Southern District of Texas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Tax fraud: preparer convicted of filing more than $300K in fraudulent returnsRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A tax preparer has admitted her guilt for tax crimes involving fraudulent customer returns that happened over a four-year period, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Jeanneth Iliana Escobedo was in the business of preparing income tax returns for clients under the name of BizTax, which began its business in Brownsville and later added offices in Harlingen and Corpus Christi.
Today, she pleaded guilty to one count of willfully aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false income tax return. That return included excessive deductions for medical expenses, unreimbursed employee expenses and other expenses. The false claims increased her refund to $15,405, more than what she was supposed to receive.
As part of the plea, she also admitted to claiming similar false items on income tax returns for other clients during income tax years 2010 through 2014 and to helping other BizTax tax preparers doing the same for their customers.
Escobedo admitted the total intended tax loss was approximately $342,000.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos will impose sentencing June 10. At that time, she faces up to three years in federal prison. She has agreed to pay the IRS $150,000 in restitution.
She was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
IRS – Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles J. Escher is prosecuting the case.
2 Texas men face federal charges after violently attacking federal officerRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – Two men from Irving are set to appear in court for assaulting Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
The Laredo grand jury returned the indictment Feb. 25 against Juan Alfredo Crisencio Martinez, 20, and Jaythan Trevonne Phillips, 20. They are set to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga at 1 p.m. today.
They are all charged with forcible assault on an officer Feb. 8.
The incident began after they applied for admission into the United States at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge in Laredo, according to the charges. A CBP officer allegedly began to conduct an immigration inspection and asked them to exit the vehicle. They refused, according to the allegations.
The charges allege authorities swarmed the lane to apprehend the occupants. At that time, Martinez allegedly reached for the officer’s belt from inside the vehicle. He also opened the driver’s side door in order to prevent a responding officer from assisting, according to the allegations.
Law enforcement allegedly had to physically carry Phillips to the secondary inspection area.
Martinez continued to resist, according to the allegations. Law enforcement allegedly had to deploy a Taser in order to subdue him.
The charges allege the incident significantly impacted the port’s daily operation, because officers from passenger booths, secondary inspection and bus operations had to assist. Most of the travel lanes were closed until they could resolve the incident, according to the allegations. The bus traffic was allegedly backed up into the Mexico side of the bridge which caused stalls and ultimately delayed dozens of passengers.
If convicted, Martinez and Phillips face up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from CBP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Yoona Lim 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.Mexican man admits to importing $73K worth of meth to USRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 30-year-old citizen of Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, has pleaded guilty to conspiring to import 10.5 kilograms of meth into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
On Dec. 10, 2019, J. Guadalupe Martinez-Montelongo drove an SUV to the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge in Laredo. There, a K-9 alerted to the possible presence of narcotics within the vehicle’s doors. Following a subsequent X-ray examination, authorities located 21 bundles stuffed behind the door panels which tested positive for meth.
The drugs weighed approximately 23 pounds and have a street value of over $73,000.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing June 17 at 10 a.m. At that time, Martinez-Montelongo faces up to life in federal prison. He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul A. Harrison is prosecuting the case.
Jury convicts “high priest” for transporting illegal aliens in the back of his BuickRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI – A federal jury sitting in Corpus Christi has convicted a 59-year-old Mission man for smuggling two illegal aliens within the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
The jury deliberated for approximately one hour before convicting Emiliano Espinoza-Guajardo following a two-day trial.
During trial, the jury heard that on Oct. 15, 2019, Espinoza-Guajardo drove a Buick Rendezvous to the Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint near Falfurrias. When authorities approached his vehicle for an immigration inspection, he displayed signs of nervousness. Law enforcement requested and received consent to open the back door of vehicle, at which time they discovered two men on the floorboard of the backseat attempting to conceal themselves.
Both men were found to be illegally present in the United States.
The jury heard from both men who had each identified Espinoza-Guajardo as the driver. They testified that Espinoza-Guajardo instructed them to remain quiet and hide before arriving at the checkpoint. One of the individuals stated that he also gave Espinoza-Guajardo his Ecuadorian passport for safe keeping.
The defense attempted to convince the jury Espinoza-Guajardo did not know the people he was driving were illegally present in the United States. He also claimed to be a high priest who could do no wrong. They did not believe his claims and found him guilty as charged.
Senior U.S. District Judge Hayden Head presided over the trial and set sentencing for June 10. At that time, Espinoza-Guajardo faces up to five years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Espinoza-Guajardo has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
United States Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeremy Carl Fugate and Barbara De Pena are prosecuting the case.
Two RGV woman convicted in meth conspiracyRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – Two local women have admitted to conspiring with each other to import approximately 50 kilograms of 99% pure meth from Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Helen Garza, 43, Rio Grande City, and Herminia Cantu-Garcia, 43, Roma pleaded guilty today and Feb. 26, respectively.
The woman planned to import the narcotics Dec. 4, 2019. On that date, Garza drove a car from Mexico and attempted to enter the United States through the Roma Port of Entry. Authorities inspected the vehicle and found hidden compartments within its tires. Upon further examination, they ultimately found multiple bundles containing 50 kilograms of meth with a value of approximately $170,000.
Garza admitted she knew there were drugs in the car.
Further investigation revealed Cantu-Garcia had coordinated the drug trafficking with Garza and other individuals.
U.S. District Judge Randy Crane accepted the pleas and has set sentencing for May 4 and 12 for Cantu-Garcia and Garza, respectively. At that time, both women face up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million fine.
They both have been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristina Pekkala is prosecuting the case.
Trucker sentenced for hauling 300 kilograms of marijuana disguised inside clear wrapping paperRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 49-year-old Carrizo Springs resident has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction for conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute more than 300 kilograms of marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Vicente Guajardo-Cantu pleaded guilty Nov. 4, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo sentenced Guajardo-Cantu to serve a 60-month term of imprisonment to be immediately followed by four years of supervised release.
Guajardo-Cantu worked as a truck driver with a North Dakota commercial driver’s license. On Sep. 16, 2017, he arrived at the U.S. Highway 83 checkpoint driving his tractor-trailer. During an initial inspection, a K-9 alerted to the trailer he was hauling. There, authorities ultimately found 28 cellophane bundles of marijuana hidden inside the trailer.
Further investigation also revealed he presented a fraudulent bill of landing during the primary inspection.
The drugs weighed a total of 312 kilograms (688 pounds) with a street value of approximately $200,000.
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 and Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco J. Rodriguez prosecuted the case.
Texas man gets nearly 17 years after kilogram of meth found on bus passenger’s thighsRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 43-year-old former resident of San Antonio has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction for conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute meth, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos convicted Lawrence James Espree Oct. 11, 2019, following a one-day trial.
Today, Judge Ramos ordered Espree to serve a total of 200 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release.
During the trial, the judge heard Espree had hired a drug courier to transport drugs from the Rio Grande Valley to San Antonio. On Feb. 21, 2017, that courier was a passenger on a commercial bus as it approached the Border Patrol checkpoint near Falfurrias. There, authorities found approximately a kilogram of meth strapped to his thighs.
After the courier was arrested, Espree fled the area and evaded arrest until 2019.
During trial, he identified Espree as the person who recruited him to transport the narcotics.
Evidence also established that Espree purchased the courier’s bus ticket using his girlfriend’s email account and his mother’s credit card.
Judge Ramos also heard Espree was leading a narcotics trafficking operation in which he directed another courier. In that incident, authorities also seized an additional kilogram of narcotics from the bus passenger at the Falfurrias checkpoint in January 2017.
Evidence presented during trial also demonstrated that Espree used numerous firearms and body armor to facilitate his narcotics trafficking.
The defense attempted to convince the court he was not involved. Judge Ramos did not believe those claims and convicted him as charged.
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.
Both bus passengers previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the offenses.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol and U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. Thorpe Jr. and Jeremy Carl Fugate prosecuted the case.
Lasara man sent to prison on child pornography chargeRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - A 37-year old South Texas man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of possessing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Rodolfo Mireles Jr. pleaded guilty May 15, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera Jr. ordered him to serve 78 months in federal prison. Mireles was further ordered to pay $30,000 in restitution to several known victims and will serve 30 years on supervised released following completion of his prison term, during which he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. He has also been ordered to register as a sex offender.
On or about Dec. 21, 2017, authorities were conducting undercover operations of ongoing child exploitative crimes on the internet through the use of peer-to-peer software. The investigation led them to an internet protocol address making child pornography available for sharing.
A search warrant at the residence of Mireles resulted in the seizure of various digital devices containing child pornography. A forensic analysis revealed he possessed 343 images and 1,646 videos of child pornography.
Mireles 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 - Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Task Force conducted the investigation
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ana Cano and Jason Corley 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
Jury convicts local man in multiple robberiesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A federal jury sitting in Houston has convicted a 30-year-old Houston man on 12 counts related to the robbery or attempted robbery of six local banks, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
The jury deliberated for two hours before convicting Eric Beverly following a one and a half 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.
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. A cell phone registered to Beverly was used at or near the times of several of the robberies while in the vicinity of the banks.
Two co-conspirators also identified Beverly in all of the robberies.
U.S. District Judge Lynn N. Hughes presided over the trial and set sentencing for June 1. At that time, Beverly faces up to 20 years in federal prison on each of the bank robbery and attempted bank robbery convictions. He also faces seven years for each conviction for aiding and abetting the brandishing of a firearm to run consecutively to each other and any other sentence imposed.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
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.
Farmer pleads guilty to killing bald eagleRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 35-year-old resident of Bay City made an appearance in federal court today and admitted he was responsible for killing a protected species, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Leonard Cornelius, 35, of Bay City, Texas, pleaded guilty to killing a Bald Eagle, no longer an endangered species, but still protected under the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act. This law makes it a crime to kill, possess, sell, transport, export or import, any bald or golden eagle, alive or dead, including any part, nest, or egg, unless specifically allowed by permit.
Today, U.S. Magistrate Judge Jason B. Libby accepted the plea and ordered Cornelius to serve one year of probation and pay 11,907.50 in restitution to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). The court found he killed the animal knowingly and with wanton disregard for the consequences of his actions.
“We work with our state law enforcement partners on information sharing and investigations to effectively protect our nation's wildlife resources,” said Special Agent in Charge Phillip Land of the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) - Office of Law Enforcement. “Through the effective enforcement of state and federal laws, we can conserve those trust species in the State of Texas and across the nation for future generations. We would like to thank the Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife and the U.S. Attorney's Office for their assistance in this case."
On March 22, 2018, authorities located a dead bald eagle and a number of other dead animals that appeared to have been poisoned near a field located southeast of Bay City. They began looking for the source of the poison and encountered Cornelius inspecting nearby farm fields.
He soon admitted he had placed the poison in his farm fields in order to kill birds that had been damaging his crops. Cornelius admitted he coated approximately 30 pounds of corn with poison. He then spread the corn on several of his fields in order to kill the birds.
He acknowledged seeing dead birds and several dead hogs in the area after he spread the poison.
Laboratory analysis later confirmed poisoned corn caused the bald eagle’s death.
FWS conducted the investigation with assistance of TPWD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. Thorpe Jr. is prosecuting the case.
2 imprisoned for drug conspiracy involving high speed chaseRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – Two Laredo men have been ordered to federal prison after their involvement in a drug trafficking event, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan Patrick.
Raul Gomez, 36, and Enrique Gonzalez, 39, pleaded guilty Aug. 6, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo ordered Gomez to serve 87 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court noted he had prior convictions for burglary, assault, possession of a controlled substance and being a felon in possession of a firearm. In handing down the sentence, Judge Marmolejo explained that during the commission of the instant offense, Gomez could have killed someone during the high speed chase or been killed himself.
Gonzalez was previously ordered to serve 12 months and one day in prison. Gomez and Gonzalez will serve five and four years of supervised release following their prison terms, respectively.
The investigation revealed a drug trafficking organization would be attempting to transport marijuana. On May 29, 2019, authorities established surveillance in the vicinity of Sereno Drive in Laredo, during which time they observed two vehicles leaving a residence in tandem.
Gomez was driving one of them - a red SUV - which appeared to be weighed down in the rear with items stacked high in the rear seat. Law enforcement attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but he fled at a high rate of speed. The chase continued through Bob Bullock Loop and Mines Road, eventually resulting in a crash. Gomez attempted to flee on foot, but authorities were able to soon apprehend him.
At the time of his arrest, law enforcement discovered d a total of 347 kilograms of marijuana in the back of his vehicle.
Simultaneously, other authorities had conducted a traffic stop on the other vehicle that left the residence on Sereno Drive. They arrested Gonzalez – the driver – who later admitted he had been paid to store the drugs at his home.
Gomez will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facility to be determined in the near future. Gonzalez was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a BOP facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation dubbed Operation The World Is Yours. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Dos Santos prosecuted the case.
Woman sentenced after trying to move $1M in methRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 40-year-old U.S. citizen and resident of San Nicolas, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, has been ordered to prison after admitting she trafficked a large amount of “ice” meth into the country, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Carolina Alvarez-Lopez pleaded guilty Nov. 1, 2019, to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute meth
Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo ordered her to serve a 72-month sentence followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence about how she brought the narcotics into the United States from Mexico and the steps she took to avoid detection from law enforcement. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the defendant’s lack of criminal history but stated a significant prison sentence was still warranted.
On March 31, 2019, Alvarez-Lopez entered the Border Patrol checkpoint at mile marker 29 on Interstate 35 north of Laredo driving a 2003 Honda Accord. During primary inspection, a K-9 alerted to the vehicle, after which law enforcement referred her to a secondary inspection. During the search of her vehicle, agents located 35 bundles of “ice” concealed inside its the seats.
The drugs weighed a total of approximately 17.5 kilograms with an estimated street value of more than $1.24 million.
Alvarez-Lopez admitted she knew there were narcotics in her vehicle and expected to be paid $2,000 for transporting them.
She 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 Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony J. Evans prosecuted the case.
Laredoan sent to prison for transporting 71 aliensRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 35-year-old resident of Laredo has been ordered to federal prison after he admitted to conspiring to transport aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
John Bryan Meredith pleaded guilty Oct. 4, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia-Marmolejo handed him an 84-month sentence. He had been on supervised release for two prior cases and was further ordered to serve four more years on each. The total 92-month sentence will be followed by another three years of supervised release.
On July 8, Meredith drove a tractor-trailer to the Border Patrol Checkpoint on Highway 83 near Laredo. Soon after, a K-9 alerted to the presence of concealed humans and/or narcotics within the trailer. At secondary inspection, the K-9 alerted again.
Authorities then removed a seal and opened the rear doors of the trailer which revealed several people, all determined to be in the United States illegally. Those included a total of 71 subjects - 36 Mexicans, 21 Guatemalans, six Salvadorans, five Hondurans and three Brazilians - two of whom were unaccompanied juveniles. In addition, law enforcement also recovered a total of $7,300 hidden inside the gearshift box as well as eight additional seals and seven cellular telephones in the sleeper area of the truck.
Meredith claimed a friend had asked him to drive a tractor-trailer with a load of transmissions to Uvalde, where another driver would meet him. Meredith also stated his friend had already placed the seal on the trailer by the time he arrived.
However, further investigation revealed Meredith had bought the tractor himself and rented the trailer. The investigation revealed he had driven the same tractor and trailer past the Highway 83 checkpoint seven times between May 21 and July 8.
Illegal resident sentenced for purchasing aircraft parts with drug moneyRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 31-year-old Mexican citizen has been ordered to federal prison in money laundering conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick
Abraham Barajas-Alcantar, who resided in McAllen, pleaded guilty Nov. 13, 2019. Specifically, he admitted to purchasing three aircraft engines using $272,649 derived from drug trafficking.
Today, U.S. District Judge Hayden Head ordered he serve a total of 57 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face deportation proceedings following his sentence.
The investigation began in 2015.
Barajas purchased aircraft engines and parts with drug proceeds and shipped them to his business in McAllen. From there, he shipped the merchandise to Mexico for his customers who then used the parts in aircrafts in order to transport drugs.
Drug proceeds were sent to Barajas in the form of bulk cash. He also received them through the funneling of cash deposits via banks in which Barajas had accounts or those to which he had access. This scheme combined the traditional methods of bulk cash smuggling and the use of funnel accounts with trade-based money laundering.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and IRS – Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Cusick is prosecuting the case.
Attorney charged with making false statement related to bribery caseRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A McAllen woman has been taken into custody following the return of an indictment alleging she made a false statement to authorities in a bribery investigation involving alien detainee roster lists, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
The grand jury returned the indictment under seal Feb. 18 against Cynthia Alanis, 27. She is expected to make her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ignacio Torteya III at 2 p.m. today.
The charge stems from a bribery investigation involving Benito Barrientez, 42, Lyford; Exy Adelaida Gomez, 42, Los Fresnos; and Damian Ortiz, 30, and her brother - McAllen attorney Roel Alanis, 39, both of Weslaco. They were charged with conspiracy to commit bribery and bribery in relation to obtaining alien detainee roster lists.
The indictment against Cynthia Alanis alleges she falsely stated she did not receive nor know of any alien detainee roster lists given to the Alanis law firm. However, the charges allege she had previously received detainee roster lists and also knew of such lists given to the law firm.
Barrientez and Ortiz were employed at the Willacy County Regional Detention Center as a classification clerk and a senior program director, respectively. Gomez was a corrections officer at the El Valle Detention Center. Both facilities are located in Raymondville.
The indictment alleges Barrientes, Ortiz and Gomez obtained alien detainee roster lists from the El Valle Detention Center and the Port Isabel Detention Center-Los Fresnos while employed in their respective capacities.
The lists were then allegedly provided to Roel Alanis, an attorney with a practice in in the Rio Grande Valley. Roel Alanis then allegedly paid money to the employees in return for receiving the lists which contained names, dates of birth, country of origin and A-numbers of alien detainees. The charges allege Roel Alanis would visit the illegal aliens for the purpose of hiring his law firm as their attorney in immigration proceedings. Alternatively, he would instruct his sister or others to do so, according to the charges.
If convicted, Cynthia Alanis faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Barrientez and Ortiz have pleaded guilty and are set for sentencing April 29.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) - Office of Professional Responsibility conducted the investigation with assistance from the Department of Homeland Security - Office of the Inspector General and ICE's Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Oscar Ponce 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.Friendswood man gets 40 years after sexually exploiting childRead the Press Release
GALVESTON, Texas - A 22-year-old man from Friendswood has received a significant sentence following his convictions for producing and possessing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Malik Berlanga pleaded guilty April 3, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks Jr. handed Berlanga a sentence of 360 months for the sexual exploitation of a child aka production of child pornography. He also received 120 months for the possession conviction which will run consecutively for a total 40-year-prison sentence. Berlanga will also be on supervised release for life following completion of that 480-month federal prison term.
At the hearing, the court heard that Berlanga’s preferential age was between 5-10 years old and had a foot fetish. In one particular video, Berlanga is seen licking and sucking a minor female’s feet while she is asleep. He then appears to ejaculate off-camera with a semen-like substance then found on her feet.
At the hearing, the court described other pornographic videos in Berlanga’s possession involving children under the age of five. In handing down the sentence, Judge Hanks noted he had a duty to protect the public and anything less than the term imposed would not have done that.
A cyber-tip submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children led to the Berlanga’s identification. He had created videos of a minor female and stored them in his Dropbox account. Authorities found 14 child pornography videos in a folder entitled Personal CP that Berlanga produced.
Law enforcement later conducted a search warrant at his residence, at which time they seized several cellular phones and a laptop computer located within Berlanga’s bedroom. Forensic analysis of those items revealed more than 5000 images and 70 videos containing child pornography. Authorities also found several videos that Berlanga produced on these devices as well.
In one video, Berlanga picks up a minor victim, wraps her legs around his waist and proceeds to simulate sexual intercourse while he remains standing. In an image he also produced, his penis is seen on the back of her jeans while she is lying down.
The investigation revealed the victim to be a minor relative, approximately 7-8 years of age during the production of some of the videos and images.
The investigation revealed some of the images were taken at a hotel in the Galleria area during the 2018 BBQ cook off - the precursor to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which included detectives from police departments in Galveston, Pearland and Webster.
Berlanga has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherri L. Zack is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood(PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
South Texas man on his way to prison for smuggling $1.7 million in methRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 36-year-old Edinburg man has been ordered to federal prison for possession with the intent to distribute more than 25 kilograms of meth, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Sarafin Rodriguez Pena pleaded guilty Aug. 29, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge David S. Morales handed Pena a 132-month sentence for to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the defendant’s lack of prior criminal history but concluded the significant sentence was warranted given the quantity of drugs involved.
On July 7, 2019, Pena drove a white Ford Focus into the primary inspection area of the Border Patrol checkpoint near Falfurrias. A careful search of the vehicle revealed bundles of meth concealed within the speakers mounted in the car.
Laboratory analysis later confirmed the substance in the bundles was indeed meth.
The drugs weighed a total of 25.5 kilograms with a value of more than $1.7 million.
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.
This Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. Thorpe Jr. is prosecuting the case.
Texas Businessman Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison for Role in Venezuela Bribery Scheme and Obstruction of JusticeRead the Press Release
A former procurement officer of Venezuela’s state-owned and state-controlled energy company, Petroleos de Venezuela S.A. (PDVSA), was sentenced to 70 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release today for laundering the proceeds of a corrupt scheme to secure contracts from PDVSA through bribery, underreporting income on his tax return and obstructing the government’s investigation into bribes paid by the owner of U.S.-based companies to Venezuelan government officials in exchange for securing additional business with Citgo Petroleum Corporation, a Houston-based PDVSA subsidiary.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick of the Southern District of Texas and Special Agent in Charge Mark Dawson of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Houston made the announcement.
Alfonzo Eliezer Gravina Munoz (Gravina), 57, of Katy, Texas, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gray H. Miller of the Southern District of Texas. Judge Miller also ordered Gravina to pay restitution to the IRS in the amount of $214,849.21. Judge Miller previously entered a final order of forfeiture on May 17, 2017, after Gravina forfeited $590,446 in connection with this case. Gravina pleaded guilty on Dec. 10, 2015, to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and one count of making false statements in connection with a tax return. Based on his actions after entry of his guilty plea in 2015, Gravina was indicted on Nov. 15, 2018, on one count of conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, to which he pleaded guilty on Dec. 10, 2018.
According to admissions made in connection with Gravina’s December 2015 plea, Gravina accepted bribes from U.S.-based businessmen Abraham Jose Shiera Bastidas (Shiera) and Roberto Enrique Rincon Fernandez (Rincon) while employed as a purchasing manager at PDVSA. This ensured that Shiera’s and Rincon’s companies were placed on PDVSA bidding panels, which enabled the companies to win lucrative energy contracts with PDVSA. Gravina admitted that he accepted over $590,000 in bribes from 2007 to 2014. In order to conceal the corrupt payments, Rincon and Shiera transferred funds to Gravina from accounts they controlled outside of the United States to accounts in the names of Gravina’s associates and relatives. Gravina admitted that he did not report the bribe payments he received from Rincon, Shiera and others as income on his 2010 tax return, thus underreporting his income. Rincon and Shiera have also pleaded guilty and await sentencing.
After his plea in December 2015, Gravina met periodically with HSI agents to provide information regarding corruption at PDVSA. Gravina admitted that, during interviews with the government, he concealed facts about bribe payments to officials at Citgo Petroleum Corporation and, at the same time, he provided details about the government’s investigation to a subject of the investigation, including about the topics discussed during Gravina’s meetings with the government. This passing of information led to the destruction of evidence and to the subject’s attempt to flee the United States in July 2018.
Gravina is the seventh defendant to be sentenced by Judge Miller as part of a larger, ongoing investigation by the U.S. government into bribery at PDVSA. Including Gravina, Rincon and Shiera, to date, the Justice Department has announced charges against 26 individuals, 20 of whom have pleaded guilty in connection with the investigation.
HSI in Houston is conducting the ongoing investigation with assistance from HSI in Boston and IRS Criminal Investigation. Trial Attorneys Jeremy R. Sanders, Sarah E. Edwards and Sonali D. Patel of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Pearson and Robert S. Johnson of the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristine Rollinson of the Southern District of Texas is handling the forfeiture aspects of the case.
The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs and the Swiss Federal Office of Justice also provided assistance.
The Fraud Section is responsible for investigating and prosecuting all FCPA matters. Additional information about the Justice Department’s FCPA enforcement efforts can be found at www.justice.gov/criminal/fraud/fcpa.
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.
Significant sentences imposed in large synthetic drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Eight Corpus Christi residents have been ordered to federal prison following their convictions for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute synthetic cannabinoids, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
James Roye Bryan Townzen, 30, Victoria Martinez, 24, Michael Llamas, 29, Benjamin Llamas, 35, Raymond Reyes, 38, John Perez, 28, Raymond Shane Townzen, 29, and Joe McNabb, 30, pleaded guilty April 16, 2019, while Charles Warren Callis, 42, entered his plea Aug. 19, 2019.
Today, Senior U.S. District Judge John D. Rainey sentenced Callis to serve 226 months in federal prison for his involvement with the synthetic cannabinoid offense. He also pleaded guilty to an unrelated possession with intent to distribute cocaine charge, but proceeded to trial on a related possession of a firearm in furtherance of cocaine trafficking. A jury convicted him of that charge July 30, 2019. He received a sentence of 166 months for the cocaine trafficking to be served consecutively to another 60 months for the firearm. That total sentence will be served concurrently to the 166-month sentence imposed in the synthetic cannabinoids case for a total 226-month sentence.
In December 2019, James Townzen received a sentence of 222 months in prison. Raymond Townzen was sentenced to 150 months, while Reyes, Perez and McNabb were ordered to serve respective terms of 84, 72 and 156 months in federal prison. Martinez and Michael Llamas received 160 and 200 months, respectively, for the drug charge in addition to another 60 months for possessing a firearm which must be served consecutively. Their total 220 and 260-month-terms of imprisonment will also be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
Callis was ordered to serve five years of supervised release while the remaining defendants will serve three-year-terms following their respective sentences.
The final defendant - Benjamin Llamas - will be sentenced next month.
At the sentencing hearings, the court heard from an expert witness from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) who provided testimony about how the DEA handles newly emerging synthetic narcotics, their adverse effects and the imminent hazard they present to the public safety. A special agent with Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) also testified as to the impact synthetic cannabinoids have on the local community.
In handing down the sentences, the court acknowledged the significant danger of synthetic cannabinoids as well as the large scale of the operation, specifically the steps taken to import the chemicals and produce such a large quantity of product that was distributed within the community.
In January 2018, officials intercepted an international package from China sent to Corpus Christi that contained a kilogram of the synthetic cannabinoid 5F-MDMB-PINACA, a Schedule I controlled substance.
The investigation determined James Townzen was ordering illegal chemicals from overseas and using them to manufacture synthetic marijuana, or Kush, inside a room at Callis’ business Done Right AC. The finished product was then provided to Michael Llamas and others who would advertise and sell the illegal substance through online social media platforms, such as Facebook.
Further, authorities discovered that after James Townzen was taken into custody for unrelated state violations, he continued to run and direct the operation. While in custody, he provided detailed instructions to Martinez who continued to order the chemicals, manufacture the products inside Done Right AC and distribute them through Llamas. Other members of the conspiracy were responsible for picking up the international packages or purchasing the material and equipment needed to complete the process.
Law enforcement officials estimate the organization produced and sold more than 300 pounds of the illegal substance.
Synthetic cannabinoids are chemical compounds that mimic the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. These chemical compounds can be applied to carrier mediums such as plant material and ingested using rolling papers, pipes, vaporizers or otherwise taken orally. Synthetic cannabinoids are usually sold in small, foil or plastic bags containing dried leaves (resembling potpourri) and is marketed as incense that can be smoked. It is commonly sold and known on the street as synthetic marijuana, fake weed, legal and by its popular brand names such as Spice, K2, Kush, Klimaxx and many others.
All defendants have been and will remain in custody.
HSI led the year-long investigation known as Operation Done Wrong with the assistance of DEA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Watt is prosecuting the case.
Houston man heads to prison for two child porn convictionsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - A 31-year-old Houston man has been sentenced to prison for receipt and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Jonathan Deshon Alexander pleaded guilty Aug. 12, 2019.
Today, Chief U.S. District Court Judge Lee H. Rosenthal ordered Alexander to serve 84 months in federal prison. In handing down the sentence, the court noted these are agonizing cases which involve real children who have been abused. Judge Rosenthal considered the number of years Alexander had been viewing child pornography, his willingness to get help and what was appropriate in this particular case.
Alexander had admitted to receiving and possessing child pornography for seven years. The court decided to assess Alexander’s punishment for the same amount of years he made these children victims once more. He will also serve 15 years on supervised release following completion of his prison term, during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender and must pay restitution to the victims.
In March 2017, law enforcement conducted an online session using a publicly available peer-to-peer file sharing network and located an IP address folder contained videos of child pornography. The IP address was associated with Alexander and his residence.
He admitted to downloading child pornography since approximately 2010. Forensic analysis found more than 326 videos of child pornography, including some of children under the age of five, bondage and acts of violence.
Previously released on bond, Alexander was permitted to voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Zahra Jivani Fenelon 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.
Local man sent to prison for impersonating federal agentRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 33-year-old Cypress resident has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction for illegally possessing a machine gun and impersonating a federal agent, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Mitchell Shoemaker pleaded guilty Aug. 23, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Court Judge Ewing Werlein Jr. handed Shoemaker a 78-month sentence for the firearms charge. He also received a 36-month sentence for the impersonation, which is to be served concurrently to the other sentence imposed. The sentences are to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. Shoemaker was further ordered to pay $2,000 in fines. At the hearing, the court considered that Shoemaker continued to abuse illegal substances and to unlawfully possess several firearms after he was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in 2014. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Shoemaker has spent years lying and deceiving others, that he obstructed justice by destroying evidence and that he has shown virtually no respect for the law.
“The Diplomatic Security Service’s (DSS) strong relationship with the Magnolia Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas continues to be essential in the pursuit of justice,” said Jeffrey McGallicher, Special Agent in Charge of the DSS - Houston Field Office. “This shows the positive outcome when local law enforcement and federal agencies work together to stop someone from impersonating a federal agent.”
On Dec. 18, 2018, Shoemaker presented a fake badge to law enforcement officers at the shooting range in Magnolia. He admitted he represented himself to be an agent with DSS in order to gain access to the law enforcement only shooting range. He was found to not have ties to any federal agency and was immediately taken into custody.
At the time of his arrest, Shoemaker was in possession of seven firearms and two silencers. Among them was a machine gun - a F.N. (FN Herstal) PS90, 5.7 caliber rifle – that he was prohibited from possessing. Eight more firearms were seized from Shoemaker’s home the following day pursuant to a federal search warrant.
The investigation revealed Shoemaker had previously represented himself to be a federal law enforcement agent and participated in target practice with a local officer.
Authorities obtained video of him firing weapons, including the machine gun. They also found additional videos in which Shoemaker discussed the features of the F.N. PS90 weapon and modifications he made to the firearm. In the video, he pointed out the “giggle switch” which refers to the selector level to switch the weapon to automatic fire.
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.
DSS, ATF and Magnolia Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carrie Wirsing and Britni Cooper prosecuted the case.
Two headed to prison for selling machine guns destined for MexicoRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas — Two South Texas men have been ordered to federal prison following their convictions of transferring machine guns, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Martin Guerra, 44, Palmview, and Saul De La Garza, 46, Sullivan City, pleaded guilty Nov 25, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez sentenced Guerra to 50 months in federal prison while De La Garza, a previously convicted felon, received a total 78-month term of imprisonment. Both men will then serve three years of supervised release following completion of their prison terms. In handing down the sentence, Judge Alvarez stressed the significant nature of the crime both men committed and noted the demand for firearms in Mexico.
Both men had attempted to coordinate the sale of three machine guns - two Glock auto-switches and an AR-style rifle - to undercover authorities. The men believed the weapons would ultimately be illicitly transported to Mexico. Through the course of the investigation, Guerra bragged that he would be able to provide as many weapons as desired. De La Garza claimed he would be able to transport firearms from Houston to the Rio Grande Valley and coordinated with Guerra to make the sale of the machine guns.
Guerra has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future, while Garza was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender at a later date.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Mitchell Prosecuted the case.
Meth traffickers get decades in prisonRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas - Multiple men have been ordered to prison for a significant amount of time following their convictions related to drug trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Those convicted include Marcial Martinez, 37, Dallas; Saul Delgado, 31, Duncanville; Javier Del Rio, 34, Garland; and Mexican citizens Jose Adalberto Munoz-Mancias, 38, Cuidad Mier, Tamaulipas, Mexico; and Edson Roman Gonzalez, 37, Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico. They all pleaded guilty in either June or July 2019 to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute more than five hundred grams of meth.
Today, U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez ordered Munoz-Mancias to serve 360 months in federal prison. Already on supervised release for a previous conviction of illegal re-entry, the court revoked the remainder of that term and further ordered he serve an additional 24 months to run in part concurrent and in part consecutive for a total of 370 months. The court imposed respective sentences of 170 and 120 months for Roman and Delgado.
On Jan. 29, Del Rio was sentenced to 174 months imprisonment.
Judge Alvarez sentenced Martinez on Jan. 21 to a 25-year-term of imprisonment.
Martinez and Delgado will also serve five years of supervised release following their sentences. Del Rio will serve a three-year term of supervised release. Not U.S. citizens, Munoz-Mancias and Roman are expected to face removal proceedings following their prison terms.
When imposing the sentencings, Judge Alvarez noted the drug trafficking organization had been successful in distributing such a significant amount of meth, that it could have devastated many families.
On Dec. 3, 2018, Munoz-Mancias had siphoned a significant amount of liquid meth from one tractor-trailer to undercover authorities and instructed them to drive the load to Dallas which they did the following day.
There, Del Rio and Roman siphoned the liquid meth into plastic barrels. After it was removed, Delgado arrived and confirmed the delivery. Martinez subsequently arrived and paid the undercover agents approximately $20,000 for the transportation.
In total, authorities seized approximately 150 gallons of liquid meth which converts to more than 500 kilograms of meth.
All have been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristen J. Rees prosecuted the case.
Jury convicts tax preparer of fraud and tax violationsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - A suburban Houston-area man has been convicted of 15 counts of fraud and tax violations following a two-week jury trial, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Winfred Fields operated tax and bookkeeping businesses from an office on Richmond Avenue in Houston for many years under the business names Fields Enterprises, Your Tax Professionals and The Tax Boss.
At trial, the jury heard Fields participated in a scheme involving the submission of U.S. Individual Tax Returns on behalf of foreign people working on vessels on the Outer Continental Shelf of the United States. These crewmembers were engaged in oil and gas exploitation activities in the Gulf of Mexico.
Evidence showed Fields falsely claimed workers were exempt from U.S. tax under a tax treaty between the U.S. and the United Kingdom, Spain or New Zealand. The employing companies had previously provided to the IRS withholdings from the worker’s wages and reported the income to the IRS. However, Fields submitted amended tax returns as well as original nonresident tax forms 1040NR claiming a refund of the entirety of the amounts paid in as U.S. taxes for various tax years including 2007 through 2012.
Fields charged a fee of $2,500 for each crew member’s first return and required a $1,000 fee for each return thereafter. He required direct receipt of the refunds so that he could negotiate the checks and take his fee off the top. Fields had some refund checks deposited directly into one of several bank accounts he maintained. Alternatively, he cashed the checks at a Houston check cashing business or had the checks deposited into one of several attorney trust accounts three different Houston lawyers had maintained. Fields gathered the check proceeds or deposited them into the attorney trust accounts after paying a fee to the check cashing business and the attorneys for the service of cashing the U.S. Treasury checks. Fields deposited the proceeds in one of several bank accounts he utilized during the scheme.
Fields agreed to provide the remainder of the refund proceeds to the foreign clients. He did that for a while, but ultimately stopped forwarding any money to the workers. As those individuals began contacting him to ask for updates on their refund claims, he repeatedly sent misleading and materially false responses to their questions.
The jury heard that Fields fraudulently obtained $3,097,974.19 in tax refunds from the IRS and kept approximately $1,302,271.75 for himself.
The defense attempted to convince the jury he acted in good faith and believed the wages were exempt. He also claimed he was trying to pay the crewmembers their refunds but just got behind. The jury rejected Fields’ contentions in their verdict and found him guilty as charged on all 15 counts.
U.S. District Ewing Werlein Jr. presided over trial and has set sentencing for May 2020. At that time, Fields faces up to 20 years for conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and count of mail fraud. For the other 13 tax fraud convictions, he also faces up to three years in federal prison. He may also be ordered to pay restitution to his victims and up to $250,000 in fines.
IRS - Criminal Investigation and U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Melissa Annis and Charles Escher prosecuted this case.
Armed drug trafficker and convicted felon heads to prisonRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 31-year-old Mathis man has been ordered to federal prison for trafficking meth and illegally possessing a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Scott McCarty pleaded guilty Nov. 21, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos handed McCarty a total 200-month sentence to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. He also received an additional 120 months for the firearms offense which will run concurrently.
On or about July 26, through approximately Aug. 26, 2019, McCarty and Parris Olivarez were involved in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth. The couple had distributed the narcotics from their house in Mathis on two separate occasions.
Law enforcement conducted a search warrant, resulting in the discovery of meth as well as two firearms, including a .45 caliber 1911 and 9mm Smith & Wesson found in and under their bed.
McCarty has prior felony convictions in Texas for failure to register as a sex offender and burglary of a habitation and is, therefore, prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition per federal law.
McCarty was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Olivarez, 29, Mathis, had also pleaded guilty and was previously sentenced to 120 months in federal prison to be followed by five years of supervised release.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Department of Public Safety and sheriff’s offices in San Patricio and Jim Wells Counties conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Reid Manning is prosecuting the case.
Local man sentenced for transporting 27 aliens in tanker truck filled with waterRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 29-year-old Laredoan has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction for conspiring to transport aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Jesus Ramon Soto Jr. pleaded guilty Nov. 5, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana handed Soto a 46-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court noted Soto’s behavior was “egregious” and “callous” and showed a complete disregard for human life.
On Aug. 21, 2019, Soto was driving a white tanker truck near the intersection of West Viggie Street and North Rigma Avenue in Hebbronville. Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle for speeding.
Federal authorities were called to the scene, after which a K-9 alerted to the presence of persons or contraband concealed within the vehicle. They soon found 27 undocumented aliens concealed within the tank in waist-high water.
Soto said he knew he was transporting undocumented aliens. Someone drove him to the truck, where he observed numerous people being loaded into the water tank compartment. Soto later drove the truck to a water station and filled it until the aliens were approximately waist-deep in water.
Soto expected to be paid $5,000 to transport the aliens to San Antonio.
Soto will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Jim Hogg County Constable’s Office and Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Bukiewicz is prosecuting the case.
Former mayor arrested in fraud schemeRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – The former mayor of La Joya has been indicted on two counts of wire fraud relating to a public relations contract and the purchase of real property, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Authorities arrested Jose “Fito” Salinas, 81, today. He is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Juan Alaniz 11 a.m. tomorrow.
A federal grand jury returned the indictment Feb. 11. It was unsealed today upon his arrest.
From June 2018 to approximately November 2018, the City of La Joya entered into a public relations contract with Sylvia Garces Valdez, according to the charges. As a condition for receiving the contract, the mayor’s daughter - Frances Salinas De Leon – was to allegedly receive a portion of the contract’s payments.
The indictment alleges that from January 2016 to approximately July 2016, Salinas devised a scheme that resulted in the City of La Joya purchasing property he owned at a highly-inflated rate.
If convicted, Salinas faces up to 20 years in federal prison and up to $250,000 maximum fine. The indictment also includes a notice of intent to forfeit $235,000.
Former La Joya Housing Authority member Valdez, 39, La Joya, is also charged in relation to the scheme as is former interim executive director for the La Joya Housing Authority – De Leon, 52, La Joya. They face up to 10 and 20 years in prison, respectively.
The FBI, Department of Housing and Urban Development - Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarina S. DiPiazza and Roberto Lopez, Jr. 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.Alton man sentenced for attempting to entice minor via social mediaRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas - A 23-year-old man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Dan Eliud Moncada-Gonzalez pleaded guilty Nov. 25, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez sentenced Moncada-Gonzalez to 120 months in federal prison. In handing down the sentence, the court noted his behavior was not a lapse in judgment as the defense attempted to portray, adding that Moncada-Gonzalez was provided multiple opportunities to stop his conduct. He was further ordered to serve five years on supervised release following completion of his prison term, during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Moncada-Gonzalez will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
In June 2019, Moncada-Gonzalez enticed an individual he believed to be a 13-year-old female on a social media application. During his conversations, he sent multiple unsolicited sexually-explicit images of himself and others and described sexual acts he desired to perform with the minor.
Moncada-Gonzalez then requested to meet in person at an agreed upon location. There, he expected to engage in sexual activity with the minor. Law enforcement took him into custody upon his arrival.
At the time of his arrest, Moncada-Gonzalez had condoms, lubricant, oral gel and marijuana with him.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Investigations Task Force conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Mitchell and Claire Nguyen prosecuted the case. This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Multiple men convicted of trafficking cocaineRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A total of five men from Laredo have admitted to conspiracy and possessing with the intent to distribute various amount of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Christian Alejandro Enriquez, 27, pleaded guilty today. Luis Ernesto Lopez, 34, Martin Arturo Ramirez, 28, Jose Erasmo Saucedo Jr., 38, and Luis Antonio Villanueva, 41, previously entered their pleas.
In July 2016, authorities initiated an investigation into Saucedo’s street-level cocaine distribution activities. Between Feb. 2, 2017, and April 19, 2019, Saucedo conspired with Lopez, Ramirez, Villanueva and Enriquez in person and over the telephone to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
Today, all five men admitted they were involved in the transportation of cocaine on various dates. On one occasion, Ramirez coordinated an event in which Lopez picked up a bag of 1.5 kilograms of cocaine from Villanueva’s house. On other dates, Saucedo and Enriquez also sold cocaine to undercover authorities.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing June 1, 2020.
Saucedo, Villanueva and Ramirez face a minimum of five and up to 40 years in prison and a possible $5 million fine. For their convictions, Lopez and Enriquez face a maximum 20-year-prison term and a possible $1 million fine.
Ramirez, Saucedo, Villanueva and Enriquez were permitted to remain on bond pending their sentencing hearings. Lopez has been and will remain in custody.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Texas Department of Public Safety and Laredo Police Department conducted the long-term Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation dubbed Funion Fiesta. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher dos Santos is prosecuting the case.
Multi-agency task force tackles illegal dumping in Sam Houston National ForestRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Several individuals will be participating in a clean-up effort following their charges of illegal dumping in the Sam Houston National Forest (SHNF), announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick and Montgomery County District Attorney Brett W. Ligon.
On Aug. 1, 2019, area law enforcement formed a multi-agency task force comprised of federal, state and local agencies to attempt to curb illegal dumping in the SHNF. Dumpsters are placed in the forest and people are encouraged not to litter, but the ongoing problem warranted further action.
During the initial enforcement period, task force officers identified and charged a number of people for illegally dumping materials in SHNF. These individuals were typically found to be illegally discarding furniture, tires, construction materials, bottles, rags and various other forms of trash in the forest. A number of state and federal prosecutions are now pending for the illegal dumping, and multiple arrests have occurred. In an effort to remedy the immediate problem, a number of the individuals charged are scheduled to take part in a clean-up effort in SHNF Saturday, Feb. 8.
“Dumping on National Forest land is illegal and goes against the conservation mission of the property,” said Patrick. “With federal and state land set aside for parks and conservation throughout Montgomery and surrounding counties, this was the perfect joint partnership. District Attorney Ligon has been fantastic, and his involvement was key in bringing local law enforcement to the project.”
“People need to think twice about dumping their garbage on forest land that belongs to all of us,” said Ligon. “This behavior is not harmless, it will not be tolerated, and there will be consequences when we catch the people who are involved.”
Both Ligon and Patrick commended the dedicated enforcement efforts of game wardens, agents and deputies from Texas Parks and Wildlife, U.S. Forest Service and Montgomery County Precinct One Constable’s Office in addressing illegal dumping in SHNF.
Assistant District Attorneys Michael Ghutzman and Nathan Alsbrooks handled the state charges, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Epley is handling the federal matters.
Laredo woman sentenced for role in smuggling cocaineRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 40-year-old Laredoan has been ordered to prison after admitting she imported a large amount of cocaine via the Gateway to the Americas International Bridge, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Yuriria Verastegui pleaded guilty Nov. 5, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo ordered her to serve a 70-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court noted that even though Verastegui’s husband is serving a federal prison sentence himself for similar conduct, she still chose to do this on two more occasions, knowing the possible consequences.
Verastegui attempted to enter the United States July 24, 2019, driving a Ford SUV. Authorities noticed tampering with its interior quarter panels, lifted a tray to access them and found 16 bundles of cocaine.
The drugs weighed a total of approximately 16 kilograms with a value of $512,000.
Verastegui pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, admitting she knew there were narcotics in her vehicle and expected to be paid $9,600 for transporting them.
She 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 is prosecuting the cases.
Habitual drug trafficker sentenced to more than 14 yearsRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 46-year-old woman has been ordered to federal prison for following her conviction of importing a large quantity of 97% pure meth, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Elizabeth Garcia, Houston, pleaded guilty Nov. 21, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Randy Crane ordered Garcia to serve 175 months in federal prison to be followed by five years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Garcia was a habitual drug trafficker and cited her extensive criminal record, which included trafficking 10 kilograms of cocaine, possessing more than 30 kilograms of marijuana, her involvement in an alien transporting conspiracy and engaging in organized criminal activity.
On July 22, 2019, Garcia attempted to enter the United States through the Hidalgo Port of Entry. She was referred to secondary inspection where authorities discovered a total of 37 packages with 32.6 kilograms of meth concealed within her BMW.
Lab tests revealed a 97% purity rate.
Garcia 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 Matthew Redavid prosecuted the case.
Four sentenced for intricate $1M counterfeiting scamRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – The leaders and two others have been ordered to federal prison after passing more than $1.3 million in counterfeit checks in Houston and Louisiana, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
A jury convicted Harold Chaney, 49, Missouri City, Oct. 3, 2019, following a three-day trial and approximately four hours of deliberation. Also sentenced today were Charmine Godine, 46, and Marcus McNeal, 40, both of Missouri City, along with Frank Chaney, 55, Houston, who had all previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the scheme.
Today, U.S. District Judge David Hittner ordered Harold Chaney, one of the leaders, to serve a 235-month sentence. The other leader – Godine - received a 240-month-term of imprisonment, while Frank Chaney and McNeal received respective terms of 85 and 160 months. All will also serve three years of supervised release following their sentences.
At the hearing, the court heard evidence that showed the group was responsible for attempting to steal more than $6 million in merchandise and passing over $1.3 million in counterfeit checks.
Harold Chaney and Godine headed the group who purchased expensive goods from retail stores using a sophisticated counterfeiting scheme.
McNeal provided stolen checking account information, which he obtained as a courier for a legitimate business. Harold Chaney and Godine used the stolen account information and stolen identities to create counterfeit checks using a special computer program and special printer paper.
Other members of the group, such as Frank Chaney, used the counterfeit checks to purchase computers, appliances and construction materials at retail stores. The group then sold the items to customers on the black market.
Authorities also found them with hundreds of stolen identifications, which they used to establish criminal identities.
All four Harold Chaney, Frank Chaney and McNeal 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 Secret Service, Houston Police Department and Harris County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation as part of the Houston Area Fraud Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim McAlister is prosecuting the case.
Four plead guilty in a failed human smuggling attempt that left six people deadRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – The final defendant has admitted her guilt in the human smuggling conspiracy that left six people dead in Robstown in June 2019, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Mayra Chaver, 32, of Honduras, pleaded guilty today to assisting an undocumented immigrant to evade arrest. The three others charged in relation to the crime – Mexican citizens Agustin Gutierrez-Gonzalez, 33, and Ivan Dario Puga-Moreno, 30; and Elena Ruiz, 35, of Corpus Christi – had previously entered their guilty pleas to conspiracy to transport undocumented aliens into the United States causing death or serious bodily injury.
On June 5, 2019, authorities discovered a wrecked Chevrolet Suburban in a ditch in Robstown. Six people were found deceased at the scene with 12 more requiring hospitalization due to their significant injuries.
Puga-Moreno was the driver of the wrecked vehicle and had been attempting to smuggle 18 undocumented immigrants. Further investigation revealed Puga-Moreno fled the scene of the accident with the assistance of his girlfriend and friends Ruiz, Chaver and Gutierrez-Gonzalez.
At the time of his plea, Puga-Moreno admitted he was driving the vehicle that crashed. He also acknowledged that when the accident occurred, he was evading police, confirming he was a citizen from Mexico and fled to Houston in an attempt to avoid arrest.
Chaver, Ruiz and Gutierrez-Gonzalez admitted they helped Puga-Moreno flee the scene and evade arrest after the crashed occurred.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos will impose sentencing April 22. At that time, Puga-Moreno, Ruiz and Gutierrez-Gonzalez face up to life in prison. Chaver received time served for her role in the offense.
Puga-Moreno and Gutierrez-Gonzalez have been and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Ruiz was permitted to remain on bond pending her hearing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Border Patrol, Corpus Christi Police Department and Nueces County Sherriff’s Office conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Cody Barnes and Jeremy Carl Fugate are prosecuting the case.
Former LEO sent to prisonRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A South Texas law enforcement officer now finds himself behind prison bars following his conviction on multiple drug trafficking charges, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
A federal jury in Houston convicted Hector Beltran, 44, Edinburg, on July 22, 2019, for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine. Beltran was a former Edinburg Police Department K-9 officer.
Today, U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison imposed a total 120-month sentence to be followed by five years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Beltran abused his position of trust as a law enforcement officer (LEO) and used a possessed a firearm during the commission of the offense.
During the two-week trial, the jury heard that the investigation began in 2011 when authorities targeted a drug trafficking organization involved in the transportation and distribution of cocaine and marijuana. During the course of the investigation, agents learned the organization was stealing cocaine and marijuana from the source of supply with the assistance of LEOs. The scheme was to pose as drug transporters. However, instead of transporting the cocaine and marijuana, they sold the drugs and told the source of supply that law enforcement had seized the narcotics.
In their effort to cover up the theft, the drug trafficking organization created fake bundles of cocaine and marijuana and used LEOs to seize it. Once authorities seized the fake cocaine and marijuana, the drug trafficking organization provided law enforcement seizure documents to the source of supply.
During the course of the investigation, agents discovered Beltran, while an Edinburg police officer, conducted more than 10 seizures of fake drugs. Most involved the drug trafficking organization leaving the fake drug bundles in abandoned vehicles, giving Beltran the vehicle’s location and having him seize them. Since the seizures did not involve any arrests, the fake drugs were not tested and put in evidence lockers.
Upon discovery of the scheme, a review of Beltran’s drug seizures revealed bundles of suspected marijuana contained hay, while bundles of suspected cocaine contained only trace amounts of cocaine hydrochloride.
Testimony at trial showed Beltran personally conducted and assisted other law enforcement agencies with the seizure of approximately 600 kilograms of fake marijuana and 168 kilograms of fake cocaine. The jury also heard the drug trafficking organization paid Beltran for his participation in each seizure of fake drugs.
Beltran testified at trial and denied participating in the scheme. The jury did not believe his claims and ultimately found him guilty.
Previously released on bond, Beltran 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 investigation has led to the arrest and prosecution of 20 individuals including Beltran and five other LEOs – two BP agents; officers with the Houston and Edcouch Police Departments and Harris County Constable’s Office; and a former chief of the LaJoya Police Department.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations
and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Investigation dubbed Operation Blue Shame. Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey N. MacDonald and Anibal J. Alaniz prosecuted the case.
Felon admits to illegal weapons chargeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 33-year-old resident of Houston has admitted he illegally possessed firearms and ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Joffre Cross III surrendered to federal authorities today and entered a plea of guilty.
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.
Sentencing is set before Chief U.S. District Judge Rosenthal for May 27. At that time, Cross faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine.
He will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Schammel is prosecuting the case.
Bank robberies get local man significant federal prison timeRead the Press Release
GALVESTON, Texas - A 26-year-old Houston man is headed to federal prison following his convictions related to the 2019 robberies of a BBVA Compass Bank in Friendswood and Texas First Bank in Galveston, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Tremaine Venters pleaded guilty Oct. 30, 2019, to two counts of aiding and abetting bank robbery and aiding and abetting brandishing of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence.
Today, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Brown handed Venters a 57-month sentence for the robbery. He also received an additional 168 months for the firearms charge which must be served consecutively to the other sentence imposed for a total 225-month term of imprisonment. At the hearing, the court noted his prior felony offenses and criminal history as well as the necessity of keeping society safe from individuals committing offenses with guns.
On Jan. 3, 2019, Venters entered the BBVA Compass Bank in Friendswood along with Jordan Johnson. Both men approached the counter, placed guns in front of tellers and demanded money. The tellers complied and Venters and Johnson exited the bank.
Less than two weeks later, Venters and Johnson also robbed the Texas First Bank in Galveston with a firearm. Venters walked up to the teller counter and tossed bag on the counter. Simultaneously, Johnson placed a gun on the counter and demanded “hundreds and fifties” from a teller.
He then walked over to another teller station and said “I need hundreds.” That teller mistakenly believed he just wanted to make a withdrawal and reached for a withdrawal slip. At that time, Johnson said “no” and tapped his gun on the teller counter. She then opened her cash drawer, at which time Johnson told her to just give him the whole drawer. He put the money in a plastic grocery bag, and both men left.
Bank employees were able to get a vehicle description and a license plate number. Authorities then saw a car matching the description traveling across the causeway from Galveston.
They were soon arrested. Inside the vehicle, law enforcement found a firearm and cash belonging to First Texas Bank.
Jordan Johnson, 27, Houston, also pleaded guilty and is pending sentencing June 24.
Both men have been and will remain in custody.
The FBI Violent Crime Task Force and the Houston Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill Stotts is prosecuting the case.
Man pleads guilty to meth conspiracyRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 31-year-old Mexican national has admitted to conspiring with others to import approximately 25 kilograms of 100% pure meth from Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Pablo Xavier Castillo Jaramillo planned to import meth from Mexico on Aug. 22, 2019, along with Edgar Eliud Villarreal Munoz, a 43-year-old Mexican national. 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 pleaded guilty Nov. 4, 2019, admitting he expected to be paid $5,000 for importing and transporting the narcotics inside the vehicle.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will set sentencing at a later date. At that time, both men face up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
Jaramillo and Munoz have been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from Border Patrol and Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Yoona Lim is prosecuting the case.
Magnolia man faces federal charges for shooting mail carrierRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – The 24-year-old man who allegedly shot two people in December 2019 is expected to appear in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Matthew Anthony Williams is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan today at 2 p.m.
The Houston grand jury returned the indictment Jan. 30. Williams is charged with assaulting a federal employee with a deadly weapon and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence Dec. 28, 2019.
If convicted, Williams faces up to 20 years in prison for assaulting a federal employee. He also faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life for discharging the firearm during the assault which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed. He could also be ordered to pay restitution to the victims.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service 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 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.Jury returns guilty verdict in case involving smuggled Chinese nationalRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A federal jury sitting in Corpus Christi has convicted a 45-year-old Houston man for transporting an undocumented Chinese national, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick today.
The jury deliberated for approximately two hours before convicting Torrie Franklin following a one-day trial.
On Nov. 12, 2019, Franklin drove a blue four-door sedan into the primary inspection lane at the Border Patrol (BP) Checkpoint located near Falfurrias. Upon his arrival, authorities conducted a routine inspection, at which time a K-9 alerted to the trunk of the vehicle. There, they found an undocumented Chinese national.
At the time of his arrest, Franklin told authorities he had encountered the man at a gas station. Franklin claimed the Chinese national asked for a ride to Houston, despite not knowing any English. He also said the man asked to ride in the trunk as opposed to inside the vehicle.
At trial, the jury heard from the Chinese national who said that Franklin was the person who placed him inside the trunk. They also heard excerpts of Franklin’s phone calls in which he admitted his role in the offense.
The defense attempted to convince the jury that Franklin was merely a good Samaritan just providing a ride. They did not believe his claims and ultimately found him guilty as charged.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales presided over the trial and set sentencing for May 7. At that time, Franklin faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Franklin will remain in custody pending sentencing.
BP conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neel Kapur and Barbara DePena are prosecuting the case.
Two sentenced in securities fraud conspiracyRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Two defendants charged in relation to a more than $40 million securities fraud “pump and dump” conspiracy have now been ordered to prison, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
John David Brotherton, 60, League City, pleaded guilty Feb. 12, 2019, while Charles Earl Grob, 39, Houston, admitted his guilt Dec. 5, 2018.
Today, U.S. District Judge Vanessa Gilmore imposed a 60-month sentence for Brotherton, while Grob received a sentence of 12 months.
Brotherton and Grob were also ordered to forfeit $1.9 million and $242,907.09, respectively, and serve three years of supervised release following their sentences. The court also ordered each man to pay restitution to the victims of the fraud. The amount will be determined at a later date.
Brotherton and Grob admitted they participated in a conspiracy to commit fraud in microcap securities. During the course of the conspiracy, they obtained control of the stock of numerous companies, then “pumped up” the price of the stock through false and misleading press releases and fraudulent trading techniques. They then “dumped” their shares of stock onto the market for a significant profit.
Brotherton, who is in now in custody following violations of his conditions of release, will remain there pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Grob was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender at a later date.
Five others - Andrew Ian Farmer, 41, Thomas Galen Massey, 49, Eddie Douglas Austin Jr., 69, and Carolyn Price Austin 65, all of Houston; and Scott Russell Sieck, 61, of Winter Park, Florida, also pleaded guilty for their respective roles and will be sentenced later this year.
The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Securities and Exchange Commission and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin R. Martin and Michael Chu are prosecuting the case.
Mexican man admits to smuggling tons of marijuanaRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 34-year-old citizen of Mexico has pleaded guilty to importing a large quantity of marijuana into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
On Nov. 30, 2019, Juan Antonio Hernandez-Zapata attempted to enter into the United States in a commercial tractor trailer at the World Trade Bridge in Laredo. There, a K-9 alerted to the possible presence of narcotics. Following a subsequent x-ray examination, authorities located 214 bundles in his trailer which tested positive for marijuana.
The drugs weighed approximately 5,360 pounds (approximately 2.5 tons) and have a street value of over $1 million.
Sentencing will be set before U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana at a later date. At that time, Hernandez-Zapata faces up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Day is prosecuting the case.
Laredoan admits to smuggling 27 in tractor trailerRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 32-year-old Laredo man has entered a guilty plea to conspiring to transport undocumented aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
On Nov. 12, 2019, Roy Andy Olivares arrived at the Border Patrol Checkpoint located on U.S. Highway 83 north of Laredo. There, a K-9 alerted to the possible presence of concealed humans in the trailer. Authorities conducted a search and found 27 undocumented aliens, three of whom were minors.
At a hearing today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga, Olivares admitted he knowingly attempted to smuggle the undocumented aliens past the checkpoint.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Olivares faces a possible 10-year prison term as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Makens is prosecuting the case.
Houstonian convicted in scheme linked to Hurricane HarveyRead the Press Release
HOUSTON ‐ A Houston area man has entered a guilty plea to money laundering in connection with his scheme to defraud the Small Business Administration (SBA), announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Robert Kaitho, 56, entered his guilty plea today before U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen.
Kaitho applied for government assistance in reference to property damage sustained in Hurricane Harvey. In that application, he falsely represented to the SBA that he would use the disbursed funds to rehabilitate or replace the affected property.
As a result of his misrepresentations, the SBA disbursed a federally-funded disaster loan to Kaitho for $71,100, all of which was deposited into his personal bank account.
As part of his plea, Kaitho admitted he used the SBA funds to make unauthorized wire transfer payments, in the amounts of $10,000 and $15,000, to a mortgage company. Kaitho also acknowledged he used funds transferred into his account to make a $30,633.00 wire transfer payment to an individual located in Kenya, another unauthorized expenditure.
Judge Hanen accepted the plea today and set sentencing for June 1. At that time, Kaitho faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 maximum possible fine. Kaitho was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
SBA - Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Department of Homeland Security – OIG conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Day and Charmaine Holder are prosecuting the case.
Mexican man admits exporting ammunition inside boxes of dog biscuitsRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 25-year-old Mexican national has entered a guilty plea to exporting ammunition from the United States to Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
On Nov. 15, 2019, Esteban Ramirez-Torres approached the southbound checkpoint at the Hidalgo Port of Entry. There, authorities noticed boxes of dog biscuits with black tape at the bottom along with bags of dog food that had been stapled shut.
Upon further inspection, they discovered 4,000 rounds of 7.62x39mm caliber ammunition and 30 AK-47 style rifle magazines hidden amongst the dog food and boxes of biscuits.
Ramirez-Torres admitted he knowingly smuggled the ammunition illegally into Mexico. He also acknowledged purchasing the dog food, tape and staples at Walmart prior to returning to Mexico.
U.S. District Judge Randy Crane accepted the plea and set sentencing for April 14. At that time, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Claire Nguyen is prosecuting the case.
Last defendant convicted in Stanford International Bank $7 billion investment fraud schemeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – The former chief of Antigua’s Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC) has pleaded guilty for his role in connection with the Stanford International Bank (SIB) Ponzi scheme.
Leroy King, 74, of Dickerson Bay, Antigua, was the last remaining defendant in the SIB scheme. Today, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice and one count of obstruction of justice for his role in obstructing the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigation into SIB. He was extradited to the United States in November 2019.
King is a dual citizen of the United States and Antigua. Beginning in approximately 2002, he served as the administrator and CEO of the FSRC, an agency of the Antiguan government. As part of his duties, he was responsible for Antigua’s regulatory oversight of Stanford International Bank Limited’s (SIBL) investment portfolio, including review of SIBL financial reports and responses to foreign regulators’ requests, such as the SEC, for information and documents about SIBL’s operations.
In or about 2005, the SEC began investigating R. Allen Stanford and Stanford Financial Group (SFG) and made official inquiries with the FSRC regarding the value and content of SIBL’s purported investments. From 2005 through February 2009, Stanford, James Davis, King and others conspired to obstruct the SEC’s investigation of SFG, SIBL and their related entities. From at least 2003 through February 2009, Stanford made regular secret corrupt payments of thousands of dollars in cash and gifts to King in order to obtain his assistance in hiding the truth about SFG and SIBL from the SEC and other regulatory agencies.
Over the course of the conspiracy, Stanford’s cash payments to King totaled approximately $520,963.87. Stanford also provided King tickets to Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston, Texas (2004) and Super Bowl XL in Detroit, Michigan (2006). Stanford also provided King with repeated flights on private jets Stanford or SFG entities owned.
King later denied the SEC’s request for help and wrote that the FSRC “had no authority to act in the manner requested and would itself be in breach of law if it were to accede to your request.” In reality, the FSRC did have this authority and failed to exercise such because of the payments and other benefits Stanford gave to King.
A federal jury found Stanford guilty in June 2012 for his role in orchestrating a 20-year investment fraud scheme in which he misappropriated $7 billion from SIB to finance his personal businesses. He is serving a 110-year prison sentence. Five others were also convicted for their roles in the scheme and received sentences ranging from three to 20 years in federal prison.
U.S. District Judge David Hittner accepted the plea today and set sentencing for April 24. At that time, King faces up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 maximum fine on each count.
The FBI, IRS - Criminal Investigation and U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Pearson and Trial Attorney Brittain Shaw of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section are prosecuting the case.
The Justice Department extends its gratitude to the government of Antigua for its cooperation and assistance.
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.
Last Defendant Convicted in Stanford International Bank $7 Billion Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
The former chief of Antigua’s Financial Services Regulatory Commission (FSRC) has pleaded guilty for his role in connection with the Stanford International Bank (SIB) Ponzi scheme.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick of the Southern District of Texas made the announcement.
Leroy King, 74, of Dickerson Bay, Antigua, was the last remaining defendant in the SIB scheme. Today, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice and one count of obstruction of justice for his role in obstructing the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigation into SIB. He was extradited to the United States in November 2019.
King is a dual citizen of the United States and Antigua. Beginning in approximately 2002, he served as the administrator and CEO of the FSRC, an agency of the Antiguan government. As part of his duties, he was responsible for Antigua’s regulatory oversight of Stanford International Bank Limited’s (SIBL) investment portfolio, including the review of SIBL financial reports and the response to requests by foreign regulators, including the SEC, for information and documents about SIBL’s operations.
In or about 2005, the SEC began investigating R. Allen Stanford and Stanford Financial Group (SFG) and made official inquiries with the FSRC regarding the value and content of SIBL’s purported investments. From 2005 through February 2009, Stanford, James Davis, King and others conspired to obstruct the SEC’s investigation of SFG, SIBL and their related entities. From at least 2003 through February 2009, Stanford made regular secret corrupt payments of thousands of dollars in cash and gifts to King in order to obtain his assistance in hiding the truth about SFG and SIBL from the SEC and other regulatory agencies.
Over the course of the conspiracy, Stanford’s cash payments to King totaled approximately $520,963.87. Stanford also provided King tickets to both Super Bowl XXXVIII in Houston, Texas (2004) and Super Bowl XL in Detroit, Michigan (2006). Stanford also provided King with repeated flights on private jets Stanford or SFG entities owned.
King later denied the SEC’s request for help, and he wrote that the FSRC “had no authority to act in the manner requested and would itself be in breach of law if it were to accede to your request.” In reality, the FSRC did have this authority and failed to exercise such because of the payments and other benefits Stanford gave to King.
A federal jury found Stanford guilty in June 2012 for his role in orchestrating a 20-year investment fraud scheme in which he misappropriated $7 billion from SIB to finance his personal businesses. He is serving a 110-year prison sentence. Five others were also convicted for their roles in the scheme and received sentences ranging from three to 20 years in federal prison.
U.S. District Judge David Hittner of the Southern District of Texas accepted the plea today and set sentencing for April 24.
The FBI’s Houston Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated the case. Trial Attorney Brittain Shaw of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Pearson of the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.
The Justice Department extends its gratitude to the government of Antigua for its cooperation and assistance.
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.
Local man gets significant prison time for multiple child pornography chargesRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 26 year-old man has been ordered to federal prison following his convictions of receipt, possession and distribution of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Pedro Angel Garcia, Brownsville, pleaded guilty May 22, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera Jr. sentenced Garcia to 78 months for the distribution conviction. He also received 78 months for the receipt and possession counts, respectively. The sentences will all run concurrently. Garcia will then serve 35 years on supervised release following completion of his prison term, during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Garcia will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
In October 2017, authorities learned of a Facebook user who appeared to be sending child exploitative material via the social media platform. The investigation led them to an IP address and telephone number and eventually to Garcia’s residence in Brownsville.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant and seized his personal computer. Forensic analysis resulted in the discovery of approximately 29 images and one video of child pornography in Garcia’s possession.
Garcia 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-Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Task Force conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ana C. Cano prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
Former oil and gas employee charged with using company card for $850K of personal useRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A criminal information has been filed against a 58-year-old Bryan resident for his suspected role involving wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan. K. Patrick.
James Day Burke is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena H. Palermo at 2 p.m. today.
He is charged with one count of wire fraud.
Burke was employed as the bookkeeper at Rustex Inc., an oil and energy company that is headquartered in Bryan.
From approximately May 2010 to approximately August 2018, Burke allegedly made unauthorized charges on company credit cards for personal expenses.
The information alleges Burke defrauded the company out of $855,872.42 as a result of his scheme.
If convicted, he faces a possible sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison and a $250,000 maximum fine.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Braddock is prosecuting the case.
A criminal information is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until convicted through due process of law.Ex-Postal Service employee indicted on theft chargesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 33-year-old resident of Houston has been charged with five counts of theft of public money and five counts of issuing postal money orders without receiving payment, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Tranese Nicole Mitchell is set to appear before U.S. District Judge Dena H. Palermo this afternoon.
A federal grand jury returned the 10-count indictment Dec. 10.
Mitchell was employed as a lead sales and service clerk at the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) in Houston, according to the charges. During that time, the indictment alleges she committed the theft and improper issuance of money orders from approximately June 2018 through December 2018.
Each count of theft of public money carries a possible sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison, issuing postal money orders without receiving payment carries a possible sentence of up to five years, upon conviction. Each conviction also carries a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
USPS - Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Braddock 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.