Southern District of Texas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Shots fired call leads to conviction of San Benito manRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - A 27-year-old man has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing numerous firearms, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Marco Antonio Moreno pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing four semiautomatic rifles and five pistols while under felony indictment.
On May 8, 2021, law enforcement responded to reports of shots fired at a residence located in San Benito. Upon arrival, they encountered Moreno who denied discharging a firearm. He claimed unknown individuals had entered his property and shot a gun.
However, they observed spent shell casings in the area and asked Moreno if he owned any firearms. He said he did not and granted consent to search his residence.
After entering the residence, authorities discovered various amounts of illegal narcotics as well as numerous firearms, including three AR-15 style semiautomatic rifles, one AK-47 style semiautomatic pistol, one .45-caliber rifle and four handguns. They also found over 450 rounds of ammunition of various calibers.
At that time, Moreno was under indictment for charges of unlawful use of a criminal instrument. He was, therefore, prohibited from possessing any firearms or ammunition.
U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. will impose sentencing Nov. 15. At that time, Moreno faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Brownsville Police Department and Cameron County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edgardo J. Rodriguez is prosecuting the case.
Ringleader of credit card skimming scheme sent to prisonRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - A 31-year-old Cuban citizen who resided in Houston has been sentenced for his role as leader of an organization that installed hundreds of credit card skimmers in Southeast Texas over the last six years, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Durlan Garica-Pupo pleaded guilty May 18, 2021, to one count of conspiracy to commit fraud in connection with access devices and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Today, U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal sentenced Durlan Garcia-Pupo to 60 months in prison for the conspiracy. He also must serve 24 months for the aggravated identity theft which must be served consecutively for a total 84-month prison term. In handing down the sentence, Judge Rosenthal noted Garcia-Pupo’s leadership role in the scheme, sophistication of the scheme and the volume of stolen personal information involved. Garcia-Pupo is expected to face removal proceedings following his incarceration.
From 2017 through 2019, Garcia-Pupo directed other members of the scheme to install credit card skimmers at gas station pumps located around Harris and Montgomery counties to steal personal and banking information. Garcia-Pupo also used at least one of those stolen identities himself to purchase fuel.
Authorities executed a search at his residence and found a laptop computer filled with up to 1500 stolen credit card numbers as well as materials to make credit card skimmers. Garcia-Pupo and his co-defendants would either sell the stolen information to other criminals or use the information to buy fuel that was then resold at much lower prices to generate cash.
Two others - Lazaro Martinez-Garcia, 36, Houston, and Julio Cesar Blanco-Diaz, 41, Houston, were previously sentenced to 33 and 24 months, respectively.
Garcia-Pupo 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 Texas Department of Public Safety conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas H. Carter prosecuted the case.
Smuggled individual convicted of having pornographic imagesRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 24-year-old Mexican national has admitted to having child pornography on his phone, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Christian Dolores Munoz-De La Rosa pleaded guilty to transporting and possessing child pornography.
As part of his plea, Munoz-De La Rosa admitted that on June 6 he was part of a group of undocumented aliens caught near Carrizo Springs. At the time of his arrest, authorities examined his phone and soon discovered the child pornography images.
There were a total of 116 images of child pornography, some of which involved a child as young as three.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing Nov. 9. At that time, Munoz-De La Rosa faces up to 20 years in federal prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol.
Assistant U.S. Attorney April Ayers-Perez 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.
Foreign national gets nearly 20 years for smuggling over $1M in methRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 33-year-old Mexican citizen has been ordered to prison for conspiracy to import and importation of meth, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
A federal jury convicted Juan Victor Larraga-Solano Aug. 25, 2021, following a two-day trial.
Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo ordered that he serve a total of 235 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the seriousness of drug smuggling and the significant quantity of meth Larraga-Solano attempted to bring into the United States. Judge Marmolejo also pointed out that Larraga-Solano’s testimony at trial did not make any sense and that he had not acknowledged any responsibility for his actions.
Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his sentence.
On March 8, 2020, Larraga-Solano attempted to enter the United States through the Lincoln-Juarez International Bridge in Laredo. He claimed he was importing glass beer bottles, juice boxes and meat contained in coolers from Mexico.
Law enforcement inspected the items and noticed that, when shaken, the juice boxes sounded as if they contained rocks. Further, the alleged beer did not have any bubbles. A follow up X-ray examination also revealed anomalies in the walls of the coolers. Authorities conducted a thorough inspection and found 56 packages of meth and 12 beer bottles containing liquid meth.
Overall, authorities seized a total of 44.56 kilograms of meth from Larraga-Solano.
During trral, the jury heard the total estimated street value was in excess of $1.1 million.
Testimony at trial revealed that Mexican cartels have increased the price of meth to raise demand for less expensive drugs like cocaine and marijuana.
Larraga-Solano has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection, Drug Enforcement Administration and Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Brandon S. Bowling and former AUSA Adam E. Harper prosecuted the case.
Gunfire reports lead to hefty prison sentenceRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 26-year-old Corpus Christi man has been sent to prison following his convictions of conspiracy to distribute narcotics and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
A federal jury deliberated for approximately two hours following a three-day trial before returning a guilty verdict April 6 on both counts against Jonathan Rodriguez, Corpus Christi.
Today, U.S. District Judge David Morales sentenced him to a total of 300 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that detailed the long-term drug conspiracy Rodriguez operated.
At trial, the jury heard that Rodriguez was a co-conspirator in a multi-person crack cocaine trafficking scheme. From 2016 to 2019, Rodriguez managed a Corpus Christi residence from where drugs were distributed.
In May 2019, law enforcement responded to reports of gunfire between rival drug dealers at the property. A search of the residence revealed various amounts of crack cocaine and meth.
The jury also heard that Rodriguez had maintained a commercial storage unit in Corpus Christi. A search of the unit revealed $1.26 million in U.S. currency, more than 600 grams of cocaine, 52 rifles, shotguns and pistols.
At trial, the defense attempted to convince the jury Rodriguez was merely a narcotics user, not a distributor and the evidence was insufficient. However, they saw video evidence of Rodriguez distributing narcotics within the house and surveillance footage at the commercial storage unit.
The jury did not believe defense claims and found him guilty as charged.
Rodriguez will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of Corpus Christi Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Dennis E. Robinson and John Marck prosecuted the case.
Two arrested in $39M personal protection equipment fraud schemeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Two suburban Houston men have been charged with conspiracy to commit and committing wire fraud during the COVID-19 pandemic involving medical-grade nitrile gloves, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Authorities took Caleb Jordan McCreless, 32, Richmond, and Christopher Luke McGinnis, 39, Spring, into custody today. They are expected to make their initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Yvonne Ho at 2 p.m. Aug. 3.
The six-count indictment returned July 28 charges McCreless and McGinnis with conspiracy to commit wire fraud. McCreless also faces an additional five counts of wire fraud.
The indictment alleges McCreless purported to have access to medical-grade nitrile gloves during the ensuing demand for medical personal protection equipment amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical companies allegedly paid him $39 million to buy the in-demand gloves. However, McCreless did not have any gloves at all and never delivered them to anyone that had made purchases, according to the charges.
McGinnis served as a logistics operator and delayed or stalled the delivery process when companies became concerned about their order of gloves not arriving, according to the charges.
Healthcare professionals who were on the frontlines during the fight against COVID-19 were expected to use the gloves, according to the charges.
As a result of this scheme, one victim allegedly lost over $13 million.
The indictment also includes the forfeiture of the residence of McCreless in Ft. Bend County which is valued at over $2 million. The charges allege the house was purchased with money profited during the scheme.
If convicted, both men face up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
The FBI and Harris County Constable’s Office - Precinct 1 conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas H. Carter is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.Pharmacy owner and accountant indicted again in $150M scamRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Two Houston area men face new charges in nationwide pharmacy health care fraud scheme that that targeted elderly citizens, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Mohamed Mokbel, 57, and Fathy Elsafty, 63, both of Houston, are expected to make their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Yvonne Ho today at 2 p.m.
The 18-count superseding indictment, returned July 20, alleges that from 2013 to January 2022, Mokbel and ElSafty conspired to commit a $150 million mail fraud and health care fraud scheme and engaged in money laundering with the fraud proceeds. Mokbel is also alleged to have continued the fraud scheme at MK Pharmacy, a Houston area pharmacy, from April 2021 through January 2022. During this time, he had been permitted release on bond after the return of the original indictment in March 2021.
Mokbel was the CEO of 4M Pharmaceuticals Inc., according to the charges. With ElSafty’s assistance, he allegedly acquired and controlled over a dozen pharmacies that operated in Houston and elsewhere. The indictment alleges Elsafty served as 4M’s accountant and tax preparer and had ownership interests in several pharmacies located in California, Texas and Florida. ElSafty allegedly aided Mokbel by falsifying corporate filings and concealing Mokbel’s involvement in the pharmacies.
The fraud was pervasive and carried out using a sophisticated mass marketing scheme targeting individuals over the age of 55 using telemarketing and mail, according to the charges. Mokbel is alleged to have purchased patient data and directed 4M Pharmaceuticals’ employees to submit test claims to patient insurance plans to determine insurance coverage.
4M then allegedly sent prescription fax requests to doctors’ offices on behalf of the patients without their knowledge or consent. In some cases, 4M requested prescriptions for patients who had been dead for months, if not years, according to the allegations.
Company employees then allegedly called patients to report their doctor had approved prescriptions for them and that they would receive the medications at no cost. However, Medicare and other insurance plans often required a copay which 4M did not collect, according to the charges. When audited, 4M allegedly falsified proof of the copay collection.
Mokbel and ElSafty are charged with one count of a conspiracy to commit mail and health care fraud, two counts of health care fraud and 15 counts of money laundering.
If convicted of the conspiracy, they face up to 20 years in prison, while the health care violations carry a 10-year-term. Money laundering also carries a potential 10-year sentence. The use of telemarketing to target people over 55 as a means to commit mail fraud and health care fraud carries an additional penalty of 10 years. Fines could also be assessed in the amounts of $250,000 or not more than twice the amount of the criminally derived property involved in the transaction.
Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General, Food and Drug Administration - Office of Criminal Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, IRS - Criminal Investigation, Ohio Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Texas State Board of Pharmacy, United States Postal Inspection Service and California Department of Health Care Services, conducted the joint investigation.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Abdul Farukhi and Assistant U.S. Attorney Zahra Fenelon are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristine Rollinson is assisting with asset forfeiture.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Former Cartel leader’s son admits to moving assault weapons into MexicoRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Osiel Cardenas Jr. has pleaded guilty to smuggling goods from the United States into Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Cardenas aka Osiel Cardenas-Salinas Jr., 30, Brownsville, admitted he attempted to purchase 10 assault rifles to export into Mexico. Cardenas is the son of former head of the Gulf Cartel Osiel Cardenas-Guillen who was convicted and sentenced to 25 years in federal prison and ordered to pay a money judgment of $50 million.
On April 22, 2021, Cardenas and others attempted to purchase five AK-47 type rifles and five AR-15 type rifles.
The undercover operation took place in a Brownsville store parking lot. Cardenas had instructed another individual to cross into Mexico to pick up the $15,000 for the weapons and to inform him when the weapons transaction had been completed.
Cardenas further admitted he committed the crime while on supervised release for a previous felony.
U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. will impose sentencing Nov. 8. At that time, Cardenas faces up to 10 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elena Salinas is prosecuting the case.
El Salvadorian felon heads to prison for third-time unlawful entryRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 46-year-old man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of illegal re-entry into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton convicted Jose Villatoro-Avila May 10, following a two-day bench trial.
Today, Judge Tipton ordered Villatoro-Avila to serve 27 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, Villatoro-Avila is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Villatoro-Avila’s repeated attempts to come into the country illegally, despite previously being sentenced to two 24- month sentences.
Villatoro-Avila is a citizen of El Salvador who was found illegally present within the United States.
At trial, evidence and testimony showed that on April 6, 2021, law enforcement apprehended Villatoro-Avila in Kenedy County while he was trying to circumvent the Javier Vega Jr. checkpoint. Authorities quickly pursued and were able to apprehend him while he was still in the brush.
The judge heard that Villatoro-Avila had been convicted - twice - of illegal re-entry into the United States. At a previous sentencing, he told the court “I promise I will never come back here if you give me leniency.”
However, evidence and testimony revealed he unlawfully returned to the country two more times after making that promise to the judge. The investigation further revealed he had been removed from the country multiple times beginning in 1999 and as recently as 2016.
The court also heard how authorities had used his fingerprints to make the identification, thus revealing the previous deportations.
The defense attempted to convince the court there was a possibility of evidence that showed Villatoro-Avila had received permission to re-enter the United States from appropriate authorities. The defense also attacked the credibility of fingerprint testimony and his identification at the time of his previous removals from the country.
Judge Tipton did not believe the claims and found him guilty as charged.
Villatoro-Avila has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys J. Parker Gochenour and Christopher Marin prosecuted the case.
Driver charged with theft of mail and official postal keysRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 23-year-old resident of Missouri City is set to appear in court on allegations he used his hoodless Buick to steal postal mail and keys, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Brandon Brantley was taken into custody today. He is set for his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Yvonne Y. Ho at 2 p.m. Aug. 3.
The charges allege that on July 12, a hoodless gold Buick was used to steal postal keys from a U.S. Postal Service employee. The investigation soon allegedly revealed the same vehicle and driver was believed to steal mail on June 18.
According to the criminal complaint, law enforcement identified the driver as Brantley. Upon executing a search at his Missouri city home, authorities allegedly found items linking him to both crimes.
If convicted, Brantley faces up to 10 years for stealing the postal keys and a maximum of five years for mail theft.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation with the assistance of police departments in Missouri City and Houston. Assistant U.S. Attorney Celia Moyer prosecuted the case.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.Aransas Pass man sentenced for trafficking methRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 37-year-old local man has been handed a significant federal prison sentence following his conviction for possession with intent to distribute 11.88 grams of meth, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Bryson Hughes pled guilty Jan. 19.
Today, U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton sentenced Hughes to serve 60 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by four years of supervised release. At the hearing, Hughes expressed his remorse for the offense he committed and requested that his sentence include drug treatment and testing so that he can continue his rehabilitation.
On April 22, 2021, Hughes was pulled over by authorities for traffic violations after his car was seen leaving the residence of a known meth dealer. Officers asked Hughes to exit the vehicle, and saw what Hughes admitted was a marijuana cigarette on the floorboard.
During a search of the vehicle, officers found a lock box on the driver’s side floorboard which contained meth. Meth was also found between two layers of socks on Hughes’ left foot.
The total weight of the narcotics was 11.88 grams.
Hughes has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Aransas Pass Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda L. Gould prosecuted the case.
McAllen pawn shop owner pleads guilty to selling firearmsRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 67-year-old man has admitted to charges of providing ammunition to a prohibited person, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Daniel Gallegos pleaded guilty to selling thousands of rounds of various ammunition.
Gallegos is the long-time owner and operator of Danny’s Pawn and Sporting Goods in McAllen.
As part of his plea, Gallegos admitted to selling approximately 280 rounds of .50 BMG caliber ammunition as well as more than 5,000 rounds of various sizes, ranging from .223 caliber to .50 caliber. He provided all of it to someone he knew to be a prohibited person – an individual who was illegally and unlawfully present in the United States - on four separate occasions during 2021.
Gallegos also admitted that he knew the person was prohibited under federal law from possessing the ammunition because the individual was illegally present in the United States.
U.S. District Judge Ricardo H. Hinojosa will impose sentencing Oct. 18. At that time, Gallegos faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $10,000 maximum fine.
Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert L. Guerra, Jr. is prosecuting the case.
The Department of Justice launched Operation Guardian targeting firearms and illegal export of firearms in November 2019. On April 8, 2021, President Biden issued executive orders specifically targeting crimes involving guns.
Rap group sent to prison for drug schemeRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A third individual has been sent to prison for his role in a large-scale narcotics distribution operation involving multiple properties throughout Corpus Christi, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Javon Hicks aka Drank Nitti Kasino, 41, Corpus Christi, pleaded guilty April 5.
Co-conspirator Dwayne Thompson aka Muddy Kasino, 39, and Zackari Williams aka Arm and Hammer Zone, 30, both of Corpus Christi, pleaded guilty to the same charges March 9 and March 30, respectively.
Today, U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton ordered Hicks to serve a total of 138 months, in federal prison. He must also serve five years of supervised release following the sentence.
Hicks and Thompson forfeited personal items including cars, guns, jewelry and cash valued at more than $123,000 following their pleas.
At the time of their pleas, the individuals admitted they were each part of a hip-hop group that produced music under the Kasino World label. They used various houses and apartments throughout Corpus Christi to record their songs and videos. Investigation further revealed the group members also used the locations to distribute crack cocaine and meth with at least 100 sales per day.
Thompson and Williams have previously received their sentences and are currently serving 150 and 120 months, respectively, in prison.
Hicks will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Corpus Christi Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Roland Swanson and Dennis E. Robinson prosecuted the case.
Mexican Mafia supplier and local gang member guilty of drug and gun chargesRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 28-year-old man has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm as a felon and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
On April 22, authorities executed a search warrant at Manuel Moya’s residence, at which time they discovered approximately 11.2 kilograms of cocaine, 1.5 kilograms of meth, three kilograms of marijuana and $120,000. They also found other controlled substances such as psilocybin mushrooms, crack cocaine, synthetic cannabinoid and MDMA. He was the only one present at the location.
Law enforcement also found a Century Arms Inc. pistol, Ruger rifle, two Taurus pistols, three Glock pistols, a JTS Group shotgun, body armor, high-capacity magazines and several rounds of ammunition. Two of the firearms contained chambered rounds. Moya took responsibility of the weapons and ammunition.
In addition, they discovered several ledgers that documented Moya’s controlled substance distribution activities and a notebook with instructions on how to make drugs. Other supplies were found in the search including glassware with residue of controlled substances, bags, equipment for vacuum sealing, weight scales, small sandwich bags, money counters and razor blades.
The investigation revealed Moya was a local gang member and a drug supplier to the Mexican Mafia. He distributed narcotics on both an individual and large-scale basis.
Moya has been previously convicted of possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of cocaine and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. As such, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition per federal law.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales will impose sentencing on Oct. 19. At that time, Moya faces up to life in prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Parker Gochenour is prosecuting the case.
Jury convicts San Ygnacio man for brandishing AR-15Read the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A federal jury in Laredo has convicted a 45-year-old man of being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
The jury deliberated for 45 minutes before convicting Daniel Arturo Lozano following a one-day trial.
At trial, the jury heard that on June 21, 2021, law enforcement responded to reports describing Lozano’s angry and disorderly behavior at Lozano’s Country Store located in San Ygnacio.
Upon their arrival, Lozano fled the scene and began a vehicle chase before returning to the store. At that time, he exited his vehicle and brandished an AR-style rifle. Lozano left the rifle at the store, returned to his truck and departed. Law enforcement took Lozano into custody later that night.
The defense attempted to convince the jury that the weapon Lozano displayed was actually a realistic-looking pellet gun that law enforcement found when they arrested him. However, the jury saw both the pellet gun and AR-style rifle compared side by side and the rifle was identified as the weapon Lozano had showed at the scene.
The jury did not believe defense claims and found Lozano guilty as charged.
He had been previously convicted of possession of cocaine. As such, he is prohibited per federal law of possession of firearms or ammunition.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo presided over trial and set sentencing for Oct. 27. At that time, Lozano 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Zapata County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Bajew and David Fawcett are prosecuting the case.
Asleep at the wheel drug trafficker sent to federal prisonRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 28-year-old Alice man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of trafficking meth, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Allen Marcus Carrillo pleaded guilty May 2.
Today, U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton ordered him to serve a 126-month sentence to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence detailing Carrillo’s efforts to acquire narcotics and other contraband while in custody for this offense by attempting to bribe a guard at the federal detention facility. In handing down the sentence, Judge Tipton noted Carrillo’s efforts to acquire contraband while in federal custody were “extraordinary” and justified the lengthy sentence imposed.
On May 17, 2021, authorities observed Carrillo’s vehicle obstructing traffic on Highway 359. When they approached, they discovered Carrillo asleep in the driver’s seat of the running car.
A subsequent search revealed a black magnetic box containing more than 90 grams of pure meth underneath Carrillo’s seat.
Carrillo will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted this investigation with the assistance of the Jim Wells County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. Thorpe Jr. prosecuted the case.
Repeat smuggler fleeing with law enforcement on car door heads to prisonRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 49-year-old Houston man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of smuggling undocumented aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Alex Chamie pleaded guilty April 21.
Today, U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton ordered Chamie to serve 51 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional details that described Chamie’s extensive criminal history including 11 burglaries, nine thefts and two drug convictions among other criminal misconduct. In handing down the sentence, the court noted he was also previously convicted of conspiring to transport undocumented aliens in 2018.
On Feb. 23, law enforcement observed multiple individuals moving in brush on the side of U.S. Highway 281 north of a Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint located near Falfurrias. At that time, Chamie pulled over near the group. They ran out of the brush and loaded into the car.
Authorities attempted to stop the vehicle. However, the car failed to yield and increased speed. Eventually, the car pulled over to the shoulder of the road and the individuals fled into the brush.
Chamie ignored commands to place his car in park and attempted to flee, but law enforcement was holding on to the driver’s side door. They subdued him and turned off the vehicle. A search revealed a black pepper spray gun resembling a firearm tucked into his waistband.
Later, authorities found four individuals all determined to be illegally present in the country.
Chamie will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Parker Gochenour prosecuted the case.
Former law enforcement officer heads to prison for allowing contraband into countryRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 41-year-old Laredo resident has been sent to prison for his role in a conspiracy to smuggle goods into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Simon Medina III pleaded guilty March 8.
Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo ordered Medina to serve 24 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Medina was in a position of power and was law enforcement and, as such, more aware of his actions. She highlighted the facts surrounding the severity of the actions and the danger in which he put the community.
Medina was a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. He admitted that between May 25 and Aug. 6, 2020, he allowed several individuals to enter the United States with contraband in their vehicles on approximately 20 occasions. Although not assigned to the entry lanes at the Laredo Port of Entry, Medina would open a lane and allow his co-conspirators to pass through without inspecting their cargo. Medina also accepted gratuities from his partners.
Medina was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
CBP - Office of Professional Responsibility conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney José Angel Moreno prosecuted the case.
“Out of practice” truck driver guilty of smuggling 110 in refrigerated trailerRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 36-year-old border crossing Visa holder out of Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, has admitted to conspiring to transport an undocumented alien, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Marthin Rueda Alcorta pleaded guilty to his role in smuggling 110 undocumented individuals in a refrigerated trailer.
On May 24, Rueda Alcorta drove a tractor trailer into the Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint north of Laredo. He drove erratically through an inspection lane and nearly hit a K-9 until authorities ordered him to stop.
Law enforcement conducted a search of the trailer and discovered 110 people in his trailer. All were later determined to be illegally present in the country and were from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador.
As part of his plea, Rueda Alcorta admitted he was desperate for money. He sought out an alien smuggler and agreed to drive undocumented individuals from Laredo to San Antonio for $5,000.
Rueda Alcorta was previously employed as a truck driver but admitted he was “out of practice.”
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Rueda Alcorta faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 maximum fine. He may also lose his status as a visa holder.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of BP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Homero Ramirez is prosecuting the case.
Mexican national admits to smuggling bundles of cocaine in car batteryRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 25-year-old woman has admitted to possession with intent to distribute more than four kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
On May 14, Marisol Sanchez-Sanchez attempted to drive a sport utility vehicle into the primary inspection lane of a Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint located near Sarita. There, authorities searched her vehicle and discovered four bundles of cocaine hidden inside the vehicle’s battery compartment.
The drugs weighed 4.4 kilograms and have an estimated street value of more than $100,000.
U.S. District Judge Drew Tipton will impose sentencing Oct. 19. At that time, Sanchez-Sanchez faces up to 40 years in federal prison and a possible $5 million maximum fine.
She was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
BP and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Marck is prosecuting the case.
Jury finds driver guilty of smuggling seven in tractor cabRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A federal jury in Laredo has convicted a 39-year-old man from Petal, Mississippi, for smuggling seven undocumented aliens in the sleeper cab of his tractor-trailer, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
The jury deliberated for approximately 15 minutes before convicting Daniel McLaurin following a one-day trial.
On April 22, McLaurin drove his tractor-trailer into a Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint on IH-35 north of Laredo. At inspection, law enforcement asked McLaurin if there were any passengers in his vehicle. At that time, he stated that he had one passenger and that they were both U.S. citizens.
Shortly thereafter, authorities asked McLaurin if he would consent to drive his tractor-trailer through an X-ray scanner, and he agreed. It revealed images in the sleeper cab that appeared to be human bodies. They conducted a search and discovered seven undocumented individuals inside of the tractor cab.
Later, they were determined to be unlawfully present in the country.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo presided over trial and will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, McLaurin faces up to 10 years in prison and a possible $250,000.00 maximum fine.
He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gerard A. Cantu and Brandon Bowling prosecuted the case.
Three fugitives arrested in massive multistate fraud schemeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Three more co-conspirators have been taken into custody on charges related to a multi-layered mortgage fraud, credit repair and government loan fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B Lowery.
Heather Ann Campos, David Lewis Best Jr. and Stephen Laverne Crabtree had evaded law enforcement for several months.
Campos, 43, Houston, is set for a detention hearing before U.S. Judge Dena H. Palermo today at 10 a.m. Best, 56, Spring, and Crabtree, 62, Herriman, Utah, remain in custody pending further criminal proceedings.
All three allegedly sent numerous sovereign citizen letters to federal agencies and the federal court in Houston declaring themselves immune from prosecution and refusing to recognize the authority of the federal courts.
Campos and Best were indicted in January on numerous charges for participating in a conspiracy to defraud mortgage lending businesses, banks, Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). They indicated they would self-surrender but allegedly fled from law enforcement. Since that date, several other co-conspirators were indicted, including Crabtree. He was released on bond and also became a fugitive.
Those indicted include Steven Tetsuya Morizono, 59, Mission Viejo, California; Albert Lugene Lim, 53, Laguna Niguel, California; Melinda Moreno Munoz, 41, Elvina Buckley, 68, Leslie Edrington, 65, and ShyAnne Edrington, 29, all of Houston.
The charges allege Campos and Best recruited clients for credit repair using company names of KMD Credit, KMD Capital and Jeff Funding, among others. They allegedly “cleaned” their clients’ credit histories by filing false identity theft reports with the FTC. After fraudulently inflating client credit worthiness, the co-conspirators fraudulently obtained credit cards, disaster loans and mortgages for themselves and their clients, according to the charges. They were allegedly able to accomplish this through false statements and fake documents.
Campos was a mortgage broker and Buckley a realtor, while operating as a notary was the responsibility of Munoz, according to the charges. After fraudulently inflating client credit worthiness, the individuals allegedly obtained rental properties to deceptively build a real estate portfolio worth millions of dollars in their clients’ names and profit from rental income. The charges allege Crabtree was a credit repair client and recruited others, including his family members, and conspired to commit wire fraud.
In addition, they allegedly obtained loans from banks and the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program and Paycheck Protection Program. They were created in the names of clients, friends and family members through false statements and fake or altered documents.
Using the alias Jeff, Morizono was the leader and namesake for the scheme purporting to do business as Jeff Funding, according to the charges.
If convicted, they all face up to 30 years in federal prison and a possible $1 million maximum fine.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General (OIG), U.S. Postal Inspection Service and SBA – OIG conducted the investigation with the assistance of the FTC – OIG and IRS – Criminal Investigation.
Other agencies assisted with the arrests of Campos, Best and Crabtree, to include The Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake; police departments in South Jordan, Riverton, and Herriman, Utah; FBI Hostage Rescue Team; U.S. Postal Inspection Service – Pittsburgh and Salt Lake City Divisions; and the U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Apprehension Strike Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kate Suh and Jay Hileman are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.Mexican national admits to transporting 85 aliens in hot trailerRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 31-year-old undocumented alien himself has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport undocumented aliens for financial gain, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Jose Luis Vega-Arzate, Nuevo Laredo, Temaulipas, Mexico, drove into the Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint north of Laredo on May 11. At initial inspection, he displayed nervous behavior and had trouble shifting gears.
After a K-9 also alerted to the trailer, authorities broke the seal, opened it and discovered 85 individuals locked inside the vehicle. They were later determined to be illegally present in the United States.
At that time, Vega-Arzate told authorities that he had agreed to pay $8,000 to have himself smuggled from Mexico into the country and transported to Austin. He volunteered to drive the tractor trailer through the Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint to receive a large reduction in his own transportation fee. He did not possess experience or a commercial driving license to drive a tractor trailer in Texas.
According to court documents, he was cautioned to avoid stopping on the way to San Antonio because the undocumented individuals could die due to lack of ventilation resulting from the trailer’s lack of movement.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing Oct. 20. At that time, Vega-Arzate faces up to 20 years in federal prison and possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of BP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Homero Ramirez is prosecuting this case.
South Texas man handed life sentence for child exploitationRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A South Texas man and woman have been ordered to federal prison for production of child pornography and coercion and enticement of a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Reid Etheridge, 42, McAllen, and Alicia Cronkhite, 30, Edinburg, pleaded guilty April 1, 2021.
Today, U.S. District Judge Randy Crane ordered Etheridge to serve a life sentence. Cronkhite was ordered to serve 180 months to be immediately followed by a lifetime of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional facts discussing the abuse both minor victims sustained at Etheridge and Cronkhite’s hands. In handing down the sentence, Judge Crane considered and heavily weighed the chances that Etheridge would re-offend in the future should he be released from federal prison. Judge Crane also considered that Etheridge manipulated Cronkhite into participating in their criminal conduct.
“This lengthy sentence is a testament to the repugnant nature of child exploitation crimes, particularly the production of child pornography which only perpetuates the trauma endured by victims,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Alejandro Amaro of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in San Antonio. “HSI agents make it a top priority to protect vulnerable children from victimization by working with their law enforcement partners to investigate predators involved with the production, distribution and possession of child sexual abuse material and ensure they are held accountable for their heinous actions.”
Etheridge had filmed himself committing the sexual abuse and assault of two minor children from on or about Jan. 1, 2020, to approximately Oct. 1, 2020. As part of her guilty plea, Cronkhite admitted she took photographs of one minor victim’s exposed genitals and transmitted those photographs to Etheridge at his request.
The investigation began when authorities identified an IP address in McAllen that had uploaded images and videos depicting minor children engaged in sex acts. On Oct. 2, 2020, law enforcement executed a search warrant and encountered Etheridge at the residence. He soon admitted he had filmed himself sexually assaulting one minor victim.
Further investigation revealed communication between Etheridge and Cronkhite detailing the sexual exploitation of another minor victim. Authorities searched her residence, at which time she admitted she produced multiple images of a minor victim and transmitted the images to Etheridge.
Etheridge and Cronkhite will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Homeland Security Investigations - Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Investigations Task Force conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Mitchell prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
Mexican drug smuggler sentenced for poly-drug case at borderRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 58-year-old Mexican national has been ordered to prison for knowingly and intentionally importing cocaine and meth into the United States from Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Francisco Garduno Bobadilla pleaded guilty April 29.
Today, U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez ordered Bobadilla to serve 63 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, Bobadilla is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that if someone agrees to involve themselves in a crime, even if only moments before it happens, they are still held liable.
Bobadilla arrived at the Hidalgo Port of Entry Feb. 1, 2021, driving a red Dodge Avenger. There, a K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics hidden inside the vehicle.
Authorities sent him to secondary inspection where they soon found bundles of cocaine and meth hidden within the panels of his vehicle.
The drugs had a combined weight of 13 kilograms – 11 and two kilograms for the meth and cocaine, respectively, with an estimated street value over $100,000.
Bobadilla 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 M. Alexis Garcia prosecuted the case.
Local woman admits to sending meth-laced mail into federal detention centerRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 55-year-old woman has pleaded guilty to mailing meth-laced papers disguised as mail to the Coastal Bend Detention Center (CBDC), announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Gail Hostetter, Corpus Christi, pleaded guilty to knowingly and intentionally possessing and attempting to provide meth to an inmate.
On Jan. 29, 2021, Hostetter mailed a letter purporting to be from a local law firm to an inmate at CBDC. However, facility staff intercepted it and sent it for testing. The mail tested positive for meth. Law enforcement subsequently executed a search warrant on Hostetter’s residence where they found additional empty envelopes pre-addressed from various local law firms.
The investigation revealed the inmate devised the plan and recruited Hostetter among others to mail meth-laced papers into the detention center. The scheme involved creating envelopes designed to look like legal mail.
As part of her plea, Hostetter admitted to mailing meth into a jail facility on at least one other occasion.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos will impose sentencing Oct. 18. At that time, Hostetter faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
She has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service, The GEO Group, Drug Enforcement Administration, Corpus Christi Police Department, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Bureau of Prisons and FBI Miami Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Marin and John Marck are prosecuting the case.
League City man gets 35 years for exploiting child on KikRead the Press Release
GALVESTON, Texas – A 38-year-old man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of production and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Scott Jacob McGuire pleaded guilty Aug. 8, 2021.
Today, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey V. Brown sentenced McGuire to 360 and 60 months for the production and possession convictions, respectively. They will run consecutively for a total 420-month-term of imprisonment. At the hearing, the court an impact statement from one of the identified victims in the images McGuire possessed. McGuire was further ordered to pay $63,000 in restitution to seven of the victims whose images he possessed and the minor victim of whom he created child pornography. Additionally, he will 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. McGuire will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
McGuire had engaged in a conversation with someone who he believed to be a father to a young child on Kik, claiming he was also a dad to a three-year-old daughter. McGuire sent an image of the minor female with McGuire’s genitals in her hand and stated he would give the child melatonin so she would “sleep like a rock.” Then, McGuire requested images of the individual molesting his daughter.
Law enforcement was able to locate McGuire in League City and executed a search warrant at his residence. At that time, they seized numerous devices and discovered 721 images of child pornography. McGuire also possessed a large amount of child erotica and CGI animation child pornography.
In addition to the minor victim McGuire used to produce child pornography, he also possessed images and video of victims the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has previously identified in 47 known series.
McGuire has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
FBI – Texas City conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Washington Metropolitan Police FBI Child Exploitation Task Force.
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.
Guilty verdict in conspiracy to transport 124 peopleRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A federal jury sitting in Laredo has convicted a 67-year-old Laredo man of conspiring to transport people in a sealed trailer, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
The jury deliberated for two hours before convicting David William McKeon for conspiracy to transport undocumented aliens following a two-day trial.
On April 20, McKeon arrived at the Laredo North Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint while driving a tractor-trailer. At that time, law enforcement heard suspicious noises coming from the trailer. They opened a vent door and discovered 124 locked behind the doors.
At trial, the jury heard that McKeon had said he was recruited for the job at his birthday party a few days earlier. They heard he picked up the tractor-trailer from a dirt road then was given a fraudulent bill of lading in the parking lot of a Popeye’s restaurant before driving to the checkpoint.
However, the defense attempted to convince the jury that McKeon didn’t know there were aliens inside the trailer. The jury ultimately found him guilty of engaging in a conspiracy to transport the aliens.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo presided over trial and will set sentencing at a later date. At that time, McKeon faces up to 10 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
McKeon has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of BP. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Bajew and David Fawcett are prosecuting the case.
Former officer sent to prison for accepting bribeRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 48-year-old Mission resident has been ordered to federal prison after allowing drugs into the country, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Oziel Cantu is a former Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. He pleaded guilty April 1, 2021, to one count of bribery of a public official.
Today, U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez handed Cantu a 120-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, Judge Alvarez noted this type of case bothers her every single time and it is very difficult to understand the situation in which Cantu put himself. She informed him that everyone in the court room has been in a difficult financial situation before and yet none of them resorted to crime. Judge Alvarez stated that she would not let law enforcement corruption slide.
The investigation began after authorities suspected Cantu had contacted members of a Mexican drug trafficking organization to offer his assistance in smuggling narcotics through the Pharr Port of Entry where he was stationed for payment.
During an undercover operation, Cantu had agreed to assist with importing 40 kilograms of cocaine in exchange for a cash payment of $15,000. Cantu provided instructions on how to drive a vehicle containing the narcotics through a specific inspection lane during the early morning hours on Aug. 19, 2020. Once there, Cantu would let the vehicle pass into the United States.
Cantu was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Department of Homeland Security - Office of Inspector General and CBP – Office of Professional responsibility conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Alexis Garcia prosecuted the case.
Meth-loaded tires send Rio Grande City man to prisonRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 20-year-old man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of importing 500 grams or more of meth, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery
Abiel Geronimo Fernandez pleaded guilty March 22.
Today, U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez ordered Fernandez to serve 140 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard that Fernandez asked someone to hide marijuana and a firearm while he was waiting for trial. The court also saw pictures from his cell phone of narcotics and firearms. In one, he was taking a selfie while wearing body armor and holding a rifle. In other photos, there were kilogram quantities of narcotics indicating that this was not the first time he had transported large quantities of narcotics. In imposing the sentence, Judge Alvarez noted that Fernandez’s arrest for alien smuggling one day before his arrest on this matter was troubling.
On Nov. 28, 2021, Fernandez attempted to enter the United States from Mexico at the Rio Grande City Port of Entry while driving a Chevrolet Silverado. Authorities referred him to secondary inspection where they discovered anomalies in all four tires of the truck.
There were a total of 24 bricks of meth hidden within the tires. The total weight was approximately 59 kilograms with an estimated street value of $236,000.
As part of his plea, Fernandez admitted he was recruited the day before to smuggle three kilograms of meth into the country in exchange for $3,000.
He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colton Turner prosecuted the case.
Jury convicts foreign citizen in Mission harboring conspiracyRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A federal jury in McAllen has convicted a 27-year-old Mexican citizen for conspiracy and harboring and transporting aliens within the country, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
The jury deliberated for approximately an hour before convicting Silverio Moreno-Calderon following a two-day trial.
Moreno-Calderon illegally resided in a stash house on West 1st Street in Mission. On Feb. 2, authorities observed Moreno-Calderon exit the residence and meet with a driver in a black sport utility vehicle.
At that time, Moreno-Calderon prepared the vehicle for transportation of the undocumented individuals by rearranging the vehicle’s contents and viewing it from all angles with the doors both open and closed.
The jury heard that Moreno-Calderon directed three individuals into the vehicle and concealed them with blankets, boxes and various items. Soon after, the loaded vehicle departed from the residence. Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop and found the undocumented individuals in the car. They were later determined to be illegally present in the United States.
Authorities searched the residence and discovered an additional 24 people who had been smuggled into the country and were awaiting further transportation.
At trial, two of the aliens provided testimony describing how Moreno-Calderon confiscated their cell phones upon arrival to the house, enforced rules they needed to follow and determined when they would be able to contact their families. One of individuals testified how Moreno-Calderon punched him in the face for attempting to use his cell phone without permission.
Moreno-Calderon’s co-conspirators previously pleaded guilty to transporting aliens within the United States. One of whom, the driver, testified how he had driven from Houston the day before and planned to transport four aliens back to the area. However, he and Moreno-Calderon were only able to fit three people in the vehicle due to their size. He also told the jury how he followed Moreno-Calderon’s advice as it seemed like he had done this many times. He testified how Moreno-Calderon told him that he was planning on walking a group north following the driver’s departure.
The defense attempted to convince the jury that Moreno-Calderon was just an alien who was also smuggled, not a smuggler. The jury did not believe those claims and found him guilty as charged.
U.S. District Judge Miceala Alvarez presided over the trial and set sentencing for Nov. 3. At that time, Moreno-Calderon faces up to 10 years on each conviction as well as a possible $10 million maximum fine.
Moreno-Calderon has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric D. Flores and Lee Fry are prosecuting the case.
Two sent to prison for conspiring to import kilos of methRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 60-year-old San Antonio resident has been ordered to federal prison after admitting to conspiring to import 18 kilograms of meth, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Douglas Wayne Tatum pleaded guilty Feb. 1.
Today, U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez ordered Tatum to serve a 188-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, Judge Alvarez noted Tatum was more than average participant and had recruited the driver who imported the meth.
At the time of his plea, Tatum admitted that on Sept. 30, 2019, he directed Kandy Martinez to drive into Mexico and smuggle a vehicle loaded with bundles of meth into the United States. He said he would be waiting for her when she returned and would pay her $4,000.
He admitted he drove Martinez from San Antonio to Rio Grande Valley. She then drove into Mexico and exchanged her car for the vehicle loaded with meth.
Martinez attempted to drive the vehicle into the United States at the Donna Port of Entry. At inspection, a search of the vehicle revealed 18 bundles of meth weighing 18 kilograms hidden within the rear panel of the vehicle and in the spare tire.
Martinez, 52, San Antonio, previously pleaded guilty and received a 42-month term of imprisonment followed by three years of supervised release.
Tatum 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 Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney M. Alexis Garcia prosecuted the case.
Texas company forfeits proceeds and pays fine after supplying potentially tainted rocket fuel to NASARead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Anahuac Transport Inc. must pay a substantial fine after admitting to fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Corporate representatives Gary Monteau and Brant Charpiot admitted their guilt Feb. 23 on behalf of the company and agreed to forfeit $251,401 in gross proceeds that it obtained from the criminal scheme.
Today, U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett ordered the company to serve three years on probation and to pay an additional fine of $275,000. During the hearing, the court noted the importance of the Johnson Space Center to the identity of the Houston area and how it was a privilege for a company like Anahuac to play a role in the U.S. space program. He noted that Anahuac had abused that privilege.
At the time of the plea, Monteau, Charpiot and Anahuac entered voluntary exclusions with the United States in which each agreed to be banned from federal government contracting for two years.
Anahuac admitted to falsifying its records and delivering potentially tainted rocket fuel for NASA and Department of Defense (DOD) rocket launches.
NASA and DOD entered into contracts with various companies, including Space Explorations Technologies Corp. (SpaceX), to launch rockets with supplies for the International Space Station and with military payloads.
These companies procured fuel for the rocket launches and contracted for transportation of the fuel to the launch sites. Anahuac was in the business of hauling chemicals in tanker trailers. From approximately 2012 through 2020, NASA and DOD subcontracted Anahuac to transport the rocket fuel.
To prevent contamination, Anahuac was required to ensure the tanker trailer they used did not previously contain certain chemicals that may have adverse reactions with the fuel. However, Anahuac intentionally falsified its documents, claiming it had not previously hauled incompatible chemicals with its tanker trailers. In fact, it had.
Anahuac transported the rocket fuel with its contaminated trailers. As a result, NASA used the fuel for rocket launches.
NASA - Office of Inspector General (OIG) and DOD – OIG conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Johnson is prosecuting the case.
Stealing from job lands local woman in prisonRead the Press Release
GALVESTON, Texas – A 47-year-old Bay City woman has been ordered to federal prison after admitting defrauding a company of nearly half a million dollars, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Kimberly Knebel Janise pleaded guilty April 5.
Today, U.S. District Judge Jeffery V. Brown sentenced her to 27 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. In assessing the term of punishment, the court imposed one month for every two months she stole.
The court also considered victim impact statements, one which described the profound effect of Janise’s embezzlement on the family-owned business and its employees. Janise was further ordered to pay $450,648.04 in restitution to the victims.
Janice worked as an accountant for McAda Drilling Fluids Inc. located in Bay City. In that role, Janice was responsible for paying bills, posting deposits and accounting.
In August 2018, while reviewing business accounts, the company’s president noticed withdrawals linked to Janice’s credit card. The investigation revealed that Janise conducted 67 wire transactions from the company’s business account to pay off her credit card bill totaling almost half a million dollars.
Janise regularly withdrew between $4,000 to $12,000. However, in one particular month, she took $22,000. She continued to steal money to pay for travel and dining, while the company struggled with financial hardships. In fact, the president had not collected a paycheck for two years in an effort to retain employees.
Janise was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
FBI – Texas City conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zahra Jivani Fenelon prosecuted the case.
South Texas man admits to hauling onions…and 68 people in trailerRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 45-year-old Pharr resident has pleaded guilty to illegally transporting undocumented aliens within the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Leonardo Davila Sr. admitted to smuggling the individuals while driving an 18-wheeler.
On May 4, 2021, Davila drove a tractor trailer into the Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint near Falfurrias. At inspection, a K-9 alerted authorities to the presence of concealed humans. Law enforcement opened the trailer and discovered 68 undocumented individuals among pallets of onions.
The individuals in the trailer were from Honduras, El Salvador, Mexico, Guatemala and Peru. They were all determined to be in the United States illegally.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos will impose sentencing Oct. 13. At that time, Davila faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Davila has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of BP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Overman is prosecuting the case.
San Benito man admits to trafficking over 250 kilograms of meth in gas tankRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - A 44-year-old San Benito resident has pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute liquid meth, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Pedro Rodriguez III pleaded guilty today to possessing with intent to distribute approximately 253.2 kilograms of liquid meth.
On Jan. 11, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop of Rodriguez III after he switched lanes without signaling. They soon discovered he had several pending state arrest warrants and took him into custody.
As they conducted a search of his vehicle, they found approximately 253.2 kilograms of liquid meth hidden inside an auxiliary gas tank. Rodriguez III admitted he knew the meth was inside the gas tank and had agreed to transport the narcotics from South Texas to Dallas.
Rodriguez III is set for sentencing before U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera on Oct. 5. At that time, he faces up to life in prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
Rodriguez III will remain in custody pending sentencing.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of the San Benito Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edgardo J. Rodriguez prosecuted the case.
Richmond man arrested for making illegal referralsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 43-year-old health care marketer has been indicted in a conspiracy to pay and receive health care kickbacks, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Authorities took Patrick Osemwengie, Richmond, into custody today. He is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter Bray at 2 p.m.
The indictment, returned July 12, alleges Osemwengie paid Medicare beneficiaries to sign up for home health services and made referrals to specific companies.
Osemwengie allegedly received more than $25,000 in kickback payments for referring patients to Grace Healthcare Services and Ebra Health Care Services. The health care companies submitted claims to Medicare using the patients Osemwengie referred according to the charges.
Medicare rules and federal law prohibits paying and receiving money for referrals.
If convicted, Osemwengie faces up to five years in federal prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
The Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General and FBI conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Abdul Farukhi is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.Out-of-State thief gets 30 years for robbing local bankRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 36-year-old bank robber who last resided in the Wilmington, Delaware, area has been ordered to federal prison for robbing an IBC Bank in Houston, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
A federal jury convicted Sye Newton Nov. 19, 2021, on all counts as charged following a two-day-trial and several hours of deliberation.
Today, U.S. District Judge Sim Lake sentenced him to 276 months for bank robbery as well as 84 months for using a firearm during commission of a crime of violence. The sentences will be served consecutively for a total of 360 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence detailing how Newton committed other felony offenses in Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
At trial, the jury heard that on March 25, 2019, Newton wore a face covering, glasses and a hijab. He then entered the IBC Bank on Kirkwood Drive in Houston. Once inside, he threatened bank employees with a firearm and ordered them to the ground while he took over the bank lobby and stole a large amount of U.S. currency.
As he fled, a customer chased after him and was able to obtain the license plate number, ultimately leading to Newton’s arrest.
He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI and Houston Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Peneguy and Erin Epley prosecuted the case.
This is an example of coordination between law enforcement who are part of the Houston Law Enforcement Violent Crime Initiative which combines personnel and resources from numerous federal, state and local agencies. The goal is to proactively fight and reduce violent crime across the Greater Houston area by targeting the region’s most violent offenders, augmenting investigative and prosecutorial efforts and enhancing training, public awareness and education. It stems from the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Two out-of-state men charged with transporting dozens in tractor-trailersRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – Two 41-year-old men have been indicted for conspiracy and illegally transporting more than 70 through a Laredo checkpoint, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
A federal grand jury returned two separate, unrelated but similar indictments against Menietto Lateet Crawford, Memphis, Tennessee, and Denny Fuentes, Miami, Florida, today. Both men are expected to appear for their arraignments next week.
On June 14, Crawford approached the Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint north of Laredo, according to the criminal complaint originally filed in the matter. A K-9 allegedly alerted to Crawford’s trailer. Upon further inspection, authorities discovered 80 undocumented aliens in the non-refrigerated trailer that Crawford was hauling, according to the allegations in the complaint.
The following day at the same checkpoint, law enforcement allegedly found another 71 undocumented aliens from the countries of Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. According to the charges against Fuentes, he had tried to transport the people in a refrigerated trailer claiming he was transporting “pig meat.”
If convicted, each man faces up to 20 years in federal prison as well as a possible $250,000 fine.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted both investigations with the assistance of Border Patrol.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Homero Ramirez is prosecuting the cases.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Leader of robbery rip crew handed 26-year sentenceRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – The leader of a group of robbers that targeted game rooms, alien smugglers and drug traffickers has been ordered to federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Jose Salomon Madrid-Paz aka Chaparro, 58, pleaded guilty Jan. 10 to interference of commerce by robbery and using a firearm during a crime of violence.
Today, U.S. District Judge Lynn N. Hughes sentenced Madrid-Paz to a total of 312 months in federal prison and ordered him to pay $30,400 in restitution. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment.
At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence detailing how Madrid-Paz and others were planning on committing three other robberies in addition to those related to their convictions as well additional statements about such crimes. Madrid-Paz said made comments detailing the arrest of others and how a security guard had been killed in other robberies because his co-defendants did not follow his instructions.
Madrid-Paz had been orchestrating robberies for over a decade. They would spend several days or weeks casing game rooms by pretending to be players. On the day of each robbery, Madrid-Paz would assign each member of the robbery crew specific duties. These included disarming security guards and tying them up, finding those with access to the safe or cash drawer, carrying it out of the location and acting as the getaway driver.
Madrid-Paz himself would act as a lookout and be in charge of dividing the money.
A “rip crew” is a group of individuals that engages in robberies of businesses and individuals that are unlikely to report the incident to law enforcement. This group was known as the tumbadores. They were comprised of illegal aliens from Central America who committed dozens of armed robberies in the Houston vicinity of game rooms, drug dealers and alien smugglers.
In addition to the robbery involving the death of a security guard, several others included the kidnapping of illegal aliens who were held for ransom.
Madrid-Paz 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 Houston Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Laurence Goldman and Lisa Marie Collins prosecuted the case.
Dual citizen arrested for acting as a money mule and laundererRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 38-year-old man who held citizenship in the United States and Ghana has been arrested following the return of an indictment in a nationwide romance fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Authorities took Kenneth Anim into custody today. He is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter Bray at 2 p.m. today.
Anim had previously resided in the Houston and Richmond areas.
A federal grand jury returned the five-count indictment July 6.
From 2014 to 2019, Anim and his co-conspirator created individual sham businesses, according to the charges. They allegedly operated as money mules in relation to various mail and wire fraud schemes including internet fraud and romance scams.
The indictment further alleges Anim also opened and maintained bank accounts to collect proceeds from the schemes and to send the money to himself, his co-conspirators and overseas.
If convicted, Anim faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $500,000 maximum fine.
FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Belinda Beek and Grace Murphy are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.Previously convicted sex offender sentenced again after accessing dark webRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – An Edinburg man has been ordered to federal prison for receipt of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
James Archie Wells III, 63, pleaded guilty Dec. 2, 2021.
Today, U.S. District Judge Randy Crane ordered Wells to serve a 180-month sentence to be immediately followed by a lifetime of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard and considered Wells’ previous convictions in Texas state court for indecency with a child and possession of child pornography. In handing down the sentence, Judge Crane noted that Wells had just finished serving his previous sentences a few months before he began re-offending. The court assessed sentencing enhancements for the number of videos, age of the victims and the sado-masochistic nature of the videos.
The investigation began when Wells resided at halfway house in Edinburg. Authorities learned that he had been viewing child sexual abuse videos and images on his phone.
Soon after, they seized Wells’ electronic devices. At that time, Wells admitted to using the dark web to download child sexual abuse materials on his phone and other multiple devices. Wells downloaded 371 videos of child pornography which included images of the sexual assault and rape of pre-pubescent children.
Wells will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Edinburg Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Mitchell prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
Pharmacist and Pharmacy Owner Sentenced to Prison for Unlawfully Distributing OpioidsRead the Press Release
Three Texas men have been sentenced for illegally dispensing opioids and other controlled substances.
Hassan Barnes, 56, a pharmacist formerly of Missouri City, was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for unlawfully dispensing opioids and other controlled substances. Clint Carr, 33, a pharmacy owner formerly of Cypress, was sentenced to 20 years in prison on June 24 and ordered to forfeit more than $700,000 for operating a pharmacy that illegally dispensed controlled substances and for laundering the criminal proceeds. Frasiel Hughey, 60, a supplier-level drug dealer formerly of Houston, was sentenced on June 23 to 20 years in prison for using fake prescriptions to purchase opioids and other controlled substances.
A jury convicted Carr in March of drug and money laundering conspiracies, along with other related charges. According to evidence presented at trial, Carr co-owned and operated CC Pharmacy in Houston, and CC Pharmacy 2 and CC Pharmacy 3 in the Austin area. Barnes was CC Pharmacy’s pharmacist-in-charge. In just 18 months, Carr, Barnes, and their co-conspirators unlawfully distributed over 1.5 million dosage units of controlled substances, including over 1.1 million pills of oxycodone and hydrocodone.
Trial evidence showed that CC Pharmacy unlawfully dispensed controlled substances — mostly oxycodone and hydrocodone — in bulk, for cash, based mostly on forged or stolen prescriptions brought in by drug couriers posing as staff of long-term care facilities. CC Pharmacy brought in over $5.5 million from the unlawful sale of these controlled substances, cash proceeds which Carr and his co-conspirators structured to avoid reporting requirements. Evidence at trial showed that Carr used these drug proceeds to finance a lavish lifestyle, including the purchase of luxury watches and the down payment on a $100,000 Ford pickup truck.
Carr was convicted following a five-day trial on charges of conspiracy to unlawfully distribute and dispense controlled substances, unlawfully distributing and dispensing controlled substances, conspiracy to launder monetary instruments, and engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity. Barnes pleaded guilty in January to conspiracy to unlawfully distribute and dispense controlled substances. Hughey pleaded guilty in March to conspiracy to unlawfully distribute and dispense controlled substances and unlawfully distributing and dispensing controlled substances. Four other co-conspirators pleaded guilty in connection with the operation of CC Pharmacy, two of whom are still awaiting sentencing.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Jennifer Lowery for the Southern District of Texas, and DEA Administrator Anne Milgram made the announcement.
DEA Houston, including the DEA Austin Resident Office, investigated the case.
Trial Attorneys Devon Helfmeyer and Courtney Chester of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristine Rollinson of the Southern District of Texas is handling forfeiture.
Woman admits to $12M drug trafficking conspiracyRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 46-year-old out-of-state woman has pleaded guilty to her role in a conspiracy to import over 3,700 kilograms of marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Patricia Pinto, Crete, Illinois, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to importing and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of marijuana.
The investigation began Dec. 8, 2020, after a truck driver hauling 18 pallets of carpet on a commercial tractor entered the United States through the World Trade Bridge in Laredo. Law enforcement conducted an X-ray inspection and discovered a total of 3208.8 kilograms of marijuana.
Authorities identified Pinto as the creator of the driver’s entry documents and linked them to Associated Distributions, a company located in Houston.
On July 20, 2021, law enforcement seized two cell phones from Pinto after she entered the United States from Mexico. A search of the phones revealed Whatsapp messages describing her role in forming the company as well as other incriminating discussions with co-conspirators.
Further analysis of the phones connected Pinto to another incident that occurred Dec. 20, 2019, involving the seizure of 537.2 kilograms of marijuana in Falfurrias.
The total amount of drugs involved in the case is estimated to be $12.2 million.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana will impose sentencing at a later date to be determined after the completion of a presentencing investigation. At that time, Pinto faces up to life in prison.
She was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gerard A. Cantu is prosecuting the case.
Traffickers admit to smuggling meth in fire extinguishers for cartelRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – Two Texas men have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 34.5 kilograms of liquid meth associated with the Cartel Del Noreste (CDN), announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Bonifacio Turrubiates, 48, Laredo, pleaded guilty today, while Dionicio Sanchez, 46, Houston, admitted his guilt June 3.
On April 28, 2020, authorities conducted a seizure on their vehicle in the parking lot of an HEB grocery store located in Laredo. There, they discovered kilograms of liquid meth hidden inside multiple fire extinguishers. The investigation revealed the meth belonged to an organization affiliated with the CDN.
As part of their pleas, Turrubiates and Sanchez admitted to conspiring to hide the meth inside fire extinguishers and transport them outside of Texas by driving the drugs north of Laredo.
U.S. Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing at a later date for Turrubiates and Sanchez. At that time, each faces up to life in prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
Both men have been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Operation Noreste with the assistance of Webb County Sheriff’s Office. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, mutlti-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco J. Rodriguez is prosecuting the case.
Smuggler sent to prison for transporting 26 in a locked near-freezing trailerRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 39-year-old Brownsville man has been ordered to federal prison for smuggling individuals in a scheme that involved dangerous and life-threatening conditions, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Carlos Alberto Avila pleaded guilty Jan. 6, 2022.
Today, U.S. District Judge David S. Morales ordered Avila to serve 21 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that the individuals were locked in the trailer for over three hours and were instructed to climb into the trailer and lay on top of ice. They likely would have been in there for four more hours. The court also learned they used a cell phone for light and crawled to the trailer door for warmth.
In handing down the sentence, the court noted Avila personally put a lock on the trailer, trapping the 26 individuals. Judge Morales noted they were stuck in near freezing and life threatening conditions.
On Oct. 26, 2021, Avila drove a 2019 Kenworth tractor-trailer into the Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint located near Falfurrias. Following a K-9 alert, the vehicle was referred to secondary inspection where authorities discovered 26 individuals in the locked trailer. Each were determined to be unlawfully present in the United States.
The undocumented aliens were located on top of ice and pallets of frozen broccoli. They reported they were afraid they would freeze to death due to being in the trailer for an extended period of time. The control temperature for the refrigeration unit was set at 33 degrees.
Avila will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Parker Gochenour prosecuted the case.
Mexican national admits to trafficking 11 kilograms of cocaine through borderRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 31-year-old man residing in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Sergio Bustos-Cruz, Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, pleaded guilty to smuggling 11.62 kilograms of cocaine.
As part of his plea, Bustos-Cruz admitted he attempted to drive through the World Trade Bridge in Laredo on April 21.
Upon arrival, authorities referred him to secondary inspection where an X-ray scan of his tractor trailer revealed anomalies within the roof of the tractor cab. At inspection, law enforcement discovered several bundles containing 11.62 kilograms of cocaine.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing Oct. 18. At that time, Bustos-Cruz faces up to life in prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
Bustos-Cruz will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Isaac is prosecuting the case.
Major black tar heroin conspiracy in Katy lands three men in prisonRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Three men have been ordered to federal prison following their convictions of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Esteban Lopez Hernandez, 41, illegally resided in Katy and pleaded guilty in June 2021 as did two others - Robert Gomez, 28, Missouri City, and Longino Jaimes-Solorzano, 23, also illegally residing in Katy.
Today, U.S. District Judge Lynn Hughes found Hernandez to be a leader in the conspiracy and ordered him to serve a 235-month term of imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence detailing that their drug trafficking organization specialized in distributing black heroin. In handing down the prison terms, Judge Hughes noted the extreme negative impact of the drug on the community after hearing that since the group was placed in custody there is almost no black tar heroin circulating in the Katy area.
Gomez and Jaimes-Solarzano were previously sentenced to 10 years in prison. Not U.S. citizens, Hernandez and Jaimes-Solarzano are expected to face removal proceeding following their terms of imprisonment.
All three men were involved in drug trafficking organization that specialized in black tar heroin for approximately two years. Hernandez was found to be the leader, while Gomez and Jaimes-Solarzano served as drug couriers.
The drug had a major impact on the Katy area in 2017. A rash of several young drug-related overdoses had links to specific dealers in the Katy area. Authorities were ultimately able to identify the source of supply for the dealers and uncover other details of the organization. The investigation revealed the organization deployed multiple stash houses and used several couriers.
All have been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Harris County Precinct 5 Constable’s Office and Fort Bend Sheriff’s Office conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation dubbed Operation Shadow Theory with the assistance of IRS – Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Office of Inspector General and the Katy and Houston Police Departments. 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.
Local man pleads guilty to trafficking over six kilograms of cocaineRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 44-year-old man from Laredo has admitted to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Erasmo Medina-Villanueva pleaded guilty to trafficking 6.8 kilograms of cocaine.
As part of his plea, Medina-Villanueva admitted to attempting to drive through the Lincoln Juarez Port of Entry in Laredo on April 7.
At that time, he told authorities he was visiting his mother in Mexico. However, an X-ray scan revealed anomalies near the center console of his vehicle. Upon further inspection, law enforcement discovered several bundles containing cocaine.
The drugs had an estimated street value of $170,000.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Medina-Villanueva faces up to life in prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Isaac is prosecuting the case.
Local man imprisoned after downloading nearly 700 pornographic imagesRead the Press Release
GALVESTON, Texas - A 40-year-old Alvin man has been sent to federal prison following his conviction of receipt of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
Timothy Alan Fortenberry pleaded guilty Jan. 19.
Today, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey V. Brown ordered him to serve 180 months in prison. The sentence will be immediately followed by a lifetime term of supervised release, during which time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Fortenberry was a registered sex offender serving a term of supervised release for prior federal convictions for receipt and possession of child pornography. He will again have to register as a sex offender.
The investigation began in June 2021, when law enforcement discovered an individual utilizing a computer sharing files of child pornography on BitTorrent, a peer-to-peer file sharing system. Authorities downloaded a torrent file which contained 694 images from Fortenberry’s computer and found images of minor females engaged sexually explicit conduct.
On July 12, 2021, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the residence where Fortenberry was living. He admitted that while on supervised release, he purchased a tablet which was probation was not monitoring. He used it to download and view child pornography.
He further admitted that after doing so, he would factory reset the tablet in order to erase all of the child pornography.
Fortenberry will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Pearland Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Ann Leo 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.