care.
De los Santos 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 Laredo Police Department as part of the Child Exploitation Task Force which also includes FBI, Texas Department of Public Safety, U.S. Marshals Service and United Independent School District Police.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Makens 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.
Houston-area residents charged for narcotics and firearms trafficking in ongoing crime initiativeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON– A total of 20 people are now in custody in the newest charges brought as part of the Department of Justice’s Houston Violent Crime Initiative.
A federal grand jury returned six separate, but related indictments at varying times between July 31-Aug. 22. Of the 17 arrested this week, all have made initial appearances with detention hearings set for Sept. 3 and 4 before U.S. Magistrate Judges Christina Bryan and Yvonne Ho, respectively. The remaining three had previously been in custody on related charges and are expected to make initial appearances before a U.S. magistrate judge in the near future.
The charges allegedly encompass over 30 firearms, meth and more than 15 kilograms of cocaine, collectively. In connection with this week’s arrests, law enforcement executed search warrants that resulted in the seizure of 10 firearms, $26,000 in cash as well as cocaine and crack cocaine.
A total of 15 are charged in two of the indictments with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances as well as multiple substantive counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Some are also charged with illegal possession of firearms and/or criminal possession of a machine gun - a firearm altered with a machine gun conversion device aka switch to fire automatically with one pull of the trigger. One faces a charge of maintaining drug premises.
These indictments are the latest of 23 charging 77 people as a result of the Criminal Division’s Houston Violent Crime Initiative, first announced in September 2022.
This joint effort includes the U.S. Attorney’s Office and local, state and federal law enforcement addresses violent crime by employing, where appropriate, federal laws to prosecute gang members in the southwest and southeast areas of Houston. As part of the initiative, the Criminal Division has dedicated attorneys and other resources to prosecuting violent offenders and assisting intervention, prevention and reentry efforts to address the root causes of violent crime, such as narcotics trafficking. The Office of Justice Programs provides some of the funding for this effort.
If convicted in the drug conspiracies, 15 face up to life in prison as well as varying terms for the substantive counts up to life. Being a felon in possession of a firearm carries a possible 15-year-term of imprisonment, while possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime could result in a consecutive term of at least five years and up to life in prison.
The FBI, Houston Police Department and Texas Department of Public Safety conducted the investigation with assistance from Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Office of Inspector General; police departments in Sugar Land, Missouri City, Pasadena and Pearland; Texas Anti-Gang Center; Texas Highway Patrol; Virginia State Police and departments in Newport News (Virginia), Cincinnati (Ohio) and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport; Sheriff’s Offices in Brazoria, Walker, Madison, Harris, Ft. Bend and Boyd (Kentucky) Counties; District Attorney’s Offices in Harris and Ft. Bend counties; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Marshals Service.
Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Anh-Khoa Tran of the Southern District of Texas (SDTX) is prosecuting the case along with Trial Attorneys Amy L. Schwartz, George Meggali and Shriram Harid of the Justice Department’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section. SDTX AUSA John Ganz and Trial Attorney Adam Tisdall of the Justice Department’s Fraud Section also provided assistance.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Houston-Area Residents Charged for Narcotics and Firearms Trafficking in Ongoing Crime InitiativeRead the Press Release
A total of 17 people were arrested this week in connection with firearms and drug crimes as part of the Justice Department’s Houston Violent Crime Initiative.
Of the 17 defendants arrested this week, all have made initial appearances, and detention hearings are set for Sept. 3 and 4 before U.S. Magistrate Judges Christina Bryan and Yvonne Ho, respectively. Three additional defendants were already in custody on related charges and are expected to make initial appearances before a U.S. magistrate judge in the near future.
According to court documents, between July 31 and Aug. 22, a federal grand jury returned six separate, but related, indictments charging 16 people with crimes related to drug distribution. Two defendants were indicted for illegal possession of a machine gun. One defendant faces a charge of maintaining drug premises.
The charges allege conduct involving over 30 firearms, over 150 grams of methamphetamine, and more than 15 kilograms of cocaine, collectively. In connection with the arrests, law enforcement executed search warrants that resulted in the seizure of 10 firearms, $26,000 in cash, as well as cocaine and crack cocaine.
Sixteen of the defendants are charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances as well as multiple substantive counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of up to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Eight of the defendants are charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and/or possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison for the felon in possession of a firearm offense and a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison for the possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime offense. 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; Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams of the FBI Houston Field Office; and Chief J. Noe Diaz of the Houston Police Department made the announcement.
The FBI, Houston Police Department, and Texas Department of Public Safety conducted the investigation with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Marshals Service and Pearland, Texas, Police Department. The investigation was also assisted by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s Office of Inspector General and state and local law enforcement agencies in Texas, Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky.
Trial Attorney Amy L. Schwartz, George Meggali, and Shriram Harid of the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime and Racketeering Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Anh-Khoa Tran for the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Ganz for the Southern District of Texas and Trial Attorney Adam Tisdall of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section also provided assistance.
These indictments represent the latest of 23 indictments charging 77 defendants as part of the Criminal Division’s Houston Violent Crime Initiative, first announced in September 2022.
This joint effort by the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, and local, state, and federal law enforcement addresses violent crime by employing, where appropriate, federal laws to prosecute gang members and associates in the southwest and southeast areas of Houston. As part of the initiative, the Criminal Division has dedicated attorneys and other resources to prosecuting violent offenders and assisting intervention, prevention, and reentry efforts to address the root causes of violent crime, such as narcotics trafficking. The Department’s Office of Justice Programs provides some of the funding related to this effort.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Former National Guardsman convicted in smuggling conspiracyRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 24-year-old man has admitted to being a scout for an alien smuggling group, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Derrick Terelle Sankey, a native of Alabama, was serving under the authority of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the Rio Grande Valley in 2021.
From March to September 2021, conspirators recruited Sankey into an existing alien smuggling group in which he would provide insight into counter-smuggling activities. He also scouted for vehicles he knew contained individuals who were illegally present in the United States in order to thwart law enforcement from detecting them.
As part of his plea, Sankey also admitted to providing law enforcement information to an alien smuggling organization. He also worked as a scout when loads of aliens would move from Starr and Hidalgo Counties to near the Border Patrol Checkpoint in Jim Wells County.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane will impose sentencing Nov. 12. At that time, Sankey faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
Homeland Security Investigations and DHS – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert L. Guerra Jr. is prosecuting the case.
Former corrections officer admits to accepting bribesRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 26-year-old Three Rivers man has entered a guilty plea to bribery of a public official, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Justin Matthew Gonzalez was a former corrections officer with the federal Bureau of Prisons at the Three Rivers Correctional Institution.
As part of his plea, he admitted to receiving approximately $1,600 in what he described as “bribe” payments in return for smuggling cigarettes into the facility. When he reported to work on or about Feb. 11, 2021, authorities searched his bag and discovered 16 packets of cigarettes.
“Public service is a public trust, especially for those in positions in corrections and law enforcement,” said Hamdani. “The vast majority of these officers serve with honesty and integrity. However, we must still root out any and all forms of corruption or abuse in our federal prisons and hold accountable those who choose to break the law themselves.”
“Gonzalez’s selfish acts compromised the safety and security of the federal prison. The Department of Justice – Office of the Inspector General (DOJ-OIG) is committed to rooting out bribery schemes and bringing perpetrators to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Cloey C. Pierce, DOJ-OIG, South Central Region.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales will impose sentencing Nov. 20. At that time, Gonzalez faces up to 15 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Gonzalez was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The Department of Justice - Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa Collins and Carolyn Ferko are prosecuting the case.
Straw purchasing rifles sends McAllen man to prisonRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 22-year-old man has been sentenced for illegally purchasing firearms on behalf of a Mexican national, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Juan Hector Resendez-Meza III pleaded guilty May 31.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Resendez-Meza to serve 24 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
At the time of his plea, Resendez-Meza admitted a man residing in Reynosa, Mexico, approached and asked him to purchase firearms on his behalf.
Resendez-Meza received $16,000 in cash to do so between May and August 2023. At the time of each purchase, Resendez-Meza lied on federal forms, claiming he was the true buyer.
He also admitted to illegally procuring three rifles on behalf of the Mexican citizen including a .50 caliber rifle. In addition, Resendez-Meza had previously bought and sold two pistols to the man.
Previously released on bond, Resendez 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives 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.
Houston custom home builder admits to misusing construction fundsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 39-year-old Houston man has pleaded guilty to wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Brett Michael Detamore, operating as a custom home builder under Detamore Development LLC, fraudulently obtained at least $1.5 million for his personal use by misusing funds intended for the construction of private residences.
Detamore pleaded guilty to a criminal information charging him with one count of wire fraud. Detamore submitted false and fraudulent invoices to banks holding construction loans for single-family residences he had been contracted to build. The false invoices caused the banks to send funds to bank accounts Detamore controlled. Detamore then used the funds for his personal benefit.
As part of his plea agreement, Detamore agreed to forfeit at least $1.5 million he illegally obtained.
U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks will impose sentencing Nov. 5. At that time Detamore faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine as well as full restitution to the victim home owners.
The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the West University Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen Lansden and Suzanne Elmilady are prosecuting the case.
Former energy trader for Vitol Inc. guilty in international bribery and money laundering schemeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 50-year-old former energy trader from Houston has pleaded guilty for his role in a scheme to bribe Mexican government officials to secure contracts for his then-employer Vitol Inc., the U.S. affiliate of the largest independent energy trading firm in the world.
According to court documents, Javier Aguilar and his co-conspirators paid approximately $600,000 in bribes to two senior officials at PEMEX Procurement International Inc. (PPI), a wholly owned affiliate of the Mexican state-owned oil company Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX), in exchange for assistance in winning business for Vitol.
“The Southern District of Texas (SDTX) is ground zero in the fight against foreign bribery and corruption in Latin America,” said U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. “My office’s prosecutors - experts on the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) - will continue to bring justice against those who damage the integrity of Texas’s vital energy sector with illegal advantages fueled by greed. This guilty plea begins the process of repairing the damage caused by Aguilar as well as put on notice those who might seek to emulate him and his cohorts.”
Aguilar was a trader in Vitol’s Houston office. Between 2017 and 2020, he and his co-conspirators paid approximately $600,000 in bribes to two senior officials at PPI to obtain numerous contracts for Vitol to supply hundreds of millions of dollars of ethane to PEMEX. To conceal the scheme, Aguilar and his co-conspirators used a series of fake contracts, sham invoices and shell entities incorporated in Curaçao and Mexico. Aguilar and others also used alias email accounts to communicate about the scheme and code words including “shoes,” “medicine,” “invitations” and “coffee,” to describe the bribes.“Javier Aguilar has now admitted that he bribed foreign officials to win business when he worked as an oil and gas trader at Vitol Inc., using shell companies, fake contracts, sham invoices and alias email accounts,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Aguilar’s guilty plea yesterday follows his conviction at trial on related charges earlier this year. His illegal conduct netted Vitol hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts, and now he will pay the price.”
“With this guilty plea, the defendant admits his role in the widespread corruption of the international commodities market and to casting aside laws and rules that apply to all to unfairly line the pockets of the few,” stated U.S. Attorney Breon Peace of the Eastern District of New York (EDNY). “The actions of the defendant and his co-conspirators and of those who act similarly, destroys people’s faith in their governments, disadvantages those who play by the rules, undermines confidence in American businesses worldwide and will not be tolerated by this office or our law enforcement partners.”
“The FCPA has been the law of the land, and enforceable worldwide, for decades. Yet unscrupulous businessmen still try to bribe their way to profit,” said Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey B. Veltri for the FBI’s Miami Field Office. “My message to them is that the charges and penalties you will face are not worth the gain. I want to commend the U.S Attorney’s Offices for EDNY and SDTX and the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs for their diligence pursuing this case, but especially the agents and analysts who leave no stone unturned in pursuit of FCPA violators.”
Aguilar pleaded guilty to conspiracy to violate the FCPA and to a violation of the Travel Act. The FCPA conspiracy charge, which an SDTX grand jury brought, related to conduct that was initially charged in the EDNY. As part of his guilty plea, Aguilar consented to transfer the Texas case to New York, to consolidate the cases and to forfeit $7,129,938. The plea follows Aguilar’s related conviction at trial in February for conspiracy to violate the FCPA, violating the FCPA and conspiracy to commit money laundering in connection with schemes to bribe Ecuadorian and Mexican officials. At sentencing, he faces a maximum of 20 years in federal prison on the money laundering conviction and five years on each of the other offenses.
In December 2020, Vitol admitted to bribing officials in Ecuador, Mexico and Brazil in violation of the anti-bribery provisions of the FCPA. Vitol entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the EDNY. As a part of the resolution, Vitol agreed to pay a combined $135 million in penalties as part of a coordinated resolution with the Department of Justice, Commodity Futures Trading Commission and authorities in Brazil.
Seven of Aguilar’s co-conspirators have pleaded guilty for their role in the scheme and are awaiting sentencing. These individuals have agreed to forfeit more than $63 million in connection with this and related schemes.
FBI Miami’s International Corruption Squad conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherin Daniel and Deputy Chief Suzanne Elmilady for the SDTX are prosecuting the case along with Trial Attorney Clayton P. Solomon and Assistant Chiefs Derek J. Ettinger and Jonathan P. Robell of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section, Trial Attorney D. Hunter Smith and Deputy Chief Adam J. Schwartz of the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS) and EDNY Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew R. Galeotti, Nick M. Axelrod and Jonathan P. Lax. MLARS Special Financial Investigations Unit and Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs also provided substantial assistance.
The Criminal Division’s Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting FCPA and Foreign Extortion Prevention Act matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa.
The Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Initiative is led by a team of dedicated prosecutors in MLARS, in partnership with federal law enforcement agencies, and often with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, to forfeit the proceeds of foreign official corruption. Individuals with information about possible proceeds of foreign corruption located in or laundered through the United States should contact federal law enforcement or send an email to [email protected] or https://tips.fbi.gov/.
Fraudster sentenced for nationwide scheme to sell thousands of fake Texas paper vehicle tagsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 35-year-old Dallas man who formerly resided in Houston has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of conspiring to commit wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Daniel Rocky Christine-Tani pleaded guilty Nov. 29, 2023, to conspiring with others to buy and sell thousands of fraudulent Texas-issued temporary buyer tags for car sales when no cars were actually sold.
U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks Jr. has now ordered Christine-Tani to serve 93 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard how Christine-Tani and others engaged in a widespread fraud to use fictitious car dealerships to generate and sell Texas temporary buyer tags without actually selling cars. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that Christine-Tani committed the offense utilizing mass marketing and sophisticated means. Christine-Tani must also pay restitution to the Texas Department of Motor vehicles in the amount of $3,440,625.
“The prosecution sounded the alarm that led to changes in Texas law which will make paper vehicle tags a thing of the past by next year,” said Hamdani. “Christine-Tani’s behavior was part of an epidemic of fake Texas paper tags that threatened the safety of Texans and citizens throughout the United States.”
“Through the sale of thousands of fake Texas temporary tags, Christine-Tani and his partners permitted criminals to commit crimes without fearing the consequences,” said FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams. “This paper tag scheme enabled criminals to use fake Texas buyer tags while perpetrating violent crimes like drive-by shootings and armed robberies. FBI Houston agents proudly worked alongside law enforcement partners across the nation to dismantle this conspiracy which endangered so many American lives.”
Christine-Tani and co-conspirators used the internet to buy and sell the fraudulent state-issued buyer tags and exchange proceeds from the illegal tag sales.
At the time of his plea, Christine-Tani acknowledged he and his co-conspirators used accounts on Google Mail, Instagram and Facebook to receive and deliver fraudulent buyer tags to illegal sellers and to make purchases all over the United States.
He also admitted he and his co-conspirators received and shared fraud proceeds via electronic payment services such as Cash App and Zelle.
Christine-Tani was taken into custody following the sentencing hearing.
Emmanuel Padilla Reyes aka Christian Hernandez Bonilla or Noel Rivera is still a fugitive in this case. The FBI is offering a $5,000 reward to anyone providing information that directly leads to his arrest. Those with information about the fugitive’s location should call 1-800-call-FBI or email TIPS.FBI.GOV.
The FBI conducted the investigation with assistance of Travis County Precinct 3 Constable’s Office, Houston Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, Harris County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police and New York City Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Belinda Beek and Adam Goldman prosecuted the case.
NIRP and founder to pay nearly $9M to resolve alleged kickback referral violationsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – National Interventional Radiology Partners PLLC (NIRP) along with its founder and its CEO have agreed to pay to the United States $8,884,091 to resolve Federal False Claims Act (FCA) and Anti-Kickback Statute violation allegations, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
The settlement claims NIRP and Dr. Andrew Gomes, 48, Sugar Land, illegally paid physicians for referrals to clinics established to surgically treat patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD), a circulatory disease which causes plaque build-up in the arteries. It most commonly affects the lower legs of elderly individuals.
Beginning in 2015, Gomes established a number of clinics throughout Texas under the NIRP umbrella to surgically treat PAD. Gomes raised capital for these clinics from physicians who had medical practices that would provide a strong patient base for Medicare referrals including primary care physicians, doctors of podiatric medicine and family practitioners.
Gomes’ pitch to the investor physicians was that they could ensure high returns on their investment in each surgical center from referring significant numbers of patients for treatment. Gomes told the investing physicians that more patient referrals would lead to more revascularization surgeries and higher profits – which funnels back to the investing physicians as monthly dividends.
Gomes also told the physicians that once the surgical centers were up, running and profitable, they could be sold which would create additional value for investors. Surgeries such as arteriograms, angiograms, angioplasties and atherectomies that revascularize the lower limbs of patients with PAD are highly compensated procedures.
“Healthcare providers that pursue patient referrals through improper financial arrangements will be held accountable,” said Hamdani. “These types of improper financial arrangements corrupt medical decision making, increase costs and undermine the integrity of federally funded health programs. Patients deserve care based upon their specific medical needs and not on an individual physician’s financial interest or gain.”
“Medical providers and others who unlawfully accept kickbacks for patient referrals undermine the integrity of medical decision-making and waste taxpayer dollars,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows of Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General (DHHS-OIG). "We remain committed to working with our law enforcement partners and prosecutors to hold those who defraud Medicare accountable and restore the integrity of the Medicare trust fund.”
“Dr. Gomes and NIRP clearly prioritized greed above the health and well-being of their elderly patients,” said FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams. “We applaud the qui tam whistleblower who exposed this scheme and encourage others to report illegal medical practices. FBI Houston will continue to identify and investigate those who would undermine the integrity of our healthcare system for their own financial gain.”
This civil settlement resolves claims brought under the qui tam or whistleblower provisions of the FCA. Under those provisions, a private party can file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of the recovery. In this instance, the whistleblower filed his complaint in late 2018, which triggered this investigation. The whistleblower will receive 19 percent of the recovery or $1,687,977. The FCA is one of the most powerful tools that the federal government has in its arsenal combat health care fraud.
The investigation and resolution of the allegations was the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, DHHS-OIG and FBI.
Former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Bobb and Julie Redlinger handled the case.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
Laredo felon indicted for trafficking fentanyl and possessing various firearmsRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 39-year-old man has been charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, distribution of fentanyl, being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a machine gun, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
A federal grand jury has now returned a four-count indictment against Rolando Soliz. Previously in custody upon the filing of a criminal complaint Aug. 1, he is set to appear for his arraignment on the indictment in the near future.
According to the charges, over the course of two days, law enforcement conducted surveillance on Soliz. During the surveillance, authorities witnessed him allegedly perform multiple hand-to-hand narcotics transactions. Law enforcement stopped one of his customers who they searched and arrested for possession of fentanyl, according to the charges.
The charges further allege the customer had previously purchased fentanyl from Soliz. On previous occasions, he had also allegedly seen large quantities of fentanyl in Soliz’s apartment.
On July 31, authorities executed two search warrants for properties associated with Soliz and found 10 firearms including a short-barrel rifle with no serial number with modifications to operate as a machine gun, according to the charges.
As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition per federal law.
In addition to the firearms, law enforcement allegedly discovered nearly 25 grams of fentanyl and seized $16,311 in U.S. currency.
If convicted, Soliz faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $1 million maximum fine.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Customs and Border Protection, Webb County Attorney’s Office and Webb County Constables.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew P. Hakala-Finch is prosecuting the case.
Jury convicts federal inmate for punching and injuring deputy U.S. marshalRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A federal jury has returned a guilty verdict against a man with ties to the Humble area for the assault of federal officer resulting in bodily injury, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
The jury deliberated for approximately two hours before finding Cedric Tyrone Walker, 42, guilty after a two-day trial.
The jury heard that on Dec. 27, 2022, authorities learned that on two occasions Walker failed to return in a timely manner to the residential reentry center (RRC), also referred to as a halfway house, where he was serving a federal prison sentence.
Law enforcement told the RRC Walker should be transported back to a federal detention center. However, Walker was reluctant to comply with instructions from authorities and struck a deputy U.S. marshal (DUSM) in the mouth with a closed fist.
A struggle ensued on the ground, and authorities restrained Walker after two taser deployments. Law enforcement then took Walker to a federal detention center and refused medical attention.
The injured DUSM arrived at the emergency room where he received treatment for a laceration on his lip which required 12 stitches. As a result of the assault, he also sustained two chipped teeth.
“The U.S. Marshals Service is the oldest federal law enforcement agency, and for over 200 years they have performed some of law enforcement’s most dangerous work,” said Hamdani. “While Walker may have not known that long history, he should have known that striking a DUSM with a closed fist comes with severe consequences and would not go unnoticed. We noticed when we brought this case against Walker and so did 12 of his fellow citizens in handing down today’s guilty verdict.”
The defense attempted to convince the jury Walker did not cause the injury. They did not believe those claims and found him guilty as charged.
U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks presided over the trial and set sentencing for Oct. 31. At that time, Walker faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carrie Wirsing and Anna Swanson are prosecuting the case.
Houston felon sent to prison for possessing machine gunRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 28-year-old Houston man has been sentenced for being a felon in possession of a firearm and machine gun conversion devices (MCDs), announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Lenard Butler pleaded guilty April 22.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has now handed Butler a 37-month-term of imprisonment to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
On May 28, 2022, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on a Dodge Challenger on Highway 59 near Edna. Butler was driving.
At that time, they detected an odor of marijuana and asked if there was anything illegal in the vehicle – including weapons – which Butler denied. He stated he had smoked marijuana “hours ago.”
Authorities conducted a search of the vehicle which resulted in the discovery of a small baggie of marijuana residue and a Glock pistol located under the front passenger seat. Attached to the firearm was a gold MCD with the word “Glock” inscribed on the back of the device.
MCDs alter the firing mechanism of the guns to allow them to fire multiple shots automatically. MCDs are considered machine guns under the law and are illegal to possess.
Additionally, as a convicted felon Butler is prohibited from possessing firearms 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 and Texas Department of Public Safety conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patti Booth prosecuted the case.
Trafficking illegal machine guns and silencers sends Pasadena man to prisonRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 28-year-old man has been sentenced for the unlicensed sale of firearms and possession of a machine gun, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Austin Shofner pleaded guilty May 23, admitting he sold multiple privately manufactured firearms and machine gun conversion devices (MCDs).
U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein Jr. has now ordered Shofner to serve a 120-month-term of imprisonment for the possession and transfer of a machine gun charge and 60 months for unlicensed firearms sales which will be served concurrently. The total 10-year prison term will be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. Shofner was further ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $2,000. In handing down the sentence, the court noted this sentence reflects the need for deterrence due to the nature of the offense and Shofner’s criminal history.
“Austin Shofner wanted to build his illegal gun manufacturing business, supplying deadly machine guns, devices that converted handguns into machine guns, automatic rifles and silencers to anyone who would pay,” said Hamdani. “He had big dreams until he ran into an undercover agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Entrepreneurs are an important part of America’s fabric, but not Austin Shofner’s kind. Instead of counting his profits, Shofner will be counting down days, the thousands of days he will spend in a federal prison.”
“Engaging in the business of firearms sales without proper licensing is a violation of law that the ATF will continue to investigate aggressively,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael Weddel of the ATF. “MCDs pose a grave risk to law enforcement and the general public. We are committed to fighting against the dangers that they pose.”
Beginning in January, Shofner sold several privately manufactured firearms with no mark or serial number, commonly known as “ghost guns.” He also sold machine gun conversion devices aka switches and firearm silencers at various locations in the Houston metropolitan area to undercover authorities via Instagram.
During one transaction, Shofner described a silencer he was selling as “illegal as [expletive].”
Additionally, Shofner had stated that selling firearms and switches was his primary source of income and detailed his plans to expand his firearm manufacturing operation.
On March 7, authorities executed a search warrant at Shofner’s residence in Pasadena where they found a Glock pistol, a pistol frame, an assault-style pistol and a suppressor. As part of the overall investigation, law enforcement also seized five MCDs, two silencers and five ghost guns which included a machine gun and a short-barreled rifle.
About an inch long, switches may be made of metal or plastic and printed on commercially available 3D printers. They generally slide into the butt of a gun and allow the shooter to fully automatically fire, unloading dozens of rounds with a single pull of the trigger. In contrast, regular semi-automatic firearms require a separate trigger pull for each round fired.
Shofner will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
ATF conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Byron H. Black prosecuted the case.
This case is being prosecuted 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.
Foreign national heads to prison for trafficking over 17 kilograms of meth in the Conroe areaRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 36-year-old Mexican citizen illegally residing in Houston has been sentenced for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and possession with intent to distribute meth, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
A federal jury deliberated for less than five hours before convicting Alberto Ramos-Nogueda Feb. 7.
U.S. District Judge Sim Lake has now ordered Ramos-Nogueda to serve 210 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. In imposing sentence, Judge Lake noted that credible evidence showed Ramos-Nogueda played an essential role in the conspiracy and made the choice to participate in the distribution of a large quantity of a dangerous substance that affects many people.
“Seventeen kilos of crystal meth is a lot of deadly meth for any size city, no matter how large,” said Hamdani. “Had Ramos-Nogueda been successful in bringing the drugs into Conroe, many there and in other nearby communities north of Houston, such as The Woodlands and Kingwood, could have fallen victim to meth’s deadly effects. Thanks to law enforcement’s surveillance and hard work, including chasing him down into the woods, Ramos-Nogueda’s efforts to destroy lives for his own personal profit came up short and left him in prison.”
In May 2022, law enforcement conducted surveillance at a hotel in north Houston believing a large amount of meth was going to be transported through Houston into the Conroe area. Authorities observed Ramos-Nogueda arrive at the hotel carrying a large cardboard box into one of the rooms. Shortly thereafter, he left with Hector Hernandez-Velasquez.
He then placed the box into his vehicle and began to drive north on Highway 45 toward Conroe with Hernandez-Velasquez. When authorities attempted to stop them, both fled on foot. Law enforcement quickly took Hernandez-Velasquez into custody, but Ramos-Nogueda fled into a wooded area. They were able to apprehend him as well just a few hours later.
Law enforcement seized the box and discovered over 17 kilograms of crystal meth.
Hernandez-Velasquez, 49, illegally residing in Pharr, previously pleaded guilty and is set for sentencing Oct. 24. At that time, he faces up to life in prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
Ramos-Nogueda 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 Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Conroe Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Stabe and Jimmy Leo prosecuted the case.
15 charged in Brazoria County narcotics ringRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Several individuals are set to appear for detention hearings for their alleged roles in two large-scale conspiracies to distribute meth, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Those taken into custody include Clute residents Joseph Andre Luna, 40, Jacklyn Luna, 37, and David Allen Nunez, 37; Houston resident Eloy Tre Delarosa, 27; Juan Manuel Lara, 42, Angleton; James Wayne Andrews, 40, Bay City; Andrew Bryan Compian, 41, Wharton; and Luis Angel Rodriguez, 45, Lake Jackson. All are scheduled for a detention hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard W. Bennett at 9 a.m.
Co-conspirator Mary Alice Galindo, 48, Oyster Creek, is set to make an initial appearance Aug. 21, while Edward Villarreal Humphrey, 43, Oyster Creek, is in custody in another county and will appear in Houston in the near future.
Also charged are Irvin Lopez, 33, Clute, and Lake Jackson residents Monissa Shayla Najera, 35, Liliana Contreras, 35, Jordan Rodriguez, 18, and Robert Blake Partlow, 30, who have already made initial appearances.
The indictment, returned Aug. 7 and unsealed Aug. 8 upon the arrests, stems from a months-long investigation into narcotics distribution organizations working within Brazoria County.
All are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance with several facing substantive counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
If convicted of any of the charges, each faces up to life prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Brazoria County District Attorney’s Office, Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office, police departments in Houston and Aransas Pass, Texas Department of Public Safety, U.S. Marshals Service and San Patricio County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian J. Hrach and Lisa M. Collins 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.
Spring resident admits to embezzling over $900,000 from local HVAC companyRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 51-year-old woman has pleaded guilty in a wire fraud embezzlement scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
For approximately 26 years, Sonia Yvonne Rodriguez worked as an office manager for a local heating, ventilating and air-conditioning company.
As part 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.
U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett accepted the plea and has set sentencing for Nov. 21. At that time, Rodriguez faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
She was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The Secret Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sherin Daniel and James Hu prosecuted the case.
Houston resident heads to prison for decades for trafficking minorRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 21-year-old man has been sentenced to federal prison for sex trafficking of a 16-year-old girl for commercial sex, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Antonio Dario Osorio-Avelar aka Pressure pleaded guilty April 18, 2023.
U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks Jr. has now ordered Osorio-Avelar to serve 375 months in federal prison. In handing down the prison term, the court heard additional information about his significant criminal history. He also gave a different minor victim to a criminal associate. The court also heard testimony from the victim who, with grace and strength, detailed how Osorio-Avelar’s actions destroyed her familial relationships. In imposing the sentence, Judge Hanks noted although Osorio-Avelar attempted to claim immaturity, he still knew what he was doing and manipulated people and lost. Additionally, Judge Hanks noted Osorio-Avelar was a danger to those around him, and his actions will affect every relationship the victim has and will have.
Osorio-Avelar will also serve 15 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. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. Restitution will be determined at a later date.
“Osorio-Avelar claimed immaturity caused him to force a 16-year-old to walk the Blade, a notorious area known for prostitution. There is a difference between immaturity and evil, and Osorio-Avelar is evil,” said Hamdani. “Those like Osorio-Avelar who take what they want by means of force or intimidation will never acquiesce to societal norms. Judge Hanks' 30-year sentence protects society’s most vulnerable from predators like Osario-Avelar.”
“With today’s sentence we have removed a dangerous predator from the community who used physical and sexual abuse, threats of violence and psychological manipulation to groom and control a minor victim and force her to engage in commercial sex for his own profit,” said Special Agent in Charge Mark Dawson of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “The unspeakable atrocities that he committed to break her down and control every aspect of her life are truly abhorrent, but unfortunately are all too common among human traffickers. HSI remains committed to continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue the vile human trafficking organizations preying on our most vulnerable populations and to help connect victims with the trauma-informed services that they need to recover from their nightmare.”
Osorio-Avelar trafficked a 16-year-old minor female for commercial sex during January 2023, with barely any clothes on in freezing temperatures. After recruiting her in Dallas, he brought her and another adult female he controlled to Houston to engage in commercial sex.
Osorio-Avelar manipulated the minor victim, provided her with a phone to track her and frequently brandished a firearm in her presence.
Throughout the time the minor victim was with him, Osorio-Avelar supplied her with drugs and condoms. He directed when she ate, slept and worked. He also set a daily quota of $500 for her and coerced her into walking the “track” and appearing in online ads for commercial sex.
When he was not causing her to engage in commercial sex, Osorio-Avelar was having violent sex with her himself, knowing she was just 16 years old. He also had the minor victim record videos of herself engaging in sex acts and sell them. Osorio-Avelar took all proceeds.
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.
HSI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Houston Police Department, Texas Juvenile Justice Department - Office of Inspector General as part of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA). Established in 2004, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Houston formed HTRA to combine resources with federal, state and local enforcement agencies and prosecutors as well as non-governmental service organizations to target human traffickers while providing necessary services to those that the traffickers victimized. Since its inception, HTRA has been recognized as both a national and international model in identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking and prosecuting those engaged in trafficking offenses.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherri L. Zack prosecuted the case.
Jury convicts Cuban national for transporting non-citizens through checkpointRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A federal jury has returned a guilty verdict against a Cuban national residing in Odessa for unlawfully transporting undocumented individuals, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
The jury deliberated for less than an hour before finding Mario Enrique Nerey-Valdivia, 50, guilty following a one-day trial.
The jury heard that Nerey-Valdivia drove a tractor-trailer to the Border Patrol Checkpoint near Falfurrias. During an immigration inspection, law enforcement noticed an individual trying to hide in the bed compartment of the tractor.
Upon further inspection, authorities discovered five undocumented people on the bunk beds covered with blankets.
At trial, the defense attempted to convince the jury he had no knowledge of the individuals inside the cab of his truck. They did not believe those claims and found him guilty as charged.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales presided over the trial and set sentencing for Nov. 6. At that time, Nerey-Valdivia faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.
Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Lamont and Ashley Martin prosecuted the case.
“Big Shades Bandit” receives lengthy prison termRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 23-year-old Houston resident has been sentenced for committing numerous gunpoint robberies of Houston banks, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Malik Johnson pleaded guilty Feb. 23.
U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein has now ordered Johnson to serve 78 months in federal prison for the robberies and 168 months for brandishing of a firearm which will run consecutive for a total prison sentence of 246 months. Johnson must also serve five years of supervised release following his imprisonment. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Johnson’s conduct was not an aberration but instead violent conduct one after another by a serial bank robber.
On June 29, and Sept. 6, 2022, Johnson entered First Convenience Bank on Mykawa Road and First National Bank on 43rd St., respectively. In each instance, he displayed a black pistol, handed the tellers a note demanding money and to do so in seconds. He threated harm if they did not comply. Once he received the money, he exited the bank, leaving behind the notes.
The on Oct. 12, 2022, Johnson approached a teller at the Woodforest National Bank on Rice Ave. and once again handed her a similar threatening note. During this robbery, the teller froze, prompting Johnson to display a semi-automatic pistol. The teller eventually gave him cash from the drawer, but Johnson began to demand more money from the neighboring teller. After receiving additional cash, he left the bank. During the robbery, Johnson wore a black Chicago White Sox baseball cap with the nae “Leek” printed on the side.
Law enforcement received information that the bank robber, who was dubbed the “Big Shades Bandit,” was Johnson. His Instagram account also indicated a connection to the name “leek.” Authorities believed Johnson strongly resembled the suspect in the bank robberies. Johnson also had a registered vehicle matching the vehicle seen in surveillance videos at the banks.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Johnson’s residence and found the clothing worn during the robberies and a semi-automatic pistol.
Johnson later admitted to all the bank robberies and using the semi-automatic pistol.
At the time of his arrest, Johnson wore the black Chicago White Sox hat with “Leek” embroidered on the side.
He 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 with the assistance of Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill Stotts prosecuted the case.
Houston gun dealer convicted of assisting illegal firearms traffickingRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 44-year-old Cypress resident has entered a guilty plea to aiding and abetting engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Nicah Anderson was a federal firearms licensee and former majority owner and operator of NE Guns.
Between December 2022 and March 2023, an individual arranged the purchases of at least 41 firearms from NE Guns. However, that person never personally purchased the guns, but instead had straw purchasers actually obtain the guns. The individual then carried the guns out of NE Guns and quickly resold them. Anderson knew about the resales prior to the arrangement of the purchases.
Some of the firearms included Barret .50 caliber, military-grade sniper rifles; FN SCAR 17S, .308 caliber rifles and 9 millimeter pistols. These guns are known weapons of choice for Mexican drug cartels.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant at NE Guns July 19, 2023. Among other things, they seized 266 firearms, 138,940 rounds of ammunition, seven silencers and NE Guns’ business records. The investigation found that between October 2022 and August 2023, NE Guns received $115,000 from purchases suspected straw purchasers had made.
“Weapons of war, including a .50 caliber gun, walked out of Nicah Anderson’s gun store in the arms of straw purchasers, and he knew it,” said Hamdani. “Investigations such as these stop illegal firearms trafficking at the source. Because of gun violence in large cities like Houston, there is absolutely no place or patience for gun dealers like Anderson who seek to profit from illegal straw purchases.”
“This investigation is a clear illustration of the importance of investigating illegal firearms trafficking,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael Weddel of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “Firearms trafficking is a direct contributor to the gun violence that we fight every day. This defendant chose profit over helping to maintain the safety of the general public and will be held accountable for those repeated decisions.”
U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison accepted the plea and set sentencing for Oct. 24. As part of his plea agreement, Anderson is expected to serve a two-year prison sentence. Anderson was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.
ATF conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kate Suh and John Ganz prosecuted the case.
Former postal worker admits to stealing from mailRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 35-year-old Houston postal worker has pleaded guilty to opening mail and stealing money and gift cards, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Laura Aguirre was employed as a postal clerk responsible for processing mail for delivery from Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2023.
The investigation revealed Aguirre had opened some of the mail entrusted with her and stole cash and gift cards totaling at least $2,500. She was terminated and charged with theft of mail as a postal employee.
U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein Jr. accepted the plea and set sentencing for Nov. 1. At that time, Aguirre 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.
The U.S. Postal Service-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Chu is prosecuting the case.
McAllen man imprisoned for using Instagram to solicit sexual images from young childrenRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 23-year-old man has been sentenced for attempting to coerce and entice a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Israel Ruiz pleaded guilty March 29.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now sentenced Ruiz to 210 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court heard information regarding Ruiz’s methods of manipulation and extortion used against minor children to share photographs constituting child pornography. In handing down the prison terms, Judge Crane noted the danger this offense poses to the community. Ruiz must also serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Ruiz will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
From January to February 2020, Ruiz used Instagram to solicit explicit images from children as young as nine.
The investigation revealed he used several tactics to obtain the pornographic materials including contacting the minor victims via the social media platform. He also intimidated the minors through threats to post other nude images of them or their friends online if additional images were not given to him.
He 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. Attorneys Cahal P. McColgan and Alexa D. Parcell 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.
Former peace officer imprisoned for trafficking drugs and cartel money across state linesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 50-year-old resident of Houston has been sentenced following his conviction of attempted possession with intent to distribute heroin and money laundering, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
A federal jury deliberated for eight hours following a four-day trial before convicting Mohammed “Alex” Ahmed Kassem Feb. 27.
U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal has now ordered Kassem to serve 121 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard arguments about the amount of drugs and money that Kassem transported. In handing down the sentence, the court recognized the unusual nature of the case given Kassem’s reliance on public authority to excuse his conduct and Kassem’s own testimony.
“The sentence reflects the serious nature of the crime by someone sworn to be a public servant,” said Hamdani. “Kassem was willing to use his badge for his own financial gain. This was an important statement to corrupt law enforcement that you will be prosecuted if you go outside the bounds of the law and abuse your position of trust.”
Kassem is a former investigator with the Waller County District Attorney’s (DA) Office. At the trial, the jury heard how he escorted sham heroin and cartel drug money across state lines. He drove from Louisiana to Houston and Houston to San Antonio in his marked police vehicle on three separate occasions for which he was paid a total of $31,000.
At the time of the trial, testimony further revealed Kassem hid money in his bulletproof vest and disguised the sham heroin in an evidence bag to avoid detection.
During the trial, audio and video recordings were presented of each transaction and related text messages. The jury also saw bank records of cash deposits made to Kassem’s personal account after each payment.
Kassem took the stand in his own defense claiming he had authority to commit these crimes. Kassem also maintained that he received implicit approval from the Waller County DA to conduct undercover investigations as part of his role at the DA’s Office. However, the jury heard testimony from his former employer which refuted those statements. The jury ultimately did not believe those claims and found him guilty.
Kassem 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 with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carolyn Ferko and Heather Winter prosecuted the case.
Convicted serial robber gets 21+ years for stealing from Houston cellphone storesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 25-year-old Houston-area man has been sentenced for committing a three-day robbery spree in 2021 which took place just months after his release from prison for another robbery conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Quantez Whiteside pleaded guilty Feb. 20.
U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt has now ordered Whiteside to serve 72 months in federal prison for three counts of interfering with commerce by robbery and a consecutive 168 months for two counts of using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. The sentences will run consecutively. He also received another 18 months for committing these crimes while on federal supervised release for a prior robbery conviction to be served consecutively. His total 258-month-term of imprisonment will be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that committing robberies is not an appropriate way to provide for one’s family.
“As this spree progressed, the robber got sloppy and left his cell number, which essentially served as breadcrumbs leading investigators right to him,” said Hamdani. “Evidently, previously serving two years in federal prison was not enough to deter him from committing these crimes. With today’s sentence, he will have ample opportunity to reflect on his actions and the detrimental impact they had on the victims.”
During the spree, Whiteside unlawfully and forcibly took cellphones and U.S. currency from inside three different Houston-area Metro by T-Mobile (formerly Metro PCS) stores.
Just six months earlier, Whiteside had been released from federal prison after serving a two-year sentence for his role in robbing a Domino’s Pizza delivery driver in 2018.
On Jan. 25, 2021, Whiteside robbed a Metro by T-Mobile store on West Bellfort Road. He pointed a gun at employees, instructed them to get on the ground and verbally threatened to kill them if they did not comply. He left the store with approximately 30 stolen cellphones plus cash.
Then, on Jan. 27 that same year, Whiteside entered a Metro by T-Mobile store on Bissonnet Street, pointed a handgun at employees and forced them to put phones in a pink backpack he brought with him.
Just 30 minutes later, Whiteside entered another Metro by T-Mobile store on Beechnut Street telling an employee he wanted to purchase a phone. He provided his cell number. The employee entered this information into a computer before Whiteside fled with stolen goods.
The phone number was linked to Whiteside’s registered customer account which led investigators to Whiteside’s residence where they found cell phones, firearms and the pink backpack.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Houston Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie Wirsing prosecuted the case.
Smuggler sent to prison after continuing to commit same crime while on bondRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 27-year-old Pharr resident has been sentenced for conspiracy to transport undocumented aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Anthony Lenard Williams pleaded guilty April 28, 2023.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has now ordered Williams to serve 96 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court found that while on bond, Williams continued to coordinate the smuggling of undocumented aliens. Williams was ultimately found responsible for smuggling at least 560 undocumented aliens – only accounting for those authorities have apprehended. The court also heard that the actual number is likely in the thousands. Some of the loads of undocumented aliens included as many 115 people in the back of a tractor-trailer, at times including unaccompanied minors. In one smuggling attempt, some of the people had to be treated for severe dehydration because of the dangerous way they were transported.
Beginning in summer 2021, authorities began investigating an organization responsible for smuggling thousands of undocumented aliens in tractor-trailers. Through the course of that investigation, law enforcement identified Miguel Angel Hernandez and Williams as coordinators.
Hernandez, 26, Donna, was previously sentenced to 108 months for his role in the organization but is believed to have held a a higher position of leadership than Williams.
Previously released on bond, Williams 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.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara J. De Peña prosecuted the case.
Significant sentence handed to Corpus resident for Stripes robbery and bystander shootingRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 22-year-old Corpus Christi man has been sentenced for the robbery and shooting at a Stripes convenience store, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Jose Valdez pleaded guilty April 29.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales has now ordered Valdez to serve 51 months in federal prison for the robbery as well as a consecutive 120 months for the shooting. His total 171-month sentence will be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional testimony from the victim of the shooting, who testified about lingering effects of his injury more than a year later. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that the crimes Valdez committed were some of the most serious crimes the federal court considers.
“The Stripes store is a Corpus Christi original, a place patrons can find gas, a quick snack and a clerk’s welcoming words. No one, however, should ever have to find themselves at the wrong end of a violent criminal’s gun, turning those patrons into victims,” said Hamdani. “Today’ s sentence represents how multiple lives were put at risk only because they happened to cross paths with Jose Valdez and his gun at a local Stripes.”
On June 29, 2023, Valdez approached a Stripes convenience store on Port Street in Corpus Christi at approximately 6:40 a.m. carrying a handgun into the store. Valdez entered, pointed the gun at the clerk and demanded money from the cash register. At the same time, three customers entered the store and observed the robbery taking place.
Valdez ordered them to leave. As they were exiting the store, he shot one of the men in the leg. All three men exited with the two uninjured men taking the third to the hospital for treatment. Valdez turned back to the clerk and demanded she empty all the registers in the store. Valdez took the money, ran out of the store, got into a silver car and drove away.
Law enforcement had ongoing investigations on other aggravated robberies in Corpus Christi and identified Valdez from the Stripes surveillance footage.
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 investigated the case along with assistance from the Corpus Christi Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Martin prosecuted the case.
Million-dollar PPP scheme sends Sugar Land man to prisonRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 43-year-old man has been sentenced for submitting fake and fraudulent Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan application documents and collecting the money for personal use, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Zain Khan pleaded guilty April 10.
U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal has now ordered Khan to serve 48 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional testimony that described how Khan almost immediately lost the money he stole in various stock trading maneuvers. Khan was further ordered to pay $1 million in restitution to the SBA. In handing down the sentence, Judge Rosenthal noted the severity of Khan’s criminal activity at a time when the country was suffering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In or around April 2021, Khan created a fictitious temporary workforce business and payroll documents to qualify for program funds. Khan then converted the program funds for personal use to be invested in stock trading.
The federal government created the PPP under the CARES Act to protect jobs during the 2020 pandemic. The PPP allows entities to apply for low-interest private loans to pay for payroll and certain other related costs.
The scheme caused a loss of more than $1 million.
Khan 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. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Craig M. Feazel and Thomas Carter prosecuted the case.
Houston resident sentenced for having pornographic images of childrenRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 32-year-old man has been ordered to federal prison for receipt and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Cody Wayne Burke pleaded guilty April 15.
U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal has now sentenced Burke to 180 months for both convictions to be served concurrently. At the hearing, the court heard additional information about the vast collection of child pornography discovered on electronic devices seized during a March 2022 search.
Burke will be ordered to pay restitution in an amount to be determined at a later date to identified victims and must serve rest of his life on supervised release following the completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Burke will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
Burke came to the attention of law enforcement based on a cybertip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. An IP address appeared to be uploading child pornography to cloud storage servers. The investigation led to Burke and his residence in Houston.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant and seized electronic devices to include cellphones. Further analysis ultimately revealed Burke possessed a total of 850 images depicting child pornography. His collection included prepubescent minors, bondage and bestiality involving minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S Bureau of Prisons facility in the near future.
The FBI conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sherin Daniel is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources link on that page.
“Frickenwierdo” imprisoned for sending child pornography in chat roomRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 47-year-old Corpus Christi man has been sentenced for distributing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Jonathan Follis pleaded guilty Feb. 5.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales has now ordered Follis to serve 228 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court heard additional information including conversations Follis had with others detailing sexual assaults he committed in the past, including his family members. The court was also provided with numerous impact letters from the victims of the child pornography materials. In handing down the prison terms, the court noted the “horrendous” conduct demonstrated an illness that Follis will be dealing with for the rest of his life. Follis was further ordered to pay $75,000 in restitution to the victims and will serve eight 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. Follis will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
The investigation into Follis began when authorities discovered he was participating in chat rooms involving discussions of child pornography. Follis conducted the majority of these conversations using a cellular phone kept in his office at work.
Law enforcement later conducted a search at that office where they discovered a phone hidden under his keyboard. Follis admitted to using the phone to distribute child pornography.
Law enforcement conducted a forensic analysis of the phone. It confirmed Follis had been engaging in chat rooms discussing child pornography utilizing the username “frickenwierdo.” In addition to those rooms, Follis participated in distributing child pornography in private chats.
The investigation further revealed Follis distributed a video of child pornography April 5, 2023, approximately one month before law enforcement executed the search warrant leading to his arrest.
Follis 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 of the Corpus Christi Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children task force.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Overman and John Marck 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 admits to possessing firearm equipped with machinegun conversion deviceRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 28-year-old man has pleaded guilty to possessing a machinegun, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
On March 12, law enforcement attempted to stop a truck for a traffic infraction with Francisco Isaias Rodriguez riding as a passenger. He exited the vehicle seconds before the stop and began to flee. He was told to stop but he continued on foot.
During the subsequent chase, Rodriguez resisted arrest, ignored commands from authorities and threw a small bag he carried around his shoulder over a fence and into a backyard.
Authorities later recovered the bag and found a Glock 9-millimeter pistol equipped with a machinegun conversion device, commonly known as a “switch.”
The switch altered the firearm’s function to shoot more than one round with a single pull of the trigger, making the firearm a fully-automatic weapon. The bag also contained one Glock pistol magazine with 14 rounds of ammunition, one Kriss extended pistol magazine containing 40 rounds, a pair of black latex gloves, one red and black plastic glove and a black balaclava ski mask.
After his arrest, law enforcement searched the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record for any records pertaining to a registered machinegun, short-barreled rifle or any other weapon under Rodriguez’s name. There were none.
As part of his guilty plea, Rodriguez admitted to knowing federal law prohibits him from possessing the machinegun.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Rodriguez faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Laredo Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Bajew is prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (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.
Firefighter candidate trying to work in the South Pole forged medical documentsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 30-year-old man will have to submit to monitoring following his conviction related to his attempt to circumvent a needed and required screening process for those charged with protecting National Science Foundation (NSF) facilities in Antarctica, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Brandon Mikula pleaded guilty April 23.
At his sentencing hearing, the court heard how Mikula’s conduct was intended to circumvent the medical screening process the NSF imposes upon anyone joining the agency’s mission in Antarctica. The court heard that by submitting false documents and providing false medical information during the screening, Mikula was attempting to undermine a process that aims to protect the lives of the individuals working at the NSF bases in Antarctica - and any rescuers that might be needed for a medical emergency.
“Antarctica is the highest, driest and coldest continent on earth. Average winter temperatures at dip below -75 degrees Fahrenheit. Medical evacuations from NSF’s Antarctica facilities, in those harsh conditions, could take days or weeks in the winter," said Hamdani. "As a firefighter at the Antarctic Fire Department, Mikula would have been responsible for the daily safety of those occupying NSF’s stations. While Mr. Mikula’s misconduct may at first blush seem minor, his misconduct had the potential to end in tragedy for him and for others. That’s why my office will work with agency partners like the NSF to ensure that any efforts to circumvent their requirements or deceive the public will result in accountability.”
The screening process is designed to ensure applicants are medically and psychologically fit to endure the extreme conditions of life in Antarctica. Proper evaluations are necessary and important given the extreme risks of any rescue operation. Under optimal conditions, a medical evacuation could take several days or even a week - and only if a vessel is in the vicinity. Winter evacuations are high-risk events that may take weeks and may, depending on conditions, be impossible.
“It is imperative that federal contractors are fully qualified to perform critical functions, especially in Antarctica’s extremely remote and harsh environment.” said Allison Lerner, NSF Inspector General. The NSF - Office of Inspector General (OIG) is committed to vigorously pursuing oversight of the U.S. Antarctic Program, and I commend the U.S. Attorney’s Office for its strong support in this effort.”
The NSF’s - Office of Polar Programs supports Arctic and Antarctic science through grants to research across the United States and by providing polar facilities and operational support. Among other things, NSF operates McMurdo Station, Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station and Palmer Station in Antarctica.
In 2022, an NSF contractor had hired Brandon Mikula, Mexico, Missouri, to work as a firefighter at the U.S. Antarctic Program’s Antarctic Fire Department. The Antarctic Fire Department is responsible for all emergency responses for the Antarctic Program, including fire, rescue, emergency medical services, hazmat and other emergency situations. All buildings on the Antarctic bases are considered critical, and the loss of a single structure could effectively shut down a significant portion of station operations.
As a result, NSF required contractors like Mikula to undergo a rigorous medical screening process. Mikula also had to submit a physician’s evaluation and other materials to staff at the UTMB-Galveston staff. Mikula provided false information on required NSF forms and hid, among other things, certain medical conditions and medications.
On Aug. 2, 2022, UTMB and NSF staff determined Mikula was not physically qualified to travel to Antarctica.
Subsequently, in an effort to reverse this determination, Mikula submitted false information. Among other things, Mikula faxed a letter to the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) from his primary care physician claiming he was medically fit; however, he had forged the letter. He also submitted other false documents and sent harassing emails to UTMB and NSF officials in efforts to reverse their determination. Ultimately, investigators identified that documents Mikula had submitted were forgeries.
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey V. Brown has now ordered Mikula to serve one year of probation, during which time he will need to submit to monitoring and other conditions.
NSF-OIG conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Gray is prosecuting the case.
Convicted felon admits to possessing distributable amounts heroinRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 32-year-old Laredo man has pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
The investigation began in January when law enforcement learned Raul Garcia Jr. aka Rule was selling drugs in the Laredo area. Over the next two months, investigators continued to receive information Garcia was selling narcotics, and possibly out of his home.
In March, law enforcement obtained a warrant to search Garcia’s home. During the search, authorities located heroin packaged for street sale. A month later, law enforcement obtained a second search warrant and again found heroin. Similar to drugs recovered during the March search, they noted the heroin found in April was also packaged for street sale.
As part of his guilty plea, Garcia admitted to possessing the drugs located and seized throughout the investigation.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Garcia faces up to 40 years in federal prison and a possible $5 million maximum fine.
Garcia will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Laredo Police Department’s Narcotics Division conducted the investigation with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Bajew and Leslie Cortez are prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (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.
Labor union president arrested for embezzling over $280,000 in union fundsRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 41-year-old Corpus Christi resident has been taken into federal custody for alleged embezzlement from a local labor union, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Authorities have arrested Robert Cirilo. He is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jason B. Libby at 9:45 a.m. Aug. 6.
According to the indictment returned July 31, Cirilo was the president of the United Steelworkers Local 13-1647 in Corpus Christi. While serving in that role, he allegedly used a union debit card to make approximately 430 unauthorized personal purchases and ATM cash withdrawals.
The indictment charges Cirilo with 13 counts of wire fraud and one count of embezzlement from a labor organization.
If convicted, Cirilo faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine on each of the wire fraud counts. He also faces up to five years and up to a $10,000 fine upon conviction of embezzlement.
The FBI and Department of Labor’s Office of Labor Management Standards conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tyler Foster and John Marck 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.
Another charged with selling fentanyl resulting in death in LaredoRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment against a 31-year-old former resident of Laredo for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl which caused the death of another, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Authorities have arrested Rene Antonio Melendez in Appleton, Wisconsin. He will make his initial appearance before a U.S. magistrate judge in the Eastern District of Wisconsin, after which authorities will transport him to Laredo for all subsequent proceedings.
The three-count indictment, returned July 9, alleges Melendez conspired with other people to distribute fentanyl, a schedule II controlled substance, to another individual March 11, 2023. That person subsequently died after using the drug, according to the charges.
The indictment also charges Melendez with one count of distributing fentanyl that resulted in death as well as one count of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl.
If convicted, Melendez faces up life in federal prison as well as a possible $1 million maximum fine.
Melendez is the third federal indictment in Laredo in the last year charging someone with distributing fentanyl resulting in death. There others were in August 2023 and December 2023.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol, Laredo Police Department and Webb County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Bajew and Leslie Cortez are prosecuting the case.
This case is being prosecuted as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (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.
More information on the dangers of fentanyl can be found on the DEA’s website. #OnePillCanKill
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
South Texas felon convicted for possessing firearmsRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 27-year-old resident of Alamo has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing two rifles, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
The investigation began after law enforcement learned narcotics would be in the home of Hector Tellez-Hernandez. On April 5, they conducted a search. At that time, they found two rifles and body armor in a bedroom as well as 16 grams of cocaine.
Tellez-Hernandez admitted ownership. However, as a previously convicted felon of alien smuggling, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition per federal law.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane will impose sentencing Oct. 16, at which time Tellez-Hernandez faces up to 15 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Alamo 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.
Houston custom home builder charged with misusing construction fundsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A criminal information has been filed against a 39-year-old Houstonian on a charge of wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Brett Michael Detamore is set to make his initial appearance in federal court Aug. 12 at 2 p.m.
According to the information, Detamore operated as a custom home builder under Detamore Development LLC. The charges allege he fraudulently obtained at least $1.5 million for his personal use by misusing funds intended for the construction of private residences.
Detamore allegedly submitted false and fraudulent invoices to banks holding construction loans for single-family residences he had been contracted to build. The false invoices caused the banks to send funds to bank accounts Detamore controlled, according to the allegations. Detamore then allegedly used the funds for his personal benefit.
The charges include a notice of forfeiture for any funds or property obtained as a result of the scheme.
If convicted, Detamore faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine as well as full restitution to the victim home owners.
The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the West University Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen Lansden and Suzanne Elmilady are prosecuting the case.
A criminal information is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Justice Department finds conditions at five Texas Juvenile Justice facilities violate the ConstitutionRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – The Justice Department has announced its findings that the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) is violating the U.S. Constitution, as well as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
“Children are committed to TJJD facilities to receive treatment and rehabilitation so that they may return to their communities as law-abiding, productive citizens,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Our investigation showed that, far from achieving those objectives, TJJD engaged in a pattern of abuse, deprivation of essential services and disability-related discrimination that seriously harms children and undermines their rehabilitation. State officials have an obligation to keep these children safe, to teach them, to provide them necessary health services and to treat them fairly, without discrimination. The Justice Department is committed to protecting the rights of vulnerable children in juvenile facilities. We look forward to working with state officials to remedy these violations, institute needed reform and improve outcomes for Texas children.”
The department’s report details findings from a comprehensive investigation of five TJJD youth facilities, including the Evins Regional Juvenile Center, Gainesville State School, Giddings State School, McClennan County State Juvenile Correctional Facility and Ron Jackson State Juvenile Correctional Complex. The report concludes that:
- TJJD routinely violates the constitutional rights of children in all five facilities by:
- Exposing them to excessive force and prolonged isolation;
- Failing to protect children from sexual abuse; and
- Failing to provide adequate mental health services.
- TJJD violates the IDEA by failing to provide special education and related services to children with disabilities.
- TJJD discriminates against children with disabilities in violation of the ADA by:
- Not providing reasonable modifications necessary to permit their participation in programming required for release and
- Denying them an equal opportunity to benefit from education.
These violations of the Constitution and federal law place children at substantial risk of serious physical and psychological harm and impede successful outcomes for children.
“The conditions in the facilities are unacceptable,” said U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani for the Southern District of Texas. “Our investigation found that children in these facilities face sexual abuse by staff and other children. Tragically, this is not the first investigation into allegations of sexual abuse at TJJD facilities. Since the early 2000s, other investigations by Texas state agencies and the Texas Rangers substantiated sexual abuse allegations of the children at TJJD facilities, yet this horrifying problem persists. Working with Texas’s other U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, the Civil Rights Division and the State of Texas, my office hopes to provide protections to the vulnerable and help right wrongs that have existed for far too long.”
“My office was proud to partner with the Civil Rights Division and with other U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in our state on this thorough investigation of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “The children in these facilities are uniquely vulnerable to harm and abuse, which hinders their prospects for rehabilitation. They deserve to be protected from harm, to receive adequate mental health care and to receive special education services and reasonable modifications that will give them a chance at productive lives in the community, outside of the walls of these institutions.”
“According to our report, TJJD falls short of creating an environment that fosters rehabilitation,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton for the Northern District of Texas. “Instead, some of its personnel engage in the use of excessive force and subject children to prolonged isolation, both of which are damaging. Texans know that this is not how we rehabilitate our children. We look forward to working with the State and TJJD to eliminate these issues going forward. Together, I am confident that we can implement practices that result in a better rehabilitative environment at the TJJD and ensure a pathway for children in their care to grow, heal and reach their full potential.”
“States that receive federal funds to help educate children with disabilities are required to use those funds appropriately for the benefit of these children,” said U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs for the Eastern District of Texas. “Systematically failing to evaluate children suspected of having disabilities inevitably deprives these children of the special education these funds were meant to provide. Texas received funds under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, but failed to meet their obligation to ensure that children with disabilities would receive adequate education according to their special needs, among other things. Without appropriate services, children with disabilities in Texas juvenile corrections facilities cannot access the general education curriculum, preventing meaningful rehabilitation and progress. We look forward to working with Texas to rectify the issues we identified in our investigation so that these children, through meeting their educational needs, may have a better chance to succeed when they return to our communities.”
The Justice Department launched its investigation of TJJD’s juvenile justice facilities in October 2021, under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act and the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, which authorize the department to address a pattern or practice of deprivation of constitutional and federal rights of children confined to state or local government-run correctional facilities.
The Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in Texas investigated the case.
For more information about the Civil Rights Division and the Special Litigation Section, please visit www.justice.gov/crt/special-litigation-section. You can also report civil rights violations to the section by completing the complaint form available at https://civilrights.justice.gov.
To provide information related to the department’s investigation of TJJD’s facilities, please call 1-866-432-0438 or by email at [email protected].
Spanish translation forthcoming. (La traducción al español estará disponible próximamente.)
- TJJD routinely violates the constitutional rights of children in all five facilities by:
“Hot shot” smuggling organization heading to prison for illegally transporting thousandsRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – Four men involved in a large-scale smuggling conspiracy have been sentenced for “inhumanely” transporting individuals into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Mission residents Diego Flores, 29, Gerardo Villarreal, 34, and Gilberto Rios, 35, all previously pleaded guilty along with Antonio Cuevas-Lozano, 46, Mexico, to conspiracy to transport or harbor undocumented individuals within the United States. Villarreal also admitted to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Diego Flores to serve 156 months in federal prison. Villarreal received 120 months for the smuggling conspiracy and 70 months for the firearms conviction to be served concurrently, along with 24 months on a supervised release violation to be served consecutively for a total 144-month sentence. Rios and Cuevas-Lozano were sentenced to 63 and 30 months, respectively. Flores, Rios and Villarreal must also serve three years of supervised release, while Cuevos-Lozano is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment.
At the hearing, the court heard how the organization moved thousands of undocumented aliens in groups of at least 70 by placing them inside containers and drilling them closed from the outside, loading them onto trailers and transporting them on the highway in the hot Texas climate. Diego Flores acted in a leadership capacity within the smuggling organization and had a prior smuggling conviction. The court also considered how the organization utilized multiple firearms to threaten the individuals. Judge Crane noted the complete disregard for the safety of the undocumented people the organization exhibited, expressing that the means and methods of transportation were “inhumane.”
“Human smugglers ply their trade preying on the vulnerable,” said Hamdani. “These smugglers cramped dozens of migrants into wooden crates and then bolted those crates shut, leaving the migrants to the mercy of South Texas’s brutal heat. Such conduct was not just predatory; it also demonstrated a total disregard for the value of human life. Today’s sentences reflect how my office will not rest until we disrupt and dismantle the deadly human smuggling operations that cause so much sorrow along the Southwest border.”
Beginning in April 2022, Diego Flores hired “hot shot” drivers to transport various containers, including wooden boxes, sheds and hay bales on flat-bed trailers further north. If ever intercepted at the Falfurrias Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint, the drivers would minimize culpability on those within the smuggling organization as the drivers were unaware of what they were transporting.
On April 26, 2022, law enforcement intercepted a load of 40 undocumented individuals within wooden boxes. Authorities also found 69 people in compartments in the roofs of two sheds strapped onto flat-bed trailers July 19, 2023. Another interception occurred Aug. 18, 2023, when law enforcement located a load of 28 undocumented aliens hidden in a compartment surrounded by hay bales. Authorities also discovered 36 more hidden within wooden crates loaded on a trailer 11 days later. Then, on Sept. 1, 2023, law enforcement found eight people hidden in a compartment underneath a trailer, between it and the road.
On each occasion, authorities spoke to those recovered and uncovered the large-scale smuggling organization.
Those in the conspiracy utilized a ranch property in Mission to build the compartments in which to transport undocumented individuals. On every occasion, the conspirators instructed the aliens to get inside and drilled the containers closed, offering them no means of escape. The conspirators then drove the trailer loaded with containers to meet the “hot shot” driver who would further transport the trailer north. Authorities executed a search warrant on Sept. 5, 2023, on the ranch property and recovered three firearms.
Once in custody, law enforcement discovered Villarreal had a pistol in his possession. As a convicted felon, federal law prohibits him from possessing firearms or ammunition.
On Feb. 1, Noe Vasquez received 144 months in federal prison as part of this conspiracy. At that time, the court heard testimony of how the smuggling organization moved approximately 3000 non-U.S. citizens and used firearms to control them.
All will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
BP conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Devin V. Walker prosecuted the case.
Mexican man imprisoned for attempting to enter U.S. with hundreds of child pornography videos and imagesRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 29-year-old Mexican national has been sentenced for possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Juan Manuel Garza-Fuentes pleaded guilty Feb. 6.
U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera has now ordered Garza-Fuentes to serve 78 months in federal prison. Garza was further ordered to serve 35 years of supervised release following the completion of his prison term, during which time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Garza-Fuentes was further ordered to pay $13,000 in restitution and a $3,000 special assessment. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
The investigation began in July 2023 after Garza-Fuentes attempted to make entry into the United States through the Brownsville and Matamoros Port of Entry. Authorities conducted a forensic analysis of Garza-Fuentes’ cell phone and discovered 255 videos and 170 images of child pornography.
Garza-Fuentes 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.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ana C. Cano 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.
Concealing cocaine carries considerable sentenceRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 51-year-old Alamo resident has been sentenced for possession with intent to distribute $4 million worth of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Olga Lydia Segundo pleaded guilty April 15.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzalez Ramos has now ordered Segundo to serve 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release.
On Jan. 13, Segundo arrived at the Falfurrias Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint driving a white 2010 Chevrolet Silverado. Law enforcement proceeded to ask questions about her trip and Segundo gave answers that did not make sense. Segundo stated she was going to Austin at one point, then to Houston for a job interview but could not remember the name of the company or where the job interview was happening.
During this time, there were freezing temperatures in South Texas, and authorities noticed Segundo did not have any cold-weather clothes or clothes for a job interview.
Segundo gave law enforcement consent to search the vehicle. An x-ray scan showed anomalies in all four tires of the vehicle. Authorities discovered they were lined with welded metal casings that serve as aftermarket compartments.
After drilling through the casings, law enforcement found 24 bundles of cocaine wrapped in cellophane weighing 48 kilograms with an estimated street value of over $4 million.
Segundo 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 and BP conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Griffith prosecuted the case.
USDA loan specialist and contractors sent to prison for roles in loan bribery schemeRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – Three Starr County residents have been sentenced for their roles in a bribery scheme involving the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Rio Grande City residents Roberto Rodriguez, 52, Daniel Diaz, 68, and Jose Sandoval, 71, each pleaded guilty May 17.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now imposed a 16-month term of imprisonment for Rodriguez, while Diaz and Sandoval received 8 and 6 months in federal prison, respectively. Each must also serve three years of supervised release following their sentences. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence of the dollar amount of the contracts awarded to each contractor including $1,107,228 to Diaz and $709,854 to Sandoval. In handing down the prison terms, Judge Crane noted that he hoped it served as an example to the community not to get involved in corrupt practices.
“The people of the United States have the right to expect the utmost integrity from those electing to do business with the United States,” said Hamdani. “Diaz and Sandoval failed in that duty when they chose to bribe a federal official in order to obtain federal contracts. Rodriguez betrayed his oath of office when he chose to accept payments from those contractors in order to influence who would be awarded these contracts.”
At the time of his plea, Rodriguez admitted to accepting U.S. currency for referring applicants for the USDA Rural Development 504 Single Family Housing Repair Grant and Loan program to contractors Diaz and Sandoval in order for each of them to receive money under the program.
Rodriguez also admitted he was a loan specialist responsible for approving the loans. Diaz and Sandoval both admitted they gave money to Rodriguez to receive work under the program.
Each were permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Department of Justice Office of Inspector General, USDA, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigations with the assistance of local task force officers. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia Cook Profit and Alexa Parcell prosecuted the cases.
South Texas smugglers: ring leaders sentenced for transporting nearly 2,500 people in $2.9M conspiracyRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – Two non-U.S. citizens have been ordered to federal prison for their roles in a conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and a related scheme to transport aliens within the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani along with Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp of the FBI's San Antonio Field Office.
Luis Enrique Moctezuma-Acosta, 37, and Scarlett Fuentes-Gavarrette, 34, pleaded guilty in March to laundering over $2 million in monetary instruments and conspiracy to transport illegal aliens. Both are Mexican nationals who illegally resided in Mission.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered the couple to serve 240 months in federal prison. Not U.S. citizens, they are expected to face removal proceedings following their sentences.
At the hearing, the court heard recordings of undocumented aliens held against their will and begging their families to pay smugglers for their release. Evidence further revealed the organization proudly boasted about using their trucking business as a front, which not only facilitated the alien smuggling but also enabled the laundering of $2.9 million.
The court also considered the lavish lifestyle the co-conspirators led, all while exploiting individuals who were seeking a better life. The organization had referred to them as “products” and abandoned some in the harsh conditions of the brush without food or water, resulting in the death of one.
In handing down the sentence, the court noted his concurrence that this is one of the largest alien smuggling take downs this district has seen in recent history.
“With today's sentencing, we send a clear and powerful message to all criminal organizations involved in human smuggling and money laundering,” said Hamdani. “From the rural areas of Central America to the bustling streets of Boston, Massachusetts, no criminal organization is beyond the relentless reach of the Department of Justice. The lengthy sentences handed down today are a testament to our unwavering determination to dismantle these ruthless networks and bring their leaders to justice. Let this serve as a stark warning: those who exploit vulnerable individuals for profit will face the full force of the law. We will not rest until every corner of these criminal enterprises is exposed and dismantled, ensuring the safety and dignity of our communities.”
“This case started as a money laundering investigation at a business. FBI agents did a phenomenal job following the evidence to uncover a much larger conspiracy involving human smuggling,” said Tapp of the FBI's San Antonio Field Office. "I want to thank our partners at the Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, the Texas Department of Insurance and the McAllen Police Department for their assistance with this case and their continued partnership in keeping our south Texas communities safe.”
The conspiracy involved a sophisticated network of alien smugglers across the United States utilizing commercial airplanes, tractor-trailers and various other smuggling methods.
An investigation began in November 2019 and revealed the LEMA smuggling organization brought 2,459 undocumented migrants from the Southwest border regions further into the northern parts of the United States. The network spanned from Honduras to as far north as Boston, Massachusetts, with a heavy emphasis on smuggling Brazilian nationals.
On March 9, 2023, authorities executed multiple search warrants at Fuentes-Gavarrette and Moctezuma-Acosta’s properties, at which time they seized over $1.5 million in cash. The locations included their residence and a purported car dealership they operated as a front business. Throughout the investigation, law enforcement also seized approximately $2.69 million in assets and several luxury vehicles, such as a 2023 Escalade, 2021 Ford Shelby Truck, jewelry and several pieces of real property.
Both 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 with the assistance of task force officers from Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Department of Insurance and McAllen Police Department. The Texas Attorney General's Office also provided assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric D. Flores prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Foster assisted with forfeiture proceedings.
Former jailer convicted for straw purchasing firearm receiverRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A former sheriff’s office jailer has pleaded guilty for his role in the straw purchasing of a firearm receiver on behalf of a Mexican national, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Gonzalo Everardo Gonzalez, 32, Roma, admitted to making false statements during the purchase of a firearm.
On June 13, 2023, in connection with an acquisition of a firearm receiver, Gonzalez falsely stated on a form associated with the purchase that he was the true purchaser of the receiver. The investigation revealed this statement was false.
In fact, Gonzalez purchased a firearm receiver on behalf of a Mexican national who intended to smuggle it into Mexico.
At the time he made the false statement, Gonzalez was a jailer with the Starr County Sheriff’s Office.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane will impose sentencing October 8. At that time, Gonzalez faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He will remain on bond pending his sentencing.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the joint investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan is prosecuting the case.
Houston tax preparer pleads guilty to filing false tax returns resulting in over $100,000 in lossesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A tax preparer has admitted to aiding or assisting in the preparation of a false 2017 income tax return, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
As part of his plea, Christopher J. Guevara admitted that from at least 2018 to 2020, he owned and operated Chris Tax Service in Houston. He admitted to often placing false Schedule A deductions, residential energy credits, and Schedule C businesses on the returns he prepared, generating larger refunds to which his clients were not entitled. He also admitted to making money through preparation fees he would make money by charging preparation fees.
Guevara admitted to placing $26,857 in false business losses that were listed on the 2017 Schedule C. As a result, the tax loss to the United States on that return was approximately $13,390.
Guevara took responsibility for $123,458 in losses to the IRS and has agreed to pay that amount in restitution.
U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett will impose sentencing Oct. 31. At that time, Guevara faces up to three years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.
IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Gray is prosecuting the case.