Southern District of Texas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Stash house operators convictedRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Three men have been convicted for transporting and harboring illegal aliens in locked and boarded-up trailers in Houston, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Albino Vargas-Hernandez, 48, a Mexican citizen who resided in Houston, and Rene Camacho, 47, Houston pleaded guilty today to conspiracy to transport and harbor illegal aliens. A third man – Mexican national Hiram Lamarca-Gonzalez, 21, who also resided in Houston - entered his plea Dec. 4.
The investigation revealed that from approximately July 9, 2018, through on or about Aug. 22, 2018, multiple suspected aliens had arrived and departed trailers in Houston, which were locked and had boards on the windows. On several occasions, Vargas left his residence, picked up illegal aliens from the stash house and delivered them to others.
Law enforcement obtained search warrants on the Vargas residence as well as the stash houses. During that time, authorities found Vargas and Camacho inside one of the trailers along with 12 undocumented aliens. The aliens identified Vargas and Camacho as leaders of the smuggling organization, in charge of documenting alien information in ledgers and collecting payments for the those smuggled into the country. They also recovered multiple firearms, “pollo” lists (alien smuggling ledgers keeping track of alien and payment information), money service wire receipts and approximately $224,000 in cash.
Authorities also arrested Lamarca for guarding the aliens at the stash house.
U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett accepted the pleas today set sentencing for Feb. 13, 2020. Lamarca is also set for that date. At that time, each faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Camacho was permitted to remain on bond, while the others are in custody pending that hearing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Bennett prosecuted the case.
Corpus jury convicts Houston men for smuggling alien in waterwayRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A federal jury has returned guilty verdicts against two Houston men for knowingly and intentionally conspiring to unlawfully transport an undocumented alien, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
The jury deliberated for approximately 90 minutes before convicting Reuben Stafford, 47, and Reginald Lewis, 31, following a three-day trial.
The jury heard that at approximately 9:15 a.m. on May 29, authorities at the Javier Vega Border Patrol (BP) Checkpoint in Sartia observed a truck hauling an empty boat trailer. Lewis was driving. At primary inspection, he provided several inconsistent stories about his travel plans and displayed signs of nervousness.
Testimony revealed that authorities suspected he was smuggling contraband through the inter-coastal waterway and followed Lewis to the Port Aransas boat docks. There, they observed Stafford arrive at the dock in a boat along with an undocumented alien.
Both men, along with the alien attempted to flee the Corpus Christi area. However, law enforcement quickly arrested them at the docks.
The jury heard a confession Stafford had made, but the defense attempted to convince the jury that authorities coached Stafford on what to say. They further tried to claim the men had no idea they were transporting an undocumented alien.
The jury did not believe those claims and found them guilty as charged.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales presided over the trial and set sentencing for March 13, 2020. At that time, each man faces up to 10 years imprisonment and a maximum $250,000 possible fine. Both have been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
BP conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neel Kapur is prosecuting the case.
Texas personal assistant imprisoned for stealing from elderly clientRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 41-year-old Richmond resident has been ordered to federal prison after admitting she committed fraud and made false statements regarding her participation in a scheme to defraud her 94-year-old client, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Amy Anglin pleaded guilty Sept. 25.
Today, U.S. District Judge Nancy Atlas handed Anglin a 36-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional testimony from the victim, now 95 and blind, that detailed the extent of his losses and how the Anglin preyed on his trust. In handing down the sentence, the court concurred with the government in describing the defendant as a “predator whose version of blood in the water is human kindness and trust.” Judge Atlas further ordered Anglin to pay restitution of at least $249,000.
“Amy Anglin preyed on the trust of a 94-year-old, legally blind man. She should be punished for her actions,” said Harris County Precinct One Constable Alan Rosen. “Families should always thoroughly vet people working for our elderly.”
Anglin began working for a successful real estate developer in Houston in approximately 2015 when he 91 years old and his eyesight was beginning to fail. Anglin admitted she took advantage of the victim’s poor health and began to steal money from his bank accounts and misused his credit cards to purchase, among other things, Hawaiian vacations and airline tickets for herself and her family. Anglin would get her elderly victim to sign checks he believed were legitimate and authorized expenditures. She would then have the funds deposited into her personal bank account.
Anglin would also convert the victim’s assets by use of both his bank account and his credit cards. In addition to using her access to the victim’s banking accounts and business credit cards, Anglin wired herself large amounts of money and used Western Union to transfer the victim’s money to her friends and acquaintances. Anglin transferred funds from the victim’s accounts to pay for vacations in Las Vegas, resorts in Hawaii and trips to her hometown. Anglin also used the stolen money to pay for country club memberships, golf lessons, overdue child support payments and major home improvements, including a hot tub.
At the time of her plea, Anglin admitted she was not authorized to make these transfers or payments.
Anglin’s scheme was uncovered when the victim’s family began to question certain payments associated with his accounts. With the help of a Houston-based attorney, the family has estimated the total amount of fraud associated with Anglin’s scheme to be more than $249,000.
The scheme continued until approximately December 2018.
Previously released on bond, Anglin was taken into custody following the sentencing today where she will remain pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The case is the result of a renewed law enforcement effort to protect America’s older citizens from elder abuse.
The FBI and Harris County Precinct One Constable’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heyward Carter and Steve Mellin are prosecuting the case.
Heroin smuggler ordered to federal prisonRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 29-year-old Austin woman has been sentenced for smuggling heroin through the local port of entry, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Lorena Garcia pleaded guilty May 8 to possession with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin.
Today, U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera ordered Garcia to serve a total of 72 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release.
On Feb. 25, Garcia attempted to make entry into the United States from Mexico driving a Jeep Cherokee at the Brownsville Veterans International Bridge. Authorities referred the vehicle to secondary inspection where they discovered packages wrapped in black electrical tape in the vehicle’s firewall.
Law enforcement extracted a total of eight packages which all tested positive for the properties of heroin. The narcotics had a total weight of 7.04 kilograms and an approximate value of $253,440.
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 and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Coronado prosecuted the case.
BISD VP indictedRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The vice president of the Brownsville Independent School District (BISD) Board of Trustees is now in custody on charges of conspiracy and corruption, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
A federal grand jury returned the eight-count indictment Dec. 10 against Sylvia P. Atkinson, 48, of Brownsville. It was unsealed as authorities took her into custody upon her arrival for a scheduled BISD meeting last night. She is expected to make her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ronald G. Morgan today at 10 a.m.
The charges allege Atkinson was elected to the BISD Board Nov. 4, 2016, and appointed vice president in 2018. During her career in education, she has served as the superintendent of Socorro, Santa Rosa and Los Fresnos school districts, assistant superintendent of BISD and Rio Hondo ISD (RHISD) and is currently the executive director of High School Programs and Community Outreach at Texas Southmost College, according to the indictment.
The charges allege a long-running criminal scheme to solicit bribes from vendors seeking to obtain contracts with BISD and RHISD. The contracts would provide various goods and services to the school districts, including computer tablets, medical teleconferencing services and tutorial services, according to the indictment. In 2018, Atkinson also allegedly solicited and received a $10,000 bribe from an undercover agent related to a film crew’s potential use of BISD facilities for filming a purported Hollywood movie.
Atkinson is charged with one count each of conspiracy, bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds as well as six counts of violation of the Travel Act. For the conspiracy and each Travel Act violation, she faces up the five years in prison, while the bribery charge carries a possible 10-year term of imprisonment, upon conviction.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jody Young and Robert S. Johnson are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.2 ex-credit union employees get prison for stealing $1MRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Two suburban women have been ordered to federal prison following their conviction for embezzling from their former employer, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Susanna Guajardo, 43, Pearland, and Grace Garza aka Grace Valencia, 49, Pasadena, pleaded guilty June 19 and Feb. 17, respectively.
Today, U.S. District Judge Lake handed Guajardo and Garza a total of 33 and 21 months in prison, respectively, each to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, Judge Lake also ordered Guarjardo and Garza o pay $1,154,876 and $1,163,673 in restitution, respectively. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the sentence was appropriate given the long duration of the scheme and the amount of money involved.
Guajardo and Garza were long-time employees at a local credit union. Guajardo was a supervisor in the Accounting Department and Garza was a teller/vault supervisor. Both women admitted to embezzling $1,154,876 by depositing worthless checks from other banks into their credit union accounts. When the checks were returned for insufficient funds, Guajardo failed to deduct the “bounced” amounts from their credit union accounts and concealed the theft by making false entries in the bank’s books and records. Garza also stole $110,000 from the credit union’s vault.
Previously released on bond, Guajardo and Garza were permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Belinda Beek is prosecuting the case.
Local officer charged with civil rights violationRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 40-year-old resident of Weslaco is now in custody on allegations he violated the civil rights of a San Juan man, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Authorities took Juan P. Galindo into custody today. He is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Juan F. Alanis Dec. 10 at 11 a.m.
Galindo is a sergeant with the San Juan Police Department.
The indictment, returned Dec. 4, alleges he violated the civil rights of an individual in December 2015 while acting under his authority as a uniformed police officer. Galindo allegedly physically assaulted the man while he was in custody. According to the charges, the victim had been handcuffed and under police control when Galindo hit him in the groin area with his knee.
If convicted, Galindo faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a maximum $250,000 fine.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney K. Alejandra Andrade is prosecuting the case.
Felon headed to prison for multiple illegals firearms purchasesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - A 41-year old previously convicted violent offender has been ordered to federal prison for lying on a firearms application to purchase multiple handguns, announces U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Javier Cruz is from Puerto Rico but resided in Houston. He pleaded guilty Sept. 16.
Today, U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen handed Cruz a 46-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
At the time of his plea, Cruz admitted he unlawfully purchased four firearms Feb. 9. As part of the purchase, he was required to fill out Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) form 4473 in order to complete a background check. Cruz fraudulently signed the form in that he claimed he never had a felony conviction.
However, Cruz actually had multiple prior convictions for violent felony offenses in Puerto Rico – theft by means of violence, robbery, carrying a firearm without a license and possession of a controlled substance. The investigation also revealed that on Feb. 10, Cruz attempted to unlawfully purchase a fifth firearm from the same dealer, again by falsifying information on form 4473. That second attempt failed.
Cruz will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
ATF conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew R. Peneguy prosecuted the case.
Three charged with turning ocean into international drug trafficking superhighwayRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Three Colombian citizens are set to appear in federal court for their alleged roles in a drug smuggling attempt involving more than 1,300 kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Jesus Alfredo De La Cruz Orobio, 59, Juan David Portocarrero Diaz, 34, and Milton Valencia Blandon, 29, are set to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan today at either 10 a.m. or 2 p.m.
A Houston grand jury returned the indictment Dec. 5.
The charges contained in the criminal complaint, filed Dec. 2, allege that on Nov. 21, 2019, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Thetis was on routine patrol off the Pacific Coast of Colombia and Ecuador. At that time, they allegedly detected a long low profile go-fast vessel 81 nautical miles southeast of Malpelo Island, Colombia. The charges allege the USCG stopped the vessel which did not have a flag, registration documents, homeport name and nor any identification on the hull.
The charges allege authorities boarded the boat and found three crewman, at which time Orobio identified himself as the master of the boat. According to the allegations, USGC conducted a search and discovered 54 bales of cocaine weighing approximately 1,321 kilograms in the hold of the boat along with sophisticated satellite communication and global positioning devices.
The three crewmen are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine on a vessel in the high seas in violation of the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act and the Drug Trafficking Vessel Interdiction Act of 2008.
This is the second such prosecution in the Southern District of Texas under a statute that allows any jurisdiction in the United States to prosecute such smugglers. The law gives the United States jurisdiction over “stateless” vessels without nationality found on the high seas with contraband.
If convicted, each man faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison as well as a possible $10 million maximum fine.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and USCG conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Gallagher is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.Texas businessman convicted of making illegal campaign contributions to political candidatesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - A Houston businessman has pleaded guilty to making illegal political contributions in the names of others to campaign committees for U.S. Senate and House of Representatives in 2017, announced First Assistant U.S. AttorneyTim S. Braley along with Assistant Attorney General Brian Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.
James D. Dannenbaum, 80, pleaded guilty today to violating the Federal Election Campaign Act.
On Nov. 22, Dannenbaum Engineering Corporation (DEC) and its parent company, Engineering Holding Corporation, entered into a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA). They also agreed to pay a $1.6 million criminal fine for its involvement in a multi-year conduit contribution scheme. Dannenbaum is DEC’s former CEO.
As part of the plea, Dannenbaum admitted that from 2015 through 2017, he and DEC made $323,300 in illegal conduit contributions through various employees and their family members to federal candidates and their committees. DEC corporate funds were used to advance or reimburse employee monies for these contributions. Dannenbaum did not reveal to any of the federal candidates that the corporation was the true source of the contributions. The object of the scheme was for DEC, Dannenbaum and a former employee to gain access to and potentially influence various candidates for federal office, including candidates for the presidency as well as the Senate and House of Representatives.
U.S. District Judge Sim Lake of the Southern District of Texas accepted the plea and set sentencing for March 5, 2020. At that time, Dannenbaum faces up to two years in federal prison.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carolyn Ferko and John Pearson are prosecuting the case along with Trial Attorney Jessica C. Harvey of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section.
Texas Businessman Convicted of Making Illegal Campaign Contributions to Political CandidatesRead the Press Release
A Houston, Texas, businessman has pleaded guilty to making illegal political contributions in the names of others to campaign committees for U.S. Senate and House of Representatives in 2017, announced 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.
James D. Dannenbaum, 80, pleaded guilty today to violating the Federal Election Campaign Act.
On Nov. 22, Dannenbaum Engineering Corporation (DEC) and its parent company, Engineering Holding Corporation, entered into a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) and agreed to pay a $1.6 million criminal fine for its involvement in a multi-year conduit contribution scheme. Dannenbaum is DEC’s former CEO.
As part of the plea, Dannenbaum admitted that from 2015 through 2017, he and DEC made $323,300 in illegal conduit contributions through various employees and their family members to federal candidates and their committees. DEC corporate funds were used to advance or reimburse employee monies for these contributions. Dannenbaum did not reveal to any of the federal candidates that the corporation was the true source of the contributions. The object of the scheme was for DEC, Dannenbaum and a former employee to gain access to, and potentially influence, various candidates for federal office, including candidates for the presidency as well as the Senate and House of Representatives.
U.S. District Judge Sim Lake of the Southern District of Texas accepted the plea and set sentencing for March 5, 2019.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Trial Attorney Jessica C. Harvey of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carolyn Ferko and John Pearson of the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.
Suspected Colombian cartel leader lands in US to answer international drug chargesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – An alleged ranking member of the Clan Del Golfo has been extradited to the United States to face numerous drug trafficking and money laundering charges, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick along with FBI Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Perrye K. Turner and DEA Acting SAC Steven S. Whipple.
Joaquin Guillermo David-Usuga aka “Guillermo,” 41, is set to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan at 2 p.m. today.
A federal grand jury returned an indictment against him and others Aug. 16, 2018. Colombian authorities took him into custody in November 2018. He was extradited and landed in Houston yesterday
“Arrests like these are a direct result of what the president has reiterated we must do to immediately attack organizations that traffic narcotics and other criminality into the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. “Executive Order 13773 - Enforcing Federal Law with Respect to Transnational Criminal Organizations and Preventing International Trafficking – prioritizes the need to increase cooperation and information sharing with foreign counterparts to dismantle transnational criminal organizations including drug cartels.”
David-Usuga is believed to be a ranking member of the Clan Del Golfo. The indictment alleges he is the cousin of Dairo Antonio Usuga David – the known supreme commander of the Clan Del Golfo and designated as one of DEA’s most wanted fugitives.
“David-Usugal is alleged to be the Clan del Golfo's chief drug trafficker and money launderer, but couldn’t escape the U.S. arm of justice. No one is untouchable, even in Clan del Golfo controlled-territory in rural Colombia,” said SAC Perrye K. Turner. “His arrest, and now extradition, fulfills the FBI and DOJ's permanent pledge to identify and disrupt the top suspected transnational criminal groups potentially threatening the health, safety and prosperity of the American people and its allies. Today's extradition is a result of the outstanding relationship and collaboration between FBI Houston, DEA and our international partners including the Colombian Army, Police and Prosecutor’s Office.”
“The arrest and extradition of David-Usuga is just another example of the highly effective cooperation between law enforcement in the United States and Colombia,” said Whipple. “DEA continues our global pursuit of suspected major drug traffickers who are believed to be profiting from the sale of dangerous drugs to our citizens and potentially threatening the security of our country.”
The indictment alleges David-Usuga was involved in the importation of kilogram quantities of cocaine into the United States. He is charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine internationally and one count of international cocaine distribution.
David-Usuga was allegedly involved in an ongoing five-year conspiracy to distribute cocaine from Colombia to the United States. In May 2019, he and others participated in distributing approximately 20 kilograms of cocaine in Colombia knowing it was to be imported into the United States, according to the allegations.
The Department of Justice designated Clan Del Golfo as one of the most serious transnational organized criminal organizations that threatens the United States.
The FBI and DEA led the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF is a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. OCDETF’s principal mission is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.
The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance in the extradition. The Justice Department also extends its gratitude to the government of Colombia for its cooperation and assistance.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey N. MacDonald and Anibal Alaniz are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.Mexican illegal behind bars for running meth trafficking ringRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 34-year-old Mexican foreign national who illegally resided in Houston has been ordered to prison for conspiracy and meth smuggling, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. The jury deliberated for less than three hours following a three-day trial before convicting Rogelio Rivera Benito aka Mecanico Sept. 10.
Today, U.S. District Judge David Hittner handed Benito a 292-month sentence. Also sentenced today was Mexican national Genaro Pavon Pena, 32, who previously pleaded guilty for his role as a fellow-cook and stash house operator in the conspiracy and testified at Benito’s trial. He was sentenced to 120 months imprisonment. Both are expected to face removal proceedings following their sentences.
Another defendant - Edwin Sanchez-Villa, 27, of Houston, also previously pleaded guilty for his role as a transporter in the conspiracy and will be sentenced Dec. 13.
During trial, the jury heard testimony that Benito operated stash houses in Houston between July 2016 and late 2017. They used the stash houses to produce and distribute meth for distribution in Houston.
Benito removed gasoline tanks from vehicles coming from Mexico containing liquid meth, later processed into crystalized meth for distribution. Authorities seized 27 kilograms of meth April 4, 2017, directly tied to a stash house belonging to Pena. Testimony demonstrated Benito delivered at least 25 kilograms of meth he produced at his residence to the Pena residence before the seizure.
Authorities made five seizures in the course of the investigation which involved 135 kilograms of meth. Pena testified that the organization moved at least 500 kilograms of meth during the course of the conspiracy.
Benito and Pena have been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Edward Gallagher and Abe Martinez are prosecuting the case.
Local woman charged with embezzling thousands from her jobRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 67-year-old Houston resident is set to appear in federal court for her alleged role in an embezzlement scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
The criminal information, filed Nov. 25, charges Beverly Davis with embezzlement and theft of Labor Union assets. She is set to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan today at 10 a.m.
The charges allege Davis was an employee of Communications Workers of America Local 6222 in Houston from 2010 to 2017. She allegedly used union funds to pay for personal expenses and other unauthorized charges. By the time she ceased doing so in 2017, she had embezzled union funds in the amount of $85,536.77, according to the allegations.
If convicted, Davis faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $10,000 maximum fine.
The U.S. Department of Labor-Office of Labor Management Standards conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rodolfo Ramirez is prosecuting the case.
A criminal information is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.Woman sent to prison for smuggling drugs in vehicle doorsRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 26-year-old Brownsville woman has been ordered to federal prison after she admitted to possession with the intent to distribute more than 17 kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Micxi Rueda pleaded guilty Sept. 3.
Today, U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera sentenced her to 36 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted her age and lack of criminal history.
On May 18, Rueda attempted to enter the United States through the vehicle lanes at the Brownsville & Matamoros International Bridge. An alert for Rueda and her vehicle led to a secondary inspection, where a scan revealed an anomaly located in the vehicle’s passenger-side quarter panel. Authorities extracted 15 packages of cocaine, weighing 17.74 kilograms with an estimated street value of $355,000.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nikki Piquette is prosecuting the case.
Man heads to prison in multi-state marijuana conspiracyRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 39-year-old Florida man has been sentenced to federal prison for his role in an Rio Grande Valley-based drug conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Roberto Santos-Gonzalez pleaded guilty June 4 to conspiracy with intent to distribute more than 1000 kilograms of marijuana.
Today, U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera ordered he serve 150 months in prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. The sentence includes upward adjustments because he was found to be a leader within the drug trafficking organization.
Santos-Gonzalez was part of a multi-state drug trafficking and money laundering organization that had existed since 2010. The organization would hire out-of-state tractor-trailer drivers to haul loads of produce with ton quantities of marijuana hidden in false compartments within refrigerated trailers. Drug proceeds would then be transported back to the Rio Grande Valley. The conspiracy extended to Indiana, Kentucky, Illinois, North Carolina and Tennessee.
At the hearing today, the court heard Santos-Gonzalez recruited drivers and was a drug transportation coordinator. 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.
Seven others have also been sentenced to terms ranging from 45 to 200 months in federal prison. Additionally, authorities have forfeited real estate, currency, cars, tractors, trailers, guns and jewelry valued at more than $1.5 million.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led the three-year Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation with assistance of IRS-Criminal Investigation; Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; FBI; sheriff’s offices in Cameron and Zapata Counties; Hidalgo County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area task force; Border Patrol and the Brownsville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Angel Castro is prosecuting the case.
Justice Department settles Galveston disability-based housing discrimination lawsuitRead the Press Release
GALVESTON, Texas - A Texas apartment developer and a Texas site engineer had agreed to settle a federal lawsuit alleging they violated the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The suit alleged they built an eight-building addition and associated rental office at the Seasons Resort in Galveston that were inaccessible to persons with disabilities.
“There is no place in our community for violating the ADA and FHA,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. “Our Office is committed to enforcing these to ensure that every person with a disability has full access to residential buildings within our district.”
“The FHA and the ADA require that new multifamily housing be accessible to persons with disabilities,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division. “This lawsuit and its resolution help ensure that individuals with disabilities and their families live with dignity and enjoy equal housing and all other opportunities available to the people of the United States.”
Today’s settlement, pending court approval, settles a lawsuit the department filed in February 2019. It alleged Galveston developer TFT Galveston Portfolio LTD and site engineer James W. Gartrell Jr. violated the FHA and the ADA when they designed and constructed an eight-building addition and associated rental office at the Seasons Resort in 2003. The structures had steps and other features that made it inaccessible to persons with disabilities.
Under the terms of the settlement, Galveston Portfolio must take corrective actions such as removing steps, replacing steeply-sloped walkways and adding accessible parking to make public and common use portions of the property accessible to persons with disabilities, including wheelchair users. They must also construct a new apartment building with 24 accessible units as well as a new accessible rental office and establish a $75,000 settlement fund for people the lack of accessible features at the Seasons have harmed. The settlement also requires Galveston Portfolio and Gartrell obtain training on the requirements of the FHA and ADA and ensure any future housing they design or construct complies with FHA and ADA requirements.
Persons who lived at or sought to live at the Seasons Resort and were denied housing or otherwise harmed because the complex was not accessible may be entitled to monetary compensation through today’s settlement. Such persons can contact the Justice Department toll-free at 1-800-896-7743 mailbox #94 or via email.
The FHA prohibits discrimination in housing based on disability, race, color, religion, national origin, sex and familial status. The FHA requires all multifamily housing constructed after March 12, 1991, to have basic accessibility features, including accessible routes without steps to all ground-floor units. The ADA requires places of public accommodation, such as rental offices at multifamily housing complexes designed and constructed for first occupancy after Jan. 26, 1993, be accessible to persons with disabilities.
More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available here. Individuals who believe that they have been victims of housing discrimination may call the Justice Department at 1-800-896-7743, e-mail the Justice Department or contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777 or through its website.
Justice Department Settles Texas Disability-Based Housing Discrimination LawsuitRead the Press Release
A Texas apartment developer and a Texas site engineer have agreed to settle a federal lawsuit alleging they violated the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The suit alleged that they built an eight-building addition and associated rental office at the Seasons Resort in Galveston, Texas, that were inaccessible to persons with disabilities.
“The Fair Housing Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act require that new multifamily housing be accessible to persons with disabilities,” said Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband for the Civil Rights Division. “This lawsuit and its resolution help ensure that individuals with disabilities and their families live with dignity and enjoy equal housing and all other opportunities available to the people of the United States.”
“There is no place in our community for violating the ADA and FHA,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick for the Southern District of Texas. “Our Office is committed to enforcing these to ensure that every person with a disability has full access to residential buildings within our district.”
Today’s settlement, pending court approval resolves a lawsuit the Department filed in February 2019. It alleged that Galveston developer TFT Galveston Portfolio LTD and site engineer James W. Gartrell Jr. violated the FHA and the ADA when they designed and constructed an eight-building addition and associated rental office at the Seasons Resort in 2003 with steps and other features that made them inaccessible to persons with disabilities.
Under the terms of the settlement, Galveston Portfolio must take corrective actions such as removing steps, replacing steeply-sloped walkways and adding accessible parking to make public and common use portions of the property accessible to persons with disabilities, including wheelchair users. They must also construct a new apartment building with 24 accessible units, as well as a new accessible rental office, and establish a $75,000 settlement fund for people who suffered harm due to - the lack of accessible features at the Seasons Resort. The settlement also requires that Galveston Portfolio and Gartrell obtain training on the requirements of the FHA and ADA and ensure any future housing they design or construct complies with FHA and ADA requirements.
Persons who lived at or sought to live at the Seasons Resort who were denied housing or otherwise harmed because the complex was not accessible may be entitled to monetary compensation through today’s settlement. Such persons can contact the Justice Department toll-free at 1-800-896-7743 mailbox # 94 or by email at [email protected].
The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on disability, race, color, religion, national origin, sex and familial status. Among other things, the Fair Housing Act requires all multifamily housing constructed after March 12, 1991, to have basic accessibility features, including accessible routes without steps to all ground-floor units. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires, among other things, that places of public accommodation, such as rental offices at multifamily housing complexes designed and constructed for first occupancy after Jan. 26, 1993, be accessible to persons with disabilities.
More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.usdoj.gov/crt. Individuals who believe that they have been victims of housing discrimination may call the Justice Department at 1-800-896-7743, e-mail the Justice Department at [email protected], or contact the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development at 1-800-669-9777 or through its website at https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/fair_housing_equal_opp/online-complaint.
Final rip crew members ordered to federal prisonRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Three Houston men have been sentenced for their participation in a rip crew, with the leader receiving a significant 30-year-term, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan Patrick.
Mike Piedra, 36, pleaded guilty Aug. 9, 2018, while Efrain Delgado, 33, and Jesse Perez, 45, admitted their guilt March 5, 2018. The men acknowledged their roles in a conspiracy with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to use, carry or possess a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
Today, Chief U.S. District Chief Judge Lee H. Rosenthal sentenced Delgado and Perez to serve 150 and 160 months, respectively. On Nov. 6, Piedra was ordered to serve 360 months for his role as the leader of the group.
At Piedra’s sentencing, the court heard evidence and testimony regarding Piedra’s extensive efforts to obstruct justice in this case. He had an elaborate scheme to persuade his fellow crew members to take the fall for him. If that failed, he wanted them to take their cases to trial so he could cooperate, testify against them and potentially earn a reduced sentence. His efforts failed.
In imposing the sentence, Chief Rosenthal described Piedra’s crime as a “sinister plot” and noted he had earned every month of his 30-year sentence.
A drug rip crew targets stash houses cartel members use to store drugs for further distribution in the United States.
Authorities investigated Piedra’s rip crew, whose members were already gang members with extensive experience in violent robberies. The undercover operation involved the supposed robbery of a stash house where 20 kilograms of cocaine was allegedly being stored. The crew members outlined in detail the violence they would use to carry out the robbery and boasted about their prior and violent experience committing similar crimes.
Piedra was the mastermind behind the robbery crew. He would not be present at the actual robbery, but would organize it from behind the scenes. He also provided the weapons and manpower to commit the crime. Delgado and Perez committed the robbery itself and engaged in the violence necessary to rob the stash house and steal the drugs.
There was no actual stash house. On July 23, 2015, a combined law enforcement operation resulted in the arrests of all three men without risk to the community.
They 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Houston Police Department conducted the joint investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sharad S. Khandelwal prosecuted the case.
Mexican man admits role in substantial cocaine smugglingRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 28-year-old Mexican citizen has entered a guilty plea to conspiring to import more than 16 kilograms of cocaine into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
On Sept. 3, Jose Antonio Garza Gutierrez attempted entry into the United States at the World Trade Bridge Port of Entry in Laredo driving a semi-truck and trailer. During inspection, authorities observed an unusual compartment hidden within the sleeper area of the truck. They conducted a search and found 14 tightly-wrapped bundles of cocaine weighing more than 16.94 kilograms.
The cocaine has an estimated street value of nearly $407,000.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia-Marmolejo will impose sentencing March 18, 2020. At that time, Garza Gutierrez faces up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million 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 Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul A. Harrison is prosecuting the case.
Laredoan pleads guilty to role in drug trafficking schemeRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 24-year-old Laredo resident has admitted he conspired to possess with intent to distribute a large quantity of marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
On July 18, authorities observed six individuals carrying bundles near the Rio Grande River in Laredo. They quickly responded to that area and witnessed a pickup truck driving towards the river.
Jose Gonzalo Ojeda was the driver and fled on foot as law enforcement approached the vehicle. Authorities soon apprehended him and recovered 480 pounds of marijuana from his truck.
The drugs have an estimated street value of more than $380,000.
Ojeda has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing, which will be set at a later date before U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana. At that time, he faces a minimum of five and up to 40 years in prison as well as a possible $5 million fine.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with assistance from Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Day is prosecuting the case.
Laredo drug smuggler pleads guilty in marijuana conspiracyRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 28-year-old Laredo native has admitted to conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute more than 135 kilograms of marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
On Sept. 13, authorities observed a man - later identified as Jose Eduardo Flores – carrying a black bundle near an entrance to a ranch in Laredo. After he returned to his vehicle, authorities attempted to conduct a traffic stop. However, Flores quickly fled the scene.
Law enforcement found his abandoned vehicle at a nearby gas station. They conducted a search and removed four black bundles of marijuana weighing 135.8 kilograms.
The marijuana has an estimated street value of nearly $66,000.
Authorities were able to locate Flores and took him into custody. He admitted he knew he was illegally transporting a controlled substance.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia-Marmolejo will impose sentencing March 18, 2020. At that time, Flores faces a minimum of five and up to 40 years in federal prison and a possible $5 million maximum fine.
He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with assistance from Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Yoona Lim is prosecuting the case.
Texas woman admits to smuggling more than a million worth of drugsRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 51-year-old Dallas resident has entered a guilty plea to conspiring to import a large quantity of heroin and meth into the United States near Laredo, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
On Sept. 28, Monica Christine Canales Rodriguez attempted entry into the United States at the Juarez-Lincoln Port of Entry in Laredo driving a Toyota Four Runner. During initial inspection, authorities noticed anomalies in all four of the tires. They conducted a search and found 24 bundles of heroin and meth discreetly hidden in the tires.
The heroin and meth had an approximately weight of 48.82 and 13.8 kilograms, respectively. The total estimated street value is in excess of $1.3 million.
Today, Canales Rodriguez admitted she had planned to transport the drugs to Dallas where she was expecting to be paid $15,000.
She was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing, which will be set at a later date before U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana. At that time, she faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison as well as a possible $10 million fine.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from CBP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Day is prosecuting the case.
South Texas woman headed to prison for managing international drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 25-year-old Pharr resident has been ordered to federal prison following her conviction of conspiring to distribute nearly six kilograms of meth, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Sadie Elaine Canales pleaded guilty Feb. 21, 2018.
Today, U.S. District Judge Janis Graham Jack handed Canales a 140-month sentence to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing today, the court determined she was a supervisor or manager in an extensive narcotics smuggling organization after hearing additional evidence about her role in the conspiracy.
Canales arranged for the transportation of narcotics through the U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint near Sarita Aug. 6, 2017. Members of the organization had loaded meth in Mexico.
Francisco Javier Castillo Jr., of Galveston, recruited Beatrice Ortega and Esmeralda Ramos to then drive the vehicle into the United States.
Upon inspection, authorities discovered the drugs hidden inside the vehicle’s dashboard.
Canales admitted she had worked with others to smuggle the meth and was also involved in transporting marijuana.
At the hearing today, the court found Canales responsible for a total of 5.83 kilograms of pure meth and 41.68 kilograms of marijuana.
Previously released on bond, Canales was taken into custody following the sentencing today where she will remain pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Castillo, Ortega and Ramos also pleaded guilty and are currently serving their respective sentences.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Thorpe is prosecuting the case.
Judge imposes 60-year sentence for man who made images of himself abusing toddlersRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 41-year-old Corpus Christi man has been sent to federal prison following his conviction of producing child pornography, announced U.S. Ryan K. Patrick.
Gerardo Fabian Ramos pleaded guilty Aug. 13.
Today, Senior U.S. District Judge Janis Graham Jack sentenced Ramos to 720 months in prison. At the hearing, the court heard Ramos produced images of himself sexually assaulting two toddlers on multiple occasions. He also drugged their mother to facilitate his crimes. The court also heard from the mother who read a letter explaining how the crime impacted their lives. The father also provided testimony. In imposing the sentence, Judge Jack noted how horrified she was for these children and their families and friends. “Sometimes there is no remedy to right a wrong,” she said. “This is one of those times.” The court also stated that she did not believe there was any sentence long enough to protect the community from Ramos.
The court further ordered Ramos to serve the rest of his life 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.
In March 2019, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) sent a CyberTip to local law enforcement indicating a Corpus Christi user had uploaded an image of child pornography to a popular social media platform. Ranos was that user.
Law enforcement ultimately found hundreds of videos and still images of child pornography in his possession.
Authorities also discovered several images and videos of child pornography Ramos had produced himself and attempted to identify those victims. Some of the images and videos depicted Ramos attempting to vaginally penetrate the victims’ with his penis.
Ramos has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Corpus Christi Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and NCMEC.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany L. Jensen 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.
Guatemalan man admits role in immigration event leading to deathRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 32-year-old man now faces up to life in prison after pleading guilty to transporting aliens resulting in death, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Luis Morales-Melendez, a Guatemalan national who illegally entered the United States himself, admitted to the charges today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga.
On Aug. 22, authorities encountered 12 individuals near Zebra Creek in Laredo. The investigation determined they were all undocumented aliens who had illegally entered the country by crossing the Rio Grande river. Several identified Morales-Melendez as the guide who led them into the United States.
Another man had been a part of the group, but had died along the way. The investigation revealed the victim had been struggling in the water, but Morales-Melendez did not offer aid or use a rope to help him. Morales-Melendez denied hearing anyone call for help. While some lifejackets were available, there were not enough for everyone. The victim’s body was recovered on the Mexican side of the river the following day.
Morales-Melendez admitted to illegally entering the United States with the group and acting as the foot guide on the American side of the river. As part of his plea, Morales-Mendez acknowledged receiving a discount on his smuggling fee in exchange for acting as the foot guide once the group crossed into the United States.
Morales-Melendez has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing, which is set for March 24, 2020, before U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia-Marmolejo. At that time, he faces up the life in prison as well as a possible $250,000 fine.
Border Patrol initiated the investigation in conjunction with Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Bukiewicz is prosecuting the case.
Couple sentenced for transporting more than 100 undocumented adults and childrenRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A Houston couple has been ordered to federal prison for knowingly and intentionally conspiring to transport illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Kevin Kerr, 32, and Brianna Branch, 30, pleaded guilty Aug. 29.
Today, Senior U.S. District Judge Janis Jack order Kerr to serve 85 months in federal prison, while Branch received a70-month term of imprisonment. Both will also serve three years of supervised release following the completion of their sentence.
In imposing the sentence, the court determined Kerr and Branch to be leaders of the conspiracy which spanned a three-month period in early 2019. The court noted the dangerous manner in which the aliens were transported.
Kerr and Branch were held accountable for the smuggling of more than 100 aliens, including several minors, past South Texas Border Patrol (BP) checkpoints. The couple would recruit drivers from the Houston area to travel to South Texas and place the undocumented aliens in utility trailers - in unnecessary and harsh conditions.
They will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
A total of four other members of the conspiracy have also pleaded guilty for their roles in the conspiracy and are pending sentencing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neel Kapur is prosecuting the case.
Former federal detention center employees indicted for bribery and sexual abuse of a wardRead the Press Release
McALLEN – Six former employees of the East Hidalgo Detention Center (EHDC) are now in custody themselves on federal charges, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Brenda Fuentes, 47, Weslaco, and Jhaziel Loredo, 32, Progreso, are set for their arraignments and detention hearings today at 2 and 4 p.m., respectively, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Juan F. Alanis. Jason Catalan, 36, Mercedes; Erasmo Loya, 54, La Villa; and Veronica Ortega, 43, McAllen, will have their hearings tomorrow at 2 p.m.
Domingo Hernandez, 25, Mercedes, made his initial appearance in New Mexico and is expected to appear in McAllen in the near future.
A McAllen grand jury returned the indictments Nov. 19. Authorities took them all into custody Friday, Nov. 22.
Catalan, Hernandez, Loredo, Loya and Ortega are charged with bribery, while Fuentes faces one count of sexual abuse of a ward.
According to the indictments, authorities discovered various forms of contraband in EHDC, a correctional facility under contract with the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS). Catalan, Hernandez, Loredo, Loya and Ortega allegedly accepted things of value in exchange for bringing contraband into the detention center.
The investigation further revealed Fuentes engaged in a sexual act with a federal inmate, according to the charges.
If convicted, they each face up to 15 years in federal prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
USMS, Department of Justice - Office of Inspector General and FBI conducted the joint investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia Cook Profit and Amy L. Greenbaum 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.Local rapper sent to federal prison for sex trafficking of a minorRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 27-year-old Houston resident and member of The Sauce Factory has been sentenced for conspiracy and sex trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. A Houston federal jury deliberated for less than eight hours before convicting Jaimian Sims May 20 after five days of trial.
Today, U.S. District Judge David Hittner sentenced Sims to life in prison. Sims was further ordered to pay $1575 in restitution to a minor victim. In handing down the sentence, Judge Hittner stated Sims was a threat to society. The court also noted he had received several letters of support, one in particular claiming Sims was a positive role model in the community. The government contended Sims has not made any contribution to society and that he and other members of The Sauce Factory waive around firearms, large amounts of cash and glorify a materialistic lifestyle built on the backs of sexually-exploited women. Sims will also be required to register as a sex offender.
At trial, the jury heard that Sims trafficked both adult and minor females.
In one instance, Sims had directed a co-defendant - Tabbetha Mangis, 22, of La Grange - to find another co-defendant - Gary Shawn Haynes Jr. - 23 of Houston - to find Haynes a girl for prostitution. The victim, only 17 years of age, was picked up from her residence and transported to a 5,000 square foot residence in Northwest Houston, known as “The Mansion.”
After a brief stay there, the jury heard that the minor was taken to the Express Inn where she was given an identification card in order to rent a room. Sims had instructed an adult victim to provide the card to the minor. He had also told that adult to take photos of the minor female victim and post ads for her which was used to solicit customers who would pay for sex.
The jury heard testimony from the adult victim who described her fear of Sims because he always carried a gun and he had assaulted some of the other women who engaged in commercial sex on his behalf.
Testimony also revealed the minor victim wanted to be “arrested” because she was afraid the perpetrators would think she was speaking to law enforcement on her own. This dovetailed with the government’s expert testimony on victimology and the pimp/prostitution subculture amongst those involved in that world as “the game.” The expert described for the jury the meaning of several terms associated with and used by those within this subculture to include victims and defendants.
The jury also saw and heard three rap videos featuring Sims which contained many of the terms people use in the game. In the videos, Sims refers to two of his co-defendants and their roles in the organization. He references selling “white” women and how successful he is at being a pimp.
The defense attempted to convince the jury that the women were not victims and engaged in the sex acts willingly nor did he use force, fraud 0r coercion to make them do so. They were not convinced and found him guilty of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor and sex trafficking of a minor.
Mangis and Haynes previously pleaded guilty for their roles.
Sims 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 Harris County Constable’s Office Precinct 4 and FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Harris County District Attorney’s Office as part of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA).
Established in 2004, the United States Attorney’s office in Houston formed the HTRA to combine resources with federal, state and local enforcement agencies and prosecutors, as well as non-governmental service organizations to target human traffickers while providing necessary services to those that the traffickers victimized. Since its inception, HTRA has been recognized as a national model in identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking and prosecuting those engaged in trafficking offenses.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sherri Zack and Kimberly Leo prosecuted the case.
Houston engineering corporation enters into corporate resolution and agrees to pay $1.6 million fineRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A major local-based civil engineering company and its parent company have agreed to enter into a three-year deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) in connection with a criminal information charging the company with violating the Federal Election Campaign Act. As part of the agreement, Dannenbaum Engineering Corporation (DEC), based in Houston, and its parent company, Engineering Holding Corporation (EHC), agreed to pay a $1.6 million criminal fine for its involvement in a multi-year conduit contribution scheme.
“DEC engaged in a criminal scheme that undermined the fairness and transparency of our nation’s campaign finance laws in a misguided effort to increase its own power and prestige,” said Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s resolution demonstrates the Department’s resolve to aggressively pursue those who seek to corrupt our democratic process.”
“Protecting the integrity of the finest democratic system in the world is a cornerstone of our collaborative prosecutive efforts,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim S. Braley for the Southern District of Texas. “Any corporation that attempts to circumvent the protective cloak provided by the nation’s election laws will be held accountable for its actions.”
“The Federal Election Campaign Act is designed to limit financial influence in the election of candidates for federal office. In other words, it's designed to make sure that our democratic process, and representation in our democratic process, is fair and transparent,” said Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of the FBI’s Houston Field Office. “In this case, through DEC Jim Dannenbaum thought that by exceeding its contribution limits it could unfairly and illegally outweigh the lawful ones, and now that company is being held accountable. Our system of representative government works only when honest contributions are not diluted by fraud. Through our Public Corruption Unit, the FBI will continue to do its part in making sure there are fair and free elections.”
According to the companies’ admissions made in connection with the DPA, from 2015 through 2017, DEC and EHC made $323,300 in illegal conduit contributions through various employees and their family members to federal candidates and their committees. DEC corporate funds were used to advance or reimburse employee monies for these contributions. DEC did not reveal to any of the federal candidates that the corporation was the true source of the contributions. The object of the scheme was for DEC, its CEO James Dannenbaum, and a former employee to gain access to and potentially influence various candidates for federal office, including candidates for the presidency as well as the Senate and House of Representatives.
The department reached this resolution based on a number of factors, including DEC’s cooperation with the investigation, the internal investigation conducted and the significant remedial measures taken. For example, DEC altered its board structure to ensure the former CEO does not control the board and stopped all politically-related payments to its employees (including, but not limited to, payments treated as “marketing advances”) resulting in a cessation of these expenditures. Further, DEC hired and/or designated a full-time chief governance and compliance officer. The department also took into account the companies’ inability to pay a fine.
Former CEO Dannenbaum has been charged in a separate criminal information. An information is merely an allegation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carolyn Ferko and John Pearson and Trial Attorney Jessica C. Harvey of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section are prosecuting the case. IRS-Criminal Investigation also provided substantial assistance in this matter.
Houston Engineering Corporation Enters into Corporate Resolution and Agrees to Pay $1.6 Million FineRead the Press Release
A major Houston, Texas-based civil engineering company and its parent company have agreed to enter into a three-year deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) in connection with a criminal information charging the company with violating the Federal Election Campaign Act. As part of the agreement, Dannenbaum Engineering Corporation (DEC), headquartered in Houston, and its parent company, Engineering Holding Corporation (EHC), agreed to pay a $1.6 million criminal fine for its involvement in a multi-year conduit contribution scheme.
“DEC engaged in a criminal scheme that undermined the fairness and transparency of our nation’s campaign finance laws in a misguided effort to increase its own power and prestige,” said Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s resolution demonstrates the department’s resolve to aggressively pursue those who seek to corrupt our democratic process.”
“Protecting the integrity of the finest democratic system in the world is a cornerstone of our collaborative prosecutive efforts,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Tim S. Braley for the Southern District of Texas. “Any corporation that attempts to circumvent the protective cloak provided by the nation’s election laws will be held accountable for its actions.”
“The Federal Election Campaign Act is designed to limit financial influence in the election of candidates for federal office. In other words, it's designed to make sure that our democratic process, and representation in our democratic process, is fair and transparent,” said Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of the FBI’s Houston Field Office. “In this case, through DEC, Jim Dannenbaum thought that by exceeding its contribution limits it could unfairly and illegally outweigh the lawful ones, and now that company is being held accountable. Our system of representative government works only when honest contributions are not diluted by fraud. Through our Public Corruption Unit, the FBI will continue to do its part in making sure there are fair and free elections.”
According to the companies’ admissions made in connection with the DPA, from 2015 through 2017, DEC and EHC made $323,300 in illegal conduit contributions through various employees and their family members to federal candidates and their committees. DEC corporate funds were used to advance or reimburse employee monies for these contributions. DEC did not reveal to any of the federal candidates that the corporation was the true source of the contributions. The object of the scheme was for DEC, its CEO James Dannenbaum, and a former employee to gain access to and potentially influence various candidates for federal office, including candidates for the presidency as well as the Senate and House of Representatives.
The department reached this resolution based on a number of factors, including DEC’s cooperation with the investigation, the internal investigation conducted and the significant remedial measures taken. For example, DEC altered its board structure to ensure the former CEO does not control the board and stopped all politically-related payments to its employees (including, but not limited to, payments treated as “marketing advances”) resulting in a cessation of these expenditures. Further, DEC hired and/or designated a full-time chief governance and compliance officer. The department also took into account the companies’ inability to pay a fine.
Former CEO Dannenbaum has been charged in a separate criminal information. An information is merely an allegation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Trial Attorney Jessica C. Harvey of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carolyn Ferko and John Pearson are prosecuting the case. IRS-Criminal Investigation also provided substantial assistance in this matter.
Texas man convicted for role in murder outside parole officeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 52-year-old Houston man has admitted to his participation in the July 2014 murder outside a parole office in Houston, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick and Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.
Clyde Williams admitted to conspiracy to commit murder for hire.
During the hearing today, Williams admitted that in June 2014, he was hired to kill a 43-year-old Houston man. He expected to be paid $20,000 in return.
The victim was to be killed because he was suspected of stealing approximately 50 kilograms of cocaine from a truck driver involved in a drug organization - David Roberts, 44, of Houston. Roberts has also pleaded guilty, admitting to regularly transporting large kilograms of cocaine from Houston to Atlanta and transporting large quantities of cash on behalf of the drug organization’s leader.
In April 2014, Roberts received two duffle bags filled with cocaine in Houston. Soon after the delivery, a lone gunman robbed Roberts of the cocaine. The leader of the drug organization believed the victim and another individual were responsible for the robbery and assembled a plan to kill them.
On April 23, 2014, the other individual was kidnapped, zip-tied and put in the trunk of a car. While being transported, he was able to break free, open the trunk and jump out of the vehicle. A good Samaritan saw him, picked him up and attempted to drive him to safety. However, they were pursued and attacked with gunshots. Both were struck but survived.
Following this failed deadly attack, the second victim was targeted. Williams was hired to conduct the murder and was provided a firearm. Williams admitted he was told the victim would be meeting with his parole officer on July 1, 2014. Following the appointment, the victim returned to his vehicle in the parking lot, at which time Williams fired multiple shots, some at close range, killing the man as he sat in the driver’s seat.
U.S. District Judge Sim Lake accepted the plea today and has set sentencing for Sept. 17, 2020. At that time, Williams faces up to life imprisonment for his participation in this murder for hire scheme.
The charges are the result of the Houston Law Enforcement Violent Crime Initiative created in June 2017 which combines personnel and resources from numerous local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. The goal of the initiative is to proactively fight and reduce violent crime across the Greater Houston area by targeting the region’s most violent offenders, augmenting investigative and prosecutorial efforts, and enhancing training, public awareness and education.
The FBI, Houston Police Department, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, U.S. Bureau of Prisons, U.S. Marshals Service and the Texas Department of Public Safety conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steve Mellin and Sebastian Edwards are prosecuting the case along with Trial Attorney Jim Nelson of the Department of Justice’s Capital Case Section.
Texas Man Convicted for Role in Murder Outside Parole OfficeRead the Press Release
A Texas man has admitted to his participation in the July 2014 murder outside a parole office in Houston, Texas, announced Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick for the Southern District of Texas.
Clyde Williams, 52, of Houston, Texas, admitted to conspiracy to commit murder for hire. U.S. District Judge Sim Lake accepted the plea today and has set sentencing for Sept. 17, 2020. At that time, Williams faces up to life imprisonment for his participation in this murder for hire scheme.
During the hearing today, Williams admitted that in June 2014, he was hired to kill a 43-year-old Houston man. He expected to be paid $20,000 in return.
The victim was to be killed because he was suspected of stealing approximately 50 kilograms of cocaine from a truck driver involved in a drug organization – David Roberts, 44, of Houston. Roberts has also pleaded guilty, admitting to regularly transporting large kilograms of cocaine from Houston to Atlanta, Georgia, and transporting large quantities of cash on behalf of the drug organization’s leader.
In April 2014, Roberts received two duffle bags filled with cocaine in Houston. Soon after the delivery, a lone gunman robbed Roberts of the cocaine. The leader of the drug organization believed the victim and another individual were responsible for the robbery and assembled a plan to kill them.
On April 23, 2014, the other individual was kidnapped, zip-tied and put in the trunk of a car. While being transported, he was able to break free, open the trunk and jump out of the vehicle. A good Samaritan saw him, picked him up and attempted to drive him to safety. However, they were pursued and attacked with gunshots. Both were struck but survived.
Following this failed deadly attack, the second victim was targeted. Williams was hired to conduct the murder and was provided a firearm. Williams admitted he was told the victim would be meeting with his parole officer on July 1, 2014. Following the appointment, the victim returned to his vehicle in the parking lot, at which time Williams fired multiple shots, some at close range, killing the man as he sat in the driver’s seat.
The charges are the result of the Houston Law Enforcement Violent Crime Initiative created in June 2017 which combines personnel and resources from numerous local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. The goal of the initiative is to proactively fight and reduce violent crime across the Greater Houston area by targeting the region’s most violent offenders, augmenting investigative and prosecutorial efforts, and enhancing training, public awareness and education.
The FBI, Houston Police Department, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, U.S. Bureau of Prisons, U.S. Marshals Service and the Texas Department of Public Safety conducted the investigation. Trial Attorney Jim Nelson of the Department of Justice’s Capital Case Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steve Mellin and Sebastian Edwards are prosecuting the case.
Suicidal man admits to deliberately ramming military baseRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 47-year-old Beeville man charged with destruction of U.S. government property and possession of a stolen firearm has admitted his guilt, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Brian Dale Robinson pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos.
Robinson admitted he knew the firearm in his possession was stolen and he intentionally damaged federal property. He had hit a barricade located at the North gate entrance of the Naval Air Station (NAS) in Corpus Christi.
On Oct. 7, Robinson was at a gas station in Beeville when he spotted a Dodge Ram 3500 pickup truck with the engine running. He then entered that vehicle without permission and drove straight to Corpus Christi. There, he approached the NAS and attempted to gain unauthorized access to the base by crashing through the gate. However, the vehicle became inoperable after he hit the barricade.
Robinson exited the pickup truck and fled on foot into the base with a handgun he had stolen from the vehicle and hid next to a dumpster. Law enforcement immediately arrested him. Robinson claimed he had suicidal thoughts. However, he opted to drop the weapon so no one else would be hurt. Following his arrest, they located an HS Produkt, model XDM-9, 9mm pistol loaded with a full magazine.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos will impose sentencing March 19, 2020. At that time, Robinson faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The Naval Criminal Investigative Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. Thorpe Jr. is prosecuting the case.
Motorcycle gang member heads to prison for illegally possessing ammunitionRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 37-year-old Corpus Christi resident who was involved in a shooting at a local convenience store has been sentenced following his conviction of unlawful ammunition possession, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Billy Boortz, a member of the Homietos outlaw motorcycle gang and former member of the Mexican Mafia gang, pleaded guilty July 24.
Today, U.S. District Judge David S. Morales handed him a 110-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that Boortz intentionally tried to murder the victim in this case. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Boortz fired his pistol directly at the victim, not in the air or at the ground, and that the offense would have constituted attempted second degree murder.
On May 11, Boortz was engaged in a physical altercation with another man. He then returned to a vehicle, retrieved a weapon and fired several rounds at the victim, hitting the victim’s vehicle and striking the victim in the foot.
Agents were able to identify Boortz using video footage. He had been taken into custody at a local hospital on May 26, where he was treated for a gunshot wound he received after another shooting.
Boortz was previously convicted of multiple felony offenses, including aggravated assault, aggravated assault on a public servant, evading arrest with a vehicle and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. He is, therefore, prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition per federal law.
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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Corpus Christi Police Department Gang Unit conducted the investigation.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Paxton prosecuted the case.
Mexican citizen sentenced to prison for meth conspiracy schemeRead the Press Release
LAREDO – A 36-year-old Mexican man has been ordered to federal prison for his role in importing approximately 32 kilograms of meth inside hidden compartments of a vehicle, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Raul Edrey Manrique Bernal pleaded guilty Aug. 8.
Today, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana handed Bernal a 51-month sentence to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that described Bernal’s involvement in the conspiracy. She noted Bernal was educated and had a career in Mexico, adding that his involvement in drug trafficking was pure madness. The court commented that the desire for easy money caused him to make a bad decision.
On April 15, Bernal attempted to enter into the United States via the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge #1 Port of Entry, at which time a K-9 alerted to the odor of narcotics emitting from the vehicle. Authorities conducted a search and located 63 bundles discreetly hidden in aftermarket compartments in both rear quarter panels and in the bumper. The substance later tested positive for meth with a total weight of 32 kilograms.
The street value of the drugs is approximately $160,000.
Bernal 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 Investiagtions and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony J. Evans prosecuted the case.
McAllen doctor imprisoned for health care fraud scamRead the Press Release
McALLEN – A 46-year-old local man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of health care fraud and aggravated identity theft, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Eduardo Carrillo, of McAllen, pleaded guilty Nov. 20, 2015.
Today, U.S. District Judge Randy Crane handed Carrillo a 24-month sentence and ordered he pay $25,955 in restitution. The sentence will also be followed by three years of supervised release.
At the time of plea, Carrillo admitted he caused others to bill Medicare for patients who were actually deceased. Carrillo submitted fraudulent documentation to a billing company, and the company would file claims with Medicare for reimbursement of physician services. Records law enforcement obtained proved the patients were deceased at the time he alleged to have provided services to the patients.
Carrillo also admitted to engaging in a scheme with his co-conspirator and assistant, Martha Uribe Medrano, 52, of Edinburg, to solicit and obtain illegal kickbacks in exchange for patient referrals. Carrillo and Medrano solicited and obtained cash in exchange for referrals of Medicare beneficiaries. He admitted he used the Medicare number and personal information of a patient in the exchange. Medrano pleaded guilty to illegal remunerations and was previously sentenced for her role in the scheme.
Carrillo 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 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services‐Office of Inspector General and the FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Day and Andrew Swartz are prosecuting the case.
Local rapper heads to prison for meth traffickingRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 43-year-old Houston man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of possession with intent to distribute meth, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Mack Biggers pleaded guilty Sept. 6.
Today, U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett handed Biggers a 180-month sentence to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. The sentence includes an upward variance due to Biggers extensive criminal history. At the hearing, the court heard additional information, including a presentation detailing how Biggers committed his narcotics offenses.
For several months in 2017 and 2018, Biggers acquired and sold various narcotics including meth and illegally possessed firearms. Biggers also produced and starred in rap videos that glamorized his illegal activities.
On Feb. 21, 2018, authorities conducted surveillance and subsequent arrest of Biggers as he attempted to flee from police at an apartment complex located on the 14700 block of West Oaks Plaza Drive in Houston. He had thrown bags down as he fled. Law enforcement recovered them, which were found to contain hundreds of pills made from various substances including meth and heroin.
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 Houston Police Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Michael Lewis is prosecuting the case.
Two Former Houston Police Department Officers Indicted in Connection to Fatal RaidRead the Press Release
Three people are now in custody in relation to the fatal raid that occurred in January 2019 on Harding Street in Houston, Texas, announced Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick for the Southern District of Texas and Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of the FBI.
A federal grand jury returned the nine count indictment Nov. 14 against Gerald M. Goines, 55, and Steven M. Bryant, 46, both former Houston Police Department (HPD) officers. Also charged is Patricia Ann Garcia, 53. All are residents of Houston. The indictment was unsealed this morning as authorities took all three into custody. They are expected to make their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena H. Palermo at 2 p.m. central time.
The federal indictment stems from the Jan. 28 narcotics raid HPD conducted on the 7800 block of Harding Street in Houston. The enforcement action resulted in the deaths of two residents at that location.
Goines is charged with two counts of depriving the victims’ constitutional right to be secure against unreasonable searches. The indictment alleges Goines made numerous materially false statements in the state search warrant he obtained for their residence. The execution of that warrant containing these false statements resulted in the death of the two individuals as well as injuries to four other persons, according to the indictment.
Goines and Bryant are charged with obstructing justice by falsifying records. Goines allegedly made several false statements in his tactical plan and offense report prepared in connection with that search warrant. The indictment alleges Bryant falsely claimed in a supplemental case report he had previously assisted Goines in the Harding Street investigation. Bryant allegedly identified a brown powdery substance (heroin) he retrieved from Goines’ vehicle as narcotics purchased from the Harding Street residence Jan. 27.
Goines is further charged with three separate counts of obstructing an official proceeding. The federal grand jury alleges Goines falsely stated Jan. 30 that a particular confidential informant had purchased narcotics at the Harding Street location three days prior. He also falsely stated Jan. 31 that a different confidential informant purchased narcotics at that residence that day, according to the charges. On Feb. 13, he also falsely claimed he had purchased narcotics at that residence on that day. The indictment alleges none of these statements were true.
The charges against Garcia allege she conveyed false information by making several fake 911 calls. Specifically, on Jan. 8, she allegedly made several calls claiming her daughter was inside the Harding Street location. According to the indictment, Garcia added that the residents of the home were addicts and drug dealers and that they had guns – including machine guns – inside the home. The charges allege none of Garcia’s claims were true.
If convicted of the civil rights charges, Goines faces up to life in prison. Each obstruction count carries a potential 20-year sentence, while Garcia faces a five-year term of imprisonment for conveying false information.
The FBI is conducting the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alamdar S. Hamdani, Arthur R. Jones and Sharad S. Khandelwal, and Special Litigation Counsel Jared Fishman of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division, 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.
Santa Fe man convicted of producing child pornographyRead the Press Release
GALVESTON, Texas –A jury has convicted a 39-year-old Santa Fe resident guilty of production of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Gace previously pleaded guilty to distribution, receipt and possession of child pornography as well as attempted destruction of evidence.
The trial on the production charge began Monday, Nov. 18 and concluded the following day. The jury deliberated for approximately one hour before returning the guilty verdict for sexual exploitation of a child, otherwise known as production of child pornography.
During trial, the jury heard testimony from multiple law enforcement officers, Gace’s ex-wife and her husband.
In October 2016, law enforcement received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) regarding a cyber-tip from a file sharing network regarding images and videos of child pornography. The investigation revealed the email and IP address of the file sharing account posting the images was associated with Gace.
When law enforcement arrived to search his home, Gace attempted to douse his cellular phone under water in an attempt to prevent law enforcement from gaining access to its contents. Law enforcement thwarted the attempt, dried out the phone and were able to conduct a forensic analysis on it.
A forensic analysis of that device revealed hundreds of images and videos of child pornography. It also showed Gace used a messaging site to chat with other like-minded individuals to receive and distribute images and videos of child pornography. He also had another file sharing account previously unknown to law enforcement.
Gace’s second file sharing account revealed hundreds more images and videos of child pornography, including images he produced of a minor girl under the age of 10 which was found in a folder titled “Zzzz never share.” Gace first captured images of the minor girl fully clothed, but progressed to producing photographs of the minor girl sleeping nude on the floor, seated naked on the floor with a vibrator next to her leg and an adult hand on her shoulder and eventually to the minor girl posing while nude in Gace’s bathtub. Within those later series of photographs, there were also images of Gace naked, standing and seated in his bathtub on the same day. The minor appears to have taken the images.
Gace attempted to say the images not lewd and lascivious and should not be construed as child pornography. They were not convinced and convicted him as charged.
U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Brown presided over the trial and will impose sentencing Jan. 29, 2020. At that time, Gace faces a minimum of 15 and up to 30 years in federal prison.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, police departments in Pearland, Galveston, Santa Fe, Webster and La Marque as well as the Jones Creek Marshals Office conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zahra Jivani Fenelon and Stephanie Bauman prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab “resources.”
Goines Indicted on Federal Civil Rights ChargeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - Three people, including two former officers, are now in custody in relation to the fatal events that occurred in January 2019 on Harding Street in Houston, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick along with Assistant Attorney General Eric Dreiband of the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of the FBI.
A federal grand jury returned the nine-count indictment Nov. 14 against Gerald M. Goines, 55, and Steven M. Bryant, 46, both former Houston Police Department (HPD) officers. Also charged is Patricia Ann Garcia, 53. All are residents of Houston. The indictment was unsealed this morning as authorities took all three into custody. They are expected to make their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena H. Palermo at 2 .m. today.
The federal indictment stems from the Jan. 28 narcotics raid HPD conducted on the 7800 block of Harding Street in Houston. The enforcement action resulted in the deaths of two residents at that location.
Goines is charged with two counts of depriving the victims’ constitutional right to be secure against unreasonable searches. The indictment alleges Goines made numerous materially false statements in the state search warrant he obtained for their residence. The execution of that warrant containing these false statements resulted in the death of the two individuals as well as injuries to four other persons, according to the indictment.
Goines and Bryant are charged with obstructing justice by falsifying records. Goines allegedly made several false statements in his tactical plan and offense report prepared in connection with that search warrant. The indictment alleges Bryant falsely claimed in a supplemental case report he had previously assisted Goines in the Harding Street investigation. Bryant allegedly identified a brown powdery substance (heroin) he retrieved from Goines’ vehicle as narcotics purchased from the Harding Street residence Jan. 27.
Goines is further charged with three separate counts of obstructing an official proceeding. The federal grand jury alleged Goines falsely stated Jan. 30 that someone had purchased narcotics at the Harding Street location three days prior. He also falsely stated Jan. 31 that another individual purchased narcotics at that residence that day, according to the charges. On Feb. 13, he also falsely claimed he had purchased narcotics at that residence on that day. The indictment alleges none of these statements were true.
The charges against Garcia allege she conveyed false information by making several fake 911 calls. Specifically, on Jan. 8, she allegedly made several calls claiming her daughter was inside the Harding Street location. According to the indictment, Garcia added that the residents of the home were addicts and drug dealers and that they had guns – including machine guns – inside the home, according to the indictment. The charges allege none of Garcia’s claims were true.
If convicted of the civil rights charges, Goines faces up to life in prison. Each obstruction count carries a potential 20-year sentence, while Garcia faces a five-year term of imprisonment for conveying false information.
The FBI is conducting the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alamdar S. Hamdani, Arthur R. Jones and Sharad S. Khandelwal are prosecuting the case along with Special Litigation Counsel Jared Fishman of the department’s Civil Rights Division.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.Brookshire woman imprisoned for sending homemade bombs to state and federal officialsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 48-year-old resident of Brookshire has been ordered to prison after admitting to transportation of explosives with the intent to kill, injure and intimidate a person, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick along with Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of the FBI. Julia Ann Poff pleaded guilty July 1, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Vanessa Gilmore handed Poff a 120-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay $9,700 in restitution.
Poff admitted to mailing a package on or about Oct. 2 - 3, 2016, that contained a homemade bomb that was addressed to the former president of the United States. As part of her plea, she also acknowledged mailing two similar packages addressed to the Texas governor and then Acting Social Security Administrator.
Each of those packages contained a victim-activated, booby trapped, improvised explosive device (IED) containing explosives materials.
The investigation revealed that on Oct. 6, 2016, authorities intercepted a U.S. Postal Service (USPS) small, flat rate box at a White House mail handling facility at Bolling Air Force Base in the District of Columbia. They opened the package, and it appeared to contain a bomb.
An FBI explosives expert conducted an examination and determined it to be a homemade bomb.
Further examination linked the box and its contents to Julia Poff or her husband. The outer box contained a taped address label, under which they found a feline hair. Testing revealed this hair was microscopically consistent with the hairs taken from a cat the Poff family cared for and owned. Also, a box contained within the USPS box contained a micro-USB cable box, cellular phone, hobby fuse, matches, paper wadding, plastic sacks, sandpaper and two 20-ounce coke bottle caps as well as pyrotechnics and smokeless powder.
Poff’s daughter identified the phone as her old cell phone which was last seen in their home’s garage in August or September 2016. Authorities also learned Poff used her bank debit card to purchase a micro-USB box with the same bar code as the one found in the USPS package.
At the time of her plea, Poff admitted she was solely responsible for sending the bomb-filled packages.
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.
The Bryan FBI JTTF conducted the investigation with assistance from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Texas Rangers, Social Security Administration - Office of Inspector General (OIG) and Department of Agriculture - OIG. The Bryan Resident Agency JTTF is comprised of the FBI; sheriff’s offices in Brazos, Waller and Walker Counties; police departments in Bryan, Texas A&M University and College Station; Secret Service; Texas Department of Criminal Justice - OIG and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ralph Imperato, Rob Jones and Alamdar Hamdani prosecuted the case.
U.S. Attorney’s Office hosts roundtable discussion on sexual harassment in the workplaceRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division hosted a roundtable to discuss the problem of sexual harassment in the workplace, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
The Department of Justice, through the U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Employment Litigation Section of the Civil Rights Division, enforces Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 against state and local government employers. The law prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex and religion. Sexual harassment is among the conduct the law prohibits because it is a form of sex discrimination.
Harassment comes in many forms and can be verbal or nonverbal. It can be face-to-face or online. It can involve physical conduct or the display of images. Both men and women can be harassers or the victims of harassment. Harassment does not have to be repeated to be improper. A single incident can be enough, if severe.
This roundtable, which is the first in the country, is part of the Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Initiative. The initiative seeks to bring sex discrimination claims against state and local government employers with a renewed emphasis on sexual harassment charges. The department also works to develop effective remedial measures that can be used to hold public sector employers accountable where systemic Title VII violations have been found. This includes identifying changes to existing employer practices and policies that will result in safe work environments. The creation of this initiative reflects the Department of Justice’s commitment to the aggressive enforcement of the nation’s anti-discrimination laws and an expansion of the Civil Rights Division’s efforts to eradicate sexual harassment by public employers.
This office is working closely with the Employment Litigation Section of the Civil Rights Division to spread the word here in the district about options to help public sector employees. Roundtable discussions like this one are one way to increase awareness and build strong partnerships in the community to combat this problem together.
Additional information about Title VII and other federal employment laws is available on the Civil Rights Division’s website.
DOJ encourages anyone who has experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, or knows someone who has, to contact the Civil Rights Division.
Texas Man Heads to Prison for Leading Human Smuggling OrganizationRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 36-year-old Dallas man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction conspiracy transport undocumented aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Manuel Joe Reyes pleaded guilty May 10, 2018.
Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo handed Reyes a 96-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. He was further ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.
At the hearing, the court heard testimony regarding how Reyes would recruit drivers and make between $20,000 and $30,000 a week smuggling undocumented aliens. Judge Marmolejo noted Reyes used his intelligence to convince others to commit crime. She admonished him that some of the drivers he hired had been incarcerated themselves.
On May 9, 2017, Darian Wade Humphrey drove up to the United States Border Patrol Checkpoint located on Interstate Highway 35 north of Laredo in a tractor-trailer. At that time, a K-9 alerted to the vehicle. Upon inspection, authorities found 32 individuals locked inside the trailer, all of whom were later determined to be undocumented aliens from Mexico. Four of them were minors between the ages of 15 and 17.
Humphrey admitted Reyes had hired him to transport undocumented aliens from Laredo to San Antonio. Humphrey claimed to have done so on four prior occasions and that he was paid $3,000 per load.
Law enforcement arrested Reyes Dec. 6, 2017, at his home in Dallas. He admitted he had been organizing human smuggling events between Mexico and the United States by hiring drivers and coordinating deliveries. Reyes estimated that between two and three loads of undocumented aliens were smuggled weekly, with each load averaging 20 people. He said he received $10,000 per load and his drivers were paid $3,000.
Humphrey also pleaded guilty. U.S. District Judge Hilda Tagle sentenced him to 37 months with three years of supervised release on Feb. 7, 2018.
Previously released on bond, Reyes was taken into custody following the sentencing today where he will remain pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco J. Rodriguez is prosecuting the case.
Local Man on his way to prison for robbing convenience stores with a knifeRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 48-year-old Corpus Christi resident has been ordered to federal prison after he pleaded guilty to robbing two convenience stores causing an interference with interstate or foreign commerce, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Billy Ray Mitchell pleaded guilty July 25, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos handed Mitchell a 125-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
On Oct. 29, 2018, Mitchell robbed the Murphy Express convenience store in Corpus Christi at approximately 7:20 a.m. at knife point. Mitchell forced the clerk into the office where a safe was located and robbed the store of cash, cigarettes and duct tape. Mitchell then abducted the clerk, forcing her into her own vehicle and ordering her to drive him to a nearby apartment complex.
Upon arrival there, Mitchell bound and gagged the clerk using the stolen duct tape, leaving the clerk in the vehicle.
Police officers searched the area but were unable to locate Mitchell at that time. Later, agents reviewed video surveillance of the convenience store and noticed that Mitchell was wearing a distinctive neon yellow shirt with “MY SHIRT IS BRIGHTER THAN YOUR FUTURE” printed on the front.
On Nov. 8, 2018, at approximately 4 a.m., Mitchell robbed a Circle K convenience store in Corpus Christi, threatening the store clerk with a large kitchen knife. Mitchell brandished the weapon and forced the clerk at knife point to assist in opening the cash register. Mitchell robbed the store of a pack of cigarettes and the entire contents of the cash register. Again, Mitchell forced the clerk from the store and ordered him to drive him from the scene in the clerk’s own vehicle. This time, the clerk yelled out for help to a nearby patron. Mitchell fled the scene on foot.
Police officers searched the area but were unable to locate Mitchell at that time. However, crime scene investigators were able to recover latent fingerprints from a beer cooler that Mitchell touched. When compared, the fingerprints from the store were determined to be a match to Mitchell.
Agents executed a search warrant on Mitchell’s residence the next day and found the distinctive bright yellow shirt he wore during the Murphy Express robbery.
Mitchell later admitted he committed both robberies.
He has been detained since his arrest and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Corpus Christi Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Paxton is prosecuting the case.
Drug dealer with baby who had cocaine in system sent to prisonRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 33-year-old Corpus Christi resident and member of the Sureno 13 gang has been ordered to federal prison following his convictions for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine and carrying a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Manual Lozano pleaded guilty July 15.
Today, U.S. District Judge John D. Rainey handed Lozano a 130-month sentence. He was further ordered to serve three years of supervised release as to each count and refrain from association with gang members.
The investigation revealed Lozano was involved in drug distribution from his 14th Street residence in Corpus Christi. Law enforcement executed a search warrant there, at which time they seized cocaine, crack cocaine, high potency meth known as “ice,” heroin and marijuana in various distribution quantities. They also found digital scales used to weigh the narcotics, glass tubes used to smoke cocaine and $2,883.
Authorities also discovered several firearms and ammunition in his possession. Those included an AK-47 style assault rifle as well as 9mm and .45 caliber handguns.
At the time of the search, Lozano’s 18-month old son was in his care and present in the home. Child Protective Services took custody of that child who tested positive for cocaine.
Lozano admitted he possessed the firearms in order to protect his narcotics trafficking operations. Lozano has multiple prior convictions for burglaries in Miami, Florida, and Edinburg as well as being a felon in possession of a firearm in Florida. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition per federal law.
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, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Corpus Christi Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Paxton prosecuted the case.
One sent to prison for jewelry store robbery while other remains a fugitiveRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 25-year-old resident of Corpus Christi has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of robbery, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Leonard Reyna entered a guilty plea July 24.
Today, U.S. District Nelva Gonzalez Ramos handed Reyna a 87-month sentence for the robbery and being a felon who had a firearm. He also received an additional 84 months for the brandishing charge which must be served consecutively to the other sentence imposed. The sentences will be immediately followed by five years of supervised release.
At the time of his plea, Reyna admitted he participated in an aggravated robbery at the Corpus Christi Trade Center and another at a Stripes convenience store which involved the shooting of an innocent bystander.
On Aug. 26, 2018, Reyna approached a local jewelry store displaying a handgun and demanded several items of jewelry. After that robbery, he fled on foot and headed to the Stripes location on the 6000 block of Ayers. There, two men pointed a gun at a victim and demanded the keys to his truck. The victim refused and was later found inside the store where reported he had been shot in the left arm and stomach.
Reyna has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
He was originally indicted along with Carlos Moreno, 26, Corpus Christi, who is charged with being involved in both robberies and with discharging a firearm.. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the U.S. Marshals service at 1-800-336-0102. He is considered innocent unless and until convicted through due process of law, but remains a fugitive and a warrant remains outstanding for his arrest
The Corpus Christi Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Watt is prosecuting the case.
Last defendant in Stanford investment fraud scheme extradited to USRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - The former chief of Antigua’s Financial Services Regulatory Commission has been extradited from Antigua to face charges for his alleged role in connection with the Stanford International Bank (SIB) $7 billion investment fraud scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick and Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.
Leroy King, 74, of Dickerson Bay, Antigua, is the last remaining defendant in the SIB Ponzi scheme. He has been a fugitive since 2009.
King appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Hanovice Palermo in Houston today. He is scheduled to appear again before Judge Palermo Thursday, Nov. 14, at 2 p.m. for a counsel determination hearing.
King was charged in June 2009 along with R. Allen Stanford, Houston, and others. The indictment charges King with one count of conspiracy to commit mail, wire and securities fraud; seven counts of wire fraud; 10 counts of mail fraud; one counts each of conspiracy to obstruct and obstruction of a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigation; and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The indictment alleges King accepted more than $100,000 in bribes from Stanford in exchange for ignoring the actual value of SIB’s assets. He also allegedly assisted Stanford and others in obstructing the SEC’s investigation into the bank.
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.
The FBI’s Houston Field Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation and the 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 Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance with the preparation of the extradition request and in support of Antigua’s domestic litigation. The FBI Legal Attaché’s Office in Barbados and the U.S. Marshals Service in Houston coordinated King’s extradition.
The Justice Department extends its gratitude to the government of Antigua for its cooperation and assistance.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.Last Defendant in Stanford Investment Fraud Scheme Extradited to U.S.Read the Press Release
The former chief of Antigua’s Financial Services Regulatory Commission has been extradited from Antigua to face charges for his alleged role in connection with the Stanford International Bank (SIB) $7 billion investment fraud 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, is the last remaining defendant in the SIB Ponzi scheme. He has been a fugitive since 2009.
King appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Hanovice Palermo in Houston, Texas, today.
King was charged in June 2009 along with R. Allen Stanford, of Houston, and others. The indictment charges King with one count of conspiracy to commit mail, wire and securities fraud; seven counts of wire fraud, 10 counts of mail fraud, one counts each of conspiracy to obstruct and obstruction of a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigation; and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The indictment alleges King accepted more than $100,000 in bribes from Stanford in exchange for ignoring the actual value of SIB’s assets. He also allegedly assisted Stanford and others in obstructing the SEC’s investigation into the bank.
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.
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 and John Pearson of the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance with the preparation of the extradition request and in support of Antigua’s domestic litigation. The FBI Legal Attaché’s Office in Barbados and the U.S. Marshals Service in Houston coordinated King’s extradition.
The Justice Department extends its gratitude to the government of Antigua for its cooperation and assistance.
Undocumented alien sentenced for assault on federal officersRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 24-year-old man from Zacatecas, Mexico, has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of assaulting three Border Patrol (BP) agents, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Luis Gustavo Ramirez-Saucedo pleaded guilty June 25.
Today, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana handed Ramirez-Saucedo a 33-month sentence. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following the sentence. At the hearing, the court heard additional testimony from three BP agents who testified as to how they were assaulted. Ramirez-Saucedo testified that he only intended to flee.
Authorities were working their assigned duties in Laredo during the late evening of March 29 when they responded to an alert of a large group crossing the Rio Grande River from Mexico. They made contact with various illegal aliens in the 20-person group, one of whom was Ramirez-Saucedo.
Soon after, Ramirez-Saucedo violently resisted the efforts of three BP agents to apprehend him, striking one in the face with his hand. Ramirez-Saucedo later assaulted another agent by throwing a ladder at him which struck him in the arms. He assaulted a third agent by striking him in the face with his forearm, causing his nose to begin bleeding.
Following his apprehension, Ramirez-Saucedo admitted he was a citizen or national of Mexico with no authority to be in or to enter the United States and had just entered the United States illegally.
Ramirez-Saucedo has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI and BP conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco J. Rodriguez prosecuted the case.