Southern District of Texas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Truck driver on his way to prison after fleeing checkpoint with 63 hidden in trailerRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas - A 30-year-old Zapata man has been sentenced after admitting to conspiracy to transport aliens within the country, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Leonidas Navarro Jr. pleaded guilty June 8.
Today, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana handed Navarro a 41-month term of imprisonment. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following the sentence.
On Jan. 21, Navarro drove a white Volvo tractor-trailer combination through the Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint on Interstate 35 north of Laredo. He claimed to be transporting furniture but could not provide a bill of lading or any other identifying paperwork. A K-9 soon alerted to the presence of concealed persons in the trailer. He was then referred to secondary inspection.
However, rather than complying, he drove the truck through the inspection area, off the paved road, through ground barriers and into an adjacent field. Navarro drove through the field at a high rate of speed until he ran into a fence bordering the northeast corner of the field. Navarro then fled into the brush. He jumped out of the truck and attempted to flee, but law enforcement ultimately captured him hiding at a nearby ranch.
Authorities removed the metal seal and found a total of 63 aliens including one unaccompanied minor inside the trailer. All were determined to be aliens illegally present in the United States.
He later admitted to authorities that he was the driver of the truck.
Navarro has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of BP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul A. Harrison prosecuted the case.
Texas resident sentenced for importing meth and cocaine at port of entryRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 34-year-old legal permanent resident of Port Arthur has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a large amount of narcotics, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Luis Jesus Hernandez Sanchez pleaded guilty March 2, admitting he knew there were narcotics in his vehicle and how he expected to be paid money for transporting them.
Today, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana ordered Sanchez to serve a 57-month sentence. As a legal permanent resident, he could lose his status and possibly face removal proceedings following his sentence.
On Nov. 18, 2019, Sanchez attempted entry into the United States via the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge 2 in Laredo driving a Ford Crown Victoria. He presented his lawful permanent resident alien card, but gave inconsistent information with what authorities had found regarding the vehicle’s itinerary.
He was sent to secondary inspection where a K-9 alerted to the presence of concealed narcotics. An X-ray examination also showed an anomaly in the trunk. Authorities ultimately found cocaine and meth weighing approximately 13.88 kilograms and 10.84 kilograms, respectively.
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.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony J. Evans prosecuted the case.
Man who taped six bundles of meth to his thigh sent to prisonRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 28-year-old resident of Los Fresnos has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction for large-scale meth trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Samuel Martinez pleaded guilty Aug. 29, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge David Morales ordered Martinez to serve 10 years in prison. At the hearing, the court heard evidence Martinez was smuggling the meth to Houston in order to pay a debt.
On May 2, 2019, Martinez approached the Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint located near Sarita. During inspection, a K-9 alerted to his vehicle.
Authorities then removed Martinez from his vehicle and patted him down, noticing an anomaly on his inner thigh. Martinez claimed it was a medical device.
However, upon further inspection, law enforcement located six bundles taped to his thigh that contained almost two kilograms of pure meth. Martinez then admitted he knew he was transporting narcotics for a drug cartel.
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 Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with assistance from BP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Dunn prosecuted the case.
Houston man imprisoned for stashing over $400,000 worth of marijuana at his homeRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 37-year-old Texan has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of possession with intent to distribute a large quantity of marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Roberto Garcia Saldana pleaded guilty June 9, admitting he knew there were narcotics inside the travel trailer he was storing for others.
Today, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana ordered Garcia Saldana to serve a 60-month sentence to be immediately followed by four years of supervised release.
On May 2, 2017, authorities conducted surveillance on what they suspected to be a marijuana stash house in Zapata. As law enforcement approached, Garcia Saldana had attempted to run from the rear of the residence. He was soon apprehended.
A search of a travel trailer on the property led to the discovery of 50 bundles of marijuana. The drugs weighed a total of approximately 476 kilograms with an approximate value of $420,000.
Saldana 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 Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation dubbed Operation Falcon Talon with assistance from FBI, Border Patrol and Texas National Guard. OCDETF is the largest anti-crime task force in the country. Its mission is to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug trafficking and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States through prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven and multi-agency task forces that leverage the authorities and expertise of federal, state and local law enforcement.
Deputy Criminal Chief Mary Lou Castillo and Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony J. Evans prosecuted the case.
Ex-oil exec admits to stealing more than $2 millionRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 45-year-old Katy man has entered a guilty plea to embezzling over $2 million from a local oil services company, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan. K. Patrick.
Robert Andrew Bishop was the vice president of resource management at International Professional Management (IPM), an oil services company located in Houston. As part of his duties, he was in charge of securing short term loans to cover IPM’s monthly operating capital.
Today, he admitted he would inflate the loan amount needed and then divert the excess money to fake vendor accounts he controlled.
Over the span of approximately six years, Bishop diverted roughly $2.1 million from the company’s operating expenses.
The owners of IPM discovered his fraud scheme in August 2019.
Sentencing has been set for Jan. 5, 2021, before U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison. At that time, Bishop faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Carter is prosecuting the case.
Repeat federal felon and Mexican Mafia member handed significant sentence for illegally being in USRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 47-year-old resident of Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, has been ordered to federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
David Villarreal-Leal, identified as a member of the Mexican Mafia, pleaded guilty Feb. 5 for re-entering the United States after having been previously removed.
Today, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana ordered Villarreal-Leal to serve a total of 108 months in prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he will again be expected to face removal proceedings following his sentence. At the hearing, the court noted his multiple previous convictions and that he had attacked a rival gang member while waiting for one of his court hearings.
Authorities found Villarreal-Leal Nov. 27, 2019, in a ranch outside of Laredo after illegally crossing into the United States from Mexico.
Villarreal-Leal was removed from the country multiple times beginning Jan. 19, 2006. His most recent removal occurred Oct. 15, 2019, approximately one month prior to his current arrest and charge.
He is a federal felon - previously convicted in 2001 of conspiring to transport 494 pounds of marijuana and again in 2010 when Villarreal-Leal illegally re-entered the United States. His latest came in 2011 when he was found guilty of conspiring with others in a money laundering scheme involving $1.4 million in bulk cash drug proceeds being trafficked to the Zeta Drug Trafficking Organization in Mexico.
Villarreal-Leal 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. Attorney Paul A. Harrison is prosecuting the case.
Mexican national headed to prison for importing $1 million in heroinRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 30-year-old man from Guadalupe, Nueva Leon, Mexico, has been sentenced to federal prison following his conviction of conspiracy to import heroin into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Marcos Braylobsky Cantu-Hernandez, 30, pleaded guilty Dec. 2, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña sentenced him to 51 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following the term of imprisonment.
Cantu-Hernandez attempted to enter the United States Sept. 21, 2019, at the Juarez–Lincoln International Bridge in Laredo. At that time, an X-ray of his vehicle revealed anomalies. Authorities conducted a search and found 28 bundles hidden in the vehicle’s rocker panels. They were found to contain approximately 28 kilograms of heroin with an estimated street value of $1 million.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Petters is prosecuting the case.
Lake Jackson man sent to prison after posting child pornography via social mediaRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - A 30-year-old man who posted hundreds of images depicting child pornography on two separate public blogs in 2017 and 2018 has been ordered to federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Marcus Ryan Howell pleaded guilty March 12 to two counts of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
Today, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey V. Brown ordered him to serve 151 months in federal prison. Following his prison term, Howell will serve 10 years on supervised release, during which time he will have to comply with numerous conditions that restrict his access to children and the internet. Howell will also be required to register as a sex offender.
In December 2017, authorities received information that a social media user was posting child exploitation material on a public blog. They later learned of a second blog with a different user name which also contained child pornography. Law enforcement traced both blogs to an IP address registered to Howell’s Lake Jackson address.
They executed a search warrant and seized an HP desktop computer belonging to Howell, which was found to contain multiple images and videos of child pornography. Approximately 20 of the videos were longer than five minutes in length, the longest of which lasted nearly 11 minutes.
Howell was ultimately held responsible for a total of 34 GIFs, 354 videos and 1,503 photos depicting child pornography.
Howell has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sherri Zack and Stephanie Bauman 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.
Houston-Area Physician and Anesthesiologist Sentenced to 84 Months in Prison for Role in Health Care Benefit SchemeRead the Press Release
A Houston-area physician and anesthesiologist at two registered pain clinics, Texas Pain Solutions and Integra Medical Clinic, was sentenced today to seven years in prison for his role in fraudulently billing health care programs for at least $5 million dollars in medical tests and procedures, and for the role his fraud played in multiple patient deaths.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick of the Southern District of Texas, Montgomery County District Attorney Brett Ligon, Special Agent in Charge Will R. Glaspy of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Houston Division, and Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of the FBI’s Houston Field Office made the announcement.
Rezik Saqer, 66, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal of the Southern District of Texas. Chief Judge Rosenthal also ordered the defendant to pay $5 million in restitution. Saqer pleaded guilty on July 3, 2019, to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud.
According to the evidence presented at sentencing, Saqer’s health care fraud scheme involved luring vulnerable patients to his clinics by prescribing powerful opioid narcotics, and then requiring the patients to submit to unnecessary and dangerous procedures and tests, which were often performed by Saqer’s unlicensed staff and fraudulently billed to health care providers. Saqer’s scheme contributed to multiple overdose deaths, as well as the death of a young family in an auto accident involving one of Saqer’s patients, according to the evidence.
According to the court’s judgment, Saqer was responsible for fraudulently billing health care providers for at least $14,665,357.54.
This case was investigated by the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, DEA, FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General, Conroe Police Department, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, and the Texas Department of Insurance. Trial Attorneys Drew Pennebaker and Devon Helfmeyer of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Tina Ansari of the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for nearly $19 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Another Clan Del Golfo associate extradited to face charges for international cocaine distribution conspiracyRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – An alleged associate of one most serious transnational organized criminal organizations has landed in the United States on charges of distributing kilogram quantities of cocaine from Colombia, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Jhony Fidel Cuello-Petro aka Mocho, 45, is set to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Frances H. Stacy at 2 p.m. in Houston today.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment against Cuello-Petro and others Aug. 16, 2018. Colombian authorities took him into custody in November 2018. He was extradited and landed in Houston yesterday.
Cuello-Petro is an alleged close associate of Joaquin Guillermo David-Usuga aka Guillermo, 43, who is believed to be a ranking member of the Clan Del Golfo. David-Usuga was extradited to Houston Dec. 5, 2019, and is pending trial.
The Department of Justice designated Clan Del Golfo as one of the most serious transnational organized criminal organizations that threatens the United States.
The indictment alleges Cuello-Petro, David-Usuga and others were involved in the importation of kilogram quantities of cocaine into the United States. Both are charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine internationally and one count of international cocaine distribution.
Cuello-Petro and David-Usuga were allegedly involved in an ongoing five-year conspiracy to distribute cocaine from Colombia to the United States. In May 2019, they and others participated in distributing approximately 20 kilograms of cocaine in Colombia knowing it was to be imported into the United States, according to the allegations.
The FBI and DEA led the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation dubbed Operation Macondo. OCDETF is a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. OCDETF’s principal mission is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.
The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance in the extradition. The Justice Department also extends its gratitude to the government of Colombia and the Colombian police and military for its cooperation and assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey N. MacDonald and Anibal Alaniz 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.
2 charged with MS-13 execution-style murder involving baseball bat and macheteRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Two alleged high ranking gang members are set to appear in federal court an allegations they committed murder in furtherance of the of the Mara Salvatrucha aka MS-13 international street gang, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Walter Chicas-Garcia, 23, and Jimmy Villalobos-Gomez, 23, are set to make their appearances via video conference today at 10 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Frances H. Stacy.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment Sept. 29 against the Salvadorian nationals who resided in Houston. They are charged with murder in aid of racketeering and conspiracy to do so.
The two men allegedly murdered the victim July 3. The charges allege Chicas-Garcia and Villalobos-Gomez beat the victim to death with a baseball bat and machete so they could increase their position in the MS-13 enterprise.
If convicted, they face up to life in federal prison or the possibility of death.
The FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Houston Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Michael Lewis and Britni Cooper are prosecuting the case along with Trial Attorneys Julie A. Finocchiaro and Matthew Hoff from the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Gang Section.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Mexican man sent to prison for smuggling cocaineRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 42-year-old Mexican national has been ordered to federal prison for conspiring to import, and for importing, 8.8 kilograms of cocaine into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Omar Jaime Flores, Monterrey, Mexico, pleaded guilty Dec. 2, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña handed Flores a 36-month term of imprisonment. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings after serving his sentence. In imposing the sentence, the court noted he was a border crosser and now will be forever banned from the United States.
“While some may mistakenly view smuggling controlled substances as a path to a quick profit, this sentencing demonstrates that serious consequences await those who engage in this criminal activity,” said Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) - San Antonio. “HSI will continue to utilize its broad authorities to bring to justice those who blatantly ignore the laws of this nation and threaten the welfare of our communities.”
On Sept. 20, 2019, Flores attempted to enter the United States at the Gateway to the Americas Port of Entry in Laredo driving a 2003 Ford Explorer. Authorities conducted an x-ray inspection of the Explorer and saw anomalies near the vehicle’s front fender.
Upon further examination, they discovered a hidden compartment filled with bundles of cocaine. The packages had a total weight of 8.8 kilograms with an estimated street value of nearly $225,000.
Flores ultimately admitted he had been hired to smuggle narcotics into the United States.
He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
HSI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Fawcett prosecuted the case.
Mexican drug smugglers head to federal prisonRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 43-year-old Mexican national has been ordered to federal prison after he admitted to conspiring with others to import approximately 25 kilograms of 100% pure meth from Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Edgar Eliud Villarreal Munoz pleaded guilty Nov. 4, 2019, while his co-conspirator - Pablo Xavier Castillo Jaramillo, 32 - entered his plea Feb. 4.
Today, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana handed Munoz a 57-month term of imprisonment. In handing down the sentence, Judge Saldana noted Munoz was responsible for the transportation of narcotics from Mexico. U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo sentenced Jaramillo to 84 months during a video conference sentencing hearing June 29. Not U.S. citizens, both men are expected to face removal proceedings following his sentence.
“This sentence reflects the seriousness of the charges and the danger this drug poses to our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) - San Antonio. “The vast scope of this criminal scheme would have had a devastating effect on the citizens of south Texas. HSI along with our law enforcement partners will continue to seek out and bring justice to those involved in the illicit drug trade.”
Munoz and Jaramillo planned to import meth from Mexico on Aug. 22, 2019. On that date, Munoz attempted to cross the border at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge in Laredo driving a Chevrolet Silverado 1500 hauling a utility trailer. Upon his arrival, authorities conducted an inspection of the truck’s interior and found packages concealed within the door frame.
The packages were ultimately found to contain approximately 25.04 kilograms of meth. Jaramillo admitted he was paid 10,000 pesos to build the compartments and conceal the narcotics inside Munoz’s vehicle. Munoz admitting he expected to be paid $5,000 for importing and transporting the narcotics inside the vehicle.
Munoz has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
HSI conducted the investigation with assistance from Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Yoona Lim prosecuted the case.
Gunman sentenced for shooting postal workerRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 25-year-old Magnolia man has been ordered to federal prison following his convictions in relation to the December 2019 shootings of a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) mail carrier and a Costco gas station attendant, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Matthew Anthony Williams pleaded guilty June 3 to assaulting a federal employee with a deadly weapon and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence.
Today, U.S. District Judge Nancy Atlas ordered Williams to serve 100 months for the assault and a consecutive 10 years for the firearms conviction. The total 220-month sentence will be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. Williams was further ordered to pay $75,512 in restitution. In handing down the sentence, Judge Atlas noted this was one of the worst crime sprees she has seen, adding that he was lucky no one was dead from his dangerous conduct.
The court enhanced the sentence, finding Williams committed the shootings while under a court protective order for threatening behavior against his girlfriend. Judge Atlas also found Williams had obstructed justice by asking his girlfriend to retract her statement about stealing her car and handgun as well as his whereabouts during the time of the shootings. He also asked her to destroy evidence and contact the victim.
“Postal inspectors’ duties include protecting postal employees and investigating violent crimes that are committed against them,” said Adrian Gonzalez, Inspector in Charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Houston Division. “These types of crimes are rare, but when someone attempts to take the life of one of our employees, USPIS will stop at nothing to identify those responsible and bring them to justice. We extend our appreciation to all our local, state and federal law enforcement partners that assisted with this investigation.”
On Dec. 28, 2019, Williams shot the USPS mail carrier while he was delivering mail in west Houston. Shortly thereafter, he drove to a Costco located at Interstate 10 and Bunker Hill and shot a gas station attendant. Both victims survived, but the mail carrier suffered permanent, debilitating injuries.
Williams has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
USPIS conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Houston Police Department and sheriff’s offices in Harris and Montgomery Counties. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard Hanes and Heather Winter prosecuted the case.
Chemist sent to prison for embezzling millionsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 66-year-old Texas man has been ordered to federal prison after he admitted to wire fraud in his connection to stealing millions from a Deer Park corporation, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
James Arthur Camp, New Braunfels, pleaded guilty June 4.
Today, U.S. District Judge Nancy Atlas ordered Camp to serve a 48-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard from the company’s chief legal officer who detailed how Camp was to obtain approval for the fraudulent invoices he submitted. In handing down the sentence, Judge Atlas noted Camp made grievous mistakes in setting up his scheme and letting it get so big for long. The court ordered he pay restitution in the amount of $11,256,712.54.
“For 19 years, Camp took advantage of his employer by embezzling more than $10 million, separate from his paycheck,” said Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of the FBI. “Today's sentencing demonstrates the ramifications of a man's years-long commitment to greed, deception and selfishness. This case should remind citizens that every action has a consequence, as Camp will now be held accountable for his actions.”
At the time of his plea, Camp admitted that from April 1998 through November 2017, he defrauded Lubrizol Corporation of $9,256,712.54. During the scheme, he submitted fraudulent invoices for laboratory services from two companies he owned, knowing they had not been performed.
Specifically, Camp admitted that one of those fraudulent laboratory charges included one from his company Bay Area Analytical in the amount of $2,774.06. Camp inputted the data into Lubrizol’s accounting system, causing it to be transmitted electronically from Deer Park to company headquarters in Wycliffe, Ohio. That fraudulent charge was then bundled with other similar charges and paid via electronic funds transfer to Bay Area Analytical’s bank account at J P Morgan Chase Bank in the amount of $12,294.23.
Camp was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined later.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Braddock prosecuted the case.
Laredoan charged with importing meth inside tacosRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 30-year-old resident of Laredo has been indicted for allegedly importing 1.26 kilograms of meth into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
The Laredo grand jury returned a two-count indictment today against Nicolas Castro Jr. for conspiracy and importing meth into the United States. He is expected appear for his arraignment before a U.S. magistrate judge in the near future.
The criminal complaint originally filed in the case alleges that on Sept. 8, Castro attempted to enter the United States at the Gateway to the Americas Bridge in Laredo. Upon his arrival, authorities inspected his belongings which included a plastic bag containing tacos and chips, according to the charges. A K-9 allegedly alerted to the presence of narcotics within the bag.
According to the charges, the contents of the tacos subsequently tested positive for meth and weighed a total of 1.26 kilograms.
If convicted, he faces up to life in prison as well as a possible $10 million fine.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with assistance from Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Bajew 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.
Texas woman sent to prison for 19-year internet stolen merchandise schemeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 63-year-old resident of Dallas has been ordered to federal prison for her role in a multi-million dollar interstate theft ring involving merchandise sold on eBay, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Kim Richardson pleaded guilty Dec. 17, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen ordered her to serve a total of 54 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. She has also agreed to pay $3.8 million in restitution. In handing down the sentence, the court noted it would be virtually impossible to identify all of the victims in this long-running scheme.
As part of her plea, Richardson admitted she participated in a conspiracy that spanned from August 2000 through April 2019. During that time, she shoplifted items as she traveled throughout the United States. She would then sell the stolen merchandise to buyers on eBay and via direct internet sales and sent it to them via the U.S. mail, Federal Express and United Parcel Service.
Richardson stole items from numerous retail stores. She used shoplifting tools to disable security devices and would exit the store by placing the stolen merchandise in a large black bag she carried. Richardson assisted in the sale of the items on the internet as well as packaging and mailing the stolen items.
Buyers sent approximately $3.8 million throughout the scheme into four PayPal accounts linked to Richardson.
Richardson was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Secret Service and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Belinda Beek prosecuted the case.
Meth dealer handed 25-year prison sentenceRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Two Corpus Christi residents have been ordered to federal prison following their convictions of trafficking meth, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Scott Winterberg Jr., 26, and Brianna Sanchez, 23, pleaded guilty March 4.
Today, U.S. District Judge David S. Morales ordered Winterberg to serve a 300-month sentence for the drug conspiracy charge, while Sanchez received 102 months for her respective role. Each will also serve five years of supervised release following their sentences.
Between September and December 2019, Winterberg and Sanchez were involved in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth. They utilized social media to market and sell narcotics and made multiple meth sales to undercover law enforcement.
On Dec. 17, 2019, Winterberg led law enforcement on a high speed chase after they had attempted to initiate a traffic stop of his vehicle. It lasted over 20 minutes and exceeded speeds of 120 mph. Upon his arrest, authorities discovered he was in possession of a handgun, ammunition and cocaine.
Sanchez and Winterberg both admitted they were trafficking meth. Sanchez further acknowledged they sold over 20 ounces each month from August through November 2019.
Both 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; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Corpus Christi Police Department and Texas Department of Public Safety conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David M. Paxton is prosecuting the case.
Mexican cocaine smuggler heads to prisonRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 49-year-old woman has been ordered to federal prison following her conviction for conspiring to import cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Ramona Elizabeth Garcia Gonzalez pleaded guilty July 8.
Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo handed Gonzalez a 48-month term of imprisonment. Not a U.S. citizen, she is expected to face removal proceedings following the sentence.
On Feb. 16, Gonzalez attempted entry into the United States at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge in Laredo driving a 2017 Nissan Versa. Upon inspection, an X-ray scan revealed anomalies concealed within her vehicle. At that time, authorities conducted a search and found several bundles of white powder hidden behind the glove box.
The bundles field tested positive for cocaine and weighed approximately 10.88 kilograms with an estimated street value of nearly $275,000.
Gonzalez has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Fawcett prosecuted the case.
Laredo eye doctor pays over $3M to resolve fraud claimsRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas - A South Texas doctor has agreed to pay $3,234,900.50 to resolve allegations he fraudulently submitted claims to the Medicare program for medically unnecessary tests and procedures, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Dr. David Mora is an optometrist who owns the Mora Eye Clinic in Laredo.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) conducted a proactive analysis of claims data and determined Mora to be one of the most significant statistical outliers in the nation for certain categories of claims.
From Jan. 1, 2013, to June 14, 2019, Mora billed Medicare for medically unnecessary punctal plug insertion, sensorimotor testing, vision therapy/orthoptics and amniotic membrane placement. Medical need did not appear to support many of the claims. The patient’s condition did not warrant the service or test or many treatments were repeated on the same patient more often than what would be medically reasonable or necessary.
As part of the settlement, Mora and the Mora Eye Clinic agreed to a three-year integrity agreement with the Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General (DHHS-OIG). The agreement promotes compliance with the statutes, program requirements and written directives of Medicare and all other federal health care programs. Among other compliance obligations, Mora and the clinic must establish and maintain a compliance program and engage an independent review organization to perform quarterly claims reviews. The agreement also requires Mora and Mora Eye Clinic to routinely report on these obligations to DHHS-OIG.
The USAO jointly conducted the investigation with FBI and DHHS-OIG. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Gray handled the matter.
The claims resolved by this agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Houston woman sent to federal prison for adoption fraud schemeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – The former owner of a child placement agency in Houston has been ordered to prison following her convictions on multiple counts in an adoption fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick along with Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of the FBI.
The Houston federal jury convicted Simone Swenson, 46, on two counts of mail fraud following a five-day trial Sept. 29, 2019.
Today, Chief U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal handed Swenson a 24-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard from eight of 2o identified victims as well as an FBI agent who described Swenson’s common scheme and plans to defraud numerous adoptive families. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Swenson lied, concealed information and made false representations to vulnerable adoptive families and victims.
"Simone Swenson took advantage of hopeful adoptive parents who have already been through a difficult journey,” said Turner. “She used these couples as her personal piggy bank and took advantage of them financially and emotionally. This was a seven year-long investigation for FBI Houston that focused not only on a 'poorly-run business', but on an individual whose greed and deceit forever scarred individuals who simply wanted to form a family."
Swenson owned and operated Sans Pareil Center for Children and Family Services LLC which was licensed to operate as both a foster care and child adoption agency. Swenson is no longer operating Sans Pareil following suspension of her license.
At trial, the jury heard Sans Pareil catered to adoptive families that desired to participate in domestic private (non-CPS) adoption program. From on or about January 2013 to on or about January 2014, Swenson defrauded numerous prospective adoptive families with the same birth mother, a scheme known as double matching. In addition to double matching, she obtained money and property by means or materially false and fraudulent pretenses, representations and promises.
Testimony revealed Swenson double matched birth mothers who expected to have only one baby to multiple adoptive families. Once prospective family members wired money and/or mailed it into her accounts, Swenson would find a way, through lies and misrepresentations, to get out of the agreements. Such falsehoods included blaming the birthmother for changing her mind, adoptive families backing out of the match and/or blaming adoptive families for lack of funds in some instances.
The jury heard from six adoptive families who testified Swenson would contact prospective families about birth mothers but would not proceed until agency fees and expenses were paid up front. Swenson would then make promises for a successful adoption. In reliance upon those false representations, prospective adoptive families hired attorneys and other adoption agencies, purchased airline tickets, booked hotel rooms, prepared and purchased items for the expected child’s nursery and transportation and incurred other expenses related to the prospective adoption.
Swenson was always available and responsive to prospective adoptive families prior to receiving agency fees. However, once she received monies from those people, she would become unavailable and would not return phone calls for long periods of time, if at all. When she did have communication with them, she would be brief, inconsiderate and provide vague information regarding the birth mothers and their delivery status.
In addition, Swenson rarely provided invoices or receipts to the adoptive families for their paid fees and expenses. When adoptive families would ask Swenson for proof of payment, she did not respond unless there was money to be collected.
Swenson charged each family member approximately $20,000 to $30,000 each.
Swenson attempted to convince the jury that she was negligent and ran a poor business but did not intentionally defraud the adoptive families.
The jury did not believe those claims and found her guilty.
Swenson was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Former bank employee arrested in embezzlement scam involving over $40,000Read the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 38-year-old Houston woman has been taken into custody on allegations of embezzling thousands from her previous employer, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
A federal grand jury returned a one-count indictment against Claudia Wells Sept. 17, charging her with embezzlement from a federally-insured credit union. She is expected to make her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan at 2 p.m. today.
According to the indictment, from May 28, 2019 to June 6, 2019, Wells embezzled approximately $43,000 from an account at the credit union while she was employed there.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Belinda Beek 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.
Former Postal employee indicted for delay and destruction of MailRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 24-year-old Richmond resident has surrendered to federal authorities following the return of an indictment alleging she delayed and/or destroyed U.S. mail, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan Patrick.
A Houston federal grand jury returned the indictment Sept. 15 against Lovely Eliabe which was unsealed today. She is expected to make an initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Christina Bryan at 2 p.m.
Eliabe was allegedly employed as a rural carrier associate at the U.S. Postal Service (USPS).
The indictment alleges she destroyed and delayed mail matter intended to be delivered through the USPS on June 26. As a USPS employee, Eliabe allegedly violated her obligation to deliver all of the mail matter entrusted to her.
She is no longer a USPS employee.
If convicted, she faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
USPS – Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luis Batarse 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.
Previous sex offender sent to prison again after recording minor during oral sexRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - A 45-year-old Southwest Houston man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of sexual exploitation of a child otherwise known as production of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick
Reginald Desean Love aka Tru pleaded guilty Jan. 28, admitting he had recorded a video of a minor female performing oral sex on him.
Today, U.S. District Judge Sim Lake ordered Love to serve 300 months in federal prison. In handing down the sentence, the court referred to his history of violence against women as reflected in his criminal record. Following his prison sentence, Love will serve the rest of his life on supervised release during which time the court can impose a number of special conditions designed to protect children and prohibit the use of the internet. He is expected again to register as a sex offender.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) works tirelessly to protect our youth from those who seek to exploit them,” said DPS Regional Director Jason Taylor. “In this case, DPS special agents—along with our partnership with the United States Attorney’s Office through Project Safe Childhood—were integral in ensuring this repeat offender no longer harmed the children he was preying upon for financial gain.”
In September 2017, a 15-year-old girl contacted authorities and gave them a cell phone that contained the video Love made depicting the sex act. Law enforcement conducted a search on two rooms at a local Motel 6 where they discovered another juvenile girl performing oral sex on an adult male.
Love was previously convicted in 2010 of felony indecency with a 14-year-old girl. As part of his sentence, he was ordered to register as a sex offender.
Love has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
DPS conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carrie Wirsing and Jill J. Stotts are prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
Driver indicted for fleeing checkpoint in human smuggling conspiracyRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment against a 50-year-old Laredoan for charges related to the smuggling of an undocumented alien and fleeing from an immigration checkpoint, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Arturo Trevino is charged with one count of conspiracy to transport an undocumented alien and one count of high-speed flight from an immigration checkpoint. He is expected to appear before a U.S. magistrate judge in Laredo in the near future.
According to the criminal complaint originally filed in the case, Trevino drove his pickup truck to the Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint on Interstate Highway 35 north of Laredo on Sept. 3. Soon after, a K-9 allegedly alerted to the presence of concealed persons, according to the charges.
The complaint alleges authorities referred him to secondary inspection. However, he allegedly ignored their instruction, driving past it and back onto the interstate at a high rate of speed.
Authorities pursued the vehicle for nearly two miles as Trevino drove at speeds in excess of 75 mph, according to the charges. He allegedly drove his vehicle across the median and access road onto the grass, eventually crashing into an electric pole.
Authorities conducted a search of his pickup truck and allegedly discovered an undocumented alien from Mexico behind the driver’s seat.
If convicted, Trevino faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
BP conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Bajew 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.
Businessman gets life sentence for long-term sex trafficking of young girlRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 68-year-old aquaculture company owner has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of sex trafficking of a minor female, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
A Corpus Christi federal jury deliberated for one day before convicting David Keith Wills, Oct. 8, 2019, following a 10-day trial. Wills, previously from Rockport and South Padre Island, is the founder and part owner of Global Blue Technologies. The jury convicted him on multiple counts of sex trafficking and enticement of a child as well as one count of conspiring to obstruct justice.
Today, U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos, who presided over the trial, ordered Wills to serve a life sentence. At the hearing, the court heard a statement from the minor victim detailing how Wills destroyed her childhood and caused her lifelong trauma. Judge Ramos further ordered Wills to pay $172,000 restitution to the victim and $85,000 in fines.
“For three years, this individual preyed on the innocence of our most vulnerable population relying on economic and psychological manipulation to control and silence his victim,” said Mark Dawson, special agent in charge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Houston. “With today's sentencing we have removed this predator from the community and sent a resounding message that we are committed to working with our law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate and prosecute anyone who seeks to exploit our nation's children.”
At trial, the jury heard that from 2012 to 2015, Willis conspired with his mistress Maria Candelaria Losoya to traffic the minor female for sex beginning when she was just 10 years old. Losoya and Wills used their cell phones to arrange meetings at several different locations where Wills would sexually assault the girl. These included Wills and Losoya’s respective residences as well as hotels and motels in the greater Corpus Christi area.
Wills sexually assaulted the minor female multiple times until she reported it in April 2015.
During this time, Wills promised to pay the victim’s college tuition if he was allowed to sexually assault the young girl. He also reimbursed Losoya for gifts to the victim and expenditures she would otherwise not have been able to afford. These included an iPad, Bose headphones, flatscreen TV, Apple laptop, trampoline, swimming pool and a school trip to Washington D.C.
After the victim reported the abuse, Wills conspired with a friend to remove a laptop from his home, wanting to destroy it to prevent law enforcement from seizing and reviewing it.
Several witnesses testified at the trial including the minor victim, forensic interviewer, the nurse who first examined her, several state and federal law enforcement officers and an expert witness. An eyewitness also described seeing the victim at a Portland hotel where Wills and Losoya met in March 2014.
The jury also heard from multiple defense witnesses attesting to his character and successes, while attempting to contradict testimony Losoya and the victim gave.
HSI conducted the investigation with assistance of Brownsville Police Department and Texas Rangers.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zahra Jivani Fenelon, Richard Bennett and Stephanie Bauman 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.
SIX ELN Members and Associates Charged with Narco-Terrorism and International Cocaine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A total of three Colombian nationals associated with the National Liberation Army (Ejército de Liberación Nacional aka ELN), a paramilitary group designated as a foreign terrorist organization, have been taken into Colombian custody at the request of the United States on charges alleging a 20-year international drug conspiracy.
“When my predecessor visited Colombia last year, he said to approximately 100 Colombian National police officers that he was directing all U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) components stationed at the U.S. Embassy, to include FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and our DOJ Attaches, to make cases against ELN a top priority,” said Attorney General William Barr. “These enforcement efforts against six ELN members including federal criminal charges against ELN leader Wilver Villegas-Palomino reaffirms our commitment in dismantling and disrupting this narco-terrorist group. The United States and Colombia have a shared mission of combatting narco-trafficking and narco-terrorism and the long-standing cooperation and teamwork between U.S. and Colombian law enforcement is stronger in addressing transnational crime and weakening foreign terrorist organizations.”
“Colombia is an excellent law enforcement partner,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. “They made a commitment to work with the United States combatting ELN’s narco-terrorism. With major cities acting as drug trafficking hubs, the Southern District of Texas is uniquely situated in continuing our prosecution of these cases and working with our Colombian colleagues.”
Colombian authorities arrested Yamit Picon-Rodriguez aka Choncha, 36, Jose Gabriel Alvarez-Ortiz aka Alex, 26, and Henry Trigos-Celon aka Moncho Picada, 43, based on a provisional arrest request of the United States.
Suspected ELN leader Villegas-Palomino aka Carlos El Puerco, 38, is also charged and considered a fugitive as are Jaime Miguel Picon-Rodriguez aka Chencho and Jairo, 38, and Diomedes Barbosa-Montaño aka El Burro, 38. A warrant remains outstanding for their arrests. Anyone with information about their whereabouts is asked to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit tips online at tips.fbi.gov.
A federal grand jury in Houston returned the three-count indictment Feb. 12. All six defendants are charged with distribution of a controlled substance, knowing or intending to provide anything of pecuniary value to a person or organization that engages in terrorism or terrorist activity (narco-terrorism), participating in an international cocaine distribution conspiracy and international cocaine distribution.
According to the indictment, Villegas-Palomino and his co-defendants were involved in an ongoing 20-year conspiracy to distribute cocaine from Colombia to the United States knowing or intending to provide pecuniary support to the ELN.
In early 2019, Villegas-Palomino, Picon-Rodriguez, Trigos-Celon, Barbosa-Montaño and Alvarez-Ortiz also allegedly participated in distributing approximately 30 kilograms of cocaine in Colombia having reasonable cause to believe it would be imported into the United States.
“The success of Operation Catatumbo Lightning was a direct result of the outstanding collaboration between the FBI and many of our law enforcement and military partners both here in the United States and in Colombia,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “These arrests should serve as a warning that the FBI will relentlessly target and disrupt any narco-terrorist activity that threatens the health and safety of the American people and our international community.”
“As alleged, for decades, ELN produced and exported tons of cocaine to the U.S., using communities in America to fund their terrorist activities,” said DEA Acting Administrator Timothy J. Shea. “These enforcement actions have dealt a major blow to the ELN and are a true testament to the power of partnerships. DEA remains dedicated to our partners around the globe in the shared mission of bringing narco-terrorists to justice.”
On Oct. 8, 1997, the State Department officially designated ELN as a foreign terrorist organization. It continues to operate as one of the largest narco-terrorism organizations in the world. The U.S. Department of State through its Narcotics Rewards Program, is offering up to a $5 million reward for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Villegas-Palomino.
The Houston Divisions of the FBI and DEA conducted the investigation as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF). FBI and DEA agents in Bogota provided substantial support as did DOJ’s multi-agency Special Operations Division, including assigned attorneys from the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section and National Security Division as well as the Office of International Affairs with the cooperation of Colombian authorities. Houston Police Department, U.S. Southern Command and international partners including the Colombian Army, National Police, National Prosecutor's Office and Technical Body of Investigation also provided assistance.
OCDETF brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Its principal mission is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high-level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey N. MacDonald and Anibal Alaniz of the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
certified.indictment.eln_.pdf palomino_wanted_english.pdf palomino_wanted_spanish.pdf diomedes_barbosa-montano.pdf jaime_miguel_picon-rodriguez.pdfWoman guilty of filing false amended tax returnRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - A local resident has admitted she defrauded the IRS of more than $1.5 million, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick along with Special Agent in Charge D. Richard Goss of IRS - Criminal Investigation (CI).
According to the plea agreement filed in the record of the case, Lee Williams pleaded guilty today to filing a false amended joint 2016 U.S. individual income tax return which resulted in an intended tax loss of approximately $800,000.
As part of the agreement, she further acknowledged the relevant conduct for sentencing purposes is over $1.5 million. She has agreed to pay restitution in the amount of $1,975,734.58.
U.S. District Judge Lynn N. Hughes accepted the plea today and set sentencing for Dec. 21. At that time, Williams faces up to three years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
She was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
IRS-CI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles J. Escher is prosecuting the case.
Senior federal agent charged with violating civil rightsRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 44-year-old Border Patrol (BP) supervisor is set to appear in federal court on allegations she deprived several constitutional rights of a La Joya woman, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Adriana Gandarilla is expected to make her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Scott Hacker Friday, Sept. 18.
She is a Senior BP agent with 19 years of experience.
On May 6, 2018, a La Joya woman began recording law enforcement activities taking place at her residence, according to the charges. At that time, Gandarilla allegedly commanded the woman to stop recording with her cell phone.
According to the allegations, Gandarilla physically forced the woman to delete the recording by grabbing her by her neck and arms. Gandarilla allegedly pushed her against the front outside wall of the woman’s residence.
If convicted of the civil rights charge, Gandarilla faces up to one year in federal prison and a possible $100,000 maximum fine.
Customs and Border Protection - Office of Professional Responsibility conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sebastian Edwards is prosecuting the case.
A criminal information is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Former local judge convicted of fraudRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A former Harris County judge has admitted to embezzling funds received during her re-election campaigns, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick and Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of the FBI Houston Division.
Alexandra Smoots-Thomas, 44, Houston, was the presiding judge for the 164th District Court for the State of Texas and had jurisdiction over Texas civil cases located within Harris County. She first ran for judicial office in 2008 and successfully ran for re-election in 2012 and 2016. Several individuals and political action committees had made substantial donations to those re-election campaigns.
Today, she pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, admitting she embezzled some of those funds. She repeatedly solicited contributions on the premise the money would be used to help facilitate her re-election campaigns. However, Smoots-Thomas used the campaign funds for non-campaign expenses to include monthly home mortgage payments, private school tuition payments and personal luxury items. She concealed this spending from both her campaign treasurer and the Texas Ethics Commission by filing false campaign finance reports.
Following the plea today, U.S. District Judge Lynn H. Hughes allowed Smoots-Thomas to immediately proceed to sentencing. The court heard arguments from the government citing how Smoots-Thomas abused her position and asked for a fair sentence within the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. Judge Hughes permitted her release following her time already served in custody. Restitution will be determined at a hearing set for Oct. 26.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ralph Imperato and John Pearson prosecuted the case.
Texas woman charged with fraudulently obtaining nearly $2M in Covid relief fundsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - A Texas woman has been taken into custody on allegations she fraudulently obtained more than $1.9 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick and Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.
Lola Shalewa Barbara Kasali, 22, Houston, is charged with making false statements to a financial institution, wire fraud, bank fraud and engaging in unlawful monetary transactions. She is expected to make her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan at 2 p.m. tomorrow.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) guarantees PPP loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
The criminal complaint, unsealed today, alleges Kasali submitted at least two fraudulent PPP loan applications - one on behalf of an entity called Lola’s Level and the other in the name of Charm Hair Extensions. Kasali allegedly received more than $1.9 million in PPP loan funds following the approval of the Lola’s Level application. The charges allege that after receiving the funds, Kasali transferred the money into four additional bank accounts. Authorities were later able to seize the funds, according to the charges.
The loan applications allegedly asserted both Charm Hair Extensions and Lola’s Level had numerous employees and significant payroll expenses. According to the charges, however, neither entity has employees nor pays wages consistent with the amounts claimed in the loan applications.
The CARES Act is a federal law enacted March 29. It is designed to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief the CARES Act provides is the authorization of up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding.
The PPP allows qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and an interest rate of one percent. Businesses must use PPP loan proceeds for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities. The PPP allows the interest and principal to be forgiven if businesses spend the proceeds on these expenses within a set time period and use at least a certain percentage of the loan towards payroll expenses.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of the Inspector General (OIG), SBA-OIG and U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Houston Division conducted the investigation. Trial Attorneys Timothy A. Duree and Matthew Grisier of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney James McAlister for the Southern District of Texas.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
Texas Woman Charged with Fraudulently Obtaining Nearly $2 Million in COVID Relief FundsRead the Press Release
A Texas woman has been taken into custody on allegations she fraudulently obtained more than $1.9 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Brian C. Rabbitt of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick of the Southern District of Texas.
Lola Shalewa Barbara Kasali, 22, of Houston, is charged with making false statements to a financial institution, wire fraud, bank fraud and engaging in unlawful monetary transactions. She is expected to make her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan in Houston at 2:00 p.m. CDT on Wednesday, Sept. 16.
The Small Business Administration (SBA) guarantees PPP loans under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
The criminal complaint, unsealed today, alleges Kasali submitted at least two fraudulent PPP loan applications - one on behalf of an entity called Lola’s Level and the other in the name of Charm Hair Extensions. Kasali allegedly received more than $1.9 million in PPP loan funds following the approval of the Lola’s Level application. The charges allege that after receiving the funds, Kasali transferred the money into four additional bank accounts. Authorities were later able to seize the funds, according to the charges.
The loan applications allegedly asserted both Charm Hair Extensions and Lola’s Level had numerous employees and significant payroll expenses. According to the charges, however, neither entity has employees nor pays wages consistent with the amounts claimed in the loan applications.
The CARES Act is a federal law enacted March 29. It is designed to provide emergency financial assistance to millions of Americans who are suffering the economic effects resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. One source of relief the CARES Act provides is the authorization of up to $349 billion in forgivable loans to small businesses for job retention and certain other expenses through the PPP. In April 2020, Congress authorized over $300 billion in additional PPP funding.
The PPP allows qualifying small businesses and other organizations to receive loans with a maturity of two years and an interest rate of one percent. Businesses must use PPP loan proceeds for payroll costs, interest on mortgages, rent and utilities. The PPP allows the interest and principal to be forgiven if businesses spend the proceeds on these expenses within a set time period and use at least a certain percentage of the loan towards payroll expenses.
A federal criminal complaint is merely an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency Office of the Inspector General (OIG), SBA-OIG and U.S. Postal Inspection Service - Houston Division conducted the investigation. Trial Attorneys Timothy A. Duree of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Matthew Grisier of the Criminal Division’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney James McAlister for the Southern District of Texas.
Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form at: https://www.justice.gov/disaster-fraud/ncdf-disaster-complaint-form.
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
RGV felons heading back to prison for possessing firearmRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas - Two men have been sentenced to federal prison following their convictions of being previously convicted felons in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Benny Guadalupe Garcia, 34, Weslaco, and Rodolfo Rodriguez Jr., 26, Edinburg, pleaded guilty Jan. 30, and Jan. 21, respectively.
Today, U.S. District Judge Randy Crane sentenced Garcia to 30 months in prison, while Rodriguez received a 70-month term. Both will also be ordered to serve three years of supervised release following their sentences. At the hearing, the court noted the serious nature of the offense given both men’s criminal histories. Specifically, Rodriguez has previous convictions for aggravated robbery stemming from two incidents in downtown McAllen as well as five vehicle burglary convictions, among others. Garcia was previously convicted of two burglaries of a habitation as well as multiple assaults and possession of controlled substances. In handing down the sentence, Judge Crane noted both men’s involvement in gang activity and the serious nature of possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number.
“Removing guns from the hands of violent, multi-convicted felons remains the focus of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF),” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski.
On Nov. 26, 2019, law enforcement conducting patrol near Edinburg had pulled a vehicle over for a traffic violation. Garcia was driving with Rodriguez as the front passenger. Upon searching the vehicle, authorities found a .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun with an obliterated serial number and hollow-tip ammunition in the console.
As both men have previous felony convictions, they are prohibited by federal law of possessing firearms or ammunition.
They ultimately admitted to being felons in possession of the firearm found in the vehicle.
Garcia and Rodriguez have been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
ATF conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Edinburg Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Redavid prosecuted the case.
Justice Department Settles with Texas Based Furniture and Appliances Chain for Charging Servicemembers Excess InterestRead the Press Release
The Justice Department reached an agreement today with Conn Credit I, LP, Conn Appliances, Inc. and Conn’s, Inc. (Conn’s), to resolve allegations that they violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) by charging at least 184 servicemembers excess interest on their purchases.
Conn’s, a furniture, mattress, electronics, and appliance store chain headquartered in the Woodlands, Texas, has retail stores in over 130 locations in at least 14 states. This is the Justice Department’s first SCRA case against a consumer retail store.
The SCRA provides financial and housing protections and benefits to military members as they enter active duty. One of the SCRA’s benefits requires creditors to reduce the interest rate on financial obligations, including retail installment contracts, to six percent if certain conditions are met. Under the agreement, Conn’s must hire an independent consultant, who will determine if any previously unidentified servicemembers were overcharged interest. Conn’s must refund all overcharged interest that it has not already refunded and pay an additional $500 to each affected servicemember. Conn’s must also make a $50,000 payment to the United States.
The agreement, which is subject to court approval, resolves a suit filed today by the Department of Justice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas.
“Servicemembers sacrifice their liberty and at times their lives to protect the United States and our people, and the Department of Justice is determined to ensure that they receive all the benefits and rights that Congress provided to them under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Civil Rights Division. “We applaud Conn’s for cooperating with our investigation and conducting a self-audit to determine the scope of the problem, for working with the department to comply with the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, and for agreeing to compensate all the affected servicemembers.”
“It is an honor to protect the legal rights of the members of our armed forces who routinely sacrifice so much for our country,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick of the Southern District of Texas. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to enforcing the SCRA and will continue to hold companies who violate it accountable.”
The department launched its investigation after receiving a referral from the U.S. Army Staff Judge Advocate at the Oklahoma National Guard Joint Force Headquarters. Upon receiving notice of the department’s investigation, Conn’s conducted a self-audit and found that, between March 2014 and May 2019, in 184 of the 322 accounts where servicemembers had requested the six percent interest rate cap, Conn’s had not granted the full benefit as required by the SCRA. Conn’s voluntarily disclosed these findings to the department and sent remediation checks and credited the accounts of the identified servicemembers.
The department’s enforcement of the SCRA is conducted by the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section and U.S. Attorney’s Offices throughout the country. Since 2011, the department has obtained over $474 million in monetary relief for over 120,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. For more information about the department’s SCRA enforcement efforts, please visit www.servicemembers.gov.
Servicemembers and their dependents who believe that their rights under SCRA have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations may be found at legalassistance.law.af.mil/.
4 sent to prison for multiple area robberiesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – With the sentencing of three Houston men today, all four convicted for their roles in the robberies/attempted robberies of six local banks are now headed to federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Gregory Babers, 30, Julien Francis, 29, and Jarrick Hoskins, 31, had previously pleaded guilty. A federal jury deliberated for two hours before convicting Eric Beverly, 31, Feb. 26, following a less than two-day trial. He was convicted of five counts of aiding and abetting the robbery of local banks and aiding and abetting the attempted robbery of another as well as six counts of aiding and abetting the brandishing of a firearm during the commission of the robberies.
Today, U.S. District Lynn N. Hughes imposed total sentences of 84, 51 and 100 months for Babers, Francis and Hoskins, respectively, representing terms for the underlying robberies and additional penalties for the respective firearms convictions. Last week, the court ordered Beverly to serve 42 years for the firearms charges in addition to five years for the robberies and attempted robberies. The sentences are all to be served consecutively. The total 47-year-sentence will be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At Beverly’s hearing, the court heard additional evidence that he was a leader/organizer of the armed robbery crew. In handing down the sentences, the court noted teach member of the robbery crew was responsible for the actions of the others.
“For almost a year, these individuals endangered Houston citizens by committing over 20 bank robberies in our area,” said Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of the FBI. “Their arrests are a testament to the teamwork displayed by the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force. As we continue protecting our citizens, the FBI hopes these sentencings will bring closure for the victims, as well as an opportunity for the defendants to pay their debt to the community.”
During trial, the jury heard Beverly and other members of his crew committed six armed bank robberies and had robbed three of the banks more than once. The take-over style robberies occurred between Aug. 25, 2014, and May 2, 2015. During the crimes, two or more men wore masks and entered the banks while at least one of them brandished a firearm and put people’s lives in jeopardy. While in the banks, one or more of the men demanded money from employees at gunpoint, jumped over teller counters and grabbed money from teller drawers.
Jurors also heard testimony that Beverly participated in an attempted robbery. He did not get any money due to the bank’s bullet-proof bandit barriers.
At trial, the jury saw videos and photos from each of the robberies and heard testimony from five bank tellers explaining how the armed robbers wore masks and gloves. The jury also considered phone records showing how the robbers used their cell phones to communicate with each other.
At the time of their pleas, Babers, Francis and Hoskins admitted to their respective roles as lookouts, drivers and inside-men.
The FBI Violent Crime Task Force, Harris County Sheriff’s Office and Houston Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carrie Wirsing and Jill Stotts are prosecuting the case.
Man admits guilt after marijuana smuggling attempt leads to high-speed chase at checkpointRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 47-year-old Houston man has entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 132 kilograms of marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Christopher Sedrick Brown admitted that on April 20 he arrived at the Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate Highway 35 north of Laredo. He was driving a tan-colored semi-tractor. Soon after, a K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics or hidden persons inside the vehicle.
Authorities sent him to secondary inspection, but Brown ignored their instruction. Instead, he accelerated and absconded from the checkpoint at a high rate of speed.
Law enforcement pursued the vehicle as Brown drove erratically at speeds reaching 94 mph. Brown made his way into La Salle County along mile marker 59, but eventually lost control of the vehicle and crashed into thick brush.
He attempted to flee on foot. However, authorities apprehended him on the Interstate Highway 35 frontage road.
Authorities conducted a search of the abandoned trailer and discovered eight bundles of marijuana wrapped in cellophane. The drugs weighed 132 kilograms (291.6 pounds) with an estimated street value of approximately $90,000.
Brown has been and will remain in in custody pending his sentencing, which will be set at a later date before U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana. At that time, Brown faces between a minimum of five and up to 40 years in federal prison.
Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation with assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco J. Rodriguez is prosecuting the case.
Former task force officer charged with cocaine distributionRead the Press Release
MCALLEN, Texas - A 31-year-old former officer and resident of Maurepas, Louisiana, has been arrested in McAllen for possession with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick and Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) - San Antonio.
Johnny Jacob Domingue is set to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Juan F. Alanis in McAllen at 9 a.m. today. Authorities had taken Domingue into custody yesterday afternoon upon the filing of a criminal complaint.
According to the charges, Domingue had been a federal task force officer for the Drug Enforcement Administration in Louisiana.
The complaint alleges that beginning in late July and continuing through September 2020, Domingue negotiated the purchase of four kilograms of cocaine, agreeing to pay approximately $100,000. He also negotiated the transportation of another four kilograms of cocaine, according to the charges.
On Sept. 9, Domingue allegedly traveled to Edinburg and picked up a vehicle loaded with eight kilograms of cocaine concealed inside a secret compartment. The complaint further alleges Domingue intended to transport the vehicle to Houston and on to Louisiana to further distribute the cocaine to buyers.
If convicted, Domingue faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
HSI is leading the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation dubbed Operation Blue Shame which has resulted in the arrest and prosecution of 20 individuals including seven law enforcement officers. Police departments in McAllen, Mission, Alamo and Alton; Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, Texas Attorney General’s Office and Customs and Border Protection’s Air and Marine units have all provided assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anibal Alaniz and Casey N. MacDonald are prosecuting the case.
This case is the result of the ongoing OCDETF efforts – a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The principal OCDETF mission is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Drug dealer sentenced after selling meth at bus stationRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 30-year-old Coastal Bend resident has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of trafficking meth, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Edward Andrew Nesmith pleaded guilty June 16.
Today, U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos ordered Nesmith to serve a 92-month sentence to be immediately followed by four years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional information including evidence detailing the lack of deterrence from at least a decade of Nesmith’s previous criminal episodes, including assault family violence, forgery and theft. In handing down the sentence, Judge Ramos noted Nesmith’s life of crime and drug use while mentioning his three prior felony drug convictions.
On or about Nov. 2 through Nov. 13, 2018, Nesmith was involved in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth along with and Corina Perez, 47, Corpus Christi. They negotiated terms of the sale or distributed the meth at a local shopping center and bus terminal in Corpus Christi.
Nesmith has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
On May 19, Judge Ramos sentenced Perez to 24 months in federal prison followed by four years of supervised release.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Corpus Christi Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Reid Manning prosecuted the case.
Registered sex offender admits to child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 34-year-old Orange Grove man has entered a guilty plea to receiving child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Authorities had linked Cameron Michael Pittman to an IP address that was sharing child pornography.
The investigation began when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children alerted authorities that images of child pornography were being uploaded through an IP address originating in Orange Grove. The investigation led Pittman as the one using the e-mail and IP address.
Law enforcement conducted a search, at which time they seized multiple electronic devices from Pittman’s residence. A forensic examination later revealed images and videos of child pornography. Today, Pittman admitted to receiving the images. The large majority of the images and videos located on Pittman’s devices depicted the sexual exploitation of children under the age of 10.
At the time of his arrest, Pittman was a registered sex offender and on probation for the 2nd degree felony offense of indecency with a child.
Sentencing has been set before U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton Dec. 11. At that time, Pittman faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to 40 as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
The Corpus Christi Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force; Jim Wells County Sheriff’s Office and Probation Department; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sara Popejoy is prosecuting the case which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
Mexican man indicted for smuggling nearly three tons of marijuanaRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment against a 36-year-old Mexican citizen on four counts related to the smuggling of 1000 kilograms or more of marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Jose Campos-Rebulloso will appear before a U.S. magistrate judge in Laredo in the near future.
According to the criminal complaint originally filed in the case, on July 29, law enforcement located a tractor-trailer at a warehouse in Laredo. They conducted a search and soon discovered 232 bundles of marijuana that had been wrapped in plastic with a combined weight of approximately 2,502 kilograms, according to the charges.
Campos-Rebulloso had allegedly drove the tractor-trailer along with the marijuana into the United States from Mexico.
If convicted, he faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Scott Bowling is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until convicted through due process of law.
Immigration impostor convictedRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 51-year-old Laredoan has admitted to wire fraud and extortion under color of official right, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Rito Salomon Palacios, 51, masqueraded at varying times as an officer or employee of Customs and Border Protection, an immigration officer or another federal officer or employee. At the plea today, the court also heard he delivered receipts in a document bearing the seal of the Department of Transportation.
Palacios defrauded and extorted members of the public who were not citizens or nationals of the United States. He took money or property by false and fraudulent pretenses, representations and promises to deliver immigration visas, permits or residency in the United States. As part of the scheme, Palacios utilized the internet to set appointments for his victims.
Palacios has admitted as part of the plea that he demanded and obtained more than $72,000 from the fraud and extortion scheme.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana will impose sentencing at a date to be set at a later time. At that time, Palacios faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Office of Professional Responsibility and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney José Angel Moreno is prosecuting the case.
Cuban national indicted for assaulting officer during smuggling attemptRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment against a 32-year-old man who resided in Austin for assaulting, resisting or impeding officers and unlawful transportation of undocumented aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Brenli Lescaille-Durand is charged with two counts of unlawful transportation of undocumented aliens by means of a motor vehicle and two counts of assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers or employees.
On Aug. 18, Lescaille-Durand allegedly drove to an area along U.S. Highway 281 and picked up multiple individuals from Mexico and Honduras illegally present in the United States. The charges allege he then drove just north of the Falfurrias Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint. Law enforcement attempted to pull him over but he, along with five occupants, fled the vehicle into the brush, according to the charges.
Authorities were able to ultimately apprehend Lescaille-Durand, but he had allegedly assaulted two of them while resisting arrest. The charges allege he punched, kicked and struck them with an object while attempting to flee.
If convicted, he faces a maximum of five years in federal prison for alien transporting and up to eight years for the alleged. Each count also carries a possible $250,000 fine.
BP and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Marin 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.
Victoria man admits to child pornography charge as part of Project Safe ChildhoodRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI – A 40-year-old Texan has pleaded guilty to receipt of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Authorities had linked Paul Thomas Rosales to explicit materials found on a peer-to-peer network. The area task force investigation soon led them to his residence in Victoria.
They conducted a search and seized numerous digital devices. Forensic analysis ultimately revealed approximately 200 images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct, some of which included children under the age of 5.
Today, he admitted to receiving the pornographic images.
Sentencing has been set for Dec. 11 before U.S. District Judge David S. Morales. At that time, Rosales faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The FBI – Corpus Christi Resident Agency and Victoria Police Department conducted the investigation along with the Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Reid Manning is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
UH agrees to resolve web accessibility issuesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON — The University of Houston (UH) has reached an agreement regarding web accessibility under Title II of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA), announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Web accessibility for people with disabilities in higher education is of critical importance, particularly in light of the increased reliance on the use of technology and web-based platforms as an integral part of its educational services, programs, and activities.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office initiated a compliance review in November 2016 to determine whether the school’s website and online course offerings were accessible to individuals with disabilities and in compliance with the ADA. The review evaluated the accessibility of the university’s primary learning management system to ensure students with disabilities have an equal opportunity to participate in programs. Audits uncovered multiple issues inconsistent with ADA accessibility and adversely impact the ability of individuals with disabilities to participate in the UH educational programs, services and activities.
UH is one of the largest schools in Texas. It is a Carnegie-designated tier one university with over 46,000 students. UH fully cooperated with this compliance review and has proactively and voluntarily taken steps to resolve the issues and increase accessibility.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Karpati and Keith Edward Wyatt handled this investigation.
South Texas woman sent to prison for human smuggling while on bondRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 23-year-old Edinburg woman has been sentenced to federal prison for multiple conspiracies of transporting illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Today, U.S. District Judge David S. Morales ordered Joceline Esmeralda Garcia to serve a total of 51 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard how Garcia recruited, facilitated or directed more than five individuals to transport undocumented aliens, often in the enclosed trunks of vehicles. In one instance, humans had been concealed within wooden furniture in a U-Haul van.
Garcia had pleaded April 17, 2019, to an alien smuggling conspiracy involving seven smuggling events and 18 undocumented aliens. While on bond pending sentencing in that case, Garcia continued to lead a subsequent alien smuggling conspiracy involving three human smuggling events and eight additional undocumented aliens.
Garcia has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Reid Manning is prosecuting the case.
Local man charged with making threat during university Zoom lectureRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 19-year-old U.S. citizen residing in Richmond is set to appear in federal court on allegations he made a bomb threat against University of Houston (UH), announced U.S. Attorney Ryan Patrick.
Ibraheem Ahmed Al Bayati is charged with making threats or conveying false information to destroy by means of fire or explosives and making a threat over interstate commerce. He is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sam Sheldon today at 2 p.m.
Federal authorities took him into custody late Friday, Sept. 4, upon the filing of a criminal complaint. According to those charges, Al Bayati identified himself as Abu Qital al Jihadi al Mansur and joined a UH student lecture via Zoom on Sept. 2. Shortly thereafter, he allegedly interrupted and said “what does any of this have to do with the fact that UH is about to get bombed in a few days?
According to the criminal complaint, he then uttered an Arabic a phrase that means the “Islamic State will remain.” Al Bayati then allegedly held up his index finger and repeated the phrase. He left the call to the gasps of students, according to the charges.
The complaint further states that Al Bayati’s discussion about the “Islamic State” is a reference to a certain foreign terrorist organization also known as ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham).
In addition, Al Bayati allegedly sought out ISIS supporters online, helped an individual make a “pledge” and, according to Al Bayati, was known as an ISIS recruiter.
If convicted of making threats or conveying false information to destroy by means of fire or explosives, Al Bayati faces up to 10 years in federal prison in addition to a maximum of five years for making a threat over interstate commerce.
The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alamdar Hamdani and Steven Schammel of the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case with the assistance of Trial Attorney Michael Dittoe in the Department of Justice’s counterterrorism section.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Conroe man hit with huge 60-year sentenceRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 41-year-old man has been ordered to federal prison for sexual exploitation of a child as well as distribution and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
James Glenn Fulcher pleaded guilty Sept. 16, 2019.
At a hearing that concluded late today, the court heard evidence demonstrating a pattern of abuse which rendered Fulcher a repeat and dangerous sex offender. Two of the victim’s family members spoke at the hearing, each explaining their anger at what Fulcher did to their family and/or the betrayal they felt.
U.S. District Judge Lynn N. Hughes then ordered Fulcher to serve 360 months for producing child pornography aka sexual exploitation of a child. He also received 240 and 120 months for the distribution and possession convictions, respectively. All sentences were ordered to be served consecutively for a total of 720 months in federal prison. Fulcher must also pay $12,000 in restitution.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children alerted authorities to a particular social media site with a user suspected of uploading dozens of images containing child exploitation material. The investigation led to the identification of Fulcher using that account.
Law enforcement later conducted a search of his email account where they found multiple images and videos of child pornography. Some depicted bondage and prepubescent children. There were also images of an adult appearing to be Fulcher with a minor relative. Images showed his penis exposed and pointed at the back of the minor’s head.
Another video depicted an adult male with a distinctively tattooed forearm who is manipulating a minor male’s genital area both outside and inside the pants. At one point, the adult removes the child’s penis from his pants so as to display it to the camera.
Law enforcement secured a federal search warrant for the location where Fulcher had been residing. At that time, they spoke with one of his relatives who identified the minor male victim in the video as well as Fulcher’s forearm and tattoo.
Authorities later obtained and executed a search warrant at Fulcher’s new residence where they seized a cell phone and two hard drives. Forensic examination resulted in the discovery of 1,035 images and 261 videos of young children engaged in sexually-explicit conduct.
Fulcher has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Ann Leo is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood(PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
Former felon convicted of failing to report as sex offender in TexasRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE – A 60-year-old resident of Brownsville has entered a guilty plea to one count of failure to register as a sex offender as required under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA), announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Albert Frank Garza is a twice-convicted sex offender. He was convicted of first degree sexual abuse with a child under the age of 12 in 1980 and again just three years later for indecent liberties with a child under the age of 14. He received respective sentences of 48 months and 10 years in prison.
As a sex offender, he is required under SORNA to register as a sex offender every year. If he relocates, he is required to register in the new jurisdiction within three days after arrival.
Previously residing in Colorado, he had registered as a sex offender until May 30, 2014. At that time, he signed and dated an annual form acknowledging a follow-up date of June 1, 2015. However, he failed to register in 2015 as required.
In fact, he never registered as a sex offender again, and his whereabouts were unknown until 2019.
On Sep. 24, 2019, local authorities arrested Garza for failure to identify and possession of a controlled substance. At the time of his arrest, Garza used the fictitious name of Martin Infante Garcia and indicated he was homeless. A street outreach advocate at a local homeless shelter recognized his photo and identified him as someone who visited the shelter daily for breakfast from April 2019 through June 2019.
Although Garza resided in Texas from at least April 2019 until the date of his arrest in September, he failed to register within the required three days of his arrival.
U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera accepted the plea and set sentencing for Nov. 25. At that time, Garza faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The U.S. Marshals Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nikki Piquette is prosecuting the case.
Convicted felon sent to prison again for having illegal gunsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 34-year-old resident of Houston has been ordered to prison for a second time following his conviction of illegally possessing firearms and ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Joffre Cross III pleaded guilty Feb. 5.
Today, Chief U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal ordered Cross to serve 57-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court discussed additional information including his prior conviction pertaining to the theft and sale of controlled substances from a military hospital while Cross was in the U.S. Army. In handing down the sentence, Judge Rosenthal increased the term of imprisonment due to the number of firearms Cross had built himself.
On Feb. 20, 2019, authorities executed a federal search warrant at the Cross residence. Upon entry, they located an AK-style rifle and approximately 2200 rounds of ammunition.
Having been convicted in April 2008 in North Carolina federal court for distribution of controlled substances, he is prohibited per federal law of possessing any firearms or ammunition.
At the time of the search they also found a homemade pistol and three homemade rifles.
“Preventing potentially violent criminal activity by intercepting illegally obtained firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition is at the core of the ATF mission,” said Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “Leveraging our partnerships to disrupt the shooting cycle remains our focus.”
Cross 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 ATF conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Schammel is prosecuting the case.
Shelter worker admits to housing illegal teen after escape from facilityRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 24-year-old Brownsville resident has pleaded guilty for her role in an alien smuggling incident involving a juvenile resident of the Southwest Key facility, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Karla Izaguirre appeared in federal court today and admitted she harbored an underage undocumented boy from Honduras.
Izaguirre was an employee of Southwest Key, a government-sponsored shelter, where she had been professionally trained to work and care for illegal alien juveniles. The teen was an unaccompanied minor who entered the United States illegally and was under Southwest Key’s supervision.
On July 5, 2019, the facility sponsored an outing at the Harlingen Arts and Heritage Museum. While there, the juvenile fled on foot.
The investigation led to Izaguirre. Authorities subsequently arrested her, at which time she acknowledged knowing the minor boy was illegally present in the United States and helping to plan the escape. She also admitted she harbored him in her own home for approximately three months.
U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez accepted the plea and set sentencing for Dec. 8. At that time, Izaguirre faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. She will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nikki Piquette is prosecuting the case.