Southern District of Texas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Honduran national gets 50 years for kidnapping and raping 15-year-oldRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 33-year-old man who illegally resided in Houston has been ordered to federal prison for interstate travel with intent to engage in a sex act with a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Wilmer Rivera-Hernandez pleaded guilty Aug. 24.
U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks Jr. has now sentenced Rivera-Hernandez to 600 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court heard additional information including a statement from the victim describing her transformation from a young, innocent girl into someone who feels anger, pain, guilt, numbness, depression and humiliation. In handing down the prison terms, the court noted how what Rivera-Hernandez did was reprehensible, and he could not be allowed to walk among civilized people. He was further ordered to serve the rest of his life on supervised release following completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Rivera-Hernandez will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
“Words cannot describe the damage Rivera-Hernandez did after he kidnapped and raped a 15-year-old child,” said Hamdani. “His loathsome and abhorrent actions deserve the stiffest punishment. As the father of a 15-year-old girl myself, I am thankful every day for local, state and federal law enforcement. And in this case for the coordinated efforts of the brave men and women of Montgomery County, Texas, and Knox County, Tennessee, who were able to save a child from a monster’s grasp.”
In June 2020, Rivera-Hernandez took a 15-year-old girl on what was supposed to be a date, but it quickly turned into a nightmare. After she realized he was just driving around, she asked him to take her home. He refused. Instead, he grabbed this young girl by the head, strangled her, threatened both her and her family’s safety, seized her phone and then forced her to drink alcohol and take medicine to make her drowsy and unable to resist him. He then drove her from Houston to Little Rock, Arkansas, where he took her to a motel and raped her. The next day, he began driving her through Arkansas and into Tennessee.
However, the victim was able to get access to a phone and contact her family members, telling them he could kill her and to call the police. They contacted law enforcement who, using geolocation on the phone, was eventually able to locate Rivera-Hernandez and the victim parked at a truck stop in Knoxville, Tennessee.
After his indictment and arrest, Rivera-Hernandez also engaged in a scheme to obstruct justice from prison. He arranged the creation and delivery of fabricated WhatsApp messages purporting to be from the minor victim. In these manufactured messages, Rivera-Hernandez made it appear as if the minor had recanted her claims of kidnapping and rape and that she was always in love with him. By having these messages delivered to the prosecution, Rivera-Hernandez hoped it would lead to the dismissal of his charges. A thorough investigation, however, quickly revealed the messages were fake and that Rivera-Hernandez attempted to obstruct justice.
He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the future.
Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service conducted the investigation with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations. Sheriff’s Offices in Montgomery County, Texas, and Knox County, Tennessee, assisted with the victim’s rescue. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sharad Khandelwal and Stephanie Bauman prosecuted the case.
Sugar Land business owner imprisoned for nine-year fraud schemeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 56-year-old business owner has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of conspiring to commit mail fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Sudhakar Kalaga pleaded guilty March 6.
U.S. District Judge U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal has now ordered him to serve 24 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by one year of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay restitution of $10,406,219 although the court noted that the restitution had already been paid. At the hearing, the court heard additional testimony from a representative of the victim company that described the losses the company incurred and how it had caused employees at the company to lose their jobs. In handing down the sentence, the court stated that while Kalaga was very active in his community, he had taken an oath when he became a U.S. citizen to defend the Constitution and the laws of the United States and was a coward for going along with the fraud.
At the time of his plea, Kalaga admitted that from 2010 to 2019, he engaged in a bribery and bid rigging fraud scheme to secure construction and maintenance work contracts from a company with a manufacturing facility in Houston.
Kalaga admitted he submitted fake bids from non-existent construction companies to the victim company’s facilities manager. This was designed to make it appear his companies’ bids were the lowest. In return, Kalaga paid the facilities manager millions of dollars in kickbacks. Kalaga failed to disclose he was submitting falsified bids and paying kickbacks from the victim company’s own funds.
The victim company would not have paid Kalaga’s companies’ invoices had it known about the falsified bids or the kickback payments.
Kalaga was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Belinda Beek prosecuted the case.
Substitute teacher sentenced for extorting sexual images via SnapChatRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 31-year-old Mission resident has been sent to federal prison for coercion and enticement of a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Edgar Aaron Hernandez pleaded guilty March 31.
U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now sentenced Hernandez to 120 months in prison. The court also heard additional information today including that Hernandez admitted to requesting nude images from numerous minor victims via Snapchat and would engage in this conduct while at work. Hernandez also possessed over 1,000 additional images and videos of child pornography across various platforms. The Court also heard from victim impact statements detailing the lifelong effects of fear and shame victims of coercion feel. Hernandez was further ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution to a known victim and will serve 7 years of his life on supervised release following completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Hernandez will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
“We leave our children with teachers on a daily basis because we trust them,” said Hamdani. “Hernandez breached that trust when he used his experience with children to abuse and exploit them. He extorted our most vulnerable to get what he wanted with no regard for their well-being or how his actions would affect them. But, thankfully, with this sentence, justice has forced this predator to exchange one piece of clothing for another; a teacher’s cape for an orange prison jumpsuit.”
“With the ever-increasing access criminals have to communication platforms, Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) must stay a step ahead of those who utilize the technology to exploit victims. The defendant in this case will serve the next 10 years in prison for his unfathomable acts,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee, HSI San Antonio. “This sentencing sends a powerful message to those who would prey on the innocent and serves as a reminder that HSI will unceasingly pursue child predators.”
“Today’s sentencing is a reminder that the Secret Service is committed to investigating electronic crimes involving child exploitation,” said Resident Agent in Charge Brian Gibson, U.S. Secret Service - McAllen Resident Office. “The success in this case demonstrates the investigative capabilities of the Secret Service and the collaborative efforts with our law enforcement partners. Together we will continue pursing these bad actors and protect the nation’s most vulnerable population.”
Between April 1-4, 2022, a 13-year-old minor child reported she sent nude images via SnapChat to a man in Texas named Edgar. He claimed to be 17-years-old and threatened to disseminate them if she did not send him additional nude images.
Law enforcement identified the IP address and traced it to a residence associated with Hernandez in Mission.
On Dec. 5, 2022, authorities contacted Hernandez at Mission High School where he was employed as a substitute teacher. He admitted he believed the minor to be 13, soliciting sexually explicit images and videos via SnapChat and threatening the victim when she refused to send additional images and videos.
Hernandez further admitted to soliciting nude images and videos over the last two years from other minor children. If they refused, he threatened to expose them to their family and friends. Some of the minors told Hernandez they would commit suicide or harm themselves if he exposed them. Hernandez admitted that this did not bother him and would block the victim before seeking additional victims to coerce images from.
Law enforcement discovered approximately 1,000 videos and images of child exploitation materials on his Dropbox, Mega, and SnapChat accounts.
Hernandez will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
U.S. Secret Service conducted the investigation with assistance from the Springfield, Illinois, Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations – Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Investigations Task force.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexa D. Parcell and Cahal McColgan prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources link on that page.
Physician sentenced for $1.2M pill mill schemeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A Texas doctor has been sentenced to seven years in prison for operating a pill mill clinic that unlawfully prescribed over 600,000 opioid pills in exchange for cash, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
A federal jury convicted Dr. Oscar Lightner, 73, Laredo, April 11 of unlawfully distributing and dispensing controlled substances and conspiracy.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Lightner and Andres Martinez Jr., 29, Laredo, operated Jomori Health and Wellness (Jomori), a purported Houston pain management clinic, as a pill mill. Lightner, who was the owner of and physician at Jomori, unlawfully prescribed dangerous combinations of controlled substances — including of hydrocodone, carisoprodol and alprazolam — to his patients without a legitimate medical purpose in exchange for cash payments ranging from $250 to $500.
Martinez, who was Jomori’s office manager and Lightner’s stepson, coordinated with crew leaders to bring multiple people, including individuals living in homeless shelters, into Jomori to pose as patients to obtain prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances. Jomori received over $1.2 million in cash over 14 months through its scheme that resulted in the unlawful distribution and dispensing of more than 600,000 opioids and other controlled substances.
Martinez is set for sentencing Dec. 12
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Houston Division made the announcement as well.
The DEA conducted the investigation.
Trial Attorneys Monica Cooper and Andrew Tamayo of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Physician Sentenced for $1.2M Pill Mill SchemeRead the Press Release
A Texas doctor was sentenced today to seven years in prison for operating a pill mill clinic that unlawfully prescribed over 600,000 opioid pills in exchange for cash.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Dr. Oscar Lightner, 73, and Andres Martinez Jr., 29, both of Laredo, operated Jomori Health and Wellness (Jomori), a purported Houston pain management clinic, as a pill mill. Lightner, who was the owner of and physician at Jomori, unlawfully prescribed dangerous combinations of controlled substances — including of hydrocodone, carisoprodol, and alprazolam — to his patients without a legitimate medical purpose in exchange for cash payments ranging from $250 to $500. Martinez, who was Jomori’s office manager and Lightner’s stepson, coordinated with crew leaders to bring multiple people, including individuals living in homeless shelters, into Jomori to pose as patients to obtain prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances. Jomori received over $1.2 million in cash over 14 months through its scheme that resulted in the unlawful distribution and dispensing of over 600,000 opioids and other controlled substances.
On April 11, Lightner and Martinez were convicted of unlawfully distributing and dispensing controlled substances and conspiracy. Martinez is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 12.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani for the Southern District of Texas, and Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Houston Division made the announcement.
The DEA investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Monica Cooper and Andrew Tamayo of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Criminal Division’s efforts to combat health care fraud through the Health Care Fraud Strike Force Program. Since March 2007, this program, currently comprised of nine strike forces operating in 27 federal districts, has charged more than 5,400 defendants who collectively have billed federal health care programs and private insurers more than $27 billion. In addition, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services, are taking steps to hold providers accountable for their involvement in health care fraud schemes. More information can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal-fraud/health-care-fraud-unit.
Long-time Laredo drug dealer heads to prison for selling “China White”Read the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 39-year-old man has been sentenced for possessing with the intent to distribute fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Jose Pedro Garcia pleaded guilty Aug. 8.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo has now ordered Garcia to serve 286 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that Garcia was selling poison and had been trafficking drugs that have been killing people for a long time. The court also emphasized the harm Garcia had done over the years in selling these drugs.
On May 26, authorities executed a search warrant at Garcia’s residence. At that time, they found multiple small plastic baggies, each containing various types of suspected narcotics. Authorities seized, separated, weighed and ultimately identified them as heroin, meth, cocaine base and fentanyl.
Garcia later admitted to selling drugs for approximately 10 years and started with crack cocaine, then meth, but ultimately moved on to “China White,” because it gave people a stronger high and was more popular. Garcia also color coded the bags to differentiate between the drugs.
“China White” is slang for fentanyl, a Schedule II-controlled substance.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol and the Laredo Police Department Narcotics Division conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Bajew prosecuted the case.
The case was prosecuted as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF is the largest anti-crime task force in the country. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.
More information on the dangers of fentanyl can be found on the DEA’s website. #OnePillCanKill
Houstonian imprisoned for two child pornography crimesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 51-year-old local man has been sentenced following his convictions of possession and distribution of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Amado Garcia III pleaded guilty June 9.
U.S. District Judge Charles Eskridge has now sentenced Garcia to 96 months for each count of distribution and possession of child pornography, which will run concurrently. He was further ordered to serve 10 years on supervised release following completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Garcia will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
Garcia came to the attention of law enforcement during communications in an online group with participants interested in the sexual abuse of children. In the group, he was found distributing videos of children under the age of 10 being sexually assaulted by adults.
During the investigation, authorities discovered 180 videos and 166 images of child pornography on multiple devices. The images depicted sexual abuse of babies, toddlers and sexual abuse of children involving bondage and sadomasochism.
Garcia was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender at a later date.
The FBI conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly Ann Leo and Anna Swanson prosecuted this 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 city commissioner sentenced for role in bribery conspiracyRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas - A former Weslaco city commissioner has been sentenced 30 months for his role in a bribery conspiracy that involved city contracts worth tens of millions of dollars, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Gerardo Tafolla, 57, along with former Weslaco City commissioner John F. Cuellar, accepted bribes from Arturo C. Cuellar Jr., Ricardo Quintanilla and others in exchange for official action favorable to engineering companies seeking large contracts with the city.
From approximately March 2008 through December 2015, one of the participants in the scheme received approximately $4.1 million from two engineering companies and shared nearly $1.4 million with Arturo Cuellar, a former Hidalgo County commissioner. Arturo Cuellar then used a company he controlled to facilitate the payment of approximately $405,000 in bribes to his cousin, John Cuellar, which were disguised as legitimate legal expenses. In exchange for these payments, John Cuellar took several official actions to benefit the companies, including helping to award contracts worth approximately $38.5 million to rehabilitate Weslaco’s water treatment facilities. Quintanilla received approximately $85,000 during the course of the scheme and used that money to pay cash bribes to Tafolla for his official actions to benefit the companies that received the water treatment plant contracts.
In October 2022, a jury convicted Arturo Cuellar and Quintanilla for their roles in the bribery conspiracy. Arturo Cuellar was later sentenced to 20 years in prison and Quintanilla was sentenced to 16 years and eight months in prison. John Cuellar was sentenced to three years in prison after previously pleading guilty in August 2019. Tafolla pleaded guilty in April 2019 to federal program bribery.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division and Special Agent in Charge Ramsey E. Covington of the IRS Criminal Investigation Houston Field Office made the announcement as well.
The FBI San Antonio Field Office and IRS-CI Houston Field Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Roberto Lopez Jr. prosecuted the case along with Trial Attorney William J. Gullotta and Acting Deputy Chief Marco A. Palmieri of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section (PIN). Trial Attorney Peter M. Nothstein and former PIN Trial Attorneys Erica O’Brien Waymack and Jessica C. Harvey provided valuable assistance.
Former City Commissioner Sentenced for Role in Bribery ConspiracyRead the Press Release
A former Weslaco, Texas, city commissioner was sentenced today to two years and six months in prison for his role in a bribery conspiracy that involved city contracts worth tens of millions of dollars.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Gerardo Tafolla, 57, along with former Weslaco City commissioner John F. Cuellar, accepted bribes from Arturo C. Cuellar Jr., Ricardo Quintanilla, and others in exchange for official action favorable to engineering companies seeking large contracts with the city. From approximately March 2008 through December 2015, one of the participants in the scheme received approximately $4.1 million from two engineering companies and shared nearly $1.4 million with Arturo Cuellar, a former Hidalgo County commissioner. Arturo Cuellar then used a company he controlled to facilitate the payment of approximately $405,000 in bribes to his cousin, John Cuellar, which were disguised as legitimate legal expenses. In exchange for these payments, John Cuellar took several official actions to benefit the companies, including helping to award contracts worth approximately $38.5 million to rehabilitate Weslaco’s water treatment facilities. Quintanilla received approximately $85,000 during the course of the scheme and used that money to pay cash bribes to Tafolla for his official actions to benefit the companies that received the water treatment plant contracts.
In October 2022, a jury convicted Arturo Cuellar and Quintanilla for their roles in the bribery conspiracy. Arturo Cuellar was later sentenced to 20 years in prison and Quintanilla was sentenced to 16 years and eight months in prison. John Cuellar was sentenced to three years in prison after previously pleading guilty in August 2019. Tafolla pleaded guilty in April 2019 to federal program bribery.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani for the Southern District of Texas, Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division, and Special Agent in Charge Ramsey E. Covington of the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Houston Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI San Antonio Field Office and IRS-CI Houston Field Office investigated the case.
Trial Attorney William J. Gullotta and Acting Deputy Chief Marco A. Palmieri of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section (PIN) and Assistant U.S. Attorney Roberto Lopez Jr. for the Southern District of Texas prosecuted the case. Trial Attorney Peter M. Nothstein and former PIN Trial Attorneys Erica O’Brien Waymack and Jessica C. Harvey provided valuable assistance.
Final smuggler sentenced for stealing and selling people and for scheme resulting in deathRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – The final man involved in a fatal smuggling conspiracy has been ordered to federal prison for two separate smuggling events that occurred just weeks apart, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Orlando Andres Garcia, 24, Mission, pleaded guilty to human smuggling resulting in death and conspiracy to harbor undocumented aliens within the United States Feb. 3, and Nov. 29, 2022, respectively.
U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez has now ordered Garcia to serve 120 months for the conspiracy to harbor in addition to 151 months for the smuggling event resulting in death. The sentences will be served in part consecutively for a total of 251 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
At the hearing, the court heard how Garcia had been communicating with the other driver in the fatal smuggling event and encouraged him to reach dangerous speeds. Judge Alvarez also considered the life-altering and permanent injuries the survivors sustained in the accident and that Garcia was involved in stealing people and holding them for ransom a mere 18 days after the fatal accident.
In handing down the sentences, Judge Alvarez considered how the smugglers utilized multiple weapons, including firearms and a machete, further noting Garcia’s disregard for the well-being of the migrants and emphasizing the repetitiveness of his smuggling and the effects and harm his conduct has had on the victims and their families.
“Garcia trafficked in humans, not caring about the multiple lives he destroyed,” said Hamdani. “His actions led to the death of three migrants and to the kidnapping of nearly 50 at gunpoint. He saw migrants not as human beings but as property to buy and sell. Now, the only property he can buy or sell for years to come is what he can find in the prison’s commissary.”
“The fact that this unscrupulous smuggler put lives in danger to support his criminal activity is reprehensible. Today, justice was served,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Antonio. “These deaths could have been prevented were it not for this individual’s concern more for his own greed rather than the safety of others. HSI remains committed to working with our law enforcement partners and utilizing our unique investigative authorities to bring to justice those responsible for horrible tragedies like this.”
On Oct. 22, 2021, Brandon Cibriano-Gonzalez acted as a brush guide to smuggle a group of 10 non-U.S. citizens from Mexico into the United States. Francisco Javier Quintanilla-Alcocer and Garcia then picked them up and began to drive them in a Chevrolet Impala and Chevrolet Malibu, respectively. Law enforcement attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but both vehicles failed to yield and a high-speed chase ensued. Evidence showed that Garcia had been communicating with Quintanilla-Alcocer and telling him to go faster. They reached speeds of 130 miles per hour.
Quintanilla-Alcocer eventually turned onto a dirt road in Mission where the Impala rolled and crashed into a homeowner’s fence. Authorities located a total of seven individuals on scene. Three had been ejected, two of whom died at the scene. Three months following the crash, a third migrant succumbed to his injuries.
Just a couple weeks after this event, Garcia was involved in another smuggling scheme and holding people for ransom. On Nov. 9, 2021, several conspirators had arrived at a stash house, screamed “immigration” and directed 47 fleeing individuals to multiple vehicles staged outside the residence. They then transported them in the backseats and trunks of vehicles to multiple residences before being transported once again.
While held at the stash houses, conspirators possessed and brandished firearms and contacted the families for additional funds to facilitate transportation north. Garcia also used the aliens as payment to co-conspirators for their assistance in the stealing the aliens. But when they were unable to secure monies for some of the aliens, several conspirators sold them to members of a third alien smuggling organization.
12 others have been convicted in relation to this scheme and received sentences of up to 80 months.
Mexican nationals Quintanilla-Alcocer, 39, and Cibriano-Gonzalez, 22, also pleaded guilty in the case resulting in death and have also been sentenced.
HSI led the investigations of both cases. Border Patrol, Palmview Police Department, and Texas Department of Public Safety assisted with the case resulting in death. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lee Fry and Devin Walker prosecuted the cases.
Fake car loans and payroll scams send fraudulent College Station pastor to prisonRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 61-year-old man has been sentenced after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
William Dexter Lucas pleaded guilty Dec. 8, 2022, for his role in orchestrating a scheme to steal funds from the Payroll Protection Plan (PPP) and various car dealerships by faking forms to obtain car loans.
U.S. District Judge Charles Eskridge has now ordered Lucas to serve 97 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $286,359.14 in restitution to the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the victimized car dealerships.
In handing down the sentence, Judge Eskridge noted the lengths Lucas had gone to steal from his victims, including forging multiple documents and manipulating potential witnesses against him. The court also heard additional evidence describing Lucas’ lengthy criminal history and refusal to acknowledge portions of his guilt.
“William Dexter Lucas, a con man who worked several schemes at once, cloaked himself in the robes of a fake church so he could defraud local businesses and steal from taxpayers,” said Hamdani. “And he stole not to give to the poor, but to line his own pockets with money meant to help those struggling with the ravages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thankfully the law has caught up to William Lucas, giving have ample time to think over his past sins as he sits in a prison cell.”
At the time of the plea, Lucas admitted conspiring with several others to defraud car dealerships and the U.S. government from on or around 2017 to 2020. To facilitate his scheme, Lucas set up and claimed to operate the “Jesus Survives Ministry,” a church existing only on paper.
Upholding the title of “pastor” of the non-existent church, Lucas applied for a $50,000 PPP loan to cover the fictitious payroll needs. Additionally, using one of roughly 20 different known aliases, Lucas applied for multiple car loans by submitting various fraudulent forms and financial statements.
In total, the scheme cost the SBA and various car dealerships across the country over $400,000 in losses, leaving U.S. taxpayers to fund his fraud.
When authorities began investigating Lucas’s crimes, he attempted to cover them up by filing false claims of stolen identity with the Federal Trade Commission.
Previously released on bond, he was ordered into custody following the sentencing today where he will remain pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from the SBA and Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Thomas Carter and former AUSA Zahra Fenelon prosecuted the case.
Brownsville man admits to attempting to transport more than $200,000 of cocaineRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 34-year-old man has pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than four kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
On Oct. 4, Elias Garcia attempted to drive a Jeep Cherokee SUV through the primary inspection lane of the Falfurrias Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint. Soon thereafter, an X-ray of the vehicle showed the presence of an anomaly inside the vehicle’s battery compartment located beneath the driver’s seat.
Authorities searched the vehicle and discovered four bundles of cocaine concealed within the battery.
The weight of the cocaine was approximately four kilograms and had an estimated street value of more than $200,000.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales will impose sentencing Feb. 21. At that time, Garcia faces up to 40 years in federal prison and a possible $5 million maximum fine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.
BP and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Marck is prosecuting the case.
Baytown woman imprisoned after embezzling millions from her employerRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 55-year-old Baytown woman has been ordered to prison for wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Judy M. Green pleaded guilty April 27, admitting to embezzling over $3 million from her employer for approximately 10 years.
U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett has now ordered Green to serve 24 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Bennett also ordered Green to pay $3.4 million in restitution, with $10,000 due immediately. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that because of the her theft, the victim company had to lay off employees and could not give bonuses to the remaining employees. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the length and depth of Green’s betrayal of people who trusted her.
Green worked as an account manager for a Houston-based building and maintenance supply company. As part of the scheme, she submitted fraudulent invoices to induce payment from the company and pocketed the funds for personal expenses. Ultimately, authorities uncovered the scheme when one of the business owners noticed a large payment to an unknown credit card company in the summer of 2022. An audit revealed the fraud had been ongoing since 2012.
Green was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Carter prosecuted the case.
Nueces County resident heads to prison for possessing multiple child pornography images and videosRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 34-year-old Corpus Christi resident has been sentenced for possession of child pornography, announces U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Omar Diego Lyra pleaded guilty July 27.
U.S. District Judge David Morales has now sentenced Lyra to 228 months in prison. At the hearing, the court heard Lyra engaged in distribution of images and videos with others. In handing down the prison term, the court noted the seriousness of the offense and that Lyra provided images and videos to others. Lyra was further ordered to pay $27,000 in restitution to the victims and will serve 20 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. Lyra will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
The investigation began June 2022 when authorities discovered images of child pornography on an online platform associated with an email address belonging to Lyra. Law enforcement then executed a search warrant of Lyra’s residence and found images and videos depicting sexual exploitation of minors present on electronic devices in his possession.
Lyra has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance of the Victoria and Corpus Christi Police Departments.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Overman prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources link on that page.
Trafficker admits to importing $800,000 of liquid methRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 53-year-old naturalized citizen residing in Mexico has pleaded guilty to importing nearly 91 pounds of meth from Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
On April 30, Manuel Ignacio Ley Villa approached the Hidalgo port of entry driving a maroon Chrysler Pacifica. Law enforcement noticed he appeared nervous and referred him to secondary inspection. There, an x-ray inspection revealed anomalies within the vehicle’s fuel tank.
Upon further investigation, law enforcement discovered a fuel tank filled with a liquid material which crystalized upon contact with the floor. The weight of the liquid meth was approximately 41.14 kilograms and had an estimated street value of $810,000.
U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez accepted the plea and set sentencing for Feb. 13, 2024. At that time, Ley Villa faces up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose A. Garcia is prosecuting the case.
Laredo salesman sent to prison for fraud conspiracy costing HUD $1M in lossesRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 38-year-old man was sentenced for his role in a complex mortgage fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Edmundo De La Torre pleaded guilty April 19 to orchestrating a mortgage fraud scheme in which he altered hundreds of documents to get otherwise unqualified buyers’ approval for government-backed mortgages.
U.S. District Judge Marina Marmalejo has now ordered De La Torre to serve 36 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. De La Torre was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $1.17 million. In handing down the sentence, Judge Marmolejo noted the sophistication and persistence of De La Torre’s crime and remarked on the profound effects it has on potential first-time and low-income homebuyers seeking homes, and instead ending up entangled in legal and finances issues.
From 2018 to 2020, De La Torre admitted he was working as a salesman for a Laredo area homebuilder. De La Torre used his position to attempt to get potential customers approved for Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-backed mortgages. He forged various documents, including financial statements, bank statements, paycheck stubs and letters of reference for at least 38 otherwise unqualified homebuyers.
De La Torre then submitted these fake and forged documents to a Laredo area bank on behalf of the potential homebuyers. He admitted he was receiving a commission for each sale and personally profiting over $200,000 from the scheme. In addition, more than three dozen known loans in this scheme ultimately defaulted or had to be restructured, costing HUD roughly $971,310.10 at the time of his plea in April.
De La Torre was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
HUD - Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation with assistance from the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Carter prosecuted the case.
Hiding meth in batteries lands Texan in prisonRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 51-year-old Edinburg resident has been ordered to federal prison for attempting to import more than 20 kilograms of meth into the country, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Richard Nares pleaded guilty May 2, 2022, to importation of 500 grams or more of meth.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now sentenced him to 60 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court considered the volume and purity of the meth. In handing down the sentence, the court noted how the large quantity of narcotics were being stored in vehicle batteries, which contradicted Nares’ claim he thought he was just trafficking marijuana.
On Dec. 20, 2021, Nares attempted to enter the United States from Mexico via the Hidalgo Port of Entry in a Dodge Ram 2500. Law enforcement observed two commercial vehicle batteries in the rear row of the truck to which a K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics. Once they dismantled the batteries, authorities discovered two rectangular shaped bundles in each battery. Upon the search of the connected batteries under the hood of the vehicle, they found four additional bundles.
Laboratory testing confirmed the eight bundles contained meth and had a total weight of 20.34 kilograms.
Nares subsequently admitted that he traveled to Mexico earlier in the day and intended to turn the vehicle over to another individual after entering the United States with the narcotics.
He was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to the U.S. Marshal in the near future.
Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lee Fry prosecuted the case.
Authorities seek potential child exploitation victims in Southeast TexasRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A former martial arts and gymnastics instructor from Alvin has been charged with multiple child pornography crimes, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Franklin Joseph Perkins, 40, previously worked at the Kuk Sool Won Dojo and Gulf Coast Gymnastics, both located in Alvin. He is charged with transportation, receipt and possession of child pornography.
Perkins appeared today for a detention hearing, at which time U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew Edison found him to be a danger to the community and ordered him into custody pending further criminal proceedings.
Law enforcement has identified at least two alleged victims but believe there are more. If you are a victim or have any information about potential others, please contact Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Galveston at 409-443-0103.
A federal grand jury returned the three-count indictment Nov. 15.
According to information presented at the detention hearing, the investigation began when they learned of suspected child sexual abuse materials uploaded using an online account Perkins controlled. They executed a federal search warrant at his residence which revealed child sexual abuse content stored in a Google Drive account associated with Perkins, according to the testimony and evidence at the hearing today. Law enforcement also allegedly discovered non-pornographic images of what appears to be underage minors in gymnastics clothing and screenshots that depict young girls’ social media accounts.
During the investigation, two women, now adults, have come forward to report allegations of sexual assault and inappropriate contact involving Perkins when they were still minors living in Alvin.
“Every day we entrust our children, often budding athletes, to the care of coaches and authority figures. We cannot and will not take these kinds of allegations lightly,” said Hamdani. “But, we also need your help. Our goal is not only to secure justice but to also make sure any and all possible victims have their voices heard. If you or anyone you know has been in contact with Franklin Perkins and have knowledge any potential crime, please come forward.”
“Identifying victims of child sexual exploitation not only helps law enforcement investigate and convict the individuals responsible for the abuse, it also helps to connect the victims and their families with the services they need to recover,” said Mark Dawson, special agent in charge for HSI Houston. “HSI has dedicated full-time victim assistant specialists who work closely with child sexual exploitation victims to connect them with the medical treatment, counseling and other services that they might need following sexual abuse. We know this process can be extremely difficult for victims and our specialists make every effort to sensitively respond to the unique needs of child victims and provide a trauma-informed environment conducive to recovery.”
If convicted, Perkins faces a minimum of five and up to 20 years in federal prison, for the transportation and receipt charges and up to 10 for possessing child pornography. All counts also carry a potential fine of $250,000 as well as a $5,000 special assessment under the Justice for Trafficking Act, a maximum of a $35,000 special assessment under the Amy, Vicky and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act and mandatory restitution in an amount of no less than $3,000 per victim.
Suspected victims of child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children by calling its toll-free 24-hour hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Colton Turner is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood - a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Fraudster admits to purchasing login credentials on the dark webRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 31-year-old Magnolia resident has pleaded guilty to possessing stolen credentials with intent to defraud, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Sanel Bulic admitted to possessing approximately 68 stolen credentials purchased from an online marketplace on the dark web.
These unauthorized access devices contained login credentials such as usernames and passwords to various online accounts belonging to other persons for services such as Amazon, Chase, Facebook, Netflix, Paypal, Wells Fargo and more.
U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett accepted the plea and set sentencing for March 7, 2024. At that time, Bulic faces up to 10 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 Michael Chu and James Hu prosecuted the case.
Ringleader sentenced for illegal purchases of firearms trafficked to MexicoRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 34-year-old Houston resident and felon has been ordered to federal prison for illegal purchase and trafficking of firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
A federal jury convicted Jose Abraham Nicanor May 11 on all 13 counts as charged following a three-day trial. He was also convicted for possessing a firearm after a previous felony for armed robbery.
U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt has now ordered Nicanor to serve 60 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court heard evidence that showed Nicanor aggregated the firearms shipment to Mexico. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Nicanor’s conduct amounted to more than mistakes, but to a pattern of choices to violate the law.
“Stemming the illegal river of firearms into Mexico, a river stained blood red, deprives Mexican cartels of their tools of violence,” said Hamdani. “Cartels and other transnational criminal organizations are a national security threat, and my office, with its fearless prosecutors, will always be committed to aggressively pursuing those who exploit American gun laws so that weapons of war don’t reach violent criminals in Mexico and beyond.”
“Firearms trafficking and straw purchasing are not victimless crimes,” said acting Special Agent in Charge Noel Rangel of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “These acts are illegal and puts firearms in the hands of violent criminals. By focusing on firearms trafficking and straw purchasing, ATF keeps guns out of the hands of criminal trigger pullers, thereby reducing violent crime.”
At trial, the jury heard that Nicanor recruited two straw purchasers to buy high-caliber rifles that drug trafficking organizations regularly seek.
Testimony and evidence showed that a total of 94 firearms were attributable to Nicanor’s straw purchasing group. Mexican authorities later recovered some of the firearms in the possession of drug trafficking organizations.
The jury also heard that Nicanor rented a machine gun at a local gun range and posted a video of himself with the firearm to his social media. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition per federal law.
Nicanor was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The straw purchasers – James Paxton Jefferson, 34, Alejandro Garcia, 33, both of Houston – previously pleaded guilty and have been sentenced.
ATF conducted the investigation. Mexican authorities also provided assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lisa Collins and Stuart Tallichet prosecuted the case.
Houstonian sent to prison for trafficking meth and heroinRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 33-year-old man has been sentenced to federal prison following his conviction for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute nearly 4,000 grams of drugs, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Jorge Delgado-Santacruz pleaded guilty Nov. 29, 2022.
U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal has now ordered Delgado-Santacruz to serve 180 months in prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional testimony about the impact meth and heroin has had on the community at large and noted the sentence was appropriate to deter this kind of activity.
The investigation began in November 2020 when authorities learned Delgado-Santacruz was trafficking both meth and heroin in the Houston area.
Law enforcement set up numerous controlled drug buys. Delgado-Santacruz would negotiate the sale price of the substances and then directed others to deliver the narcotics.
Delgado-Santacruz was ultimately held accountable for the distribution of 892 grams of meth and 3,059.357 grams of heroin from Dec. 9, 2020, to Jan. 18, 2022. The total street value of all the drugs attributable to him is estimated at $375,000.
Delgado-Santacruz 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 and Houston Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart A. Burns prosecuted the case.
Brothers sent to prison for operating $13M multi-state stolen goods enterpriseRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Two naturalized U.S. citizens from Lebanon residing in Houston have been sentenced for their roles in large scale organized retail crime schemes, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Yasser Saleh Ouwad, 52, and his brother - Bilal Saleh Awad, 50, entered their guilty pleas Oct. 12, 2021 and Oct. 30, 2019, respectively, to conspiracy to transport stolen merchandise.
U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Ouwad to serve 41 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. In addition to his prison term, he was ordered to forfeit over $260,000 from bank accounts representing the proceeds of the sale of the stolen merchandise. He must also pay a money judgment entered against him in the amount of $4,665,860 and restitution of $109,742 due to CVS Health and Walgreens.
“The shifting predominance to online retailers drives the market for stolen goods at the expense of consumer safety and legitimate merchants,” said Hamdani. “Stolen over the counter medications and health products are often sold for a fraction of the retail price online but can be expired or subject to tampering. These schemes cause millions of dollars in losses to U.S. retailers by hiking up prices and creating an unsafe e-commerce market for consumers.”
“The transnational criminal organization these two brothers led was responsible for the theft of more than $30 million in retail goods,” said Special Agent in Charge Mark Dawson of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “Organized retail crime on this scale results in consumers having to pay higher prices and can force businesses to close that provide essential goods and services to the community. HSI Houston will continue to work tirelessly alongside our law enforcement partners to dismantle these organized theft groups and restore order to our communities.”
“The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) protects consumers and patients by ensuring the medical products they use, whether they are by prescription or over-the-counter, are safe and effective. Selling stolen medical products puts all consumers’ health at risk,” said Special Agent in Charge Charles L. Grinstead, FDA - Office of Criminal Investigations (OCI) Kansas City Field Office. “We will continue to work to protect the health of U.S. consumers and patients.”
From June 2015 to March 2018, Ouwad and Awad engaged in high-level fencing operations involving multi-million-dollar, multi-state level criminal organizations. The brothers purchased stolen over-the-counter (OTC) medicine, diabetic test strips and health and beauty supplies for re-packaging and shipping.
This criminal enterprise also employed “boosters,” primarily undocumented aliens from Central America, to steal OTC medication from large retailers around the United States. Boosters would then ship the stolen products back to Ouwad and Awad, who resold the stolen merchandise to third parties for a profit.
Ouwad owned and operated GPS Wholesale Inc. which he ran from his warehouse in Houston where he would receive the stolen products. Ouwad and his associates would then remove anti-theft stickers and security labels, re-package them into pallets and ship the merchandise to wholesale companies in the New Jersey area.
Awad ran a similar operation but would receive stolen merchandise at a CubeSmart Self Storage location in Houston. Awad also removed anti-theft labels and re-packaged the stolen OTC merchandise at his residence before shipping the product to a wholesale company in New York.
Ouwad and Awads’ criminal enterprises resulted in over $13 million in losses to retailers between both charged schemes.
Awad was previously sentenced on Sept. 5 by U.S. District Judge David Hittner to 41 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release. Additionally, he was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $322,550 to CVS Health and Walgreens. Awad also had a money judgment of $4,426,942 entered against him representing the illegal proceeds he received during the conspiracy. Awad must also forfeit a bank account with a balance of more than $460,000 and over $6,000 in stolen products law enforcement seized. In handing down the sentence, Judge Hittner noted that Awad managed a sophisticated scheme causing the loss of millions to retailers.
Several co-defendants had also pleaded guilty and have received sentences ranging from 18-40 months.
Ouwad and Awad were permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
HSI and FDA – OCI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather Winter and Richard Hanes prosecuted the case.
Valley man sent to prison for smuggling scheme resulting in deathRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 22-year-old Mission resident has been ordered to prison for conspiracy to transport undocumented aliens resulting in the death of one, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Julio Garza IV pleaded guilty Feb. 15.
U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez has now ordered Garza to serve 45 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court commented on how it was important to remember someone died. The individual may have fled, but Garza was still accountable for a death. Judge Alvarez noted that people in Garza’s position convince themselves that smuggling aliens is okay because the person took the risk. However, she pointed out that it’s a crime and that this type of crime often results in people being injured.
On April 15, 2021, law enforcement conducted a routine immigration traffic stop on US Hwy 281 near Falfurrias on a tan Ford Taurus. When the vehicle stopped along the highway, multiple people fled.
A passing box truck struck and killed one of those individuals. Authorities determined he was a citizen of Honduras illegally residing in the United States.
The investigation revealed Garza had hired the driver to transport the undocumented aliens from Edinburg to a designated location south of the Falfurrias Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint. Garza sent audio and text messages as well as GPS coordinates in order to direct the smuggling operation.
Garza will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Alexis Garcia prosecuted the case.
Selling ghost guns to Mexican cartel sends felon to prisonRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 37-year-old Laredo resident has been sentenced for possession of a machine gun, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and conspiracy to possess intent to distribute cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Jaime Jesus Esquivel pleaded guilty June 6, admitting, in part, to producing and illegally exporting fully automatic firearms to Mexico for the use of drug cartels.
U.S. District Marina Garcia Marmolejo has now handed Esquivel a total 120-month-term of imprisonment to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard that Esquivel bragged to an undercover officer that he manufactured and trafficked hundreds of firearms into Mexico. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that in trafficking both narcotics and firearms that Esquivel was trafficking in death.
As part of the undercover investigation, authorities conducted four controlled purchases of cocaine and multiple AR-type fully automatic rifles. The weapons were ghost guns, a common term for privately made firearms that are absent any manufacture marks of identification. Esquivel assembled and manufactured these weapons for distribution.
Esquivel also made the firearms from various components of combat weapons including Colt model M4 parts and a 3D-printed polymer AR-type drop in auto sear or machine gun conversion device (MGCD). An MGCD is any part designed and intended solely and exclusively for use in converting a weapon into a machine gun.
Law enforcement executed two search warrants and seized completed and privately manufactured AR-type lower receivers, various firearm parts, firearm manufacturing tools as well as 950 rounds of assorted ammunition, a 7.62mm rifle, a 12-gauge shotgun and a privately manufactured short-barrel fully automatic rifle without serial numbers or industry markings. They also found meth, cocaine and a 3D printer.
As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition per federal law.
Esquivel 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, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Laredo Police Department conducted the investigation.
Therapist’s ex-wife sent to prison for defrauding Medicaid and stealing patient informationRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 48-year-old Katy resident has been sentenced to prison for defrauding Medicaid of more than $600,000, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Kay Le Farmer pleaded guilty March 22.
U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks has now ordered Farmer to serve 56 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard how Farmer fraudulently obtained information of over 300 patients, her attempts to lie and cover-up her crimes and that she appeared to be searching for more employment opportunities to steal more information. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Farmer’s “cunning and calculated” actions. She emphasized Farmer’s “greed and selfishness” and said she manipulated everyone around her.
Farmer is the former office manager for her ex-husband - a therapist and Medicaid provider in the Houston area. Following their separation, Farmer admitted to using her ex-husband’s provider number to submit fraudulent claims to Medicaid, unbeknownst to him, for counseling services that were never provided.
In 2017, Farmer admitted to using her employment at a pediatrician’s office to obtain patient information. She then submitted more fraudulent claims to Medicaid under her ex-husband’s provider number.
In total, from 2013 until 2018, Farmer submitted, or caused the submission of, approximately $617,983.86 in claims for psychotherapy services that were not provided. Farmer admitted she was paid approximately $432,924.69 on those claims.
Farmer was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Texas Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General (OIG), Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - OIG conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Olson prosecuted the case.
Trafficker sentenced to prison for smuggling $1.5M worth of cocaine in produce boxesRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 50-year-old Mexican national has been ordered to federal prison for possession with intent to distribute 88.5 kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Faustino Perez Luna pleaded guilty May 23.
U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Luna to serve 70 months in federal prison. In handing down the sentence, the court noted it was a serious offense and involved a lot of narcotics.
On Nov. 13, 2022, Perez Luna was driving a tractor trailer loaded with cocaine. The drugs were the priority load of a known drug trafficking organization.
Luna approached the Falfurrias checkpoint and claimed to be headed to Atlanta to drop a load of produce. However, a K-9 soon alerted to the presence of narcotics within the vehicle. Authorities referred him to secondary inspection where they discovered the cocaine concealed between produce boxes on the tractor trailer.
The drugs weighed approximately 88.5 kilograms with an estimated street value of $1.5 million.
From March 2022 to Nov. 13, 2022, law enforcement arrested several others in connection with this drug trafficking organization. It operated in the lower Rio Grande Valley transporting either narcotics, guns or money.
The investigation led to the discovery of the priority load – the 88.5 kilograms Luna had transported. It was intended for Atlanta, Georgia.
Luna will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric D. Flores prosecuted the case.
Sentence imposed for enticing child via social mediaRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 37-year-old resident of Los Fresnos has been sentenced for enticement of a child, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Guadalupe “Pete” Azocar pleaded guilty March 21.
U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. has now ordered him to serve 216 months in federal prison. Azocar was further ordered to pay a $24,000 fine and must serve 10 years on supervised release following the completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
In February 2020, Azocar struck up an online friendship with an 11-year-old minor girl through HOLA, an online video chat and live streaming application. The conversations migrated to WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger where Azocar was able to send messages and videos and live video chat with the minor victim for several months.
Even though Azocar was aware the minor was then 12 years old, he repeatedly sent pornographic videos, including videos of child pornography to the victim and persuaded her to send sexually explicit images and videos of herself.
The messages between Azocar and the victim showed that Azocar had plans to meet the minor child in person.
Azocar 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. Attorney Ana C. Cano 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.
Local woman admits to threatening federal judgeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 50-year-old Houston resident has pleaded guilty to interstate communications with a threat to kidnap or injure, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
On Sept. 1, 2022, Tiffani Shea Gish aka Evelyn Salt left three threatening voicemails on the chamber’s telephone of a U.S. district judge from Florida. In the messages, Gish claimed to be a member of several military combat units, trained and familiar with weapons of war.
In the first message, she said the victim was marked for assignation and would get a bullet in the head. Gish then reiterated the same threat in two subsequent messages and used expletives when adding that she had ordered snipers and a bomb to the victim’s house and would throw a bullet to the victim’s head.
“As prosecutors, our mission is to always protect the rule of law, and that necessarily means protecting the judges who interpret and apply the law,” said Hamdani. “Tiffani Gish’s threats to assassinate a federal judge have no place in a republic whose strength comes from the rule of law. As a result, my office and its public servants have no tolerance for those like Gish who threaten judges and in turn seek to undermine our system of government.”
U.S. District Judge David Hittner accepted the plea and set sentencing for Feb. 9, 2024. At that time, Gish faces up to five years imprisonment and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. She has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The FBI and U.S. Marshals Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Schammel prosecuted the case.
Violent alien strangles federal agent in attempt to fleeRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A federal jury has convicted a 20-year-old El Salvadorian for assaulting a Border Patrol (BP) agent, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
The jury convicted Jose Milton Mendoza-Felipe following a two-day trial.
On June 28, law enforcement approached a group of undocumented non-citizens near the Rio Grande River. Mendoza-Felipe was one of those individuals and tried to flee the area. A BP agent caught up to him and attempted to place him in custody. However, Mendoza-Felipe resisted and became combative.
The jury heard testimony that Mendoza-Felipe attempted to strangle the agent by squeezing his windpipe during the struggle. When the agent was able to escape from the chokehold, Mendoza-Felipe again tried to grab him by the throat, but struck the agent’s jaw instead, causing him to bleed. Mendoza-Felipe only complied once another BP agent arrived.
At trial, the jury saw the scratch marks left on the agent’s neck and heard how he had to take pain medication for his injuries.
Mendoza-Felipe testified in the trial, claiming that he did not choke the agent and that he did not realize he was law enforcement. He told the jury he was just defending himself. The jury did not believe defense claims and found him guilty as charged.
U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton presided over trial and set sentencing for Jan. 29, 2024. At that time, Mendoza-Felipe faces up to eight years in prison and a possible $250,000 fine.
Mendoza-Felipe has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing
The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lee Fry and Devin V. Walker are prosecuting the case.
Jury convicts McAllen man for gunpoint extortion of migrantsRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A federal jury has convicted a 25-year-old man on multiple counts for hostage taking, smuggling and weapons charges, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
The jury deliberated for less than an hour before returning the guilty verdict on all counts against Heriberto Mendez-Lozano following a three-day trial.
During the trial, the jury heard evidence that on Sept. 29, 2022, Mendez-Lozano and others were engaged in smuggling migrants from near the Rio Grande River further into the United States.
On that date, the group was harboring five undocumented aliens. Instead of transporting the aliens further into the United States, Mendez-Lozano and his co-conspirators held the aliens against their will at a location in Donna.
There, Mendez-Lozano and others brandished firearms, held guns to the heads and ribs of hostages, threatened the hostages and forced them to call family members to demand money for their release.
The investigation led law enforcement to the location in Donna where they arrested Mendez-Lozano who had a pending warrant for aggravated robbery, and a co-conspirator Lorenzo Campbell. Authorities also rescued the hostages from the scene.
U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez presided over the trial and set sentencing for Jan. 17, 2024. At that time, he faces life in a federal prison. Mendez-Lozano has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol (BP), U.S. Marshals Service, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Hidalgo County Sherriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colton Turner and Theodore Parran prosecuted the case as part of the Human Smuggling Prevention Program (HSPP). The primary goal of HSPP is to disrupt and dismantle human smuggling organizations on our Southwest Border through close cooperation with HSI, BP, Customs and Border Protection – Office of Field Operations and local law enforcement partners.
Mathis woman admits to trafficking meth through the mailRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 45-year-old woman has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute liquid meth, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
The investigation into Elena Barrera began in November 2020 when authorities learned of a parcel containing liquid meth that was being shipped from Mexico to Mathis. Law enforcement intercepted the package and found it contained approximately seven kilograms of liquid meth concealed within shampoo bottles. They conducted a controlled delivery at the post office and Barrera picked up the package.
As part of her plea, Barrera admitted to using the mail to receive multiple other packages of narcotics and to recruiting others to retrieve packages of narcotics for her.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales will impose sentencing Jan. 30, 2024. At that time, Barrera faces up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
Barrera was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
Texas Department of Public Safety and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Foster is prosecuting the case.
Justice Department finds multiple Texas county election websites inaccessible to people with disabilitiesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON — The Justice Department announced today its findings that four Texas counties violated Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by maintaining election websites that discriminate against individuals with vision or manual disabilities.
In public letters issued to Colorado County, Runnels County, Smith County and Upton County, the department detailed its findings following its investigation and asked the counties to work with the Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices for the Eastern, Northern, Southern and Western Districts of Texas to resolve the identified civil rights violations.
“My 80-year-old mother’s arthritis means she can’t grasp a computer mouse like she used to, increasingly relying on keyboard accessible websites. And, her failing vision makes it hard for her to navigate a website that lacks clear and correct titles,” said U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. “Despite her disabilities, my mother’s fundamental right to vote is the same as any other’s. All voters should have full access to election information, including individuals with disabilities.”
“Voting is fundamental to American democracy,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “It is imperative that all eligible voters with disabilities across the country have the information they need to access the ballot and exercise their right to vote in state and federal elections.”
The election websites for these four Texas counties provide important information about how to vote, such as registration requirements, identification requirements and voting information for people with disabilities. The websites also link to other critical information, including details about early voting and voting on election day.
The department found that the websites are not accessible to individuals who are blind or have low vision, or who cannot grasp a mouse, and use screen readers, keyboards or other assistive technology. For example, on all four of the election websites, menus and links do not function properly for people who use a keyboard to navigate, and posted documents are inaccessible to people who use assistive technologies. Because the election websites are inaccessible, the counties deny people with vision and manual disabilities equal access to election programs and online services provided through these websites and fail to ensure effective communication with people with disabilities.
These four investigations are part of the department’s ADA Voting Initiative, which focuses on protecting the voting rights of individuals with disabilities. People with information about these findings are encouraged to contact the department via email at [email protected], through the Civil Rights Division’s Civil Rights Portal, available at civilrights.justice.gov/, or by calling 888-473-2780. To read more about the ADA and how it applies to voting, please visit www.ada.gov/topics/voting/.
Houston men convicted for roles in cartel related kidnappingRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Two Houston men have admitted to holding a victim hostage at gunpoint, beating and threatening him with death, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Noe Hernandez, 39, helped kidnap and hold the victim for nearly 24 hours on May 3, 2019. He also used a taser to inflict electric shocks to the victim while his hands were tied behind his back.
Homero Gallegos, 43, entered his plea in June.
High-level drug traffickers in Mexico connected to the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG) ordered the kidnapping. Mexican cartel members called the victim’s family members and demanded $400,000 for his release. Law enforcement executed a staged pick up of the ransom money in Houston and were able to rescue the victim.
“The Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG) is one of the most violent cartels in Mexico, responsible for trafficking tons of cocaine, meth and fentanyl into the United States,” said Hamdani. “It’s power comes from a willingness, almost an eagerness, to commit unspeakable acts, including murder. Kidnapping and using a taser to torture exemplifies the level of brutality associated with one of the world’s most dangerous transnational criminal organizations, one that ravages communities from Mexico to Houston…and beyond.”
U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen will impose sentencing March 24, 2024, at which time both men face up to life imprisonment, a possible $250,000 maximum fine. They will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI and the Houston Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anibal J. Alaniz and Casey N. MacDonald are prosecuting the case.
Federal prosecutors stand ready to address voting rights violations or election fraudRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Two Assistant U.S. Attorneys will lead the efforts of this office in connection with the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) nationwide Election Day Program for the Nov. 7 election, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Civil Chief Daniel Hu has been appointed to serve as the election officer for civil matters, while Deputy Criminal Chief Sharad Khandelwal will act as the criminal election officer. In their capacities, both are responsible for overseeing the Southern District of Texas’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff and election fraud in consultation with DOJ headquarters in Washington.
DOJ has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers as well as election fraud. DOJ will address these violations wherever they occur. DOJ’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact for the public to report possible federal election law violations.
Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Khandelwal and Hu will be on duty in this district while the polls are open and can be reached at 713-567-9345 and 713-567-9518, respectively.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The main number in Houston is 713-693-5000, while South Texas residents can contact the San Antonio office at 210-225-6741.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can also be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C. by phone at 800-253-3931.
Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate. Those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud should make that information available to DOJ.
Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities. State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.
Former school board member convictedRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A former member of the Corpus Christi Independent School District Board has pleaded guilty to filing a false tax return, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
The investigation into John Longoria began in December 2018 following an approximately two-year extensive and suspicious remodeling project that occurred at his home. Authorities ultimately executed several search warrants at his residence and elsewhere in November 2020.
As a result of the financial investigation, law enforcement determined Longoria had underreported his income to the IRS for tax years 2014 through 2016. As part of his plea, he admitted he had failed to truthfully disclose to the IRS all income he received in the form of goods, property or services during that time.
Longoria has agreed to pay restitution to the Department of the Treasury in the amount of $187,315.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales will impose sentencing Jan. 24, 2024. At that time, Longoria faces up to three years in federal prison and a possible $100,000 maximum fine.
Longoria was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Watt is prosecuting the case.
Foreign national charged with firearms violationRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment against a 20-year-old Palestinian citizen for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
The charges allege Sohaib Abuayyash was an alien illegally and unlawfully in the United States. He knowingly possessed a firearm, namely a Canik, model TP9 Elite SC, 9 mm pistol, according to the indictment.
The FBI arrested Abuayyash Oct. 19 who remains detained pending further criminal proceedings. He is set to appear for his arraignment Nov. 13 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Yvonne Ho in Houston at 2 p.m.
According to the criminal complaint filed upon his arrest, Abuayyash entered the United States on a nonimmigrant visa, which expired in 2019, and has allegedly been in direct contact with others who share a radical mindset. The charges further allege he has been conducting physical training and has trained with weapons to possibly commit an attack.
If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in federal prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
The FBI is conducting the investigation.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Violent felon sentenced for gun chargeRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 37-year-old Alton man has been ordered to federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Juan Manuel Teran Jr., aka El Blunt, pleaded guilty June 22.
Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Teran to serve 57 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional information about Teran’s history of robbery, repeated assaults on women and felony drug possession. In imposing the sentence, Judge Crane adopted findings that Teran was trafficking in narcotics at the time that he possessed the firearms.
In January, law enforcement responded to a domestic violence call at a residence in McAllen. The incident resulted in an arrest warrant for Terran for assault on a pregnant person.
Upon his arrest, authorities found Terran to be in possession of meth, cocaine, marijuana, Alprazolam, Clonazepam and heroin. He also had two firearms.
As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition per federal law.
Teran was prosecuted as part of a joint Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and U.S. Attorney’s Office initiative known as Operation: Knock Down. It started in 2022 and focuses federal resources on armed and violent offenders in the Rio Grande Valley.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert L. Guerra Jr. prosecuted the case.
Convicted alien smuggler sent to prison for recording sexual material and posting it on SnapchatRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 22-year-old Laredo resident has been ordered to federal prison for production of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Victor Antonio Puente pleaded guilty July 5.
U.S. District Judge Lee H Rosenthal has now sentenced Puente to 180 months in federal prison. The court found he committed the offense while under supervised release for a previous alien smuggling offense which much be served consecutively for a total 192-month-term of imprisonment. In handing down the prison terms, the court noted the “horrific” events and that Puente was “not acting as a human being.” Puente will serve 10 years on supervised release following completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Puente will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
A hearing date will be set in the near future to determine the amount that Puente will be ordered to pay in restitution to the victim.
“Victor Puente gave a 15-year old alcohol, got her drunk and sexually violated her in area motels, but the once-convicted alien smuggler didn’t stop there,” said Hamdani. “Not only did he violate her physically, he posted images and videos of his abhorrent behavior on SnapChat. As the father of a 15-year old daughter myself, I am thankful that this predator won’t come anywhere near my or any other daughter for a very long time to come.”
“This sentencing reflects the FBI's dedication to protecting children from those who choose to prey on the most innocent within our communities,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Justin Garris for the FBI San Antonio Division. “We want to thank the Laredo Police Department for their unwavering support with this investigation.”
On June 5, 2022, Puente rented a motel room in Laredo. There, he engaged in sexual activity with a 15-year-old female victim. He used his personal cell phone to record and photograph sexually explicit conduct between him and the minor and then uploaded the content via social media.
A forensic analysis of Puente’s cell phone revealed videos of him engaging in intercourse with the victim. Other videos showed him fondling her while both are naked or were of her naked body while she slept.
The minor victim’s family was able to discover Puente’s location from a third-party and contacted law enforcement.
Puente denied that the minor victim was in the room. However, they located her and took her to a local hospital for observation and treatment.
Puente 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 Laredo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSAs) Homero Ramirez and Michael P. Makens and former AUSA April Ayers-Perez prosecuted the case.
It 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.
Three more sentenced in Laredo drug trafficking conspiracyRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – Three Laredo residents have been sentenced for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine and launder money, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Cesar Mendiola, 57, Rafael Rodriguez, 63, and Jose Angel Rodriguez III, 34, each pleaded guilty June 7.
U.S. District Judge Lee H Rosenthal has now imposed a 151-month term of imprisonment for Mendiola, while Rodriguez III and Rafael Rodriguez received 12 and 24 months, respectively. Each must also serve at least three years of supervised release following their sentences. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence including this drug trafficking organization’s ties to the CDN cartel. In handing down the prison terms, Judge Rosenthal also ordered Mendiola to forfeit $25,400 of drug proceeds.
Elizardo Vasquez Jr., 31, was previously sentenced to 32 months in federal prison for his involvement. Another man - Jose Angel Rodriguez Jr., 60 - also pleaded guilty and will be sentenced at a later date.
Throughout the course of this investigation, authorities seized nearly 10 kilograms of cocaine and over $147,000 in drug proceeds.
The investigation revealed brothers Rodriguez Jr. and Rafael Rodriguez would receive kilograms of cocaine from a source in Mexico and provide that cocaine to Mendiola for further distribution in and around Laredo. Rodriguez III kept records of transactions and drug proceeds for his father, Rodriguez Jr.
Mendiola and Rafael Rodriguez have been and will remain in custody while Rodriguez III, was permitted to remain on bond.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation with the assistance of the Webb County District Attorney’s Office, the Webb County Sheriff’s Office and the United Independent School District Police Department. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony J. Evans and Brian Bajew prosecuted the case.
Car battery conspiracy: three men convicted of cocaine traffickingRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Two men have pleaded guilty to conspiring to traffic cocaine across the border, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Mikeal Jovany Phillips, 35, Huffman, and Juan Andres Rodriguez-Murillo, 31, Mexico, conspired with others to smuggle narcotics into the United States by concealing the drugs inside car batteries.
On Jan. 6, Christopher Sheffield, 38, Crosby, drove a gold SUV to the Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint near Sarita. Upon inspection, authorities discovered approximately 2.8 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside the battery compartment. The battery shell contained a smaller battery to power the vehicle and three bundles of cocaine.
The investigation revealed numerous text and Facebook messages between Sheffield and Phillips discussing the trip. Subsequently, authorities learned Phillips had coordinated the trip and arranged for Sheffield to travel from the Houston area to Brownsville to retrieve the cocaine. While in Brownsville, Sheffield met Rodriguez-Murillo who then provided the cocaine-filled car battery and made the switch in the vehicle.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos will impose sentencing for Phillips and Rodriguez-Murillo Jan. 30 and Feb. 6, 2024, respectively. At that time, each man faces up to 40 years in federal prison and a possible $5 million maximum fine.
Phillips and Rodriguez-Murillo have been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.
Sheffield previously pleaded guilty and is also pending sentencing.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Border Patrol conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Martin is prosecuting the case.
Drug trafficker convicted of murder for hire outside parole office – facing mandatory life sentenceRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A federal jury in Houston has convicted a 50-year-old Houston man on multiple violent crimes related to a drug trafficking conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
The jury deliberated for six hours before returning the guilty verdicts on all counts against Ronald Brown aka Nuk, Nook or Nookie following a six-day trial. He was found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder for hire, intentional killing related to drug trafficking, two counts of using a firearm in the commission of a murder, kidnapping and using a firearm in relation to the kidnapping as well as conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine.
“Stuffing a zip-tied man into a trunk, raining down gunfire during a car chase and hiring a murderer…all part of Ronald Brown’s illicit cocaine business,” said Hamdani. “People like him destroy communities with the poison they sell and the violence they commit. Brown’s actions cut short someone’s life and put others in peril. And now, thanks to the hard work of federal prosecutors and law enforcement, the only thing in peril is Brown’s freedom.”
During trial, the jury heard from several witnesses who testified about working directly for Brown. He was responsible for moving as much as 100 to 200 kilograms of cocaine each week from Houston to Atlanta, Georgia, on 18-wheeler trucks and car haulers. Once in Atlanta, his associates would divide the shipments before delivering it to Brown’s customers.
In December 2013, law enforcement seized 21 kilograms of cocaine from one of Brown’s associates who had placed the bag in a vehicle at a Valero gas station. Brown was upset by the loss and sidelined him from the drug operation at that time.
The jury also heard testimony from one of Brown’s drivers who was robbed of approximately 56 kilograms of cocaine April 18, 2014. Brown suspected the same individual who lost the drugs at the Valero and another drug associate conspired to steal the cocaine from him.
On April 23, 2014, Brown and others kidnapped the associate, zip-tied his arms and legs and put him in the trunk of Brown’s girlfriend’s vehicle. A good Samaritan picked up the victim and attempted to drive him to safety after the victim managed to free himself from the trunk. However, Brown pursued and shot at them repeatedly, ultimately striking the good Samaritan in the upper body and the associate in the head. Both survived.
One of the kidnappers told the jury he met Brown following the kidnapping who directed him to dump the vehicle and gun used during the shooting. Brown also directed his girlfriend to report the vehicle as stolen.
Following the failed attempt to kill this person, Brown began searching for the other man from the Valero incident whom he also thought was part of the alleged theft on April 18 in order reclaim his drugs. He ultimately decided he wanted to kill him. Testimony revealed Brown was able to obtain the date of the man’s next parole visit. Through a middleman, Brown then hired a shooter and provided him with a handgun.
Following that parole visit on July 1, 2014, the victim returned to his vehicle in the parking lot. The shooter then fired multiple shots at close range at the victim as he sat in the driver’s seat. He died at the scene.
Afterwards, Brown met the shooter and middleman in the parking lot of a grocery store and paid them $20,000.
The defense attempted to convince the jury that other members of Brown’s drug trafficking organization orchestrated the kidnapping and murder. They did not believe those claims and found Brown guilty as charged.
Senior U.S. District Judge Sim Lake presided over the trial and set sentencing for Jan. 29, 2024. At that time, he will get life in a federal prison. Brown has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sebastian A. Edwards and Britni Cooper are prosecuting the case.
The FBI conducted the investigation with assistance from the Houston Police Department’s Homicide Division, Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Parole Division, U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of Prisons and Drug Enforcement Administration.
Transnational criminal organization leader detained in U.S.Read the Press Release
HOUSTON - A 67-year-old naturalized citizen of the United States has made his appearance in Houston federal court and remains detained pending further criminal proceedings, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Ricardo Barrera was the leader of a transnational criminal organization operating from the Republic of Mexico, the Rio Grande Valley and Houston. He was recently extradited to the United States and is now in custody.
He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina A. Bryan, at which time the court heard evidence outlining Barrera’s organization. The court determined he was a flight risk and ordered he remain in custody pending further criminal proceedings.
Barrera’s organization allegedly provided domestic transportation services for the Los Zetas Cartel and Cartel del Golfo to conceal the transportation of narcotics and currency through Mexico and into the United States.
The charges allege the organization utilized numerous cloned tractor trailers from various well-known retailers and businesses to conceal the transportation of narcotics.
The investigation resulted in the seizure of more than 76,795 pounds of marijuana, according to the allegations.
Barrera fled to Mexico after learning of the charges. Mexican authorities arrested him on a provisional arrest warrant in Miguel Aleman, Mexico, Oct. 23, 2021. He was extradited to the United States Oct. 10.
If convicted, Barrera faces up to life in federal prison as well as a possible $10 million fine.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) with assistance from Drug Enforcement Administration, Texas Department of Public Safety, IRS Criminal Investigation, Houston Police Department, Harris County Sheriff’s Office and Pasadena Police Department as well as the U.S. Marshals Service. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with the Mexican Attorney General’s Office to secure the arrest and extradition of Barrera. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric D. Smith is prosecuting the case.
Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Mexican national sentenced for possessing child pornographyRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 34-year-old resident of Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico, has been sentenced for possessing child pornography found on his cell phone as he tried to enter the country, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Juan Jesus Banda-Olivo pleaded guilty Jan. 25.
U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera has now ordered Banda-Olivo
to serve 97 months in federal prison. Garza was further ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution to a known victim 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. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
On Aug. 15, 2022, Banda-Olivo attempted to make entry into the United States through the Veterans Port of Entry. Authorities believed he was in the country illegally and sent him to secondary inspection.
There, law enforcement conducted a consensual search of Banda-Olivo’s cell phone and discovered multiple photographs and videos of child pornography. The investigation revealed Banda-Olivo possessed 1,223 unique images and videos of child pornography on his cell phone and his cloud storage account. Some of the images included images of the sexual abuse of toddlers and prepubescent minors. The images found on the seized cell phone were submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children for victim identification.
Banda-Olivo has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.
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 link on that page.
Former deputy sent to prison for second time on child pornography convictions that began via online gameRead the Press Release
GALVESTON, Texas – A 29-year-old Beeville resident has been sentenced for producing and possessing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Pasquale Salas was a former deputy with the Matagorda County Sheriff’s Office at the time of his crimes. He pleaded guilty June 6.
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Brown has now ordered him to serve 360 and 24 months for the production and possession convictions, respectively. They will run consecutively for a total 384-month-term of imprisonment. In handing down the prison terms, the court noted that the fact Salas was a law enforcement officer weighed heavily on him. Salas was further ordered to 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.
He was previously sentenced to 220 months in prison in a related case in the District of Massachusetts. The term imposed today will run concurrently to that sentence for a total federal prison term of 384 months.
“Salas used Minecraft, a child’s game, to lure some of his victims inside his vicious web,” said Hamdani. “Not only did he exploit young girls, but he also violated the public trust. He was a law enforcement officer who was sworn to protect and serve. Instead, he chose to manipulate and exploit young girls for his own deviant sexual gratification. The sentence handed down today will make sure he can’t access the places our children play online or have contact with them in person for decades to come.”
“For years, Pasquale Salas controlled, manipulated, sexually assaulted, and remotely monitored his underage victims,” said FBI Houston Acting Special Agent in Charge David Martinez. “Salas disgracefully used his status as a Texas lawman to threaten young girls into sending hundreds of sexually explicit photos and videos. Thanks to the bravery of his victims who came forward, Salas now sits behind bars unable to ever again target, threaten, or molest other children.”
The investigation began after authorities learned Salas had been communicating with a minor in Massachusetts for years, beginning when she was just 12 years old. Salas met her and another minor female online while playing Minecraft.
Over the years, he developed a controlling, manipulative and sexually exploitive relationship with the victim. He knew her true age, but still had a virtual, but sexually-explicit relationship with the child. During that time, he made her send hundreds of nude photos and videos of herself, required her to follow specific strict rules and to wear only clothing he approved. He also tracked her location. Sales threatened the victim’s well-being and that of her family if she left him.
In July 2019, authorities executed a search warrant in Southern District of Texas as part of the Massachusetts investigation. At that time, they found incriminating evidence on his phone, including child pornography of several minor females, including that of minor female relative.
Forensic analysis revealed he produced those images of the relative. She identified herself and the hands of Salas in the images/videos. In one video, he appears to be fondling the victim. She is asleep in all of the images and videos he produced.
He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined on the near future.
FBI Texas City conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Matagorda County Sheriff’s Office and Pearland Police Department as well as FBI in the Boston/Worcestor area and Worcestor Police Department in Massachusetts.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherri L. Zack 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.
Trafficker admits to smuggling cocaine in car batteryRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 28-year old man has pleaded guilty to importing cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
On July 18, Victor Torres approached the Hidalgo port of entry checkpoint and told law enforcement he did not have any contraband. Authorities referred him to secondary inspection where a K-9 alerted to the battery area of the vehicle.
Law enforcement conducted an X-ray examination and discovered several anomalies which resulted in the discovery of four bricks of cocaine.
The drugs weighed approximately four kilograms with an estimated street value of approximately $40,000.
During his plea, Torres admitted he knew he was transporting drugs into United States and that individuals in Mexico recruited him.
U.S. District Judge Ricardo Hinojosa will impose sentencing Jan. 25, 2024. At that time, he faces up to 40 years in federal prison and a possible $5 million maximum fine.
Torres has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Theodore Parran III prosecuted the case.
Mexican city council woman admits to trafficking nearly a million dollars in cocaineRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 34-year-old Reynosa, Tamaulipas, city council woman has entered a guilty plea to possession with intent to distribute approximately 42 kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
On June 10, Denisse Ahumada-Martinez drove a vehicle from Reynosa, Mexico, into the United States to the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint. An X-ray search of the vehicle revealed multiple anomalies believed to be narcotics concealed within the vehicle.
At secondary inspection, law enforcement conducted a search of her vehicle and found approximately 42 kilograms of cocaine. The cocaine had an estimated street value of $900,000.
U.S. District Judge Ricardo H. Hinojosa will impose sentencing Jan. 31, 2024. At that time, Ahumada-Martinez faces up to life in prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
She has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Drug Enforcement Administration and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura Garcia and Alexa Parcell prosecuted the case.
Houston man sentenced for manipulating and trafficking 13-year-oldRead the Press Release
HOUSTON –A 28-year-old Houston resident will now spend more than two decades in prison following his conviction for sex trafficking a 7th grader, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Juwan James Davis pleaded guilty March 2.
U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett has now ordered Davis to serve 25 years in federal prison. At the hearing, the court heard additional information including how Davis tried to manipulate and control the minor victim four years later by contacting her from jail and attempting to get her to drop the charges. Davis was further ordered to serve 15 years on supervised release following completion of his prison term. Davis will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
“Tragically, the young victim in this case died just a few months ago at the tender age of 18. Five years ago, when she was only 13, she should have been participating in what normal middle schoolers do - soccer games, school plays and pep rallies,” said Hamdani. “Instead, Juwan James Davis sold her body for sex; something a 7th grader should never have to endure. This sentence not only sends a message to others who prey on young children, but also gives this young victim’s family a sense of justice. It is just a shame she was not able to be in court to see it for herself.”
The investigation began in February 2018 after authorities suspected Davis had trafficked a minor for sex. The victim was a 13-year-old girl.
She told authorities she met Davis on Snapchat and that he wanted her to have sex for money. Davis posted ads of her wearing lingerie on Backpage to advertise her for commercial sex.
The victim told investigators Davis drove her to the hotels and would wait down the street until she finished engaging in commercial sex with the customers. Once finished, the victim would contact Davis who would pick her up and take the money.
The victim also reported Davis supplied her with drugs and had her branded by taking her to get a tattoo with his initials.
Law enforcement obtained a search warrant for Davis’ phone and found communications between him and the victim in which they discuss her engaging in commercial sex and the amounts to charge for these acts. The phone contained several pictures of the victim, some of which were used in the Backpage ads. There were also pictures of the 7th grader with a tattoo of Davis’ initials on her buttocks.
Tragically, the minor victim passed away earlier this year at the age of 18.
Davis will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation as part of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA). Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sherri Zack and Kim Leo prosecuted the case.
HTRA law enforcement includes members of the Houston Police Department, FBI, HSI, Texas Attorney General’s Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Department of Labor (DOL), DOL – Wage and Hour Division, Department of State, Texas Alcoholic and Beverage Commission, Texas Department of Public Safety, Department of Homeland Security – Office of Inspector General (OIG), Social Security Administration – OIG and Sheriff’s Offices in Harris and Montgomery counties in coordination with District Attorney’s offices in Harris, Montgomery and Fort Bend Counties.
Established in 2004, the United States 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.
“Used Car King of New York” sentenced for nationwide scheme to sell hundreds of thousands of fake Texas paper vehicle tagsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 52-year-old man who advertised himself as the “Used Car King of New York” has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of conspiring to commit wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Octavian Ocasio pleaded guilty Oct. 18, 2022, to conspiring with others residing in the Southern District of Texas to buy and sell thousands of fraudulent Texas-issued temporary buyer tags for cars outside of Texas without a legitimate vehicle purchase.
U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks Jr. has now ordered Ocasio to serve 53 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard how Ocasio and others engaged in a widespread fraud to use fictitious car dealerships to generate and sell Texas temporary buyer tags without actually selling cars, all while also making false promises and assurances that it was legal. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that Ocasio committed the offense utilizing mass marketing and sophisticated means. The court also ordered Ocasio to pay restitution to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles in the amount of $324,600.
“If it seems like there are more cars driving around the streets of Houston with temporary paper plates, you would be correct, in part thanks to the hundreds of thousands fake paper plates Ocasio sold to Texas drivers,” said Hamdani. “Ocasio’s fake plates would come back to a car that was never sold or sold to drivers who never should have been issued plates in the first place. Because of this, Texas recently changed the way paper plates are issued, and because of his decision to produce and sell fake plates, Ocasio will now spend several years inside of a real jail cell.”
“It’s not every day that one of our cases leads to changes in the law, so I’m extremely proud of our FBI Houston agents and our partners who maneuvered through the complexities and scale of this investigation in the name of justice,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge David Martinez of the FBI. “Ocasio was one of several who, for too-long, allowed thousands of drivers across the country to ride around with fraudulent paper license plates- all just to save a few dollars. Now, he’ll have to park himself inside a federal prison to pay for his crimes. Ocasio and his co-conspirators pocketed more than $200 million from their illegal activity which exploited not just the state of Texas but allowed unsafe vehicles on our streets with uninsured and unlicensed drivers at the wheel.”
Ocasio 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, Ocasio acknowledged he and his co-conspirators communicated through accounts on Gmail, Instagram and Facebook to receive and deliver fraudulent buyer tags to purchasers all over the United States, including New York, Florida and Washington, D.C.
He also admitted he and his co-conspirators advertised the state-issued buyer tags on social media platforms and received and shared fraud proceeds via electronic payment services such as Cash App and Zelle.
Ocasio will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
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 www.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.
Sentence imposed for using vehicle to assault federal agent and smuggle individualsRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 22-year-old man from Brownsville has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction for transporting and attempting to transport undocumented aliens and assaulting a federal officer, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Cristian Rodriguez pleaded guilty May 23.
U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. has now ordered Rodriguez to serve 48 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release.
On Sept. 16, 2022, law enforcement observed three individuals running away from the border wall and getting in a gray vehicle at an intersection in Brownsville. Authorities activated emergency equipment but the driver - Rodriguez - impacted the marked unit in a head-on collision.
Authorities extracted the occupants and evaluated them for injuries.
In total, there were five occupants in the gray vehicle, three of whom were in the rear - Mexican nationals without proper documentation to be in or remain in the United States. They had just made an illegal entry into the United States by crossing the Rio Grande River.
The front passenger was Rolando Rodriguez, the brother of Cristian Rodriguez. He had also pleaded guilty and was previously sentenced to 46 months in federal prison followed by two years of supervised release for transporting and attempting to transport undocumented aliens.
Previously released on bond, Cristian Rodriguez was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender in the near future.
Border Patrol and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Coronado and Paul Marian prosecuted the case.
U.S. Attorney Hamdani to participate in discussion on national security and protecting American technologiesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – The Greater Houston Partnership and U.S. Commercial Service are hosting a forum Thursday, Oct. 19 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to support engagement for the Disruptive Technology Strike Force with business leaders in Houston.
U.S. Attorney Hamdani will participate in a session entitled Global Trade Threats and National & Economic Security featuring leadership from the Department of Justice’s National Security Division (NSD) and Department of Commerce.
Other speakers on varying topics include personnel from FBI and Homeland Security Investigations.
Speakers will discuss best practices to protect U.S. companies from hidden threats that can compromise sensitive information and leave them vulnerable to a host of security attacks. Topics include global trade threats, cyber threats, theft of trade secrets, economic espionage and more.
Under the leadership of the NSD and BIS, the strike force was launched to protect U.S. advanced technologies' critical technological assets that are at risk of being illegally acquired by foreign adversaries. The strike force operates in 14 metropolitan regions across the United States including Houston and Dallas with oversight from the local U.S. Attorneys’ Offices.
According to the DOJ, nation-state adversaries such as the People’s Republic of China, Iran, Russia and North Korea can use advanced technology to enhance its military capabilities, improve calculations in weapons design and testing and develop algorithms to break encryptions that protect sensitive data and classified information.
Registration is $40 to attend and the registration form is available online. Open to the public and media, the discussions will be held at Partnership Tower, 701 Avenida De Las Americas Houston, TX 77010.
Click here for more information on the Disruptive Technology Strike Force.