Southern District of Texas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Mexican Foreign National Convicted of Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A federal jury sitting in Houston has convicted a 34-year-old man for conspiracy and methamphetamine smuggling, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. The jury deliberated for less than three hours following a three-day trial before convicting Rogelio Rivera Benito aka Mecanico, who illegally resided in Houston, for the conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The jury heard testimony from co-defendant Mexican national Genaro Pavon Pena that Benito operated stash houses in Houston between July 2016 and late 2017. The stash houses were used to produce methamphetamine for distribution in Houston, and Benito and Pena had discussed the movement of methamphetamine and cash proceeds. The jury also heard from law enforcement officers regarding search warrants and seizures of more than 130 kilograms of methamphetamine between November 2016 and February 2018.
Benito removed gasoline tanks from vehicles coming from Mexico to extract liquid methamphetamine which was later processed into crystalized methamphetamine for distribution. Authorities seized 27 kilograms of methamphetamine April 4, 2017, which was directly tied to a stash house belonging to Pena. Testimony demonstrated that Benito delivered at least 25 kilos of methamphetamine he produced at his residence to the Pena residence before the seizure. Pena testified that the organization moved at least 500 kilograms of methamphetamine during the course of the conspiracy.
The defense argued that authorities did not seize drugs directly from Benito and that Pena falsely testified in order to receive a lesser sentence for his previous conviction. The jury was not convinced and convicted Benito as charged.
U.S. District Judge David Hittner presided over trial and set sentencing for Dec. 6, 2019. He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Pena, 32, and Edwin Sanchez-Villa, 27, of Houston, previously pleaded guilty for their roles in the conspiracy and are set for sentencing Nov. 5 and 20, 2019, respectively. All three men face a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. U.S. Attorneys Edward Gallagher and Abe Martinez are prosecuting the case.
Meth Lab, False Statements and Illegal Re-Entry Indictments ReturnedRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A Laredo federal grand jury has returned several unrelated indictments, four of which involved a methamphetamine conversion lab, illegal firearms purchases and two habitual illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Isidro Gonzalez, 44, Ismael Espinoza-Martinez, 37, Jesus Sanchez-Rico, 42, and Heriberto Castro-Escamilla, 45, were all originally charged by criminal complaint and have remained in custody. Today, a Laredo grand jury returned seven, one, one and seven-count indictments, respectively. They are all expected for their arraignments before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga in the near future.
Gonzalez is a legal permanent resident who resided in Dallas and is charged with importing more than 43 kilograms of methamphetamine and having a conversion lab found in a family home.
The indictment alleges that on July 30, 2019, federal agents searched his family home in Dallas, at which time, they allegedly found a liquid methamphetamine conversion lab, two kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, 13.5 kilograms of liquid methamphetamine and conversion equipment. They also discovered a box of empty bottles in his daughter’s bedroom closet that tested positive for methamphetamine residue, according to the charges.
The liquid methamphetamine was allegedly transported from Mexico via bus lines and couriers through Laredo, to the Dallas residence where he converted it into crystal methamphetamine.
If convicted, he faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
The two separate, but similar indictments against Mexican citizens Espinoza-Martinez and Sanchez-Rico allege they illegally re-entered the country on multiple occasions. According to the charges, Espinoza-Martinez was removed from the U.S. a total of six times - March 26, 2004, Sept. 19, 2006, March 4, 2008, Feb. 25, 2012, March 24, 2015, and Aug. 3, 2018. The 2015 removal followed his conviction for driving while intoxicated, according to court records. Nevertheless, he allegedly returned to the U.S. without authorization near Hebbronville once again Aug. 25, 2019.
Authorities apprehended Sanchez-Rico near Laredo for illegally re-entering the country Aug. 24, 2019, according to his charges. He had allegedly been removed July 21, 2009, March 10, 2010, and March 18, 2019. The final removal date was subsequent to a felony conviction for aggravated stalking.
If convicted, both men face up to 20 years in prison and a maximum $250,000 possible fine.
Castro-Escamilla is a U.S. citizen who had lived in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, for 34 years. He is charged for his role in aiding and abetting others and for making a false statement in connection with the purchase of firearms. According to the criminal complaint, he purchased five AR-15 type semi-automatic rifles over the course of three months beginning March 27, 2019. On the federal form required for the purchases, he claimed the weapons were for himself when, in fact, they were allegedly going to Mexico, according to the charges.
If convicted, Castro-Escamilla faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) conducted the Gonzalez investigation with the assistance of the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office. Border Patrol and HSI conducted the illegal re-entry investigations, while the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives handled the Castro-Escamilla investigation with the assistance of HSI, Border Enforcement Security Task Force and Laredo Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Mary McAuliffe is prosecuting the methamphetamine and firearms cases, while AUSA Adam Harper is handling the illegal re-entry matters.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until convicted through due process of law.Kitchen Supervisor Pleads Guilty to Actions Related to Prohibited Relationship with Federal InmateRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas - A 51-year-old Laredo resident has admitted she made a false statement and provided contraband in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Oralia Aparicio pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement and one count of providing contraband to a prison inmate.
Aparicio was employed by GEO Group Inc. as a Kitchen Supervisor at the Rio Grande Detention Center in Laredo. GEO is a Florida-based company that contracts with the Office of the Federal Detention Trustee to operate private corrections facilities.
In early November 2018, Aparicio began engaging in a prohibited romantic relationship with an inmate, including consensual sexual encounters in the warehouse and cleaning utility room of the Rio Grande Detention Center. In January 2019, Aparicio engaged in prohibited favoritism by providing the inmate with contraband nude photographs of herself which Aparicio snuck into the facility in an eyeglass case. At approximately the same time, she also began knowingly providing the inmate with other contraband, including food, an unidentified over-the-counter cold medicine (Xtra), Amoxicillin and a Vicks nasal inhaler.
Aparicio also provided the inmate with weekly to biweekly commissary deposits of up to $30. In order to conceal her prohibited relationship from officials, Aparicio intentionally submitted a fictitious name when making commissary deposits in the inmate’s account from Oct. 25, 2018, to Jan. 15, 2019.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing Jan. 27, 2020. At that time, Aparico faces up to five years imprisonment as well as a $250,000 maximum possible fine.
The FBI and Department of Justice - Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sebastian Edwards prosecuted this case.
South Texas Man Sentenced for Smuggling More Than 30 pounds of DrugsRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 45-year-old Brownsville man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of possession with the intent to distribute more than a kilogram of methamphetamine and 15 kilograms of marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Arturo David Aguilar pleaded guilty May 30, 2019.
Today, US. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos ordered Aguilar to serve 120 months in prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. On supervised release for a previous methamphetamine conviction, the court revoked the remainder of that term and ordered he serve an additional six months to be served concurrently.
In handing down the sentence, the court noted Aguilar had just been released from prison when he committed this new offense. On April 6, 2019, Aguilar approached the Falfurrias checkpoint in a Greyhound bus traveling northbound on Interstate Highway 281. The bus was referred to secondary inspection where a K-9 alerted to a black suitcase that belonged to Aguilar. The suitcase contained multiple bundles of methamphetamine and marijuana.
Authorities ultimately discovered a total of 15 kilograms of marijuana and 1.28 kilograms of methamphetamine, respectively. The drugs have an estimated street value of $100,000.
Aguilar will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of BP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Neel Kapur is prosecuting the case.
Mission Family Practitioner Pays $2 Million to Resolve AllegationsRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A South Texas doctor has agreed to pay the United States $2,133,959.30 to resolve allegations he fraudulently submitted claims to the Medicare program for medically unnecessary diagnostic tests, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
“This settlement reflects our continued resolve to protect the Medicare program from exploitation,” said Patrick. “We will vigorously pursue providers who subject vulnerable patients to medically unnecessary and wasteful services in order to boost their profits and will not hesitate to bring enforcement actions when necessary.”
Dr. Augusto Castrillon is a family physician who, until recently, owned and operated the Castrillon Family Clinic in Mission.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) conducted a proactive review of claims data and determined Castrillon to be a significant statistical outlier for various metrics. He appeared to be ordering an excessive number of diagnostic tests – many of which were highly complicated and ones which only trained specialists such as neurologists or cardiologists typically order. Claims data also indicated these tests were ordered for patients on a recurring basis.
The settlement resolves allegations that, from June 2009 to June 2015, Castrillon violated the False Claims Act by submitting claims to Medicare for medically unnecessary transcranial doppler imaging studies, electromyography and nerve conduction studies and autonomic function testing.
The USAO jointly conducted the investigation with the Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brad Gray and Andrew Bobb handled the investigation and conducted settlement negotiations.
The claims resolved by this agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.
Last of 11 Convicted in Charges Stemming from Rap Video filmed at Lakewood ParkRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - A 31-year-old man has entered a guilty plea for his role in a felon in possession of firearms conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan Patrick.
Ivory Vershone Brown is the last of 11 to be convicted in the federal charges that resulted from a rap video filmed in Northeast Houston’s Lakewood Park March 28, 2018. During the video shoot, numerous criminal street gang members – all convicted felons - gathered in the park to film a music video promoting gangs in Houston all brandishing firearms on the basketball court.
Authorities received a 911 call reporting a group of suspicions people shooting a video with guns at the location and dispatched officers to the scene. As they arrived, the majority of the group fled the area. Law enforcement subsequently located eight loaded firearms abandoned at the park.
The music video was released May 20, 2018, via YouTube which WorldStarHipHop.com promoted. Authorities were able to identify each convicted felon and documented gang member who was in possession of firearms in the video. They compared each firearm recovered at the scene to the firearms the defendants held and identified similar characteristics of each.
The lead rapper in the music video - Warren Brown II aka NFL Cartel Bo, 20, of Houston, previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. Pleading guilty to the same charge were Kenneth Fontenot 22, Garrett Winn, 31, Devonte Haynes, 26, Joshua Amos, 31, Keithric Lewis, 31, Frenton Price, 33, and Marces Randolph, 30, all also of Houston.
Additionally, Roland Labome, 34, and Jerrell Grant, 37, entered their pleas to conspiracy to unlawfully possess firearms by a felon. They also reside in Houston.
U.S. District Judge Nancy Atlas accepted the final plea today. Brown’s sentencing has been set for Dec. 18, 2019. At that time, he faces up to five years in federal prison as do Labome and Grant. The remaining defendants face a maximum of 10 years imprisonment. In addition, all defendants could potentially be ordered to pay fines up to $250,000.
The remaining defendants are set for sentencing between Dec. 16-18, 2019.
With the exception of Winn, Amos, Price, Randolph and Labome, all have been and will remain in custody pending those hearings.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Houston Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Britni Cooper and Lisa Collins are prosecuting the case.
Federal Jury Convicts Two for Multiple Violent CrimesRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – Two men face up to life in prison following their convictions of drug crimes, carjacking, robbery and firearms offenses, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. The McAllen jury deliberated for five hours before convicting Mexican citizen Marin Macrin Cerda aka Filtro, 33, and Jose Miguel Montemayor aka aEl Mickey, 29, of Mission, late Friday. Sept. 6, 2019, following a seven-day trial.
Both were convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, conspiracy to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and a crime of violence, two counts of carjacking, four counts of Hobbs Act robberies, two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and/or a drug trafficking offense and three counts of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and/or a drug trafficking offense. Cerda was also convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana, an additional count of carjacking, an additional count of Hobbs Act robbery, two additional counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence or drug trafficking offense and one additional count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense or crime of violence in relation to events he participated in without Montemayor.
The investigation began after discovering a local rip crew was responsible for multiple carjackings and home invasions in Hidalgo County in order to steal controlled substances or drug proceeds.
Testimony revealed Cerda and other crew members utilized law enforcement officials to further their drug trafficking activities. Two of those included former Donna Independent School District police Officer Juan F. Mata, 40, of Donna, and former Hidalgo County Court at Law No. 6 bailiff Oscar De La Cruz, 53, of Pharr. Jurors heard Mata conducted fraudulent traffic stops in order to allow members of the organization to steal cocaine hidden in load vehicles. De La Cruz produced fictitious court paperwork or queried sensitive law enforcement and judicial databases the organization would provide to sources of supply in order to retain and steal controlled substances in their possession.
During trial, the jury heard about multiple crimes involving Cerda, Montemayor or both between 2016-2017.
Three of those crimes were carjackings in McAllen and Pharr involving both men in an attempt to steal cocaine. In the second and third instances, rip crew members discharged firearms at the vehicles in order to obtain the controlled substances.
Testimony further revealed Cerda and Montemayor were involved in an attempted robbery which resulted in a shoot-out in a McAllen neighborhood. Another crime involved a home invasion, during which the criminals entered the wrong residence seeking drugs and terrorizing a family, including a female who was eight months pregnant.
Cerda and Montemayor also served as scouts for a drug transaction involving more than 20 kilograms of cocaine Feb. 1, 2017, in McAllen.
Jurors heard that rip crew continued their activities when they also attempted to rob multiple kilograms of cocaine from a vehicle traveling through Mission and McAllen Feb. 27, 2017. Cerda and Montemayor discharged firearms at the targeted load vehicle in an attempt to steal the cocaine. Testimony revealed a bullet struck an occupant of the vehicle and required significant medical attention.
Cerda was further involved in the carjacking of a tractor trailer in rural Mission July 7, 2016, and a car chase and shootout Jan. 6, 2017. In the first instance, the rip crew threatened a family, including several juveniles, in order to steal a tractor trailer believed to conceal drug proceeds. During the car chase incident, the crew discharged firearms and rammed their vehicles into a vehicle before it ultimately crashed.
Jurors also heard testimony relating to a home invasion conducted in Mission April 3, 2017, when rip crew members, including Cerda, entered the residence of a suspected drug trafficker armed with firearms to steal more than $100,000 in drug proceeds.
The jury also heard that casings recovered from three of the crimes were fired from firearms recovered from Cerda’s vehicle.
The defense attempted to convince the jury that althought the crimes had been committed, co-conspirators fabricated Cerda’s and Montemayor’s involvement. They did not believe those claims and convicted both men as charged.
U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez presided over the trial and sent sentencing for Dec. 19, 2019. At that time, both men face up to 10 years for conspiracy to possess a firearm, a maximum of 15 years for each of the carjackings and 20 years on each of the robbery counts, a minimum of five and up to 40 years for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana as well a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison for the cocaine conspiracy.
In addition, they face a minimum of seven years and up to life for each of the brandishing firearms convictions and a 10-year minimum up to life for each of the discharging a firearms counts. The firearms sentences must be served consecutively to each other and to the other sentences imposed.
All in all, Montemayor faces a minimum of 54 years, while Cerda faces a minimum of 78 years to life in prison. Both face a maximum lifetime term of imprisonment.
They have been and will remain in custody pending their sentencing hearing.
To date, more than 25 co-conspirators have been convicted in connection with the investigation. Mata and De La Cruz also pleaded guilty and have been sentenced to 130 and 60 months, respectively.
The FBI Safe Streets Task Force and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with assistance from Border Patrol, U.S. Marshals Gulf Coast Regional Fugitive Task Force, Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Department of Public Safety’s Highway Patrol and Regional Crime Laboratories, Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office, Hidalgo County District Attorney’s Office and Police Departments in McAllen, Mission, Pharr and San Juan. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Roberto Lopez Jr. and K. Alejandra Andrade are prosecuting the case.
Final Defendant Gets Nearly 40 Years for Gruesome MS-13 MurderRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 23-year-old El Salvadorian citizen has been ordered to federal prison for his role in a horrific gang slaying – the murder of a teenager in the Sam Houston National Forest in 2013, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Jose Leonel Bonilla-Romero aka Jose Tupapa, who resided in Houston, pleaded guilty April 19, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein Jr. handed Bonilla-Romero a 460-month term of imprisonment and ordered him to pay $13,000 in restitution. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following the sentence. If that occurs, the court ordered he must remain outside the country unless lawfully allowed to return.
At the hearing, evidence established the crime was unusually heinous, cruel and degrading. The court also heard Bonilla-Romero’s conduct in detention was clearly inconsistent with acceptance of responsibility. He has continued his allegiance to the MS-13 gang and continued the use of gang signs.
The victim’s family also spoke today, mentioning how they took in Bonilla-Romero and let him share a room with the victim. They commented that they had given Bonilla-Romero support for two weeks, allowing him to share clothes with their son and giving him food. The victim’s father asked Bonilla-Romero to repent and accept God. As the judge pronounced the sentence, the victim’s mother wept in back of courtroom.
In handing down the lengthy prison term, Judge Werlein noted Bonilla-Romero was the victim’s friend. However, he supplied him with alcohol and coerced him to come to the federal land in Huntsville, knowing he was going to be killed. The court further noted Bonilla-Romero even struck the first blow. He took a metal baseball bat, concealing it from the victim, and then hid behind him, rushed him and hit him with such force that he fractured his skull.
At the time of his plea, Bonilla-Romero admitted to aiding and abetting two others in the murder of the 16-year-old victim Sept. 22, 2013.
Those others - Cristian Alexander Zamora aka Christian Zamora, Alex or Pollo, 28, and Ricardo Leonel Campos Lara aka La Muerte, 24, both also of El Salvador, who resided in Huntsville and Houston, respectively - previously pleaded guilty and are currently serving their federal prison sentences of 420 months each.
At the time of Bonilla-Romero’s hearing, the court heard that when officers found the mutilated victim’s body they observed gaping wounds on his knees and ankles with his head nearly severed from his body. The investigation led police to Zamora who ultimately confessed his role in the crime, implicating Romero and Lara. All three admitted to being members of the transnational MS-13 gang. They explained that a gang leader had ordered them to kill the victim, because he had supposedly cooperated with police in El Salvador, leading to the arrests of several MS-13 gang members.
After Bonilla-Romero struck the first blow, the other two butchered the victim’s body with machetes.
The medical examiner noted that the victim suffered deep cutting and chopping wounds, some all the way to the spinal cord with others causing partial decapitation.
Bonilla-Romero has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in near future.
The FBI, Houston Police Department, Texas Rangers, Walker County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Forest Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark E. Donnelly and Casey MacDonald prosecuted the case.
Three Men Indicted for Bank Robbery Inside Gallery FurnitureRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Three men are expected to make their appearances in federal court for aiding and abetting bank robbery and aiding and abetting brandishing a firearm in relation to robbing the Woodforest National Bank, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Originally charged by criminal complaint, a federal grand jury returned the two- count indictment Aug. 28, 2019, against Thaddeaues Williams, 21, Andre Palmer-Gilliams, 28, and Tydreic Sublet, 19, all of Houston. They are set to appear for their arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Palermo today at 10:00.
The charges allege Williams jumped the counter of the bank and took an unspecified amount of money. Palmer-Gilliams allegedly entered the Woodforest National Bank while brandishing a firearm and stole money from a customer who was using the ATM inside the bank. Sublet entered the bank, while also brandishing a firearm, pointing it at customers and tellers, according to the allegations. Sublet also allegedly disarmed the security guard and took his firearm before the three men exited the bank.
The security guard was able to get a make, model and first letter of the license plate of the get-away vehicle, and officers were quickly able to locate it, according to the charges. Officers commanded them to stop but Sublet, the driver, allegedly refused and a chase ensued. The charges allege the vehicle ultimately crashed into a ditch, at which time the three men proceeded to run on foot. Authorities caught them and located four firearms - one of which belonged to the security guard - and the money allegedly stolen from the bank, according to the allegations.
The Houston Police Department and FBI Violent Crime Task Force conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill Stotts is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until convicted through due process of law.Mexican National Charged with Importing Large Amount of MethRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 31-year-old Mexican man is set to appear in federal court following charges of importing 22 kilograms of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Oscar Emmanuel Villegas-Ipina was originally charged by criminal complaint July 31, 2019. A federal grand jury returned the two-count indictment Aug. 27, 2019, alleging conspiracy to import and importing methamphetamine into the United States.
Today, he is set to appear for his arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sam Sheldon at 1:00 p.m.
According to the charges, Villegas-Ipina approached the Lincoln Juarez Port of Entry in Laredo July 29, 2019, driving a 2008 Toyota Sienna with his wife and two children. He was sent to secondary examination where a positive K-9 alert and x-ray examination allegedly revealed anomalies within the backrest of the front and rear seats. A search of the seats resulted in a discovery of 21 bundles of methamphetamine weighing approximately 22.48 kilograms, according to the allegations.
If convicted, he faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anthony Garrie Brown 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.Houston Man Charged in First Known Case Since Bump Stock BanRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A federal grand jury has indicted a 43-year-old Houston man on four counts of firearms violations including possession of a machine gun, specifically, a bump stock, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
The four-count indictment, returned yesterday, alleges Ajay Dhingra possessed a machine gun, made two materially false statements in the acquisition of two firearms and unlawfully possessed a firearm after having been adjudicated as a mental defective or who had been committed to a mental institution.
Previously charged by criminal complaint, he made his initial appearance in federal court Aug., 19, 2019, at which time he was ordered into custody pending further criminal proceedings. He is expected to appear for his arraignment before U.S. District Judge Gray Miller Sept. 12, 2019, at 10:00 a.m.
According to court records, on or about Aug. 17, 2019, Dhingra called the George Bush Foundation and left a concerning message. Authorities discovered Dhingra had previously been committed to a mental institution, according to the allegations. As such, he is prohibited by federal law of possessing a firearm or ammunition.
The charges further allege law enforcement contacted Dhingra at his residence where they found two firearms in his possession, one of which law enforcement identified as a rifle with an installed bump stock.
Authorities obtained a search warrant, which allegedly resulted in the discovery of a Glock pistol, a Colt rifle with a bump stock and 277 rounds of 9 mm ammunition.
According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), this is the first case filed in Texas and what is believed to be the first nationwide involving illegal possession of bump stocks since the law was implemented in March 2019.
If convicted of any of the charges, Dhingra faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine.
The Secret Service and ATF conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ted Imperato and Steven Schammel 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.Texas Man Sentenced in H-2B Visa ScamRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 45-year-old Houston man has been sentenced in Brownsville federal court for recruiting individuals to petition for visa workers they did not need, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick along with Jeffrey McGallicher, special agent in charge of the U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) - Houston Field Office, Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) - San Antonio, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Acting Director Ken Cuccinelli and Steven Grell, special agent in charge of Department of Labor - Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), Dallas Region.
Marco Pesquera pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit visa fraud Jan. 3, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez sentenced Pesquera to 38 months in prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. He was further ordered to forfeit $5 million in a money judgment and his Houston residence.
Norma Linda Vega, 46 of Houston, Saul Atkinson, 47, of Brownsville, and Gwendolyn Saldivar, 41, of Snellville, Georgia were also charged and have pleaded guilty.
At the time of plea, Pesquera admitted that from approximately 2011 to January of 2018, he and his co-conspirators utilized legitimate and fictitious companies to petition for H-2B visas. Pesquera recruited and paid individuals to petition for visa workers they did not need and then utilized the foreign workers to fulfill labor contracts.
“This is a perfect illustration of our global reach and our ability to partner with U.S. and foreign law enforcement agencies on complex international, multi-jurisdictional cases,” said McGallicher. “DSS and our counterparts are conducting investigations like these on a daily basis around the world to protect the integrity of the visa process, the security of the homeland and the American work force.”
“HSI’s message is clear – America’s legal immigration system is not for sale,” said Folden. “In addition to posing significant security and safety vulnerabilities that could be exploited by criminals and others who pose a danger to our community, immigration benefit fraud undermines the integrity of our legal immigration process and penalizes those who abide by the law.”
“USCIS officers are on the job everyday looking to identify and expose those who attempt to defraud and exploit our nation’s immigration system,” said Cuccinelli. “We are proud to have supported our law enforcement partners in this investigation and pleased to have had a role in putting this fraudster out of business.“
“Pesquera and his co-conspirators defrauded the DOL’s H-2B program by filing false documentation to obtain visas for more than 1000 foreign workers to work in the U.S illegally,” said Grell. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to vigorously pursue those who defraud worker visa programs for their own personal gain.”
Pesquera’s business, Pangea Enterprises Inc., contracted with large industries to provide labor and profited by paying foreign workers an hourly wage well below the contract rate.
Pesquera and his co-defendants utilized false documents that included contracts, tax forms, web sites and fictitious phone numbers and business addresses to facilitate the fraud.
Pesquera also admitted to obstructing the investigation by creating false documents in response to a federal subpoena.
He was permitted to temporarily remain on bond and surrender Oct. 4, 2019, to begin his sentence at a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.
DSS, HSI, USCIS and DOL-OIG conducted the investigation as members of the Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Hagen is prosecuting the case.
Laredoan Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 22-year-old man has pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Cristian Jose Castro admitted today he viewed and downloaded child pornography from the internet on two of his laptop computers.
On Oct. 11, 2018, law enforcement initiated an investigation into suspected possession and distribution of child pornography from a Laredo residence. They later executed a federal search warrant at the address and encountered Castro.
He admitted he obtained the child pornography from certain messaging applications and file-sharing programs via the internet using the wi-fi network at his residence. Castro said he had previously viewed adult pornography but he had become bored with it. He said he first watched child pornography when he was only nine. When law enforcement talked to him in December 2018, he added that he had searched, downloaded and viewed child pornography as recently as the month before. He admitted the children appearing in that ranged in age from seven to 12 years of age and that he had also downloaded pornography which included infants and toddlers.
A forensic analysis of one of Castro’s seized laptops included more than 2000 images of child pornography.
U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Castro faces a minimum of up to 20 years in federal prison.
Castro was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.
The FBI and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Bukiewicz and Francisco Rodriguez 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."
Houston-Area Man Who Posed as Physician Found Guilty of Conspiring to Unlawfully Prescribe Hundreds of Thousands of Doses of OpioidsRead the Press Release
A Houston-area man who posed as a physician at an unregistered pain clinic was found guilty today for his role at a “pill mill” at which he and his co-conspirators illegally prescribed hundreds of thousands of doses of opioids and other controlled substances.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Ryan Patrick of the Southern District of Texas and Special Agent in Charge Will R. Glaspy of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Houston Division made the announcement.
After a five-day day jury trial, Muhammad Arif, 61, of Katy, Texas, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to unlawfully distribute and dispense controlled substances and three counts of unlawfully distributing and dispensing controlled substances. Arif is expected to be sentenced on a date not yet determined by U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett of the Southern District of Texas, who presided over the trial.
According to the evidence presented at trial, from September 2015 through February 2016, Arif conspired with a doctor and with the owner of Aster Medical Clinic of Rosenberg, Texas, which operated as an illegal pill mill, to unlawfully prescribe controlled substances to patients. The evidence showed that Arif was not licensed to practice medicine in the United States, but posed as a physician at Aster Medical Clinic, saw patients as if he were a physician and wrote prescriptions for patients on prescription pads that had been pre-signed by the doctor, Arif’s co-conspirator.
Through this scheme, Aster Medical Clinic dispensed prescriptions for over 200,000 dosage units of hydrocodone, a Schedule II controlled substance, and over 145,000 dosage units of carisoprodol, a Schedule IV controlled substance. The combination of hydrocodone and carisoprodol is a dangerous drug cocktail with no known medical benefit, the evidence showed.
Trial evidence showed that Aster Medical Clinic issued unlawful prescriptions for controlled substances to over 40 people on its busiest days. “Crew leaders” brought numerous people to pose as patients at Aster Medical Clinic and paid for their visits in order to obtain prescriptions for controlled substances that the crew leaders would then sell on the street. Aster Medical Clinic charged approximately $250 for each patient visit, and required payment in cash, the evidence showed.
To date, two co-conspirators have pleaded guilty based on their roles in the unlawful prescription scheme at Aster Medical Clinic. Baker Niazi, 48, of Sugar Land, Texas, and Waleed Khan, 47, of Parker, Texas, are currently awaiting sentencing before U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett of the Southern District of Texas.
The case was investigated by the DEA, and 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. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Deputy Chief Aleza Remis and Trial Attorney Alexis Gregorian of the Fraud Section.
The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force, which is part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (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 14 strike forces operating in 23 districts, has charged nearly 4,000 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $14 billion.
Houston Woman Admits to Defrauding Dr. Pepper SnappleRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – The 42-year-old Friendswood woman charged with committing fraud against a popular beverage company has admitted her guilt, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Anna Maria Sites pleaded guilty today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy Johnson to conspiracy to commit mail fraud against Dr. Pepper Snapple Group Inc. (DPSG).
Sites admitted to participating in the scheme from 2010 through Feb. 17, 2015, by not paying rebates to those who had requested them. Sites handled human resources and accounting for 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.
Specifically, in 2014 and 2015, FulFill administered a DPSG program known as 2014 Fast Start, which paid a $75 rebate for switching to a DPSG drink in soda dispensers. DPSG paid $125,000 for FulFill to manage this campaign. Sites was responsible for rebates not being issued. Only after receiving multiple complaints would she arrange for the monies to be dispersed.
Sites sent rebate fund reports for the 2014 Fast Start rebate program to DPSG, which falsely represented that rebates were being paid when, in truth, they were not.
DPSG suffered a financial loss as a result of the scheme Sites committed. The court will determine that official amount at the time of sentencing.
U.S. District Judge Gray Miller will impose sentencing Dec. 4, 2019. At that time. Sites faces up to five years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
She was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Braddock is prosecuting the case.
Bangladeshi National Arrested in Texas to Face Charges for a Conspiracy to Bring Aliens into the United StatesRead the Press Release
A Bangladeshi national residing in Tapachula, Mexico, was arrested Aug. 31 on arrival at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas, to face a superseding criminal indictment for his role in a scheme to smuggle aliens into the United States.
The unsealed superseding indictment alleges that from March 2017 to August 2018, Milon Miah conspired to bring and brought 15 Bangladeshi nationals to the United States at the Texas border in exchange for payment. Miah allegedly maintained a hotel in Tapachula, Mexico, where he housed and fed aliens and provided them with plane tickets to locations in northern Mexico where the aliens were met by other smugglers who transported them to the U.S. border. One of Miah’s co‑conspirators in the smuggling operation, Moktar Hossain, pleaded guilty last week to conspiracy to bring an alien to the United States as well as several related smuggling charges.
“Human smuggling rings endanger the security of the United States,” said Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This arrest sends a strong message that the Department is dedicated to holding accountable those who conspire to subvert our nation’s immigration laws for their own profit.”
“Securing our borders is a national security and law enforcement priority,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick for the Southern District of Texas. “Often, disparate organizations cooperate in an effort to exploit our border. The great investigative work by multiple agencies stopped this group and is able to bring foreign based defendants to justice.”
“The arrest of Milon Miah represents a significant joint effort in ensuring national security and public safety,” said Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Antonio. “HSI remains steadfast in vigorously investigating and dismantling transnational criminal networks that pose a threat to our nation. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to maintain the integrity of our border and ensure the safety of our communities.”
Miah was presented yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena H. Palmero in the Southern District of Texas for his initial appearance. At the hearing, Judge Palmero ordered that Miah be held pending transfer to Laredo for further criminal proceedings.
HSI Laredo is conducting the investigation with assistance from HSI Mexico City, HSI Monterrey, HSI Houston, HSI Calexico, Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol and the U.S. Marshals Service. The investigation is being conducted under the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) program, a joint partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI. The ECT program focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks or present grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence and prosecutorial resources. ECT coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.
Trial Attorneys James Hepburn and Erin Cox of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section are prosecuting the case with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas.
The charges contained in the indictment are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Bangladeshi National Arrested in Texas to Face Charges for Conspiracy to Bring Aliens into the U.S.Read the Press Release
HOUSTON - A Bangladeshi national residing in Tapachula, Mexico, was arrested Aug. 31 on arrival at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston to face a superseding criminal indictment for his role in a scheme to smuggle aliens into the United States.
The unsealed superseding indictment alleges that from March 2017 to August 2018, Milon Miah, 39, conspired to bring and brought 15 Bangladeshi nationals to the United States at the Texas border in exchange for payment. Miah allegedly maintained a hotel in Tapachula, Mexico, where he housed and fed aliens and provided them with plane tickets to locations in northern Mexico where the aliens were met by other smugglers who transported them to the U.S. border. One of Miah’s co-conspirators in the smuggling operation, Moktar Hossain, pleaded guilty last week to conspiracy to bring an alien to the United States as well as several related smuggling charges.
“Human smuggling rings endanger the security of the United States,” said Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “This arrest sends a strong message that the Department is dedicated to holding accountable those who conspire to subvert our nation’s immigration laws for their own profit.”
“Securing our borders is a national security and law enforcement priority,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. “Often, disparate organizations cooperate in an effort to exploit our border. The great investigative work by multiple agencies stopped this group and is able bring foreign based defendants to justice.”
“The arrest of Milon Miah represents a significant joint effort in ensuring national security and public safety,” said Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Antonio. “HSI remains steadfast in vigorously investigating and dismantling transnational criminal networks that pose a threat to our nation. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to maintain the integrity of our border and ensure the safety of our communities.”
Miah was presented yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena H. Palmero in the Southern District of Texas for his initial appearance. At the hearing, Judge Palmero ordered Miah be held pending transfer to Laredo for further criminal proceedings.
HSI Laredo is conducting the investigation with assistance from HSI Mexico City, HSI Monterrey, HSI Houston, HSI Calexico, Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol and the U.S. Marshals Service. The investigation is being conducted under the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) program, a joint partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI. The ECT program focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks or present grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence and prosecutorial resources. ECT coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.
Trial Attorneys James Hepburn and Erin Cox of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section are prosecuting the case with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until convicted through due process of law.Two Cotulla Drug Traffickers Head to PrisonRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas - Two local residents have been ordered to federal prison after having being caught for selling methamphetamine out of a Cotulla residence, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Francisco Flores, 44, and Fabian Cordova, 35, pleaded guilty in October 2018.
On Sept. 3, 2019, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana ordered Flores to serve 151 months in prison for his four counts of trafficking methamphetamine. Flores was sentenced to 60 months for his one count of conspiracy to commit drug trafficking. The sentences will be immediately followed by five years of supervised release.
The investigation revealed Flores and Cordova had conducted several drug trafficking transactions. Authorities executed a search warrant March 8, 2018, at the residence of Flores in Cotulla. At that time, Flores and Cordova had attempted to flee but were ultimately arrested.
During the search, authorities also found 10 weapons and narcotics packaged for sale which included nearly 70 grams each of cocaine and methamphetamine.
Flores admitted he kept the weapons to protect himself and to selling narcotics for more than 25 years.
Both have been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Cotulla County Sheriff’s Office conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force operation dubbed Eagle Ford Shales. Assistant U.S. Attorney Graciella Lindberg prosecuted the case.
Suburban Houston Man Gets 34 Years for Sexually Exploiting a ChildRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 41-year-old resident of New Caney has received a massive sentence following his conviction of producing and possessing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Joshua James Holmstedt pleaded guilty April 16, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Andrew A. Hanen handed Holmstedt a sentence of 360 months for the sexual exploitation of a child, otherwise known as production of child pornography. He also received 120 months for the possession of child pornography - 48 months of which was ordered to run consecutively for a total of 34 years in federal prison. He was also ordered to serve 30 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. Holmstedt will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
Holmstedt came to the attention of law enforcement July 17, 2017, when authorities in the District of Columbia posted an online message as part of an undercover investigation. They then received a message via an application known as Kik from Holmstedt. He communicated with the undercover officer and indicated he had access to two minor children which he proved by sending a picture of himself holding up a specific number of fingers in front of the minor female victim’s face. Over the course of a few days, Holmstedt sent several images of the minor female as well as other images and videos of child pornography. One of the worst videos Holmstedt provided showed him digitally penetrating the minor female. At the time, the victim was only three years of age.
Based on information gathered during the investigation, local authorities were able to locate and identify the victim and the other child mentioned. Holmstedt was located July 21, 2019, at which time he indicated he had destroyed the phone he used to create the images and to communicate with the undercover officer
The District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department – FBI Child Exploitation Task Force and FBI Houston conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Montgomery County Constables’ Office – Precinct Four.
Holmstedt has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherri L. Zack is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, 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 Citizen Pleads Guilty to Importing MethRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 57-year old Mexican citizen faces up to life in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy and importation of more than 50 kilograms of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
On July 12, 2019, Oscar Javier Villagomez-Palacios attempted entry into the United States at the Lincoln Juarez Bridge #1 in Laredo, driving an Audi Q5. During a secondary inspection, a narcotics detection dog alerted to the presence of an odor emitting from the tires of the vehicle. Authorities conducted an X-ray examination and discovered anomalies in all four tires. Further inspection revealed non-factory compartments around the rim of the tires containing a crystalline substance, which field-tested positive for methamphetamine with a total weight of 50.46 kilograms.
The drugs have an estimated street value of $700,000.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Villagomez-Palacios faces up to life in prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary McAuliffe is prosecuting the case.
Leader of Bank Robbery Crew Gets Nearly Two Decades in PrisonRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 31-year-old Houston resident has been handed a significant sentence for leading a crew of bank robbers responsible for multiple crimes in the local area, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Javier Flores, 31, originally from Chicago, Illinois, but a long-time Houston resident, pleaded guilty March 26, 2019, to two counts of aiding and abetting aggravated bank robbery and one count of aiding and abetting the brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.
Today, U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen imposed a total of 235 months in federal prison - 151 months for the robberies in addition to another 84 months for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence which must be served consecutively. The sentence will be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
Flores was found responsible for leading a crew that robbed the Prosperity Bank on Westheimer Road June 2, 2017, and the BBVA Compass Bank on Fry Road in Katy, June 21, 2017. Perry Fluellen, 28 and Brandon Carter, 29, both of Houston, and Steve Malala, 36, of Kenya, Africa, were also involved in these robberies and have also pleaded guilty. They are pending sentencing at a later date.
The group conducted or attempted to conduct at least a dozen bank robberies over the course of six months in 2017 at various banks on the west side of Houston. Flores acted as the leader of the group and would select and scout the banks prior to the robberies. On the day of the robberies, he provided firearms and transportation and acted as a lookout, while Fluellen and Carter conducted the robbery, holding the employees at gunpoint. Often times, the crew would remain on an open cellular phone line so Flores could instruct them when to enter and exit the bank.
On June 21, 2017, following the BBVA Compass Bank robbery, law enforcement used surveillance and a GPS tracker attached to bait money to stop and arrest the suspects. After a short car and foot chase, the crew was taken into custody. At that time, Fluellen was found in possession of money and cash straps stolen from the bank, as well as a firearm.
All have been and will remain in custody.
The case is an example of coordination between law enforcement who are part of the Houston Law Enforcement Violent Crime Initiative. The goal is to proactively fight and reduce violent crime across the Greater Houston area by targeting the region’s most violent offenders, augmenting investigative and prosecutorial efforts and enhancing training, public awareness and education.
The FBI conducted the investigation in conjunction with the Houston Police Department and Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joe Porto and Heather Winter are prosecuting the case.
District Court Ordered Texas Company to Stop Selling Adulterated FoodRead the Press Release
HOUSTON - A federal court permanently enjoined a Houston company from processing and distributing adulterated seafood products in violation of federal law, the Department of Justice announced today.
The entered consent decree of permanent injunction follows an August 2019 complaint the Food and Drug Administration filed. The complaint alleged Topway Enterprises, doing business as Kazy’s Gourmet, and the principals of the business - Jeff Liao, Ying Chen and Adwin Liao - sold ready-to-eat fish and fishery products in a facility with serious insanitary conditions. Specifically, the complaint alleged FDA inspections found the defendants failed to adequately control the growth of Listeria monocytogenes at their facility.
The defendants agreed to settle the litigation by the entered consent decree of permanent injunction. As part of the settlement, they must comply with specific remedial measures set forth in the injunction. In addition, the settlement provides safeguards to ensure future processing of ready-to-eat raw fish at their facility comports with the requirements of the law. The filing of the complaint and agreed settlement follows FDA’s decision in July 2019 to exercise its authority under federal law to suspend the defendants’ food facility registration. The complaint alleges that, since the suspension, the defendants have taken positive steps to correct the problems at their facility.
“The Department of Justice is committed to enforcing laws designed to ensure that the food we put on our tables is safe,” said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “We will continue to work with the FDA to take steps necessary to protect the public from potentially unsafe food.”
“One of our many important enforcement priorities is to help ensure food is safe,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. “This action will help ensure compliance with federal law and FDA rules and regulations. I’m glad we were able to reach this resolution.”
“After documenting food safety violations at the Topway facility, the FDA took action to suspend Topway’s food facility registration, which prohibits the company from selling or distributing food from the facility into commerce,” said FDA Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response Frank Yiannas. “We are happy the company is taking steps to correct the severe problems at their facility and the FDA continues to work with the company as it brings its facility into compliance.”
Trial Attorney Joshua D. Rothman of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch handled the matter with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew A. Bobb of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District and Senior Counsel Barbara Alkalay of the FDA’s Office of the Chief Counsel.
For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx.
Authorities Target Meth Traffickers in Coastal BendRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A large number of arrests have been made as part of a coordinated effort by federal, state and local law enforcement dubbed as “Operation Coastal Bender,” announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
A total of 16 Coastal Bend residents from Nueces, Bee, San Patricio, Live Oak and Jim Wells Counties are now in custody for violations of various federal and state firearm and narcotics violations. Each defendant has been charged in separate and unrelated criminal complaints or indictments. Three others remain fugitives and warrants remain outstanding for their arrests. Those are Michael McDaniel, 44, of Three Rivers; Luis Vela, 19, of Alice; and Michael Alegria Jr., 18, of Victoria. Anyone with information about their whereabouts is asked to contact Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations at 1-866-347-2423.
“Operation Coastal Bender” is a coordinated effort by federal, state and local law enforcement to identify drug traffickers and violent offenders, stop gun violence and protect the community.
Over the course of this week, federal agents, in coordination with many local and state agencies, were able to execute more than 70 federal and state arrest warrants for individuals relating to charges of trafficking in methamphetamine and gun allegations.
During the course of this operation, authorities also served three search warrants resulting in the seizure of more than three ounces of methamphetamine and several grams of cocaine, marijuana and Xanax as well as three firearms, ammunition and other items related to the sale and distribution of narcotics. Law enforcement arrested a total of 32 individuals as a result of this coordinated effort between HSI and other federal and local agencies.
“HSI is committed to working with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to rid our neighborhoods of the dangerous narcotics and the illegal possession of firearms that harm the citizens of our community,” said HSI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brad Scott of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “Law enforcement in our region are dedicated to join forces as one to clean our streets of these dangerous behaviors.”
“The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) worked side by side with HSI, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) as well as state and local police departments to apprehend dozens of violent criminals,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski. “This coordinated effort will make a large impact on violent crime.”
“The Beeville Police Department (BPD) participated in the operation in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies in South Texas,” said Beeville Police Chief Robert J. Bridge. “The combined efforts of all agencies provided crucial manpower assistance to seek and locate individuals involved in criminal activities.”
“Our office in Sandia would very much like to thank federal, state and local authorities from neighboring counties for their help and involvement in arresting subjects and investigations for narcotics dealing in our area,” said Jim Wells County Constable Pct.3 Jim Long, “Drugs have become a tremendous part of our investigations and agencies coming together helps us all. We will surely make this a continued event!”
The federal felon in possession of firearms charge carries up to 10 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Each federal charge involving a controlled substance carries a minimum penalty of not less than five but potentially up to life in prison and fines up to $1 million. Using a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries an additional five-year-term of imprisonment which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed.
Participating agencies included HSI; ATF; Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service; DPS; sheriff’s offices in the counties of Live Oak, San Patricio and Nueces; Jim Wells County Constable’s Office; police departments in George West, Alice and Beeville; and Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine unit.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Corpus Christi Division are prosecuting the respective cases.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until convicted through due process of law.South Texas Man Guilty of Smuggling More Than 50 Pounds of MethRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 35-year-old Edinburg man has pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute more than 25 kilograms of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
On July 7, 2019, Sarafin Rodriguez Pena drove a white Ford Focus into the primary inspection area of the Border Patrol checkpoint near Falfurrias. A careful search of the vehicle revealed bundles of methamphetamine concealed within after-market speakers mounted in the car.
Laboratory analysis later confirmed the substance in the bundles was methamphetamine.
The methamphetamine had a total weight of 25.5 kilograms with a value of more than $1.7 million.
At a hearing today before U.S. Magistrate Judge B. Janice Ellington, Pena admitted he had knowingly attempted to smuggle the narcotics past the checkpoint.
U.S. District Judge David S. Morales will impose sentence Nov. 26, 2019. At that time, Pena 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.
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.
Woman Admits to Importing MethRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 27-year old resident of Norcross, Georgia, has entered a guilty plea for conspiracy and importation of nearly 40 kilograms of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
On June 6, 2019, Vanessa Urzua attempted entry into the United States at the Lincoln Juarez Bridge #2 in Laredo driving a Ford Explorer. During a secondary inspection, authorities conducted an x-ray examination and soon discovered anomalies in all four tires of the vehicle.
Further inspection of the tires revealed non-factory compartments in the tires containing a crystalline substance, which field-tested positive for methamphetamine with a total weight of 39.2 kilograms.
U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Urzua faces up to life in prison and a possible $10,000,000 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 Brandon Scott Bowling is prosecuting the case.
Charges Filed Against Dozens in Trafficking Network Responsible for Diverting over 23 Million Oxycodone, Hydrocodone and Carisoprodol PillsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A total of 41 individuals have been charged in nine indictments for their alleged involvement in a network of “pill mill” clinics and pharmacies. Those charged include medical providers, clinic owners and managers, pharmacists, pharmacy owners and managers as well as drug dealers and traffickers. Their actions allegedly resulted in the diversion of approximately 23 million oxycodone, hydrocodone and carisoprodol pills.
In addition, federal law enforcement agents executed 36 search warrants including 15 pharmacies and six “pill mill” clinics, as well as other offices and residences, aimed at disrupting networks of opioid diversion. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) also served immediate suspension orders on seven pharmacies and two providers involved in dispensing controlled substances without legitimate medical purpose.
The Health Care Fraud Unit of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section (HCF Unit) led the enforcement actions in conjunction with U.S. Attorney’s Offices (USAOs) for the Southern and Eastern Districts of Texas and District of Massachusetts as well as the DEA (with task force officers from greater Houston police departments) and the FBI.
The charges allege participating doctors, medical professionals and pharmacies knew the prescriptions had no legitimate medical purpose and were outside the usual course of professional practice. In some cases, “crew leaders” and “runners” allegedly filled or had the individuals who posed as patients fill the illegal prescriptions at Houston-area pharmacies. The owner and pharmacist in charge at one pill mill pharmacy allegedly dispensed the second highest amount of oxycodone 30mg pills of all pharmacies in the entire State of Texas in 2019, and the ninth highest amount in the nation. 100% of the oxycodone this pharmacy dispended – every single oxycodone pill that left the premises – was in the highest available dosage strength of that drug.
On certain occasions, the indictments allege drug dealers and traffickers then allegedly diverted and distributed the controlled substances to the streets, with some pills trafficked from Houston to Boston.
“Today’s action shows that the Department of Justice continues to relentlessly pursue criminals, including medical professionals, who peddle opioids for profit,” said Assistant Attorney General (AAG) Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Our use of data analytics means that no one engaging in this criminal behavior is invisible. And if you behave like a drug dealer, we are going to find you and treat you like a drug dealer.”
“This type of criminal activity is, in part, what is fueling the 68,500 overdose deaths per year across the United States,” said Special Agent in Charge Will R. Glaspy of the DEA’s Houston Division. “The DEA and our numerous law enforcement partners will not sit silently while drug dealers wearing lab coats conspire with street dealers to flood our communities with over 23 million dangerous and highly addictive pills.”
“Opioid abuse has a devastating and far reaching effect on our society,’ said Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of the FBI’s Houston Field Office. “The doctors, nurses and pharmacists in this case allegedly misused their positions, violating the trust of the public they took an oath to serve. Together with their co-conspirators, these medical professionals released millions of highly addictive drugs onto the streets of our community. FBI Houston remains committed to working alongside our federal, state and local partners to combat this epidemic and protect our neighborhoods.”
In addition to the cases publicized today, Benczkowski and U.S. Attorneys Ryan K. Patrick and John Bash also announced that the HCF Strike Force will expand into the Rio Grande Valley and San Antonio, making it the 24th district with such a presence. The HCF Strike Force is a joint law enforcement effort that brings together the resources and expertise of the HCF Unit, USAOs and law enforcement partners at the FBI, Health and Human Services - Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and DEA.
“By and large, these clinics are all about money and not the patient,” said Patrick of the Southern District of Texas (SDTX). “If it was about the patient, no legitimate doctor would write, and no legitimate pharmacy would fill, these massive amounts and combinations of controlled substances. Pill mills are magnets for crime and should be eradicated. I am happy and willing to partner with any agency or police department in shutting down and prosecuting these places. I am also eager to expand our work into healthcare fraud in the Rio Grande Valley. These grifters are wasting tax payer money and making healthcare more expensive for everyone else.”
“I am excited to team with AAG Benczkowski and U.S. Attorney Patrick to fight healthcare fraud in San Antonio and the Rio Grande Valley,” said Bash for the Western District of Texas. “Fraud in the healthcare system not only rips off innocent victims and taxpayers, but it also quite often endangers the health of patients – as with the illegal distribution of addictive opioids. For that reason, it’s a major priority for all of us.”
In addition to the Strike Force prosecutions, law enforcement conducted additional enforcement actions which included the execution of search warrants and suspension of DEA registration numbers. In the SDTX, 350 law enforcement personnel executed a total of 36 search and seizure warrants, including 15 pharmacies and six clinics. DEA also issued nine immediate suspension orders (ISOs) to support related investigative efforts to interrupt an opioid drug diversion distribution chain.
The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force (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. Since its inception in March 2007, MFSF maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts and 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 and until convicted through due process of law.Associate of Former Border Patrol Agent Sentenced to Prison for Conspiracy to Commit BriberyRead the Press Release
An associate of a former U.S. Border Patrol Agent (BPA) was sentenced to 48 months in prison followed by one year of supervised release for conspiring to accept money in return for helping to smuggle marijuana and other illegal drugs into the United States.
Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas Ryan K. Patrick, Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of the FBI’s Houston Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Juan B. Benavides of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Houston, made the announcement.
Daniel Hernandez, 46, of Roseville, California, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gray H. Miller of the Southern District of Texas, who also ordered Hernandez to forfeit $5,000. Hernandez pleaded guilty to one count of bribery on Feb. 5, 2019, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy K. Johnson of the Southern District of Texas.
According to the plea documents, between 2013 and May 2014, Hernandez and the BPA, Robert John Hall Jr., agreed, and took overt acts, to facilitate the trafficking of illegal drugs, including marijuana, into the United States from Mexico on behalf of a drug trafficking organization (DTO). In exchange for cash payments, they provided an individual they believed to be a member of the DTO with CBP sensor locations, the locations of unpatrolled roads at or near the U.S.-Mexico border, the number of BPAs working in a certain area, keys to unlock CBP locks located on gates to ranch fences along the border, and CBP radios. In total, Hernandez accepted approximately $5,000 in cash in return for facilitating shipments of illegal narcotics into Texas without law enforcement detection.
The FBI investigated the case with assistance from CBP Office of Professional Responsibility. Trial Attorneys Rebecca Moses and Peter M. Nothstein of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Pearson and Arthur R. Jones of the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.
Associate of Former Border Patrol Agent Sentenced for Conspiracy to Commit BriberyRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – An associate of a former U.S. Border Patrol (BP) agent has been sentenced to for conspiring to accept money in return for helping to smuggle marijuana and other illegal drugs into the United States.
U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick, Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of the FBI’s Houston Field Office and Special Agent in
U.S. District Judge Gray H. Miller sentenced Daniel Hernandez, 46, of Roseville, California, to 48 months in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release and ordered him to forfeit $5,000. Hernandez pleaded guilty Feb. 5, 2019, to one count of bribery before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy K. Johnson.
According to the plea documents, between 2013 and May 2014, Hernandez and BP agent Robert John Hall Jr., of La Feria, agreed and took overt acts to facilitate the trafficking of illegal drugs, including marijuana, into the United States from Mexico on behalf of a drug trafficking organization (DTO). In exchange for cash payments, they provided an individual they believed to be a member of the DTO with CBP sensor locations, the locations of unpatrolled roads at or near the U.S.-Mexico border, the number of BP agents working in a certain area, keys to unlock CBP locks located on gates to ranch fences along the border and CBP radios. In total, Hernandez accepted approximately $5,000 in cash in return for facilitating shipments of illegal narcotics into Texas without law enforcement detection.
Hall was previously sentenced to 114 months in prison.
The FBI investigated the case with assistance from CBP - Office of Professional Responsibility. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Pearson and Arthur R. Jones and Trial Attorneys Rebecca Moses and Peter M. Nothstein of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section are prosecuting the case.
Three Mexican Nationals Charged with Importing Significant Amounts of DrugsRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – Two men and one woman have been indicted in three separate, but similar cases involving the importation of drugs into the country via various ports of entry, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick
Benjamin Gil Aguilera, 57, Jose Ramos-Delgadillo, 32, and Ariane Ramos-Piccone, 33, were each originally charged by criminal complaint. Today, the grand jury returned the respective indictments against them. They are expected to appear for an arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Samuel S. Sheldon in the near future.
Aguilera is charged with conspiring with others to import approximately 1.5 tons of marijuana, while Ramos-Delgadillo and Ramos-Piccone allegedly imported 40 kilograms of methamphetamine and 53 kilograms of cocaine, respectively.
Benjamin Gil Aguilera is charged for his involvement in the importation of 3,152 pounds (1,430 kilograms) of marijuana into the United States. The charges against Aguilera allege he drove a semi-truck and trailer combination through the World Trade Bridge Port of Entry in Laredo Aug. 1, 2019. During inspection, a canine unit allegedly alerted to the presence of narcotics in the trailer of the vehicle. Authorities then observed anomalies with the trailer doors, according to the charges. After looking inside the trailer, the officers allegedly discovered tightly wrapped bundles containing more than 1,400 kilograms of marijuana.
In the Ramos-Delgadillo case, the criminal complaint alleges that on Aug. 4, 2019, he drove a Ford Escape and attempted to enter the United States at the Lincoln-Juarez Bridge Number 2 in Laredo. There, authorities allegedly discovered the tires of the vehicle contained 24 bundles of methamphetamine, weighing a total of 39.58 kilograms.
Finally, on Aug, 3, 2019, Ramos-Piccone allegedly arrived at the United States Border Patrol Check Point near Freer, driving a white Chevrolet Traverse. The complaint against her alleges that at that time, an inspection revealed anomalies within the seats of the vehicle. Authorities conducted a search and soon found 45 bundles of cocaine with a total combined weight of approximately 53 kilograms of cocaine, according to the charges.
If convicted, each faces up to life in prison and a potential $10 million maximum fine.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the Aguilar and Ramos-Delgadillo cases with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul A. Harrison and Jennifer Day are prosecuting those respective cases.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the Ramos-Piccone investigation with assistance from Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Scott Bowling is prosecuting that case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until convicted through due process of law.Malaysian Native Guilty of Installing Camera in Airplane BathroomRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – The 50-year-old Malaysian man recently charged with video voyeurism has appeared in federal court and admitted his guilt, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Choon Ping Lee admitted he installed a video recording device in the first class lavatory of United Airlines Flight 646 from San Diego, California, to Houston on May 5, 2019.
Another first class passenger had discovered the device in the bathroom after she saw a strange object with a blue blinking light hanging near the door. She gave it to flight attendants who discovered it was a recording device. On the device, authorities observed Lee’s clothing which led to his identification.
He was taken into custody upon his arrival in Houston Aug. 7, 2019, and has remained in custody since that time.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan accepted Lee’s plea today and imposed a $6,000 fine and two months imprisonment. At the hearing, the court considered a written statement that the passenger who discovered the camera had submitted which detailed how the incident has impacted her sense of safety and security. In it, she emphasized that Lee’s act was not harmless.
Not a U.S. citizen, Lee also is expected to face removal proceedings.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Winter is prosecuting the case.
Illegal Alien Indicted on Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 32-year-old Mexican national has been indicted for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Jaime Cruz-Romero was originally charged by criminal complaint. Today, the grand jury returned the one-count indictment. He is expected to appear for his arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sam S. Sheldon in the near future.
On or about Aug. 10, 2019, Cruz-Romero was found in possession of a firearm and ammunition during a traffic stop, according to the charges.
The complaint alleges that on or about Aug. 10, 2019, Cruz-Romero was driving a 2008 Hummer H3 when law enforcement stopped him for disregarding a traffic signal. He did not have any identification, according to the charges.
Authorities then searched the vehicle and found a 9-millimeter pistol and a magazine containing ammunition.
If convicted, Cruz-Romero faces up to 10 years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Laredo Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam E. Harper is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until convicted through due process of law.Former Owner of Two Downtown Houston Bars Set to Appear in Court for Tax and Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – The former owner of SPORTS @ THE B.U.S. has been indicted on tax and bankruptcy fraud charges, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Todd Dixon will appear in court for a counsel determination hearing today at 10:00 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter J. Bray.
A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment against Dixon Aug. 7, 2019, alleging three counts of filing false tax returns and one count of bankruptcy fraud.
The Indictment alleges from 2004 until 2011, Dixon operated the two sports bars - one located across from Minute Maid Park and the other near the Toyota Center and filed for business bankruptcy during the 2011 Astros baseball season. After which, a local trustee was appointed to administer the business estate and to pay creditors, according to the charges. In 2013, Dixon also filed for personal bankruptcy.
According to the charges, Dixon concealed approximately $170,000 from the trustee and creditors by taking cash from the businesses and using it for his personal use and benefit. Dixon allegedly filed personal income tax returns and did not report the true and accurate amount of income he earned from the businesses.
The indictment further alleges that in 2013, Dixon filed his personal 2010 and 2011 tax returns in which he falsely reported his total income for each year, thereby under reporting taxes owed to the IRS. Similarly, in 2013, Dixon under reported the amount of taxes he and his business partners owed to the IRS after causing the trustee to file a false partnership return that did not report approximately $207,326 in earnings.
If convicted of filing a false tax return, he faces up to three years in prison, while a conviction for bankruptcy fraud carries a possible five-year-maximum term.
IRS-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Quincy L. Ollison 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.Bangladeshi National Pleads Guilty to Bringing Aliens to the United StatesRead the Press Release
A Bangladeshi national formerly residing in Monterrey, Mexico, pleaded guilty for his role in a scheme to smuggle aliens to the United States for the purpose of commercial advantage or private financial gain.
With the plea, Moktar Hossain, 31, admitted that from March 2017 to August 2018, he conspired to bring and brought Bangladeshi nationals to the United States at the Texas border in exchange for payment. Hossain operated out of Monterrey, Mexico, where he housed aliens before sending them on the last leg of the journey to the United States. Hossain paid drivers to transport the aliens to the U.S. border, and gave them instructions how to cross the Rio Grande River.
“Human smuggling is a national security threat,” said Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today’s plea makes clear that defendants who smuggle illegal aliens across the United States border for profit should expect to face the consequences in a United States courtroom.”
“HSI is committed to dismantling criminal schemes that mitigate the security of our borders and disrupting the flow of illicit money to these criminal networks,” said Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden of U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Antonio. “HSI remains steadfast in aggressively pursuing members of transnational criminal organizations that exploit and endanger the people they smuggle into the United States. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to maintain the integrity of our borders and the safety of our communities.”
The guilty plea was accepted by U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana. Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.
This case is being investigated by HSI Laredo, with assistance from HSI Monterrey, HSI Houston, HSI Calexico, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol and the U.S. Marshals Service. The investigation is being conducted under the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) program, a joint partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI. The ECT program focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks, or present grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence and prosecutorial resources. ECT coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.
This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys James Hepburn and Erin Cox of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas.
Houston Heroin Distributor Convicted after Taking over Family Drug Trafficking BusinessRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 34-year-old Mexican national has been ordered to federal prison for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Victor Manuel Morales-Moreno pleaded guilty Oct. 2, 2018, admitting to conspiring to distribute heroin to street level dealers and users for more than two years.
Today, U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen handed Morales-Moreno a 210-month sentence. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following the prison term. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Moreno was the leader of a drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing kilogram quantities of methamphetamine and heroin imported from Mexico.
Morales had relocated to Houston from California to take over a heroin trafficking ring following the arrests and incarceration of his relatives Jose Herrera-Alvarado and Pedro Herrera-Alvarado. The Herrera-Alvarado brothers pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and were later sentenced to life in federal prison.
Erasto Aguirre-Suarez, 52, a Mexican national, also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin. He admitted he moved to Texas with Morales-Moreno to assist him in the daily operations of the heroin business. A third co-defendant, Valentin Anthony Cardenas, 35, of Houston, previously entered his plea possession with intent to distribute heroin.
Aguirre-Suarez and Cardenas previously received respective terms of 114 and 84 months.
They all have been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey N. MacDonald is prosecuting the case.
Federal Agent Impersonator ConvictedRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 32-year-old resident of Cypress has entered guilty pleas to possession of a machine gun and impersonating a federal officer, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Mitchell Shoemaker admitted he represented himself to be an agent with the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) in order to gain access to a law enforcement only shooting range.
“The close working relationship between DSS, our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office resulted in this conviction before Shoemaker could potentially harm the security of our country,” said DSS Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey McGallicher. “This was a great success by all of the agencies involved.”
On Dec. 18, 2018, Shoemaker presented a fake badge to law enforcement officers at the shooting range in Magnolia. He was found to not have ties to any federal agency and was taken into custody.
At the time of his arrest, Shoemaker was in possession of seven firearms and two silencers. Among them was a machine gun - a F.N. (FN Herstal) PS90, 5.7 caliber rifle – that he was prohibited from possessing.
The investigation revealed Shoemaker had previously represented himself to be a federal law enforcement agent and participated in target practice with a local officer.
Authorities obtained video of Shoemaker firing weapons, including the machine gun. They also found additional videos in which Shoemaker discussed the features of the F.N. PS90 weapon and modifications he made to the firearm. In the video, he pointed out the “giggle switch,” which refers to the selector level to switch the weapon to automatic fire.
U.S. District Court Judge Ewing Werlein Jr. accepted the plea and set sentencing for Nov. 15, 2019. At that time, Shoemaker faces up to 10 years imprisonment for possessing the gun as well as a maximum three years for impersonating a federal officer. Each conviction also carries the possibility of a $250,000 maximum fine.
Shoemaker will remain in custody pending that hearing.
DSS, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Magnolia Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carrie Wirsing and Britni Cooper are prosecuting the case.
Mother of Seven Sentenced for Multiple Meth TripsRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 34-year-old Waco woman has received a significant sentence following her conviction of methamphetamine distribution, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Jackeline Hortencia Ramirez pleaded guilty in October 2018 to possession with intent to distribute 5.34 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Today, U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. sentenced her to serve 150 months in federal prison. In imposing the sentence, the court noted the number of drug trafficking trips Ramirez made, the damage methamphetamine causes on both sides of the border and the payments she received.
At the hearing, Ramirez asked the court for leniency given she is a mother of seven children, the youngest of which is four years old.
On June 26, 2018, Ramirez entered the United States through the port of entry in Brownsville driving a Nissan Maxima with two of her minor children. During inspection, authorities discovered the nearly six kilograms of methamphetamine in a hidden compartment.
The investigation revealed Ramirez had previously made approximately five trips to Waco and Houston to deliver drugs and return the drug proceeds for delivery in Matamoros. She received between $4000-6000 for each trip she made.
She has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Oscar Ponce is prosecuting the case.
Houston Men Sentenced for Stealing Firearms from FFLRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 28-year-old Houston man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of one count of aiding and abetting the burglary of a federal firearm licensee (FFL), announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Robert Louis Thomas pleaded guilty Oct. 16, 2018.
Today, U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks ordered him to serve 62 months which will be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. He was further ordered to pay $14,624 in restitution.
In imposing the sentence, Judge Hanks noted this is a very serious crime and that there are still guns on the street because of what Thomas and others did.
Co-defendants Cedric Howard Duncan, 32, and Charles Bernard Byrd, 28, both also of Houston, pleaded guilty to the same charge and were previously sentenced to 36 months and 42 months, respectively
On Dec. 18, 2017. Thomas and Duncan burglarized Big Bucks Gun and Pawn, an FFL located at 2201 Bypass 35 N in Alvin. They gained access by using a sledgehammer to break a hole in the wall and ultimately stole 13 firearms.
Byrd admitted he was the get-away driver. He also acknowledged selling 11 of the firearms that ended up in his trunk. The other two firearms were recovered shortly following the burglary after they were abandoned near a dumpster.
All three men have been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and police departments in Alvin and Houston conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennie Basile is prosecuting the case.
The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
International Drug Conspiracy Sends Galveston Man to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 24-year-old Galveston resident has been sentenced in Corpus Christi federal court for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute almost six kilograms of pure methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Francisco Javier Castillo Jr. pleaded guilty Nov. 15, 2018.
Today, Senior U.S. District Judge John D. Rainey handed Castillo a 157-month sentence to be immediately followed by four years of supervised release. At the hearing, additional evidence was also provided that detailed Castillo’s role within the drug trafficking organization. In handing down the sentence, the court concluded Castillo was a manager or supervisor in a criminal organization that imported methamphetamine from Mexico and that the lengthy sentence was appropriate given the amount of methamphetamine involved.
Authorities had determined Castillo was part of a drug trafficking organization responsible for importing kilograms of methamphetamine into the United States from Mexico. Castillo was responsible for recruiting individuals to drive vehicles loaded with narcotics across the international border. He also supervised the individuals as they drove the narcotics to their ultimate destination within the United States.
He was ultimately found responsible for the importation and transfer of 5.95 kilograms of pure methamphetamine.
He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. Thorpe Jr. prosecuted the case.
Houston Personal Injury Attorneys and Case Runners IndictedRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 21-count superseding indictment has been unsealed alleging conspiracy, witness tampering, obstruction of justice and multiple tax violations in a barratry scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Houston personal injury attorneys Jeffrey Stern, Deborah Bradley and Richard Plezia are charged with conspiracy and tax violations along with legal-assistant Frederick Morris and clinic-owner Lamont Ratcliff. Stern is also charged with witness tampering and obstruction of justice.
Stern made his initial appearance yesterday and was temporarily ordered into custody pending a detention hearing set for Aug. 22, at 1:00 p.m. Bradley and Ratcliff were permitted release upon posting bond. Plezia is expected to make his initial appearance later this week.
Morris made his initial appearance earlier and has since pleaded guilty. He was permitted to remain on bond.
The charges against Stern and his alleged co-conspirators stem from a long-running criminal scheme to evade taxes. Stern also allegedly obtained his personal injury cases through barratry - the illegal practice of soliciting law firm clients by paying kickbacks to middlemen known as “case runners.”
Stern and his co-conspirators sought to enrich themselves by illegally recruiting clients through the payment and receipt of illegal kickbacks in order to generate personal injury cases and legal fees, according to the charges. They allegedly worked to conceal and disguise the payments and hide their resulting income from the IRS by filing false documents with them. These allegedly included tax returns, 1099 forms and an offer in compromise that falsely reported material information including amounts of income, expenses and taxes due and owing.
Once Stern became aware of the investigation, he allegedly worked to obstruct justice by ordering others to destroy subpoenaed documents and instructing co-conspirators not to cooperate.
According to the indictment, Stern employed multiple devices to disguise his illegal kickback payments to case runners as legitimate referral fees paid to attorneys or as other types of legitimate payments that would be deductible under the tax laws. Stern allegedly funneled kickback payments to case runners Ratcliff and Marcus Esquivel (charged in a separate case) through the accounts of Bradley and Plezia. The charges allege Stern claimed the payments were legitimate referral fees to Bradley and Plezia rather than illegal kickbacks to Ratcliff and Esquivel.
The indictment also alleges Stern wrote referral fee checks in the names of attorneys who never received the checks. Instead, Morris would allegedly cash the checks with forged endorsements at check-cashing locations and use the funds to pay illegal kickbacks owed to himself and other case runners for Stern’s referrals.
Stern allegedly also filed 1099 forms that falsely reported to the IRS the nature of the payments and to whom they were made. On his tax returns, Stern falsely reported the illegal, non-deductible kickback payments as legitimate, deductible business expenses, which greatly reduced his tax burden, according to the charges.
Bradley and Plezia allegedly filed false tax returns to facilitate the scheme. Ratcliff failed to report many of the kickback payments he received as income on his company’s tax returns, according to the charges. Stern and Morris also allegedly caused another attorney to file false tax returns and a false offer in compromise with the IRS to help cover-up the scheme.
All defendants are charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States. If convicted, they each face up to five years in prison. For willfully filing a false tax return, Stern, Ratcliff and Bradley face another three years of imprisonment. Aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of false tax returns carries another potential three-year-term, for which Stern and Morris are charged. If convicted of witness tampering or obstruction of justice, Stern could be sentenced up to 20 and 10 years, respectively.
Morris entered a guilty plea Aug. 8, 2019, to the conspiracy. He is set for sentencing in February 2020.
IRS - Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Johnson 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.Housing Authority Member Indicted for BriberyRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A La Joya Housing Authority Board member has been arrested on charges of federal program bribery regarding a city public relations contract, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Sylvia Garces Valdez was taken into custody yesterday after which she made her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter Ormsby. She is set for trial Oct. 8, 2019.
According to the indictment, from June to approximately November 2018, Valdez agreed to give more than $5,000 to someone with the intent to influence an elected official for the City of La Joya. The purpose of the alleged bribe was for their influence in granting a public relations contract to Valdez.
If convicted, she faces up to 10 years in federal prison. The government is also seeking forfeiture of $10,000.
The FBI and Department of Housing and Urban Development—Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarina S. DiPiazza and Roberto Lopez Jr. are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until convicted through due process of law.
Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced on New Child Porn ChargeRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 54-year-old Corpus Christi resident and registered sex offender has been ordered to federal prison for possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Robert Kirby Anderson aka Bobby Bonez pleaded guilty April 15, 2019.
Today, Senior U.S. District Judge John D. Rainey sentenced Anderson to 140 months in prison. At the hearing, the court heard Anderson possessed pornographic images of children on three different devices. Anderson had also altered children’s coloring books by adding captions above the cartoon children requesting to engage in sexual acts with him. Additionally, the court heard that Anderson, a registered sex offender since the late 1990s, had been staying in a residence with a minor child at the time of his arrest.
Anderson was further ordered to 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. He will also be ordered to continue registering as a sex offender.
In October 2018, an alert private citizen found a cell phone that had apparently been accidentally dropped in a parking lot. The citizen attempted to access the contacts on the phone to determine its owner, at which time she saw the pornographic images of children. The phone was turned over to local law enforcement and eventually linked directly to Anderson.
When law enforcement attempted to arrest him at the address he claimed as his residence on his sex offender registration documents, they found him not living there. Authorities located him within 24 hours where he was found to be alone in the home with a young child.
Within two weeks of the his discovered lost phone, Anderson was in custody. At the time of his arrest, he was in possession of a new phone. It was also forensically analyzed and found to contain more than 500 images of child pornography collected in just the previous two weeks.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Corpus Christi Police Department’s – Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted the investigation with the assistance of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
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."
Carjacking Spree Sends Texas Man to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 26-year-old Houston man been ordered to prison in Laredo federal court after admitting to a three-city carjacking spree, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Daniel Farhan Nimri pleaded guilty March 18, 2019, admitting he committed a one-day, three-city carjacking spree that began in Houston and ended in Laredo.
Today, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña handed Nimri a 60-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $8,000 in restitution to one of the victims.
On the morning of April 6, 2015, a woman had just loaded groceries in her van in the parking lot of an HEB in Houston. At that time, Nimri climbed in and pushed the driver out of the van, dragging her for a short distance. He fled and drove to San Antonio.
There, he parked at an apartment complex and waited. Shortly thereafter, he saw another woman walking towards her car. He rushed to her, forced the car keys from her and stole her car. Nimri then drove that car to a truck stop in Laredo.
His next attack was on a man fueling his Ford Explorer. Nimri walked up behind the victim and hit him over the head with an aluminum baseball bat. After the man collapsed, Nimri drove away in his vehicle. Bystanders alerted a nearby policeman who attempted to stop Nimri. He then led several police vehicles on a high-speed chase in North Laredo, eventually crashing the stolen Explorer against concrete embankment. Officers pulled Nimri from the vehicle and arrested him.
Nimri 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 conducted the investigation with the assistance of police departments in Laredo, San Antonio and Houston. Assistant U.S. Attorneys April Ayers-Perez, Homero Ramirez and Christopher dos Santos prosecuted the case.
Three Laredoans Arrested for Making False Statements When Purchasing FirearmsRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – One woman and two men from Laredo are set to appear in court for conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States by knowingly making a false statement in connection with the purchase of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Ivette Julissa Ramirez, 18, Jesus Abraham Ramirez, 24, and David Arnaldo Garcia, 25, are set to make their initial appearances today at 10:00 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sam Sheldon.
According to the criminal complaint, beginning on July 29, Ivette Ramirez purchased four AK-47 type semi-automatic rifles over the course of eight days. Law enforcement officials subsequently learned she allegedly made a $3,000 deposit on a .50 caliber rifle at a federal firearm licensee in Laredo.
The charges allege that on Aug. 13, 2019, she arrived at the licensee with Jesus Ramirez. Both were subsequently observed leaving, with Jesus Ramirez rolling a large gun case, according to the complaint.
Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop and discovered Ivette Ramirez, Jesus Ramirez and Garcia all inside the vehicle as was a Barrett .50 caliber rifle, according to the charges.
The complaint alleges Garcia and Jesus Ramirez would provide the funds, while Ivette Ramirez made the actual firearms purchases. The firearms were allegedly going to Mexico.
If convicted, each faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive conducted the investigation with the assistance of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Laredo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney April Ayers-Perez 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 Conroe Woman of Defrauding the GovernmentRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 51-year-old resident of Conroe has been found guilty of making false statements on Social Security forms, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick along with Special Agent in Charge Adam D. Schneider of the Social Security Administration – OIG (SSA-OIG), Dallas Field Division.
The jury deliberated for nine hours before convicting Wanda Skilton yesterday following a three-day trial.
“The jury delivered a strong message that making false statements won’t be tolerated,” said Schneider. “The verdict should serve as a warning to those who choose to selfishly defraud the SSA. My office will ensure these cases are vigorously pursued and will continue to work jointly with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and other law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute fraud perpetrators.”
In 2010, the SSA appointed Skilton to receive benefits on behalf of her minor son. On June 5, 2017, Skilton submitted annual reporting forms on which she lied about her son’s living arrangements and how she was using her son’s benefits.
She claimed he was living with her and that she was spending his benefits on his care and support. At trial, the jury heard Skilton had claimed she was sharing custody equally the child’s father.
In truth, her son had been living with his father since August 2014.
Skilton was using his benefits for her own living expenses.
Further testimony revealed that Skilton had dropped her son off with his father in August 2014 and has not had custody of him more than occasional visits since that time. The boy’s father advised the jury that he has paid for his son’s living expenses since his son moved in with him.
The defense attempted to convince the jury she had custody of her son more than just occasionally and could have been confused by the questions on the forms. They did not believe her claims and found her guilty of two counts of making false statements.
U.S. District Judge Gray Miller presided over the trial and set sentencing for Nov. 14, 2019. At that time, Skilton faces up to five years in prison, a possible $250,000 maximum fine and may be required to make restitution to the Social Security Administration.
Skilton was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
SSA-Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducted the investigation.
Any suspected instances of Social Security fraud should be reported to the SSA-OIG’s fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271 or online.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Sandel and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Hileman prosecuted the case.
Illegal Alien Child Sex Offender Heads to PrisonRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 40-year-old Mexican man who committed multiple sex offenses and was removed from the country has been sentenced to federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Martin Mejia Ramos aka Ricardo Morales Rodriguez and Martin Jose Romes-Ramirez pleaded guilty May 10, 2019, to illegally re-entering the United States following an aggravated felony conviction.
Today, Senior U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein Jr. sentenced Ramos to a total of 48 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to again face removal proceedings following the sentence.
At the hearing, the court heard that in 2007, Ramos was convicted in Los Angeles, California, for continuous sexual abuse and lewd act upon a child. He was ordered to serve six years in prison and required to register as a sex offender for life. He was removed from the country in 2013.
In that case, Ramos had engaged in more than three sexual acts with a seven-year-old with whom he was residing. The victim claimed Ramos had touched her vagina on multiple occasions and exposed himself to her. A physical examination revealed irritation in her vagina. His hair was also found in that area. Ramos had told her not to tell anyone and threatened to hit her if she did.
Ramos had six other convictions, three of which were driving under the influence of alcohol. In one instance, he caused a traffic accident with two other vehicles. His blood alcohol was more than twice the legal limit.
Ramos illegally re-entered the United States Dec. 31, 2015. On Jan. 30, 2019, authorities discovered Ramos in New Caney during a traffic stop, at which time he provided a false address. The investigation later revealed his residence was near a community swimming pool, elementary school, middle school, high school and nursery school.
Ramos has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Marshals Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Laurence Goldman prosecuted the case.
40-Year Sentence Imposed for Man Who Sexually Exploited ChildRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 39-year-old resident of Kingwood has received a massive sentence following his convictions for the attempted sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Enrique Velez pleaded guilty Jan. 18, 2019.
At a hearing in federal court yesterday, U.S. District Judge David Hittner handed Velez a sentence of 360 months for the attempted sexual exploitation of a child, otherwise known as production of child pornography. He also received 120 months for the possession charge. The sentences will all run consecutively for a total of 40 years in prison.
Velez will also serve the rest of his life on supervised release following completion of his prison term, during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Velez will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. At the hearing, the court took into consideration Velez was a repeat and dangerous sex offender because he had taken child pornography images of two minor victims.
Velez came to the attention of law enforcement Oct. 13, 2016, when authorities participated in an undercover operation in an internet chat group.
On that date, Velez began communicating with someone he believed to be the mother of an eight-year-old girl. He said he was living with a girlfriend with two minor relatives – two boys, aged five and one. Velez stated he had not “done anything” yet because of his fear of his girlfriend finding out.
He asked the person if she wanted to “do a play date,” stating he could not bring the five-year-old because he was afraid the child would say something. He sent a picture of himself and a baby. He also offered to take the baby to allow the person to sexually abuse him while Velez could sexually abuse the minor female.
As the conversation continued, Velez requested images of the eight-year-old child and wanted to trade pictures. Velez then sent two nude photos of the five-year-old male, after which they made plans to meet at a motel to engage in the sexual abuse of the young female and the one-year-old.
Later that evening, Velez arrived at the location of the motel with the one-year-old child in his vehicle. Agents found a diaper bag with condoms and lubricants.
After his arrest, Velez admitted he had left the other young male at his apartment so he could meet up with the woman and her child, further acknowledging he had taken the photo of the five-year-old minor victim.
Agents searched his cellphone after obtaining a federal search warrant and found images of child pornography. Several images included the baby naked with his genitals displayed in a lewd and lascivious manner.
Velez will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, Houston Police Department, Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Ann Leo is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, 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."
Texas Men Get Significant Sentences for Distributing 99% Pure MethRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Three Dallas men are now in prison for possession with intent to distribute nearly two kilograms of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Ricardo Coria, 40, pleaded guilty Jan. 4, 2019, admitting he knowingly conspired with Juan Angel Zambrano, 46, to possess the methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. Cesareo Soto-Martinez, 59, pleaded guilty to his role May 10, 2019.
Today, U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez ordered Soto-Martinez to serve a total of 46 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. Zambrano and Coria were previously sentenced to 130 and 210 months, respectively. The sentences were enhanced as the court found the methamphetamine was 99 percent pure, making the substance ice - a more potent form of the drug. In imposing the sentence for Soto-Martinez, the court noted his limited participation in the overall conspiracy. Coria received an upward adjustment in his sentencing due to his status as a recruiter.
On April 5, 2017, Zambrano attempted to enter the United States through the Veterans Port of Entry in Cameron County as a passenger in a commercial bus. During inspection at the pedestrian area, he presented his personal items to include a backpack and an ice chest.
A search of the chest revealed approximately 1.8 kilograms of methamphetamine – ultimately determined to be ice due to its extremely high purity level.
The investigation revealed that in late January 2017, Coria needed a courier to transport drugs to pay a debt to an individual in Mexico. Coria then met Zambrano and Soto-Martinez at a barbecue in Dallas, at which time he recruited Zambrano to transport narcotics for him.
Just prior to the April 2017 seizure of the nearly two kilograms of methamphetamine, Coria had difficulty contacting Zambrano to travel to Mexico to pick up the narcotics. Soto-Martinez contacted Zambrano and asked him to contact Coria. Soto-Martinez also provided his vehicle for the trip and traveled with Zambrano and Coria.
All have been and remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and a Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angel Castro and Jody Young prosecuted the case.
Third Rollover Incident in a Week Nets Charges Against Another Laredo ManRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 28-year-old Laredo resident has been detained on charges of transporting an undocumented alien, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Adrian Zavala is the third young Laredoan to face charges in similar incidents that occurred in just one week.
He waived his preliminary examination and detention hearing today and will now remain in custody pending further criminal proceedings.
The criminal complaint alleges that on Aug. 5, law enforcement attempted make a traffic stop for driving on an improved shoulder when prohibited. According to the charges, the vehicle failed to yield and attempted to flee. Law enforcement observed the vehicle veer off the road and roll over several times. Several people were ejected from the vehicle during the crash, according to the charges.
According to the complaint, there were a total of 12 people inside the vehicle, including Zavala. The other 11 were determined to be undocumented aliens, the complaint alleges.
If convicted of transporting an undocumented alien, Zavala faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney April Ayers-Perez is prosecuting the case.
Guatemalan Man Sentenced for Transporting a Minor with Intent to Engage in Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 48-year-old Guatemalan citizen was ordered to federal prison after pleading guilty to multiple crimes, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Gildardo Perez-Reyes pleaded guilty May 13, 2019, to engaging in illicit sexual conduct in foreign places, transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and possession of child Pornography.
Today, U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera Jr. sentenced Perez-Reyes to a total of 120 months in prison. Perez-Reyes was further ordered 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. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following the sentence.
On or about April 26, 2018, authorities conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driving through McAllen. Perez-Reyes was driving and traveling with a minor female. During the stop, law enforcement noticed discrepancies in their statements and discovered the minor female had just been smuggled into the United States illegally.
Perez-Reyes admitted he was aware she was a minor and was involved in a sexual relationship with her. Further, Perez-Reyes also possessed several images and videos of child pornography contained within his cellular phone.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations - Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Task Force conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ana Cano and Jason Corley prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, 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."
Marijuana Smuggler IndictedRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 32-year-old Mexican national has been indicted for conspiracy and importation of 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.
Joel Eduardo Martinez-Garcia was originally charged by criminal complaint. Today, the grand jury returned the two-count indictment. He is expected to appear for his arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga in the near future.
On or about July 23, 2019, Martinez-Garcia and others known and unknown to the Grand Jury, conspired to import more than 100 kilograms of marijuana in metal pumpkins.
The complaint alleges that on or about July 23, 2019, Martinez-Garcia arrived at the Columbia Solidarity Bridge in Laredo driving a red Ford F-150. In the bed of the truck were numerous metal pumpkins, according to the charges. Further inspection allegedly revealed anomalies within them.
Authorities soon found 10 bundles of marijuana, according to the charges. They allegedly had a total combined weight of 109.42 kilograms.
If convicted, Martinez-Garcia faces up to 40 years in prison and a maximum $5 million fine.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam E. Harper is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until convicted through due process of law.