Southern District of Texas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Brownsville Man Sentenced on Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 43-year old U.S. citizen has been ordered to federal prison following his admission that he possessed child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Donavan Lyle Herrera pleaded guilty Feb. 6, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera Jr. sentenced Herrera to 121 months of federal imprisonment. He will also serve 10 years on supervised release following completion of his prison term, during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Herrera will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. A hearing will be held at a later date to determine restitution.
On or about Oct. 19, 2018, law enforcement initiated an investigation of child pornography sharing which led them to Herrera’s address in Brownsville. On Nov. 15, 2018, authorities executed a search warrant at Herrera’s home at which time they seized a computer and other digital devices. A forensic analysis resulted in the discovery of approximately 41 images and 81 videos of child pornography.
He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) - Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Task Force conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ana C. Cano prosecuted the case which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, 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."
Armed drug trafficker/gang member sent to prisonRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 39-year-old Corpus Christi resident and Texas Syndicate member has been ordered to federal prison for trafficking cocaine and possessing a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. John Mendez aka John Manuel Mendez pleaded guilty May 31.
Today, U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos handed Mendez an 18-month sentence for the drug charges. He also received an additional 60 months for the firearms offense which must be served consecutively for a total sentence of 78 months in federal prison. The sentence will be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the defendant’s extensive criminal history.
From approximately May 1 - Aug. 25, 2018, Mendez was involved in a cocaine conspiracy. On June 25, 2018, local law enforcement conducted a routine traffic stop which resulted in the discovery of cocaine and marijuana. They also found two firearms - a .40 caliber rifle in the vehicle’s front seat and a .357 caliber handgun found on the ground near the vehicle.
He was released on bond, during which time another traffic stop led to the discovery that Mendez possessed additional cocaine for distribution. Social media evidence also demonstrated extensive drug trafficking and firearms activity.
Mendez 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 conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Reid Manning is prosecuting the case.
19-year-old sentenced as drug dealer in meth trafficking schemeRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 19-year-old Beeville resident has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of possession with intent to distribute meth, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Margarito Keller pleaded guilty May 30.
Today, U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos sentenced Keller to 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional testimony that Keller has been involved with using, possessing and distributing drugs since he was 14. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Keller’s age, but that the law demanded the sentence imposed.
On Nov. 15, 2018, authorities took Keller into custody for distributing a controlled substance. During that arrest, law enforcement officers observed a portable safe next to Keller in his vehicle.
Upon inspection, they recovered several baggies containing a total of approximately 55 grams of meth, most of which was considered “pure.” They also recovered a loaded Taurus .38 caliber pistol and a digital scale.
Keller admitted the meth, weapon and scale all belonged to him.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation in conjunction with the Beeville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Vincent Tang prosecuted the case.
Two nurses charged in health care fraud and illegal kickback schemeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - Two Houston area nurses are set to appear in federal court on charges they defrauded Medicare of more than $2.1 million, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan Patrick.
The indictment, returned under seal Oct. 9, was unsealed today upon the arrests of Joseph Nwankwo, 56, Houston, and Stacey Ajaja, 49, Richmond. They are expected to make their initial appearance at 2 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy K. Johnson today.
According to the indictment, Nwankwo and Ajaja co-owned Hefty Healthcare Services Inc. From 2014 through 2016, Hefty allegedly billed Medicare for home health services that were never provided and not medically necessary. Nwankwo and Ajaja obtained patient referrals by paying marketers and patients and bribed physicians to authorize medically unnecessary home health services for Hefty patients, according to the charges. The indictment also alleges they created phony medical records to perpetrate the healthcare fraud.
Nwankwo and Ajaja are both charged with one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, five counts of health care fraud and one count of conspiracy to pay and receive health care kickbacks.
Conspiracy to commit health care fraud and each of the health care fraud charges carry a maximum punishment of 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine, upon conviction. If convicted of conspiracy to pay and receive health care kickbacks, they also face a maximum possible punishment of five years and a $25,000 fine.
The Department of Health and Human Services‐Office of Inspector General, Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and the FBI conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Olson 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.Local man set to appear for allegedly ramming military baseRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 47-year-old Beeville man has been charged with possession of a stolen firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick
Brian Dale Robinson is set to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jason Libby at 9:00 a.m. today for a preliminary and detention hearing.
A criminal complaint was filed Oct. 7, after Robinson allegedly stole a truck and hit the denial barricade located at the North gate entrance of the Naval Air Station (NAS) in Corpus Christi. The charges allege that he was at a gas station in Beeville when he spotted a Dodge Ram 3500 pickup truck with the engine running. Robinson then allegedly entered the vehicle without permission and departed the area.
He approached the NAS and attempted to gain unauthorized access to the base, according to the charges. After he hit the barricade, the vehicle allegedly become inoperable. The charges allege Robinson exited the vehicle and left on foot with a handgun he had found inside and hid next to a dumpster.
Robinson allegedly had suicidal thoughts. However, he opted to drop the weapon so no one else would be hurt.
Following Robinson’s arrest, law enforcement located an HS Produkt, model XDM-9, 9mm pistol loaded with a full magazine.
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.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.South Texas man learns fate for smuggling nearly 30 illegals in cargo trailerRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 25-year-old resident of Alamo has been sentenced in Corpus Christi federal court for transporting illegal aliens within the country, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Jose Angel Herrera pleaded guilty July 10.
Today, U.S. District Judge David S. Morales ordered him to prison for 45 months to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Herrera’s criminal history and the needless and substantial risk to human life his actions caused.
On May 21, Herrera approached the primary inspection lane of the Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint near Sarita driving a Chevrolet Silverado and pulling a cargo trailer. During routine inspection, Herrera appeared nervous and would not make eye contact with authorities.
A K-9 also alerted to the trailer, indicating the possible presence of humans and /or narcotics.
In secondary inspection, law enforcement located a total of 28 undocumented aliens inside the cargo trailer, one of whom was an unaccompanied minor.
At the time of his plea, Herrera admitted that he knowingly transported the aliens in the trailer.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and BP conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Dunn prosecuted the case.
Laredo felon guilty of firearms violationRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A federal jury has convicted a 74-year-old local felon for unlawfully possessing a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan Patrick. They deliberated for one hour before returning the guilty verdict against Javier J. Trevino following a one-day trial.
During the trial, the jury heard testimony about an Aug. 10, 2016, search warrant authorities executed on Trevino’s residence. Upon entering the home, law enforcement observed multiple firearms in the living room, dining room, kitchen and bedrooms. Authorities ultimately discovered more than 120 firearms and a significant amount of ammunition within Trevino’s residence.
Trevino had a felony conviction for making false statements in relation to the purchase of firearms from 1987 and was, therefore, prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition per federal law.
At trial, the defense attempted to convince the jury Trevino owns multiple homes and did not reside in the home where authorities seized the firearms. He argued that because he resided somewhere else, he was not in possession of those firearms. The jury did not believe those claims and found Trevino guilty as charged.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo presided over the trial and set sentencing for Feb. 24, 2020. At that time, Trevino 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 Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Webb County Sheriff’s Office and Laredo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher dos Santos and Anthony Brown prosecuted the case.
Jury convicts Nigerian for presenting fake British documents to open local bank accountsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A jury has returned a guilty verdict against a 57-year-old Nigerian man for committing passport fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. The jury deliberated for one hour before convicting Ademola Okulaja, Kingwood, following a two-day trial.
On June 6, 2016, Okulaja opened a checking account at a Houston branch of the International Bank of Commerce (IBC). At that time, he claimed to be a British citizen known as “Michael Millet” and provided the bank with a fraudulent passport the United Kingdon purportedly issued.
Okulaja entered a different IBC Branch in Houston on Nov. 21, 2016, and opened another checking account. This time, he used the name “David Allen” and presented another fraudulent British passport.
The defense conceded the passports were counterfeit, but attempted to convince the jury Okulaja was not the person presenting those passports to open the accounts. The jury was not convinced and found him guilty as charged.
U.S. District Judge Gray Miller presided over the trial and set sentencing for Jan. 23, 2020. At that time, Okulaja faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine. He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Sandel and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Hileman prosecuted the case.
Another charged in association with city of Weslaco scamRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 56-year-old McAllen man has been arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Authorities arrested Sunil Wadhwani this morning upon the filing of a criminal complaint yesterday. He is set to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Juan Alanis at 11:00 a.m. today.
Beginning in at least April 2013, Wadhwani allegedly conspired with others to obtain a development agreement with favorable terms containing $300,000 in incentive agreements from the City of Weslaco Economic Development Corporation.
According to the criminal complaint, Wadhwani and Person A met with and engaged in e-mail communications with Person B and Person C in order devise a scheme to funnel thousands of dollars in funds to Person B, Person C and Commissioner A, who was a sitting Weslaco city commissioner and Economic Development Corporation Board member. According to the charges, the bribes were paid in order to ensure the commissioner’s votes before the Economic Development Corporation and the City Commission in obtaining the development agreement and its favorable terms.
In order to conceal the nature and source of the bribe payments, Wadhwani and others allegedly drafted and circulated a fictitious consulting agreement between a business entity he owned and another that Person C owned. According to the complaint, Wadhwani and the city commissioner visited a former Weslaco Economic Development Corporation executive director regarding the incentive agreement. That director allegedly felt pressured.
The charges further allege Person B and that city commissioner helped push the requests through the Weslaco Economic Development Corporation. It eventually granted a $300,000 incentive agreement the City of Weslaco approved to be paid in two equal $150,000 installments, according to the charges.
The final installment was allegedly deposited into a bank account for which Wadhwani was an authorized signer Nov. 3, 2014.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Roberto Lopez is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.Jury convicts local businessman of long-term sex trafficking of minorRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - The 67-year-old founder and part-owner of Global Blue Technologies has been convicted of sex trafficking of a minor female, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
The jury deliberated for 10 hours before convicting David Wills, now of San Antonio and previously of Rockport and South Padre Island, following a 10-day trial.
The jury heard that from 2012 to 2015, the aquaculture company owner conspired with Maria Losoya and trafficked a young girl beginning when she was only 10 years of age. Losoya and Wills used their cell phones to arrange meetings at several different locations where Wills would sexually assault the victim. These included multiple Wills’ residences as well as Losoya’s in Brownsville and hotels and motels in the greater Corpus Christi area.
The jury heard testimony that Wills promised to pay for the victim’s college tuition if Losoya allowed him to sexually assault the young girl. Wills also reimbursed Losoya for gifts to the victim and expenditures she would otherwise not have been able to afford. These included an iPad, Bose headphones, a flatscreen TV, Apple laptop, trampoline, swimming pool and a school trip to Washington D.C.
Wills sexually assaulted the minor female multiple times until she reported it in April 2015.
Losoya pleaded guilty in 2017 and testified at trial.
The jury also heard from the forensic interviewer who first interviewed the victim about the sexual assaults, the nurse who first examined her, several state and federal law enforcement officers and an expert witness who testified about Wills' and Losoya's cell site information. An eyewitness also described seeing the victim at a Portland hotel where Wills and Losoya met in March 2014.
In addition, the jury heard from Wills’ former personal assistant who testified he asked her to hand over a personal computer on the day of the victim’s outcry. He later admitted it was destroyed to prevent law enforcement from seizing and reviewing it.
Wills, who had a total of 12 attorneys representing him at trial, attempted to
convince the jury Losoya only wanted more money and tried to refute cell site location data as well as the nurse’s testimony. They also criticized the victim’s previous statements. Wills took the stand and admitted having an affair with Losoya but denied any sexual involvement with the victim.
The jury heard from multiple defense witnesses attesting to the defendant’s character and successes, while attempting to contradict testimony Losoya and the victim gave.
The jury ultimately returned guilty verdicts on one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, seven counts each of sex trafficking and coercion/enticement, one count of attempted coercion/enticement and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice.
He faces up life in prison.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos presided over the trial. Previously released on bond, Wills was taken into custody following the verdict today where he will remain pending sentencing, which will be set at a later date.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Brownsville Police Department and Texas Rangers conducted the investigation with the assisatnce of the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zahra Fenelon, Rick Bennett and Stephanie Bauman are prosecuting the case.
Texas Physician Convicted in $16 Million Medicare Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A federal jury in Texas found a physician who was the owner and operator of a medical clinic in Houston, Texas, guilty today of participating in a $16 million Medicare fraud scheme in which she signed false and fraudulent “plans of care” and other medical documents for purported home health services.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Ryan Patrick of the Southern District of Texas, Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of the FBI’s Houston Field Office and Special Agent in Charge C.J. Porter of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General’s (HHS-OIG) Dallas Regional Office made the announcement.
Following a six-day trial, Yolanda Hamilton, M.D., 56, of Harris County, Texas, the owner and operator of HMS Health and Wellness Center, PLLC, was convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, one count of conspiracy to solicit and receive health care kickbacks and two counts of false statements relating to health care matters. Hamilton is expected to be sentenced before U.S. District Judge Keith P. Ellison of the Southern District of Texas, who presided over the trial. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
According to the evidence presented at trial, from January 2012 to August 2016, Hamilton and others conspired to defraud Medicare by signing false and fraudulent plans of care and other medical documents, and submitting fraudulent claims to Medicare to make it falsely appear that the patients of Hamilton and her co-conspirators qualified and received home-health services under Medicare. In fact, Hamilton and her co-conspirators paid the patients to sign-up and recertify for home health services when those services were often not medically necessary, not provided or both. The evidence also showed that Hamilton charged home health agencies an illegal kickback in the form of a patient “fee” for certifying and recertifying patients for home-health services that the home health agencies, not the patients, would pay. The scheme resulted in approximately $16 million in false and fraudulent claims for home-health services to Medicare, the evidence showed.
To date, several others have pleaded guilty or been found guilty at trial based on their roles in a larger fraudulent scheme that included Hamilton. Several others who purchased plans of care and other signed medical documents from Hamilton have been charged, found guilty or pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit health care fraud and/or pay or receive kickbacks.
All defendants are presumed innocent until convicted beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The FBI and HHS investigated the case, which was brought as part of the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, under the supervision of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas. Trial Attorneys Catherine Wagner, Thomas Tynan and Carlos Lopez of the Fraud Section are prosecuting the case. Trial Attorney Scott Armstrong indicted the case.
The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts, has charged more than 4,200 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for almost $19 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with the HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
Former local official convicted of perjuryRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas –A former Weslaco city commissioner and economic development corporation board member has admitted he lied under oath, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan Patrick.
David Fox, 50, Weslaco, pleaded guilty today.
During a grand jury proceeding Nov. 20, 2018, Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Roberto Lopez Jr. asked Fox if he had received any money or any benefit from any individual or entity in connection with casting a vote as a member of the Weslaco City Commission. He responded “no.”
Later, he admitted he had received at least $2,000 in bribes. He believed the money was intended to influence his votes as a commissioner relating to the Weslaco water and wastewater treatment plants and facilities.
Fox served in this role from approximately December 2012 through November 2015. During portions of this time, Fox also served as a board member for the Weslaco Economic Development Corporation.
U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez accepted the plea today and set sentencing for Jan. 9, 2020, at which time Fox faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine.
He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The FBI and IRS – Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. AUSA Lopez is prosecuting the case.
Laredoan Admits to Transporting 71 AliensRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 35-year-old resident of Laredo has entered a guilty plea to conspiring to transport aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
On July 8, John Bryan Meredith drove a tractor-trailer to the Border Patrol Checkpoint on Highway 83 near Laredo. Soon after, a K-9 alerted to the presence of concealed humans and/or narcotics within the trailer. At secondary inspection, the K-9 alerted again.
Authorities then removed a seal and opened the rear doors of the trailer which revealed several people, all determined to be in the United States illegally. Those included a total of 71 subjects - 36 Mexicans, 21 Guatemalans, six Salvadorans, five Hondurans and three Brazilians - two of whom were unaccompanied juveniles. In addition, law enforcement also recovered a total of $7,300 hidden inside the gearshift box as well as eight additional seals and seven cellular telephones in the sleeper area of the truck.
Meredith claimed a friend had asked him to drive a tractor-trailer with a load of transmissions to Uvalde, where another driver would meet him. Meredith also stated his friend had already placed the seal on the trailer by the time he arrived.
However, further investigation revealed Meredith had bought the tractor himself and rented the trailer. The investigation revealed he had driven the same tractor and trailer past the Highway 83 checkpoint seven times between May 21, and July 8.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia-Marmolejo will impose sentencing Jan. 27, 2020. At that time, Meredith faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigation and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Bukiewicz is prosecuting the case.
Husband and wife charged with tax evasionRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Two people have been charged with aiding and abetting each another in the evasion of $3.5 million in diverted corporate income, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick along with acting IRS – Criminal Investigation (CI) Special Agent in Charge Ramsey Covington.
Asim Lodhi and wife Naila Lodhi are expected to make their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan today.
The indictment, returned Sept. 10, alleges the Lodhis owned and operated U. S. Loss Prevention Inc. and Vanguard Detective & Security Agency, Inc. The company provided contract security services for commercial clients in the Houston and Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan areas. The indictment alleges from during 2008 through 2011, the couple diverted and cashed approximately $3.5 million in client fee checks through two local check cashing services. The checks should have been deposited directly into the corporate bank accounts and disclosed to their accountants as taxable sales, according to the charges.
When necessary, Asim and Naila Lodhi allegedly later deposited approximately $2.5 million in proceeds of the check cashing activity into their personal and corporate accounts to pay corporate and living expenses. However, they described these delayed cash deposits to their accountants as non-taxable loans from friends rather than taxable sales according to the indictment. .
The charges allege that when their corporate and personal tax returns came under investigation in 2013, the Lodhis hired new accountants. These people then allegedly proposed amendments that would have converted the “loan deposits” made to the corporate accounts into taxable sales, profits and dividends. However, the defendants did not reveal approximately $1 million in diverted cash that was not deposited to any account and remained a secret, according to the charges.
The indictment further alleges the deception continued into 2014 when they made misleading statements to the IRS.
If convicted, Asim and Naila Lodhi face a maximum of five years in federal prison on each count as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
IRS-CI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jimmy Sledge Jr. 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.East Coast man admits to bringing aliens into USRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 49-year-old man from Gaithersburg, Maryland, has admitted he conspired to illegally transport more than 30 undocumented aliens for financial gain, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Ernest Michael Carter pleaded guilty in federal court today.
On June 3, Carter arrived at the Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint on Interstate Highway 35, north of Laredo. He was driving a tractor trailer with Oklahoma plates. Soon after, a K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics or hidden persons inside the trailer.
Authorities sent him to secondary inspection, at which time they discovered 36 undocumented aliens inside the trailer, more than $45,000 in cash and $4,000 in money orders. Two of them were minors, according to records.
Court documents also indicate that Carter had purchased a vehicle for $10,000 cash in Laredo two days prior. He was unemployed at the time.
Carter has been and will remain in custody pending his sentencing hearing, which will be set for a later date before U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana. At that time, Carter faces up to 10 years in prison as well as a possible $250,000 fine.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from BP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Day is prosecuting the case.
Wrestler admits to running drug smuggling conspiracyRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 32-year-old Mexican national has admitted he conspired to import over 50 kilograms of meth into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Jose Ramos-Delgadillo pleaded guilty in federal court today to two counts – conspiracy to import and importation of meth.
On Aug. 4, 2019, he arrived in Laredo at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge driving a Ford Escape. An initial search yielded 24 bundles of meth concealed within the tires. However, authorities also discovered an additional 19 bundles in the vehicle’s firewall.
Upon questioning, Ramos-Delgadillo claimed he was a wrestler from Guadalajara, Mexico, who was traveling to Dallas to visit a friend.
He soon admitted he knew there were narcotics in the vehicle. He expected to be paid $5,000 for transporting the drugs.
The drugs weighed a total of 53.56 kilograms with an approximate value of more than $300,000.
He has been and will remain in custody pending his sentencing, which will be set at a later date before U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana. At that time, Ramos-Delgadillo faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison as well as a possible $10 million fine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Day is prosecuting the case.
Trio headed to prison for drug conspiracyRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A Brownsville man and a couple living in Los Fresnos have been ordered to prison for a total of nearly 50 years for their role in transporting meth from Brownsville to Louisiana, announced U. S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Jesus Hector Garza Jr., 31, Gelacio Flores-Flores, 33, and Mayra Danira Rodriguez, 40, pleaded guilty in 2018.
Today, U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. sentenced Flores-Flores, a Mexican citizen living in Los Fresnos to 200 months in federal prison, while his wife - Rodriguez – received 157 months. Not a U.S. citizen, Flores-Flores is expected to face deportation proceedings following his sentence.
Judge Rodriguez previously sentenced Garza Jr., of Brownsville, to 240 months in federal prison.
In handing down the sentences, Judge Rodriguez noted the serious nature of the meth trafficking. He also recognized Flores and Rodriguez’s role in providing the drugs from Mexico to Garza who sold it to his buyers in Louisiana for profit. The court also ordered a $100,000 money judgment against Garza and a $30,000 money judgement for Flores as forfeiture of the proceeds they earned from illegally selling the methamphetamine.
In 2016, Garza bought approximately two kilograms of “ice” from Flores and enlisted Rodriguez to find a drug “mule” to get the meth load to Louisiana. Rodriguez recruited a young female from Brownsville to carry the drugs. Law enforcement intercepted the woman carrying the methamphetamine at a motel in Houston after bad weather kept the drug load from being carried all the way to Louisiana.
The investigation revealed Garza had purchased meth from Flores and Rodriguez numerous times. Flores and Rodriguez had a source of supply in Mexico for the drugs. Garza also sold crack cocaine locally in Brownsville and had shipped powdered cocaine to customers throughout the Southeastern United States.
All three have been and will remain in custody awaiting their transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI conducted the joint Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Betancourt prosecuted the case.
Mexican national ordered to prison in child pornography caseRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 34-year-old Mexican citizen has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of possessing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Gustavo Eduardo Diaz-Vasquez pleaded guilty Oct. 2, 2018.
Today, U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. ordered him to serve 72 months in federal prison. Diaz-Vasquez was further ordered to pay $9,000 in restitution to six known victims and will serve 10 years of 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. At the hearing, the court read excerpts of several victim impact statements detailing how this is clearly not a victimless crime.
On or about Feb. 10, 2018, Diaz-Vasquez was attempting to enter the United States through the Veteran’s Port of Entry in Brownsville when authorities conducted a search of his cell phone. At that time, they discovered Diaz-Vasquez was in possession of child pornography on his cell phone.
A forensic analysis later revealed approximately 142 images and 346 videos of child pornography.
He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations - Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Task Force conducted the investigation
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Corley and Ana C. Cano are prosecuting the case which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources.”
Mexican man gets more than 10 years in meth schemeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 54-year Mexican citizen who illegally resided in Houston has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute meth, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Salvador Naranjo-Sosa pleaded guilty April 25.
Today, U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett ordered he serve a 126-month term of imprisonment. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face deportation proceedings following his sentence.
The investigation began in November 2016 when authorities had learned narcotics were being stored in a house on Berry road in Houston. There, they made contact with Naranjo-Sosa, who was the only person present.
Authorities soon observed what appeared to be crystal meth.
Naranjo-Sosa admitted he was being paid to “watch over” the narcotics.
An analysis later determined the substance was meth with a purity level of 92%, making it “Ice.” The drugs weighed a total of 6.56 kilograms and had an estimated street value of $420,000.
Naranjo-Sosa has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration led the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart A. Burns is prosecuting the case.
Former mayor pro tem admits to child pornography chargesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 68-year-old resident of Seabrook has entered a guilty plea to receipt and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Ocal John Miller is a former law enforcement officer, having served as chief of police in Martinsville, West Virginia; and city councilman and mayor pro tem for Seabrook.
Miller came to the attention of law enforcement in June 2016 when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) sent multiple cybertips to the Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
The investigation revealed Miller was using Skype to receive and distribute child pornography images to others via the internet. Miller also used Dropbox and Kik Messenger to obtain and store child pornography. Based on information gathered during the investigation, authorities executed a federal search warrant for Miller’s home in Seabrook March 30, 2017. At that time, they seized a computer, iPhone and several digital storage devices. Forensic examination resulted in the discovery of more than 1,300 images and 1,000 videos containing child pornography.
U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett accepted the plea today and set sentencing for Dec. 12. At that time, Miller faces a minimum of five and up to 20 years for receipt as well as a maximum of 10 years for possessing it. Miller will also have to register as a sex offender and abide by special conditions limiting his use of the internet and interactions with persons under the age of 18. He also faces up to a $250,000 fine.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and police departments in Webster and Pearland conducted the investigation as part of the Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherri L. Zack is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood(PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.
Two men admit to selling cocaine in Home Depot parking lotRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A local man and a Mexican national have pleaded guilty for their involvement in a conspiracy to distribute 42.5 kilograms of cocaine in the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Frederico Hernandez, 26, Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, and Miguel Angel Cruz-Recio, 41, Laredo, admitted that on June 7, they conducted a drug transaction in a Laredo Home Depot parking lot involving 5.5 kilograms of cocaine.
Hernandez has left the scene but authorities attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle Cruz-Recio was driving. That ultimately led to a brief police chase that ended as he crashed his vehicle into a telephone pole. He attempted to flee on foot, but was soon captured.
Authorities later discovered an additional 37 kilograms of cocaine and a handgun at his residence.
Law enforcement later apprehended Hernandez as he attempted to apply for entry into Laredo from Mexico at the Gateway to the Americas Bridge.
U.S. District Court Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo accepted the plea today and set sentencing for Feb. 3, 2020. At that time, both men face up to life in prison.
They have been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Laredo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Harrison is prosecuting the case.
Nearly a dozen drug traffickers off the streets and headed to prisonRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas - A total of 12 area drug traffickers and money launderers have received their sentences following their convictions related to a drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
All had previously pleaded guilty for their varying roles in the scheme. U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo imposed the sentences over the course of the last three days.
Today, Judge Marmolejo ordered Elias Medina Ugarte, 27, Austin, to serve 120 months in federal prison for coordinating the receipt and distribution of marijuana.
Earlier this week, Laredoans Federico Hernandez, 36, Juan Ciprian Ruiz, 41, Peter Moreno, 26, Joe Alfredo Fuentes, 35, and Janie Guadalupe Lucio, 41, were ordered to serve 70, 60, 60, 50 and 16 months, respectively, while Marisa Guadalupe Deleon, 40, received a probated sentence with six months home confinement. Moreno had been on supervised release for an unrelated alien smuggling charge and received an additional 12 months for the revocation of that term, six of which are to be served consecutively to his other sentence.
Mexican nationals Leodan Martinez, 35, and Pedro Lomeli, 34, were ordered to serve a total of 36 and 120 months in federal prison and are expected to face deportation proceedings following their sentences.
David Gonzalez, 37, received an 18-month term of imprisonment after the court denied his purported acceptance of responsibility, finding he had tested positive for cocaine use while on bond.
Finally, Leticia Rocha Pruneda, 60, and her daughter Ruby Pruneda, 34, both also from Laredo, received three years of probation and 18 months in prison, respectively. The daughter had recruited her mother to launder drug proceeds.
As part of their respective sentences, most of the defendants received a money judgment or forfeiture in varying amounts up to $40,000.
The co-conspirators engaged in a conspiracy to distribute marijuana by means of tractor-trailers and other vehicles and used various U.S. bank accounts to transfer drug proceeds from distribution cities to Laredo. They were able to launder the drug proceeds by investing in businesses, real estate and vehicles in a manner to conceal and disguise the nature, ownership, control and source of their illicit funds.
The Prunedas spent more than $10,000 in drug proceeds or conducted transactions in a manner to conceal or disguise the source of drug proceeds. Gonzalez, Hernandez and Moreno acted as couriers willing to transport narcotics from Laredo to Austin, Dallas and elsewhere, while Lomeli and Ruiz were stash house operators in Laredo. The others assisted in scouting or transporting narcotics and/or drug proceeds.
With exception of Fuentes, Pruneda and Lucio, the defendants will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The organizers or leaders of the organization are scheduled for sentencing later this year.
Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted long-term Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation dubbed Platinum Plus.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Graciela Lindberg is prosecuting the case.
Mexican man admits smuggling large amount of cocaine across US borderRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 48-year-old Mexican national has admitted to importing 12 kilograms of cocaine via the Gateway to the Americas International Bridge in Laredo, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
On June 29, Pedro Moreno-Garcia applied for admission into the country driving a 2010 pickup truck. During the x-ray inspection, officers noticed anomalies within the vehicle’s side door pillars. Immediately thereafter, a service detection dog alerted to the vehicle. Law enforcement then searched the truck and discovered 12 bundles of cocaine wrapped in black tape.
The drugs weighed a total of 12 kilograms with a value of $384,000.
Today, Moreno-Garcia pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, admitting he knew there were narcotics in his vehicle and expected to be paid for transporting them.
U.S. District Court Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing at a later date, yet to be determined. At that time, Moreno-Garcia faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life imprisonment as well as a possible $10 million maximum fine. He has been in custody since his arrests he will remain pending that hearing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony J. Evans is prosecuting
Woman pleads to smuggling meth in baby formula containersRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 59-year-old U.S. citizen who resided in Mexico has admitted she possessed with intent to distribute nearly two kilograms of meth, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan Patrick.
Sharon Elaine Horne now faces up to life in prison.
On March 29, Horne attempted to enter the United States via the pedestrian lane at the Gateway International Port of Entry in Brownsville. A search of her belongings revealed two canisters of powdered baby formula. The seals appeared to have been removed and then re-glued.
The investigation revealed a total of 3.9 pounds of crystal meth concealed in bags and hidden underneath the baby formula.
At the time of her plea today, she admitted she picked up the two containers in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, with instructions to walk them across the bridge into the United States.
U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera will impose sentencing Jan. 8, 2020. At that time, Horne faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
She 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 Nikki Piquette is prosecuting the case.
Two face life in prison for bringing drugs into USRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – Two men are set to appear in federal court to answer separate, but similar charges for allegedly trying to smuggle drugs into the country, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Alondra Pliego, 21, Houston, and Mexican citizen Jose Antonio Garza Gutierrez, 28, Vallecillo, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, were both originally charged by criminal complaints. A federal grand jury returned the indictments Sept. 24 for conspiracy to import methamphetamine and cocaine, respectively. They are expected to appear for their respective arraignments today at 1 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sam Sheldon.
On Aug. 29, 2019, Pliego attempted to enter the United States through the Colombia Solidarity International Bridge Port of Entry in Laredo driving a Chrysler sport utility vehicle.
The charges allege that during inspection, authorities conducted an x-ray examination of the vehicle which revealed anomalies within the rear area. A k-9 inspection allegedly alerted the possible presence of narcotics. Authorities then soon discovered a non-factory compartment within the rear cargo floor area concealing 65 packages, according to the charges. The white crystal-like substance allegedly field-tested positive for methamphetamine and had a total weight of approximately 66.95 kilograms.
In the other case, Gutierrez allegedly drove a semi-truck and trailer combination through the World Trade Bridge Port of Entry in Laredo on Sept. 3, 2019. During inspection, authorities noticed an unusual hidden compartment in the sleeper area of the vehicle, according to the charges. Soon after, the charges allege they discovered 14 tightly wrapped bundles containing more than 16.94 kilograms of cocaine.
If convicted, both face a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison as well as a possible $10 million maximum fine.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted both investigations with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandon Scott Bowling and Paul A. Harrison are prosecuting the Pliego and Gutierrez cases, respectively.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.Mexican national heads to prison for 25 kilogram meth conspiracyRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 29-year-old resident of Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico, has been ordered to prison for conspiracy with intent to distribute meth, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Fernando Garcia-Leal pleaded guilty July 3.
Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo imposed a 72-month term of imprisonment. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following the sentence. The court further ordered he not return to the U.S. illegally.
On March 23, Garcia-Leal applied for entry into the United States at the Juarez-Lincoln Bridge in Laredo driving a gray 2007 Jeep Commander. At inspection, an x-ray of the vehicle revealed anomalies within all four tires. A K-9 also alerted to possible narcotics.
Authorities ultimately found a total of 34 packages wrapped in black tape. All tested positive for meth and weighed approximately 25.46 kilograms.
Garcia-Leal initially denied knowledge of the narcotics, claiming he had purchased the vehicle approximately three weeks prior and was traveling to Houston to have maintenance work performed on it. He further added that he had purchased the vehicle from his wife’s relative who was in a drug cartel. He thought it might contain drugs, but was afraid to ask.
He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Bukiewicz is prosecuting the case.
Mexican man admits role in conspiracy to import nearly 3K pounds of marijuanaRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 51-year-old citizen from Tamaulipas, Mexico, now faces up to life in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy and importation of marijuana into the country, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Benjamin Gil Aguilera pleaded guilty today in federal court.
On Aug. 1, he arrived at the World Trade International Bridge in Laredo driving a semi-truck and trailer. During the inspection, a service canine alerted to the vehicle’s trailer where authorities observed anomalies within the doors. A search of the trailer yielded 2,949 pounds of tightly wrapped bundles of marijuana.
The drugs weighed a total of 1,338 kilograms with a value of $56ayer0,000.
He has been and will remain in custody pending his sentencing, to be set at a later date before U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña. At that time, Gil Aguilera faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison as well as 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 assistance from Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Harrison is prosecuting the case.
Georgia drug smuggler confesses to importing 88 kilos of methRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 21-year-old woman from Brunswick, Georgia, now faces up to life in prison after pleading guilty to conspiring to import a large quantity of meth into the country, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Lidia Maria Nandi Bibiano pleaded guilty today in federal court.
On June 28, 2019, she arrived in Laredo at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge driving a Dodge Caravan. During inspection, law enforcement discovered 93 bundles of meth hidden inside a modified compartment in the vehicle’s floor.
The drugs weighed a total of 88.40 kilograms with an approximate value of more than $500,000.
Bibiano has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing, which will be set at a later before U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana. At that time, Bibiano faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison as well as a possible $10 million maximum fine.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Day is prosecuting the case.
Veteran’s widow charged with defrauding VARead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 49-year-old resident of Katy has been indicted for defrauding the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) of more than $600,000, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Tammy Wilson made her initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy Johnson.
A federal grand jury returned the three-count indictment Sept. 19, alleging she committed one count each of mail fraud, health care fraud and making a false statement relating to health care matters. She is set for trial before Chief U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal.
According to the charges, Wilson is a widow of military veteran. Her husband allegedly died of service related injuries, after which she was eligible to participate in the Civilian Health and Mental Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) Program. CHAMPVA is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, and is a comprehensive health care program in which the VA reimburses for eligible out-of-pocket prescription expenses, according to the indictment.
From 2013 through 2017, Wilson allegedly submitted falsified prescription summaries to the CHAMPVA Program. In the scheme, according to the charges, Wilson claimed to have paid for hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of prescription medications. The VA then allegedly paid Wilson more than $640,000 for those claims. However, the indictment alleges the pharmacies never dispensed the prescriptions as she had claimed.
During the course of the scheme, Wilson was the biggest recipient of CHAMPVA funds in the world, according to the charges.
If convicted, Wilson faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
The VA - Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heyward Carter is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct.
A defendant is presumed unless and until convicted through due process of law.Laredo woman admits to smuggling minor across US borderRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 27-year-old resident of Laredo has entered a guilty plea to federal charges stemming from her attempt to smuggle a Mexican national minor, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
On July 13, Rosa Elia Amaya applied for admission into the country from Mexico at the Lincoln Juarez Port of Entry accompanied by a minor male and her U.S. citizen daughter. She claimed to be the boy’s mother and presented authorities with a birth certificate as proof of citizenship.
Upon questioning, the minor boy remained silent as authorities asked for the location of his mother. The investigation subsequently confirmed the unaccompanied minor was not Amaya’s son.
Today, she admitted she had agreed to smuggle him into the U.S. in return for $1,500.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose a sentencing at a later date. At that time, Amaya faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. She was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Petters is prosecuting the case.
Woman admits to smuggling pure methRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 31-year-old Huntsville, Alabama, woman has entered a guilty plea to knowingly attempting to smuggle 20 pounds of pure meth, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
On June 21, 2019, Guadalupe Inostroza-Diaz drove a white Nissan Altima into the primary inspection area of the Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint near Falfurrias. An x-ray search of the vehicle revealed bundles of methamphetamine concealed within the walls of an ice chest located in the car’s trunk.
Laboratory analysis later confirmed the substance in the bundles was 100% pure meth totaling 12 kilograms with a value of more than $919,000.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales will impose sentencing Jan. 15, 2020. At that time, Inostroza-Diaz faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million fine.
She has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of BP. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert D. Thorpe Jr. and Julie K. Hampton prosecuted the case.
Former deputy constable to appear in court on drug and money laundering chargesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A former Harris County deputy constable and her husband have been charged with conspiring to possess heroin with the intent to distribute it as well as attempting to launder drug proceeds, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
A Houston grand jury returned the six-count indictment Sept. 18 against Betty Jean Molina, 56, and her husband Henry Molina, 59, both of Houston. They were taken into custody yesterday and are expected to make their initial appearances today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina A. Bryan at 10 a.m.
At the time of the offense, Jean Molina was a deputy constable with Harris County Precinct 5 Constable’s Office.
She and her husband are charged for their involvement in the laundering of what they believed was $500,000 in drug proceeds over a two-month-period.
The couple is charged with one count of conspiracy and another count of possession with the intent to distribute heroin for which they face a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison as well as a possible $10 million fine. If convicted of any of the four counts of money laundering, they also face a potential sentence of 20 years of federal imprisonment. Those counts also carry up to a $500,000 fine or twice the value of the property involved in the transaction.
The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Harris County Constable Precinct 5 and the FBI Houston Law Enforcement and Border Corruption Task Force, which includes the Houston Police Department’s Internal Affairs Proactive Unit and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Arthur R. Jones and Alamdar Hamdani 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.Former Employee Indicted for Nearly $10 Million Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 65-year-old Lubrizol Corporation employee has been taken into custody following the return of a 10-count indictment for wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
A federal grand jury returned the indictment under seal Sept. 17 against James Arthur Camp, of New Braunfels. Today, he is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan at 2 p.m.
The indictment alleges Camp was employed at Lubrizol Corporation in Deer Park, a provider of specialty chemicals for the transportation, industrial and consumer markets. While employed there, he allegedly defrauded the company of $9,256,712.54 from approximately April 1998 through November 2017.
In order to execute the scheme, Camp submitted fraudulent invoices for laboratory services from two companies he owned, knowing they had not actually been performed. He then allegedly caused Lubrizol to issue payments to those companies. The indictment further alleges he used the fraudulently - obtained payments for his own personal use and benefit.
If convicted, Camp faces up to 20 years imprisonment on each count as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Braddock is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.Texas District Judge Sentenced to PrisonRead the Press Release
A Texas state district judge has been sentenced to 60 months in federal prison following his multiple convictions of conspiracy, bribery and obstructing justice, 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.
A federal jury in Houston convicted Rodolfo “Rudy” Delgado, 66, of Edinburg, July 11, 2019, following a six-day trial of one count of conspiracy, three counts of federal program bribery, three counts of travel act bribery and one count of obstruction of justice.
Delgado was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett who also ordered Delgado to serve two years of supervised release.
Delgado was a justice in the 13th Court of Appeals for the State of Texas, having been elected in November 2018. He resigned from that position following his conviction.
Prior to that, he was previously the presiding judge for the 93rd District Court for the State of Texas, which has jurisdiction over Texas criminal and civil cases located within Hidalgo County. As a district judge, Delgado conspired with an attorney from January 2008 to November 2016 to accept bribes in exchange for favorable judicial consideration on criminal cases pending in his courtroom.
As part of the investigation, Delgado also accepted bribes on three separate occasions in exchange for agreeing to release three of the attorney’s clients on bond in cases pending before his court. The first two bribes totaled approximately $520 in cash and the third bribe - in January 2018 - totaled approximately $5,500.
After Delgado learned of the FBI’s investigation, he also attempted to obstruct justice by contacting the attorney and providing a false story about the payments.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Trial Attorney Peter M. Nothstein of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Arthur “Rob” Jones and Robert Guerra are prosecuting the case.
Judge Delgado heads to prisonRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A Texas state district judge has been ordered to federal prison following his multiple convictions of conspiracy, bribery and obstructing justice, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick and Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.
A federal jury in Houston convicted Rodolfo “Rudy” Delgado, 66, of Edinburg, July 11, following a six-day trial of one count of conspiracy, three counts of federal program bribery, three counts of travel act bribery and one count of obstruction of justice.
Today, U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett handed Delgado a 60-month sentence to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence and testimony that detailed the value of the bribery activities and its impact on South Texas. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that a corrupt judge, who abuses the trust the public placed in him to enrich himself, undermines the integrity of the entire criminal justice system and tears at the very fabric of our society.
“The sentencing of Delgado sends a strong message to any public official who chooses to serve him or herself rather than their community,” said Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs of the FBI’s San Antonio Division. “As this case illustrates, the FBI will tirelessly pursue those who betray the public trust. We can only hold corrupt officials accountable if people refuse to accept this behavior and are willing to cooperate and come forward with information.”
Delgado was a justice in the 13th Court of Appeals for the State of Texas, having been elected in November 2018. He resigned from that position following his conviction.
Prior to that, he was previously the presiding judge for the 93rd District Court for the State of Texas, which has jurisdiction over Texas criminal and civil cases located within Hidalgo County. As a district judge, Delgado conspired with an attorney from January 2008 to November 2016 to accept bribes in exchange for favorable judicial consideration on criminal cases pending in his courtroom.
As part of the investigation, Delgado also accepted bribes on three separate occasions in exchange for agreeing to release three of the attorney’s clients on bond in cases pending before his court. The first two bribes totaled approximately $520 in cash and the third bribe - in January 2018 - totaled approximately $5,500.
After Delgado learned of the FBI’s investigation, he also attempted to obstruct justice by contacting the attorney and providing a false story about the payments.
Previously released on bond, Delgado was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Arthur R. Jones and Robert Guerra are prosecuting the case along with Trial Attorney Peter Nothstein of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section.
Former Law Enforcement Officer Admits to ExtortionRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 32-year-old former La Feria deputy constable has entered a guilty plea to extortion under color of official right, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
At the time of the offense, Armando Gonzalez was a Precinct 5 deputy constable.
While serving as a deputy constable, he admitted he received a $50 Bass Pro Shop gift card in exchange for conducting a license plate check on a vehicle for someone he personally knew. Gonzalez also knew that individual had been involved in narcotics trafficking. Gonzalez spent the gift card a few days later.
According to the plea agreement, Gonzalez also committed another extortion act. Gonzalez admitted that on May 26, 2016, at the request of the same person, he caused another license plate check to occur on another car. On June 8, 2016, Gonzalez received $40 in cash in exchange for conducting that second check.
U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera will impose sentencing Dec. 18, 2019. At that time, Gonzalez faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Gonzalez was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.
The FBI, Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Cameron County District Attorney’s Office conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Operation dubbed Something About Maria. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jody Young and Oscar Ponce are prosecuting the case.
Texas Health Care Fraud and Opioid Takedown Results in Charges Against 58Read the Press Release
HOUSTON - The Justice Department has announced a coordinated health care fraud enforcement operation across the state of Texas involving charges against a total of 58 individuals, several of which are charged in Houston. They were allegedly involved in Medicare fraud schemes and networks of “pill mill” clinics resulting in $66 million in loss and 6.2 million pills. Of those charged, 16 were doctors or medical professionals, while 20 were charged for their role in diverting opioids.
The Health Care Fraud Unit of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section in conjunction with its Medicare Fraud Strike Force (MFSF) partners led the enforcement actions. The MFSF is a partnership among the Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney’s Offices, FBI, Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and Drug Enforcement Administration. In addition, the operation includes the participation of the Veterans Affairs – OIG and the Department of Labor (DOL), various other federal law enforcement agencies and Texas State Medicaid Fraud Control Units.
The charges announced today aggressively target schemes billing Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE (a health insurance program for members and veterans of the armed forces and their families), DOL - Office of Worker’s Compensation Programs and private insurance companies for medically unnecessary prescription drugs and compounded medications that often were never even purchased and/or distributed to beneficiaries. The charges also involve individuals contributing to the opioid epidemic, with a particular focus on medical professionals allegedly involved in the unlawful distribution of opioids and other prescription narcotics, a particular focus for the Department.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 115 Americans die every day of an opioid-related overdose.
Today’s arrests come three weeks after the Department announced that the Health Care Fraud Unit’s Houston Strike Force coordinated the filing of charges against dozens in a trafficking network responsible for diverting over 23 million oxycodone, hydrocodone and carisoprodol pills.
“Sadly, opioid proliferation is nothing new to Americans,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick of the Southern District of Texas. “What is new, is the reinforced fight being taken to dirty doctors and shady pharmacists. Texas may have four U.S. Attorneys, but we are focused on one health care mission: shutting down pills mills and rooting out corruption in health care. From Lufkin to Laredo and Dallas to Del Rio, one of us will shut these operations down.”
“Today’s charges highlight the amazing work being done by the Department’s Medicare Fraud Strike Force and our partners in Texas,” said Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “As we continue to dedicate resources to battle healthcare and opioid fraud schemes in Texas and elsewhere, we are shining an inescapable light on dirty doctors, clinic owners, pharmacists and others who may have long believed they could perpetrate their frauds behind closed doors.”
“These arrests across multiple investigations and jurisdictions is further proof that successful teamwork exemplifies Texas law enforcement,” said DEA Houston Special Agent in Charge Will R. Glaspy. “Today’s operation affirms both our commitment to targeting those individuals who illegally divert opioids in our communities, and our collective will to bring those individuals to justice.”
“Health care fraud undermines our country by driving up medical costs, wasting taxpayer dollars, and often harming patients,” said Special Agent in Charge C.J. Porter of HHS-OIG. “Today’s takedown shows that we are fighting hard to protect Medicare and Medicaid and the patients served by those programs. Working closely with our law enforcement partners, our agents are determined to ensure fraudsters pay for their crimes.”
“Today’s announcement demonstrates the close collaboration between the FBI and its law enforcement partners in North Texas,” said Special Agent in Charge Matthew J. DeSarno of the FBI’s Dallas Field Office. “The enormous economic damage caused by those who defraud crucial public health programs, as well as the ever-increasing loss of life caused by illicit and illegitimate pill schemes cannot be overstated. The public can rest assured the FBI will continue to make these investigations a top priority moving forward.”
Among those charged in the Southern District of Texas are:
Diana Hernandez, Kathy Hernandez, Hieu Troung R.P.H., Clint Randall, Prince White, Charles Walton and Cedric Milbrurn were charged for their alleged participation in a scheme to unlawfully distribute and dispense controlled substance without a legitimate medical purpose through S&S Pharmacy of Houston.
Franklin Nwabugwu R.P.H. was charged for their alleged participation in a scheme to unlawfully distribute and dispense controlled substance without a legitimate medical purpose through Golden Pharmacy of Houston.
Steven Inbody M.D. and Hoai-Huong Truong were charged for their alleged participation in a scheme to unlawfully distribute and dispense controlled substance without a legitimate medical purpose.
Ashley McCain, John Sims, Gregory Comer, Kesia Banks and Jacqueline Hill were charged for their alleged participation in a scheme to unlawfully distribute and dispense a controlled substance without a legitimate medical purpose through Continuous Medical Care and Rehabilitation.
Trial Attorneys Devon Helfmeyer and Catherine Wagner and Assistant Deputy Chief Aleza Remi, all of the Fraud Section, are prosecuting the respective cases.
Several others were also charged in the Northern District of Texas (NDTX), Eastern District of Texas (EDTX) and Eastern District of Texas (EDTX).
“Healthcare should revolve around patients’ well-being – not providers’ personal interests,” said NDTX U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox. “When medical professionals line their own pockets by submitting false insurance claims or prescribing unnecessary medications, equipment or treatments, it not only drains taxpayer coffers – but it makes healthcare more expensive for everyone else. We cannot allow the healthcare industry to become bloated by fraud.”
“Every dollar stolen from Medicare through fraud comes out of the pocket of taxpayers,” said EDTXU.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown of the “These are real costs that help drive up the cost of medical services for everyone. It is important that there be real consequences for those who cheat the system.”
“I am proud to fight healthcare fraud in Texas alongside Ryan Patrick, Erin Nealy Cox and Joe Brown,” said WDTX U.S. Attorney John Bash. “These crimes drive up the cost of health insurance, waste tax revenue and threaten the well-being of Texans.”
The Fraud Section leads the MFSF, which is part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. MFSF maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts. Since its inception in March 2007, MFSF has charged nearly 4,000 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $14 billion. In addition, HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.South Texan Lands in Prison After Trying to Smuggle Cocaine Through CheckpointRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 28-year-old Hidalgo drug smuggler has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of possession with the intent to distribute nearly two kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Josue Rivera pleaded guilty May 30, 2019.
Today, U.S. Senior District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos ordered Rivera to serve 60 months in prison to be immediately followed by four years of supervised release.
On Feb. 18, 2019, Rivera drove his vehicle into the primary inspection area of the Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint in Falfurrias. Immediately thereafter, a service K-9 alerted to the vehicle by pulling hard towards its direction.
Upon questioning, Rivera claimed to be on his way to work in the oil field. However, authorities noticed he actually did not have any work equipment with him.
They searched the vehicle and discovered 1.95 kilograms of cocaine wrapped in two bundles hidden inside the door of the vehicle. They immediately arrested him.
The estimated street value of the drugs was $179,200.
Rivera has been on bond and was ordered to surrender himself to the U.S. Marshal Service on a date to be determined in the near future for transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of BP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Dunn is prosecuting the case.
Two RGV Residents Order to Pay More Than $860,00 in RestitutionRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A durable medical equipment (DME) company owner and his biller have been sentenced for conspiring to submit fraudulent claims to Texas Medicaid, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Edinburg resident Everardo Villarreal, 46, of Edinburg, and his secretary and Medicaid biller, Delilah Rae Robles, 39, of Weslaco, pleaded guilty June 24, 2019, admitting they submitted false claims for DME that was never delivered to Medicaid beneficiaries.
Today, U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez imposed a 40-month sentence for Villarreal, while Robles was sentenced to time served plus six months home confinement. Both will also be ordered to serve three years of supervised release following their sentences and have been ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $869,693.92.
Villarreal was the owner and operator of now defunct Durable Medical Supply Depot of Elsa. From on or about April 2010 to on or about September 2014, he and Robles billed Texas Medicaid in excess of $1,500,000 for DME that was either never delivered or were only partially delivered to Medicaid beneficiaries. Both Villarreal and Robles purchased or arranged for the purchase of personal identification numbers of local Medicaid beneficiaries in order to submit the false and fraudulent claims.
Previously released on bond, both were permitted to remain on bond. Villarreal will voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Cynthia A. Villanueva and former Special AUSA Marian Swanberg prosecuted the case.
Texas Man Admits to Involvement in Transporting 76 AliensRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 42-year-old resident of San Antonio had pleaded guilty to conspiring to transport 76 undocumented aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
On June 11, 2019, Nelson Vargas-Torres attempted to drive a tractor-trailer through the Border Patrol checkpoint located at mile-marker 29 on Interstate Highway 35, north of Laredo. Authorities became suspicious when Vargas-Torres stated he was transporting plastics, when his bill of lading actually stated “clutch parts.” A trained K-9 subsequently alerted to the possible presence of concealed humans inside the locked trailer he was hauling. Law enforcement then used wire cutters to break the seal for the trailer and eventually rescued 76 undocumented aliens from Mexico, El Salvador and Honduras who were hidden inside.
Today, Vargas-Torres pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga to conspiracy to transport undocumented aliens.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Vargas-Torres faces up to 10 years imprisonment. Vargas-Torres has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Customs and Border Protection and Immigration 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 Sent to Prison for Armed Drug Trafficking in School ZoneRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 23-year-old Corpus Christi man has been ordered to federal prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking offense, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. A federal jury convicted Roman Valdez following a two-day trial and approximately one hour of deliberations May 21, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzalez Ramos handed Valdez a 12-month sentence for the drug charges. He also received an additional 60 months for the firearms offense which must be served consecutively for a total sentence of 72 months in federal prison. The sentence will be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
During the trial, the jury heard testimony from multiple law enforcement officers.
On Nov. 14, 2018, at approximately 3:00 p.m., they discovered Valdez passed out behind the wheel of his vehicle at a traffic light in front of Flour Bluff Elementary School as students were being released. When the officers opened the door to check on him, he became combative and began reaching around inside the vehicle. During the struggle, officers discovered a loaded handgun between the driver’s seat and the center console.
Law enforcement secured the firearm but Valdez continued to reach behind the driver’s seat. He was ultimately removed from the vehicle and taken into custody.
When officers searched his vehicle, they discovered multiple bags of white powder, a black tar substance, a bag of synthetic cannabinoids, assorted prescription pills, small bags, a digital scale and a second loaded handgun in the back seat.
The controlled substances were sent to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Laboratory. Testing confirmed the substances were cocaine, heroin and 5F-MDMB-PICA – a synthetic cannabinoid.
The defense attempted to convince the jury Valdez possessed the cocaine for personal use and the firearms were not related to any of the drugs. They did not believe those claims and found him guilty as charged.
Synthetic cannabinoids are chemical compounds that mimic the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. These chemical compounds can be applied to carrier mediums such as plant material and ingested using rolling papers, pipes, vaporizers or otherwise taken orally. Synthetic cannabinoids are usually sold in small, foil or plastic bags containing dried leaves (resembling potpourri) and is marketed as incense that can be smoked. It is commonly sold and known on the street as synthetic marijuana, fake weed, legal and by its popular brand names such as Spice, K2, Kush, Klimaxx and many others.
In custody since his arrest, Valdez will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Corpus Christi Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lance Watt and Joel Dunn are prosecuting the case.
20-Year Illegal Resident Sentenced for Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 52-year-old illegal alien who resided in Corpus Christi been sentenced to federal prison for possessing more than 10 thousand child pornography images, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Baldemar Cardenas-Martinez pleaded guilty May 20, 2019.
Today, Senior U.S. District Judge John D. Rainey ordered Cardenas to serve a 63-month term of imprisonment. After his sentence, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet and register as a sex offender. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his sentence.
A Mexican citizen, Cardenas was originally granted a Visa which expired in 1997. He has been illegally present in the United States since that time.
The investigation began when authorities went online on a peer-to-peer network which catered to offenders sharing child pornography. Law enforcement was able to download multiple images from the device which belonged to Cardenas.
They conducted a search warrant, at which time they seized multiple electronic devices from the residence. A forensic examination of those devices revealed 10,673 child pornography files.
The Corpus Christi Police Department – Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany L. Jensen is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood - a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."
Young Serial Bank Robber Sent to PrisonRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 20-year-old resident of Wilmer has been ordered to federal prison for a significant amount of time after committing multiple bank robberies and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Markeist Daquon Reed pleaded guilty June 17, 2019, to a total of three counts of bank robbery involving three different banks and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
Today, Senior U.S. District Judge John Rainey handed Reed a 63-month sentence for the robberies. He also received an additional 84 months for the firearms charge which must be served consecutively to the other sentence imposed. The sentences will be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. In handing down the more than 12-year sentence, the court noted how people were put in significant danger as a result of Reed’s actions during each of the robberies.
The charges stem from a series of bank robberies that occurred Oct. 5, Oct. 19 and Oct. 25, 2018, at the BB&T Bank on Park Lane in Dallas, Value Bank Texas on South Staples in Corpus Christi and BBVA Compass Bank on Ayers Street in Corpus Christi, respectively.
In each instance, a male - later identified as Reed - entered the banks and approached an employee demanding money. During the last robbery, Reed carried with him and pointed an AK-47 style rifle as he demanded the money from the bank employee. Reed was later arrested during a traffic stop. At that time, law enforcement recovered the rifle and items linking him to the robberies.
Reed 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 police departments in Corpus Christi and Dallas conducted the investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Watt is prosecuting the case.
Undocumented Alien Ordered to Prison for Assaulting Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 39-year-old Mexican national has been sentenced for attacking a Border Patrol (BP) agent with a flashlight, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Melecio Lopez-Hernandez pleaded guilty April 30, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo handed Lopez-Hernandez a 70-month sentence. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face deportation proceedings following the sentence. At the hearing, the defense attempted to convince the court he thought the officer was a cow and was startled when he appeared. Judge Marmolejo was not persuaded. She further found the flashlight he used was a dangerous weapon under the law and noted Lopez-Hernandez had a clear intent to harm the agent based on the evidence.
Authorities arrested Lopez-Hernandez Feb. 7, 2019, after a BP agent encountered him walking through the brush south of Freer. He began to struggle as the agent attempted to detain him, during which time Lopez-Hernandez dislodged a flashlight that was clipped to the agent’s outer vest.
After verbally threatening him, Lopez-Hernandez then struck the agent in the head with the flashlight. The agent sustained injuries from the impact.
He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI and Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Day is prosecuting the case.
Texas Hospital Administrator Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Role in $16 Million Health Care Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A Houston, Texas-area hospital administrator was sentenced today for his role in a $16 million Medicare fraud scheme involving partial hospitalization programs.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Ryan Patrick of the Southern District of Texas, Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of the FBI’s Houston Field Office, Special Agent in Charge C.J. Porter of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) Dallas Region, and the Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) made the announcement.
Starsky Bomer, 46, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Vanessa Gilmore of the Southern District of Texas to 10 years in prison for his role in the scheme, and ordered the defendant to pay $6,277,575.77 in restitution and to forfeit $158,260. On Oct. 5, 2018, following a five-day trial before Judge Gilmore, Bomer was convicted of one count of conspiracy to receive health care kickbacks, two counts of violating the Anti-Kickback Statute, and one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud from a November 2017 superseding indictment.
According to evidence presented at trial, from 2011 until February 2013, Bomer and his co-conspirators engaged in a scheme to defraud Medicare by submitting to Medicare, through Atrium Medical Center (Atrium) and Pristine Healthcare (Pristine), approximately $16 million in false and fraudulent claims for partial hospitalization program (PHP) services. A PHP is a form of intensive outpatient treatment for severe mental illness.
The evidence presented at trial showed that Bomer, the hospitals’ chief financial officer and chief operating officer, orchestrated a scheme by which he and others paid illegal bribes and kickbacks to group home owners and patient recruiters in exchange for sending Medicare patients to Atrium and Pristine’s PHPs. Bomer disguised bribes and kickbacks as salary payments and transportation payments to group home owners in exchange for patient referrals. In addition, evidence presented at trial showed that Bomer knew that many of the patients admitted to Atrium and Pristine’s PHPs did not qualify for and were never provided legitimate partial hospital services.
This case was investigated by the FBI, HHS-OIG and the Texas Attorney General’s MFCU. Assistant Chief Aleza Remis and Trial Attorneys Jason Knutson and Gerald M. Moody, Jr. of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section prosecuted the case.
The Medicare Fraud Strike Force is part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. Since its inception in March 2007, the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts, has charged nearly 4,000 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $14 billion. In addition, the HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.
Federal Charges Filed Against Greenpeace ProtestersRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A total of 22 people from 13 states plus the District of Columbia will soon have to appear before a federal judge to answer charges following their alleged protest at the Fred Hartman Bridge in Houston, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
The criminal information, filed today, charges each with one count of aiding and abetting obstruction of navigable waters. They are currently in state custody on related charges but are expected to make their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Palermo at 12:00 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14.
“I commend the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) for their professionalism,” said Patrick. “This was a unique situation that required hours of preparation and execution to bring to a close. Rather than peacefully protesting, these defendants are charged with a crime that put lives at risk.”
The charges allege each aided and abetted each other and others known and unknown to unlawfully obstruct the navigable capacity of the waters of the United States. Specifically, the information alleges they obstructed the waterway by rappelling off and suspending themselves from the Fred Hartman Bridge over the San Jacinto River. Their actions caused a disruption and affected vessel traffic within the Houston Ship Channel - to and from the Port of Houston, according to the allegations.
Those charged in federal court include California residents Zeph Fishlyn, 52, Tamura R. Seiji, 29, and Richard A. Sisney, 32, all of Oakland, and Cole Asher Taylor-Martin, 35, of Fullerton; Missouri residents Jayden Allen, 20, of Warrensburg, and Dakota P. Schee, 25, of Kansas City; Jonathan Butler, 29, and Tracye Redd, 28, both of Washington, DC; Washington State residents Ryan Harris, 41, of Olympia, and Piper Werle, 29, of Port Orchard; New York women Brianna Gibson, 28, of Brooklyn, and Kim Irene, 26, of Jerico; Colorado residents Julie A. McElvain, 36, of Steamboat Springs, and Cheloee Price, 23, of Denver; as well as Christan Bufforu, 32, of Ellerwood, Georgia; Sydney Clifford, 21, of Portland, Oregon; Heather Doyle, 35, of Albequrque, New Mexico; Michael Herbert, 36, Hyattsville, Maryland; Tyler N. McFarland, 27, of Dover, New Hampshire; Sarah Newman, 42, of Lexington, Kentucky; Heidi Nybroten, 26, of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Shevone Torres, 39, of Pennsauken, New Jersey.
If convicted of the misdemeanor charges, each faces up to a year in federal prison and a possible $2,500 fine.
HCSO led the investigation and arrests with the participation and assistance of Harris County Precinct 8 Constables’ Office, U.S. Coast Guard, Houston Police Department, FBI, Texas Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration and fire departments in Houston and Baytown. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark McIntyre is prosecuting the case.
An information is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.South Texas Woman Sent to Prison for Attempting to Smuggle Meth Through CheckpointRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 44-year-old Lyford woman has been sentenced for possessing with the intent to distribute more than 26 kilograms of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Jacqueline Barrera pleaded guilty June 19, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge David S. Morales handed her a 120-month sentence to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, Judge Morales noted the seriousness of the offense and the potential sentence.
On April 17, 2019, Barrera drove a white Mitsubishi Lancer into the primary inspection area of the Border Patrol Checkpoint located near Sarita. A search of the vehicle revealed bundles of methamphetamine concealed within speaker boxes in the trunk of the car.
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.
This Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. Thorpe Jr. is prosecuting the case.
Local Man Convicted of Possessing KushRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 53-year-old Houston man has admitted he possessed 2.57 lbs of synthetic cannabinoids aka “kush” and to being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Authorities conducted surveillance at Jeffery Alan Foster’s residence on Truxillo Street after he had sold several batches of the illegal substances. The investigation resulted in the execution of a search warrant at that location July 10, 2018. Foster had left this residence, but authorities stopped him for traffic violations, after which he agreed to return to his home.
During the search, law enforcement found synthetic cannabinoids and more than $800 in a backpack. They also found computers, cell phones, a digital scale $4,232, two boxes of ammunition, two firearms as well as a black fire safe containing four large bags of loose kush which totaled 1166.06 grams (2.57 pounds).
Foster admitted he possessed and had been distributing synthetic cannabinoids for human consumption for approximately seven years. He further acknowledged he knew it was illegal to do so.
Foster has prior convictions of cocaine possession and theft. As a convicted felon, Foster is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition per federal law.
U.S. District Judge Sim Lake accepted the plea today and set sentencing for Dec. 5, 2019. At that time, Foster faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $1 million maximum fine for the drug conviction and a maximum of 10 years and a $250,000 possible fine for the firearms conviction.
Foster was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Houston Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Porto prosecuted the case.
Second Person Admits to Defrauding Dr. Pepper of over $1 MillionRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 53-year-old Houston man has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud for his participation in a scheme to defraud Dr. Pepper Snapple Group Inc. (DPSG), announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Joseph A. Isaac admitted to participating in the scheme with Anna Maria Sites, 42, of Friendswood, from 2010 through Feb. 17, 2015, by not paying rebates to those who had requested them.
Isaac was the majority shareholder of FulFill Plus Inc., which administered the DPSG rebate campaigns. The rebates included returned bottle caps or for switching to DPSG brand drinks in restaurant/convenience store soda dispensers. DPSG paid FulFill to administer those campaigns.
Isaac admitted the fraud caused a loss to DPSG of $1,058,445.
U.S. District Judge Gray Miller will impose sentencing Dec. 4, 2019. At that time. Isaac faces up to five years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Braddock is prosecuting the case.
Jury Convicts South Texas Man for Transporting Illegal Undocumented Chinese Nationals Among OthersRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A federal jury has convicted a 49-year-old legal permanent resident from Donna for knowingly and intentionally conspiring to unlawfully transporting undocumented illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. The jury deliberated for approximately one hour before convicting Federico Espinosa-Flores following a two-day trial.
During trial the jury heard that on Dec. 21, 2018, authorities arrested Federico Espinosa-Flores at the Border Patrol Checkpoint in Sarita.
At approximately 7:40 A.M., Espinosa-Flores drove a white Ford cargo van disguised as an adult daycare business and entered the primary inspection lane. At that time, authorities noticed him exhibiting signs of nervousness, such as avoiding eye contact and having trembling hands. Espinosa-Flores consented to a search of which resulted in the discovery of 10 undocumented aliens in the rear cargo area of the vehicle. Six were Chinese nationals. Two others were from
The defense attempted to convince the jury that authorities coached him on what to say in his recorded and detailed confession. They did not believe those claims and found him guilty as charged.
Senior U.S. District Judge John Rainey presided over the trial and set sentencing for Dec. 16, 2019. At that time, Espinosa-Flores faces up to 10 years imprisonment and a maximum $250,000 possible fine.
Previously released on bond, Espinosa-Flores was taken into custody following the verdict today where he will remain pending his sentencing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neel Kapur is prosecuting the case.