Southern District of Texas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Three Indicted for Health Care Fraud at Houston ClinicRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Two Houston clinic owners are expected in federal court following the return of a 27-count indictment alleging a conspiracy to commit wire fraud, kickbacks and money laundering, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez along with Special Agent in Charge Scott Pierce of the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) - Contract Fraud Investigations Division and Special Agent in Charge Steven Grell of the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)-OIG.
A grand jury returned the indictment Nov. 2, 2017, against Anukul Dass aka Andy Dass, 41, and his sister Anurag Dass aka Anna Dass, 46, both of Houston, along with Stephen Vincent Hunt, 67, formerly of Houston and now of Waxahachie. The Dass siblings are expected to make their appearances before U.S. Magistrate Nancy Johnson today at 10:00 a.m. Hunt turned himself in and made his initial appearance earlier this week.
Anukul and Anurag Dass operated A&A Pain and Wellness Center Inc. at 6600 Harwin Drive in Southwest Houston. From 2010 to 2017, the indictment alleges they filed false claims the Office of Worker Compensation Programs (OWCP) for patients that Hunt directed to the clinic. Hunt was allegedly a former injured employee with the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) who filed his own injury claim with OWCP.
The Dass siblings allegedly conspired with Hunt for him to direct injured federal workers to A&A Pain and Wellness Center for medical treatment and health care services. In return, the indictment alleges Hunt would receive a fee as payment from the center for each claim OWCP paid. Hunt also allegedly charged injured federal workers he referred a fee for his representation and services through a company he controlled under the name “Zentec.”
Anna Dass was the manager of Clinical Operations at A&A, while Anukul Dass was the director, according to the indictment. Anna Dass allegedly filed false claims for services which were not performed or were “upcoded” and billed at a higher rate than services actually performed. From 2010 to 2017, A&A billed OWCP for more than $9.1 million. OWCP allegedly paid $7.2 million for those claims according to the allegations.
“We are gratified to have contributed to this investigation and applaud the exceptional work by the investigative team for both protecting patient safety and overall program costs,” said Pierce. “Along with our law enforcement partners, the USPS-OIG will continue to aggressively investigate those who engage in fraudulent activities intended to defraud federal benefit programs and the Postal Service.”
“An important mission of DOL-OIG is to investigate allegations of medical provider fraud in the OWCP,” said Grell. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate these types of allegations.”
If convicted of the conspiracy or the kickback allegations, each faces a penalty of up to five years in prison. The wire fraud carries a possible 20-year maximum sentence, while a conviction for money laundering could result in as much as 10 years imprisonment. All of the charges also carry a possible fine of $250,000.
USPS-OIG and DOL-OIG conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cedric L. Joubert is prosecuting this case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Corpus Christi Man Gets Nearly 15 Years in Synthetic Drugs CaseRead the Press Release
VICTORIA, Texas – A 37-year-old resident of Corpus Christi has received a 174-month sentence for possession with intent to distribute synthetic cannabinoids and illegally possessing a semi-automatic rifle, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.
James Richard Santos Jr. pleaded guilty Sept. 21, 2106.
At a hearing in Victoria federal court yesterday afternoon, U.S. District Judge Joh D. Rainey ordered Santos to prison for 174 months for the drug charge and another 120 months for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The sentences will run concurrently. Following the more than 14-year sentence, he will be on supervised release for three years.
Santos was found to be the organizer of a synthetic cannabinoid organization. The investigation revealed Santos utilized storage facilities in Corpus Christi and Houston to store the synthetic cannabinoids and would transport and distribute them in South Texas.
Santos also has multiple prior convictions. As such, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm or ammunition per federal law. However, in the course of the investigation, authorities found a Sabra Defence Model XR15 semi-automatic rifle in his possession.
While in custody, Santos continued to provide direction to others, even giving instructions to conceal the charged firearm. Further, he used violence and intimidation to control other co-conspirators.
Two others were also charged in relation to the synthetic drug enterprise. They both previously entered pleas of guilty and have been sentenced for their roles in this offense.
Santos will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Bureau Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patti Hubert Booth prosecuted the case.
Convicted Sex Offender Pleads Guilty to Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 31-year-old Corpus Christi man has admitted he possessed child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.
Adam Thomas Simington appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jason B. Libby today and entered a guilty plea to one count of possession of child pornography.
The court heard that Simington was previously convicted in the state of Oklahoma for possessing child pornography and was required to register as a sex offender. Law enforcement learned he was in possession of child pornography and seized several digital devices from Simington’s residence which resulted in the discovery of more than 900 images of child pornography.
Sentencing has been set for Feb. 28, 2018, before U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos. At that time, Simington faces a minimum of 10 and up to 20 years in federal prison. He was permitted to remain on bond pending his sentencing hearing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Corpus Christi Police Department - Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hugo R. Martinez 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."
Houston Men Sent to Prison for Distributing MethRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Three local men have been ordered to federal prison following their convictions of possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. Marco Zuniga, 25, Frank Flores, 25, Chance Nutt, 40, and Clifton Johnson, 42, all had previously guilty to the charges.
Today, U.S. District Judge Gray Miller ordered Flores to serve a 168-month term of imprisonment, while Zuniga, Nutt and Johnson will serve respective sentences of 78, 46 and 48 months in federal prison.
The investigation began in July 2014 when authorities made undercover purchases of methamphetamine in the Houston area. During that investigation, agents purchased or seized approximately one kilogram of high quality methamphetamine.
Flores was initially after he led authorities on a high-speed chase, during which time he threw approximately a ½ pound of methamphetamine from his car. Upon his eventual arrest, agents discovered a firearm in the glove compartment of his car.
All of the men sentenced today will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Marshals Service, Navasota Police Department and sheriff’s offices in Harris and Montgomery Counties conducted the investigation with assistance from District Attorney’s Offices in Harris and Montgomery Counties. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Stabe is prosecuting the case.
22 Alleged Gang Members Indicted for Multiple Violent CrimesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – More than a dozen alleged members and associates of the Southwest Cholos street gang are set to appear in federal court on a variety of charges to include sex trafficking, drug trafficking, selling firearms, human smuggling and identity theft, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.
A federal grand jury returned the 37-count indictment Nov. 2, 2017. It was partially unsealed today following a motion in federal court.
Those arrested during the enforcement actions yesterday include Houston residents Giovani Alecio aka Whiteboy, 26, Victor Javiel Gonzalez, 29, Maria Angelica Moreno-Reyna aka Patty, 51, Gabriela Gonzalez-Flores aka Gabby, 46, Eddie Torres aka Monterrey 38, Jose Luis Moreno aka Lucky, 23, Gilberto Espinoza Garcia, 49, Hector Reyna aka Pantera, 26; Jimmy Mejia Chavez, 33; and Grisel Salas aka Cris, 34, of Donna; and Jose Ruben Palomo-Martinez, 48, of Mission. Those arrested in the Houston area are expected to make their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy Johnson at 10:00 a.m. today.
Two more defendants – Erik Ivan Alvarez-Chavez aka Casa, 39, and Denis Amaya Calballero aka Keiko, 25, both of Houston - were already in custody on related charges and are expected to make their appearances in federal court in the near future.
Nine others are also charged but not as yet in custody. Bianca Stephanie Reyna aka Troubles, 20, Claudia Soriano-Hernandez, 26, Juan Carlos Contreras Cervantes, 25, all from Houston; Raul Moreno Reyna aka Coney, 53,William Alberto Lopez, 27, Anadalit Duarte aka Paola, 25, and Walter Lopez, 26, all originally from Houston but believed to have fled to Mexico; and Israel Juarez Sifuentes, 43, and Melissa Dominguez aka Missy, 50, both of Donna; are considered fugitives and warrants remain outstanding for their arrests. Anyone with information about their whereabouts is asked to contact the FBI Houston field office at 713-693-5000.
All of the defendants are indicted in the criminal scheme as alleged members or affiliates of the Southwest Cholos. All are charged in varying counts to include multiple conspiracy counts; sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; sex trafficking of a minor by force, fraud or coercion; transportation to engage in prostitution; enticing or coercing another to travel in interstate commerce for prostitution; transportation of illegal aliens; importation of aliens for immoral purposes; possession with the intent to distribute heroin; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamines; illegal dealing of firearms; felon in possession of a firearm; illegal re-entry; false statements; and aggravated identity theft.
According to the indictment, the defendants operated several brothels in apartments throughout Houston as well as in Mexico. The primary location was the Carriage Way Apartment Complex on Dashwood in southwest Houston, which was also home to their base of operations for drug and firearms trafficking, according to the allegations.
In the sex trafficking scheme, illegal aliens were allegedly promised they could work in a restaurant to pay off their smuggling debts. After arriving in Houston, however, victims were told they actually had to work as prostitutes in brothels the alleged gang members controlled. The indictment alleges the defendants engaged in numerous acts and threats of violence against the victims and their families whenever the women refused to work as prostitutes or failed to make enough money.
The indictment further alleges the defendants would tattoo their names or nicknames on the victims to identify them as their property and demonstrate control over them.
Authorities have identified at least six trafficking victims, the youngest of whom was 14. At the time of arrests, seven more victims were found in the brothels.
Some of the defendants also allegedly engaged in human smuggling separate from the sex trafficking scheme. The indictment alleges at least nine aliens have been identified as being smuggled through stash houses some of the defendants controlled in the Rio Grande Valley to locations in Houston. The smuggled aliens paid substantial sums, including two Chinese nationals who each paid more than $40,000, according to the charges. During the enforcement actions yesterday, 16 more smuggled aliens were discovered in area stash houses.
The indictment also alleges several counts of heroin and methamphetamine trafficking and the selling of numerous stolen firearms
If convicted of sex trafficking, the defendants face a minimum of 15 years and up to life imprisonment. Those charged with the drug trafficking also face up to life with a minimum of 10 years as possible punishment. The human smuggling charges carry a maximum of 20 years imprisonment, while those convicted in the illegal trafficking of firearms face another five years imprisonment.
Soriano-Hernandez, Mejia-Chavez and Contreras-Cervantes were also indicted for illegally re-entering the United States following deportation for which they face up to two years imprisonment, while Javiel Gonzalez is also charged as a convicted felon in possession of a firearm and faces up to 10 years imprisonment.
Alvarez-Chavez also allegedly stole the identity of a Salvadoran man so he could obtain temporary protected status as a citizen of that country. If convicted, he faces a mandatory two years which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed.
The FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Harris County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations, Houston Police Department, Texas Anti-Gang Center and ICE’s Enforcement Removal Operations conducted the investigation as part of both the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force and the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA). The case is also an example of the coordination among law enforcement who are part of the Houston Law Enforcement Violent Crime Initiative announced in June 2017 which combines personnel and resources from numerous federal, state and local agencies. The goal of the initiative is to proactively fight and reduce violent crime across the Greater Houston area by targeting the region’s most violent offenders, augmenting investigative and prosecutorial efforts, and enhancing training, public awareness and education.
Established in 2004, the United States Attorney’s office in Houston formed the HTRA to combine resources with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and prosecutors, as well as non-governmental service organizations to target human traffickers while providing necessary services to those that the traffickers victimized. Since its inception, HTRA has been recognized as a national model in identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking and prosecuting those engaged in trafficking offenses. In 2016, the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance received $1.5 million in federal funds from the Bureau of Justice Assistance and the Office for Victims of Crime through the Enhanced Collaborative Model Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force Program, which provides funding to investigate and prosecute cases of human trafficking and provide services to victims.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Goldman 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.
Marriage Fraud Scheme Lands Final Defendant in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 38-year-old Houston woman has been ordered to federal prison for her role in a marriage fraud ring between Nigerian nationals and U.S. citizens, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez along with Special Agent in Charge Mark B. Dawson of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Houston, District Director Tony Bryson of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) – District 33 and Special Agent in Charge Dax Roberson of U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of Inspector General (OIG).
A federal jury convicted Letrishia Andrews on April 24, 2017, following a five-day trial and approximately four hours of deliberation along with Folarin H. Alabi, 35, and Justice Daniel, 42, on multiple counts to include conspiracy to commit marriage fraud, aiding/abetting marriage fraud, marriage fraud, theft of government funds and false statements.
“Obtaining citizenship through fraud threatens the integrity of our immigration system and disrespect's every person who played by the rules to achieve it,” said Dawson. “HSI special agents will continue to work with our partners to ensure that those who use criminal and immoral means to achieve the honor of becoming a United States citizen - will be brought to justice.”
Today, Chief U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal ordered Andrews to serve a total of 24 months in prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay restitution of $5,629.00 to the Department of Agriculture. The ringleader - Alabi - was previously sentenced to 18 months in prison. He and Daniel are not U.S. citizens and expected to face deportation proceedings following their release. A total of 11 defendants have been convicted in two separate, but related, cases of marriage fraud in a scheme involving Nigerian nationals and U.S. citizens. The other eight had pleaded guilty for their respective roles - Nigerian citizen Ifeoma Adamolekun, 41, and U.S. citizen Charles R. Warren, 44, in the Alabi case as well as U.S. citizens Anisha Gable, 35, Anthony Andrews, 29, Shakietha Joseph, 42, and Trevor Frenney, 42; and Nigerians Michael Nathan, 38, and Hauwa Bello, 39. They were previously sentenced to terms ranging from probation to 12 months and a day in prison. All 11 defendants had resided in Houston.
A “sham” marriage is a marriage that is entered into for the primary purpose of circumventing the immigration laws. All 11 defendants conspired together in connection with a marriage fraud ring involving arranged these “sham” marriages between recruited U.S. citizens and recruited Nigerian nationals. Evidence at trial revealed Alabi would search for and recruit Nigerian nationals at nightclubs.
The defendants would pay U.S. citizens for entering into fraudulent marriages to Nigerian nationals who had originally entered the country on tourist visas. The conspirators would then complete immigration documents and falsely submit them to CIS to obtain legal permanent resident status. As part of the conspiracy, the defendants would take staged photographs of themselves as a couple for documentation of an allegedly meaningful relationship. The conspirators also coached the recruits and/or the Nigerian nationals on what to say when questioned or interviewed by law enforcement or immigration officials about the legitimate nature of the marriages.
At trial, the government presented evidence that Alabi recruited Nigerian nationals, including Daniel, to enter into “sham” marriages with U.S. citizens to deceive immigration authorities and ultimately gain lawful permanent status in the Unites States. The evidence proved Daniel did knowingly marry Andrews, a U.S. citizen, for the for the purpose of evading any provision of the immigration laws of the United States. At the time of this conspiracy, Alabi and Daniel were citizens of Nigeria and had entered the U.S. temporarily on non-immigrant visas.
The jury also heard that Andrews submitted false SNAP applications claiming to be single, while at the same time, filing sworn immigration documents claiming to be married to Daniel.
The defense attempted to convince the jury that Andrews and Daniel had marital issues but were in a legitimate marriage despite all the documents and testimony to the contrary. The jury did not believe their claims and found them guilty as charged.
HSI, and CIS - Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate conducted the joint investigation along with Department of Agriculture - OIG. The agencies work together on the Document and Benefit Fraud Task Force which was established to combat these types of crimes in which fraudulent representations are made to multiple government agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rick Bennett and Julie Searle are prosecuting the case.
Leader of Sex Trafficking of Minors Conspiracy Sent to Prison for LifeRead the Press Release
GALVESTON, Texas – The 40-year-old Galveston man who led a sex trafficking ring has been ordered to federal prison, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. A jury sitting in Galveston returned guilty verdicts against Charles Devan Fulton Sr. on July 6, 2016, for conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors and four counts of sex trafficking of minors following a six-day trial and approximately four hours of deliberation. Three others - Charmell Latonya Potts, Dominique Warner, and Lawrence James Julian, had previously pleaded guilty for their respective roles.
Today, U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks Jr. ordered Fulton to serve life in prison. In handing down the sentence, Judge Hanks called him a “very dangerous man” and mentioned the defendant seemed willing to do anything or use anyone to get what he wanted. The court further noted that while speaking on his own behalf today, Fulton never showed any remorse nor any feeling for the harm that befell the victims, only indicating how much this has hurt him and his family. At the hearing today, the defense attempted to convince the court that Fulton deserved leniency, mentioning that he was not really a violent criminal such as a bank robber. The government, in opposition, told the court that what he did was worse, as Fulton stole the victims’ innocence and dignity and that no amount of money could ever make up for that. As he was imposing the sentence, Judge Hanks commented that the court speaks for those who cannot speak for themselves – for those that were victimized and terrorized by this defendant.
Julian, Warner and Potts are set for sentencing tomorrow.
At the trial, the jury found Fulton engaged in a conspiracy with the others between June 1, 2014, through April 1, 2015, in which they engaged in conspiracy to recruit, entice and harbor minors to engage in sex trafficking. Fulton aka “Black” or “Blacc,” was the leader of the group and ordered Potts to post pictures of two of the identified minor victims in prostitution ads on line. Warner aka “Meathead,” Julian aka “Wolf” and Potts also drove the minor females to hotels where the minors would engage in commercial sex acts.
The jury heard that the minors engaged in hundreds of commercial sex acts over the course of the conspiracy. The victims testified at trial, as did Potts, that Fulton would keep the money the children earned performing commercial sex acts. The jury also heard that Fulton used force, threats of force, fraud or coercion against two of the victims. In addition, testimony revealed Fulton had sex with the victims knowing they were minors, that he provided them with drugs and he had no legitimate source of income.
Fulton attempted to convey his innocence and that police were just out to get him. The jury was not convinced and found him guilty on five counts.
All have been and will remain in custody.
The FBI and the Galveston Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sherri Zack and Julie Searle 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."
Local Businessman Convicted of Credit Card Fraud and ID TheftRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – The owner of American Auto Pros in Corpus Christi has admitted he used numerous credit card accounts belonging to others in order to obtain things of value without authorization, announced Acting United States Attorney Abe Martinez. Antonio Arteaga, 38, of Corpus Christi, pleaded guilty to one count of credit card fraud and one count of aggravated identity theft.
Arteaga was arrested Aug. 18, 2017, following an investigation into a series of fraudulent ATM withdrawals in Corpus Christi and surrounding areas. Many of the victims had been customers at Arteaga’s business, American Auto Pros. Authorities executed a search warrant at the business which led to the discovery of a credit card processing pad that was connected to a laptop computer in the office. This allowed Arteaga to illegally capture the account information and PIN numbers of credit and debit cards used there.
During a subsequent search of Arteaga’s home, law enforcement found a magnetic strip encoder that had been used to replace the information on the magnetic strip of gift cards with the compromised credit and debit card numbers. Agents also found numerous altered gift cards with the encoder at Arteaga’s house and additional gift cards illegally re-encoded with victim’s credit card information in Arteaga’s vehicle and wallet.
Agents determined that between Dec. 10, 2016, and Aug. 18, 2017, Arteaga unlawfully used the credit and debit card information of dozens of American Auto Pros customers to withdraw tens of thousands of dollars from his victims’ accounts.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has set sentencing for Jan. 30, 2018. At that time, Arteaga faces up to 10 years in federal prison for the credit card fraud. For the aggravated identity theft, he will also be subject to a mandatory two years which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed. All charges also carry the potential of a $250,000 maximum fine
He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The Secret Service conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Corpus Christi Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. Thorpe Jr. is prosecuting the case.
Leader of Multi-Million Bank Fraud Scheme SentencedRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 44-year old resident of Houston has been ordered to federal prison for perpetrating a scheme that caused a loss of more than $4 million to several local banks, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. Andre Chenier pleaded guilty Jan. 29, 2016.
Today, U.S. District Judge Gray Miller, who accepted the guilty plea, handed Chenier a 48-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, Chenier was further ordered to pay $4,581,942 in restitution.
From 2004 to 2012, Chenier obtained multi-million dollar commercial loans from several Houston-area banks by submitting false and fraudulent documents, including Bank of Texas and Third Coast Bank. The loan applications included falsified financial statements and fake income tax returns and were obtained using the Social Security numbers of identity theft victims. Chenier ultimately defaulted on both of these loans and others, resulting in a loss of $4,581,942. Chenier represented to banks that he owned various technology companies, when in fact the companies were fictitious and Chenier was merely living off loan proceeds.
Chenier was assisted in his fraud scheme by co-defendant Jason F. Meadors, 45, of Houston, who was Chenier’s loan officer at Bank of Texas and Third Coast Bank. Another co-defendant - Gregory Roberson, 65, of Missouri City - prepared falsified income tax forms and other documents to help Chenier obtain millions in commercial loans. Meadors and Roberson have also pleaded guilty for their roles in the scheme and are scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 12, 2018.
Chenier will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General and IRS – Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Belinda Beek is prosecuting the case.
Former Employee Pleads Guilty to Using Credit Card Issued to Company Founder’s WifeRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 46-year-old resident of Corpus Christi has entered a guilty plea to credit card fraud, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.
Adrianne Cantu Hewes was the office manager for Wisznia Associates in Corpus Christi. Following her termination, the company discovered multiple American Express credit cards issued in the name of the company founder’s wife had been paid with company funds. The cards were mailed to the Wisznia Associate’s offices in Corpus Christi with the victim having no knowledge of their existence.
An FBI investigation confirmed many of the purchases directly benefited Hewes. Agents were able to document Hewes actual possession and use of the cards on several occasions.
At today’s hearing before U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos, Hewes admitted she had knowingly used an American Express credit card issued in the name of the company founder’s wife, without permission, to obtain things of value worth between $40,000 and $95,000.
Judge Ramos set sentencing for Jan. 31, 2018. At that time, Hewes faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. She was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. Thorpe Jr. is prosecuting the case.
Houston Resident Convicted on Multiple Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 28-year-old man from Houston has entered a guilty plea to all counts as charged - distribution, receipt and possession of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.
Samier Patrick Clark first came to the attention of law enforcement in September 2016 after multiple images of child pornography were found associated with his online account. Authorities discovered Clark used a peer-to-peer network to obtain child pornography and later conducted a search of his residence, leading to the discovery of 68 videos and 143 images. Some of the images are of known victims identified through the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Clark admitted ownership of the child pornography as well as the online account and computer media he used to obtain it.
During the plea hearing today, Clark admitted to using peer-to-peer software to search for, download and obtain child pornography. He also admitted to distributing the child pornography through his online account.
Sentencing has been set for Jan. 23, 2018, before U.S. District Judge David Hittner. At that time, Clark faces a minimum of five and up to 20 years imprisonment for distribution and receipt of child pornography as well as a maximum of 10 years for the possession conviction. Each count also carries a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Clark will also be required to register as a sex offender.
Following the hearing today, Judge Hittner revoked Clark’s bond and ordered him into custody where he will remain pending his sentencing hearing.
The FBI conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie N. Searle 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."
Two Sentenced for Trafficking MethRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – Two U.S. citizens have been convicted of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.
Homero Figueroa-Nava, 37, who resided in Benemerito De Las Americas, Chiapas, Mexico, pleaded guilty April 17, 2017, while Jason Paul Nino, 37, of Waco, entered his plea May 22, 2017. Both men pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute approximately 22 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Today, Judge Marina Marmolejo ordered Jason Paul Nino to serve a total of 300 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. Figueroa-Nava will serve a 70-month term of imprisonment and three years of supervised release.
At the time of their pleas, the court heard that a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) undercover agent had received approximately 22 kilograms of methamphetamine in Laredo with instructions to take it to Dallas. He was to contact Figueroa-Nava once he arrived at the location. Figueroa-Nava admitted he received the methamphetamine in Dallas and agreed to deliver it to Nino.
Nino admitted he had received the methamphetamine and that it was payment for a previous debt.
Both 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 DEA conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Wells Jr. is prosecuting the case.
Texas Man Convicted of Kidnapping Child to MexicoRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 36-year-old man has admitted he kidnapped his minor child from Brownsville and took her to Mexico City, Mexico, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.
Ismail Khaleel Al Gebory, of San Antonio, had taken the child during a weekend visitation and fled to Mexico.
The mother had sole custody of the child, but Al Gebory had regular visitation. He would travel from his residence in San Antonio to Brownsville on Friday evenings and would return the child to the mother on Sundays. However, on Friday, Feb. 17, 2017, Al Gebory picked up the child but did not return her that weekend in violation of the divorce decree between him and the child’s mother. After picking up the child, he drove to Mexico City, Mexico, and stayed at a hotel with the minor child.
The mother contacted authorities and told them Al Gebory had relatives in Iraq. While in Mexico, Al Gebory visited the Iraqi Embassy and attempted to obtain travel documents for the minor child. On Feb. 23, 2017, Mexican Customs detained Al Gebory before entering the Iraqi Embassy. The next day, the FBI took him into custody.
At the time of the arrest, the child was with him, but has since been returned to the mother.
U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen accepted the plea today and set sentencing for Feb. 6, 2018. At that time, Al Gebory faces up to three years in federal prison. He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The FBI, Department of State and the Brownsville Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of Mexican Customs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose A. Esquivel Jr. and Ana C. Cano are prosecuting the case.
Laredo Man Receives 20 Years for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 43-year-old man from Laredo has been ordered to prison following his conviction of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and import both cocaine and marijuana, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. Arturo Valladolid Jr. pleaded guilty Oct. 18, 2016.
Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo ordered Valladolid to serve a 240-month term of imprisonment to be immediately followed by a 10-year term of supervised release after his custodial sentence.
Between October 2015 and June 2016, Valladolid was involved in several drug trafficking events. On Oct. 28, 2015, authorities seized more than five kilograms of cocaine in a tractor-trailer which had been seen leaving a warehouse Valladolid utilized. Another tractor-trailer was seen leaving a warehouse associated with Valladolid on March 16, 2016. That trailer was found to contain more than 100 kilograms of marijuana.
On June 7, 2016, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) executed a search warrant on Valladolid’s residence in the Alexander’s Commonwealth subdivision of Laredo. At that time, they discovered more than 100 kilograms of marijuana in his attic.
Valladolid ultimately admitted that he was being paid to store the marijuana.
He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
HSI conducted the investigation with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher dos Santos is prosecuting the case.
Pettus Man Pleads Guilty to Online Solicitation of MinorsRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 55-year-old resident of Pettus has admitted he attempted to meet two underage boys for the purpose of sex, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.
Darrell Freeze appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jason B. Libby and entered a guilty plea to one count of online solicitation of a minor.
Freeze was communicating with a person he believed was the mother of two minor children - ages 14 and 11. He made arrangements to meet and engage in sexual contact with the minors, but was apprehended as he arrived at the designated meeting place. Freeze admitted to authorities that he had sent messages indicating his intention to engage in sexual acts with the children. He was also in possession of condoms and candy he brought for the children.
Sentencing has been set for Feb. 28, 2018, before U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos. At that time, Freeze faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison. He will remain in custody pending his sentencing hearing.
The FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Corpus Christi Police Department—Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and the Nueces County District Attorney’s Office conducted the investigation as part of Operation Hidden Predator.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hugo R. Martinez 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."
Romanian Men Convicted for Role in ATM Skimming CrewRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Two Romanian men have pleaded guilty for traveling to Houston to place card skimmers on ATMs and stealing money from bank accounts, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.
Crisian Viorel Ciobanu, 30, of Romania, was part of a group that traveled to Pennsylvania, Virginia and Texas to steal money from victims’ bank accounts. In each state, Ciobanu and his co-conspirators used card skimmers to steal ATM card numbers as customers inserted their cards into the machines. They also used hidden cameras to record customers as they entered their PINs.
Armed with this stolen data, they then made their own fake ATM cards. They then used those fake cards and stolen PINs to withdraw at least $390,495.84 from customer accounts. Bogdan Mirel Constantin, 40, of Romania, joined the group in Houston.
Ciobanu pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit access device fraud and aggravated identity theft. He faces up to 7.5 years for the conspiracy as well as a mandatory two years for the identity theft which must be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed. Constantin pleaded guilty to theft aggravated identity theft and faces the same two mandatory years in federal prison. The charges also carry a possible $250,000 maximum fine. They have agreed to pay full restitution.
Ciobanu’s sentencing has been set for Jan. 8, 2018, before U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein, while Constantin is set for Jan. 26, 2018. They will both remain in custody pending that hearing.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Chu is prosecuting the case.
Nigerian Citizen Convicted of Defrauding US VictimsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 34-year-old Nigerian man who was residing in Houston has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit mail fraud and aggravated identity theft, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.
From on or about Jan. 1, 2015, through April 13, 2017, Azeez Abiodun Balogun was involved in a conspiracy that involved many schemes to defraud via the mail. In his primary scheme, Balogun used stolen personal identifying information (PII) of individuals without their permission to commit Stolen Identity Refund Fraud (SIRF). The stolen funds were then loaded onto prepaid debit cards and mailed to addresses Balogun or others controlled in the Houston areas.
Balogun also used the stolen PII to open bank accounts and apply for credit cards. The investigation unraveled approximately 10 different identities and passports Balogun used to open bank accounts and receive fraudulent funds. He opened approximately 30 credit card accounts at Bank of America, Chase Bank and others by using the stolen PII.
U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein Jr. accepted the guilty plea and has set sentencing for Jan. 19, 2018. At that time, Balogun faces up to 20 years in federal prison for the conspiracy as well as an additional two years for the identity theft which must be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed. He could also be assessed fines of up to $250,000. He will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation along with Department of State – Diplomatic Security Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Elmilady is prosecuting the case.
Jury Convicts Former Richmond Resident on Federal Stalking ChargeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – In a first for this district, a 44-year-old former Richmond man has been found guilty for systematically torturing a former girlfriend by sending horrific images and threatening email messages, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. The jury returned its verdict just a short time ago against Heriberto Latigo following five days of trial and less than two hours of deliberations.
This is the first case tried in the Southern District of Texas in which a defendant used the Internet to cause substantial emotional distress. In the last 10 years, less than 100 defendants have been convicted using this federal stalking statute.
Latigo began a romantic relationship with the victim in 2013. As it progressed, Latigo’s conduct became controlling and demanding to include forcing her to send him naked images of her. The relationship eventually devolved into physical altercations to include an alleged rape. The victim testified that she was and is afraid of Latigo.
In June 2014, she discovered she was pregnant. She testified that Latigo was so controlling and crazy during this time that she decided to end the pregnancy. Latigo found out and created a Facebook page titled “Magdelana Aborted” where he pretended to be the aborted fetus, sent the link to her and said “Your abortion video will now be posted you whore.” She was so upset that she overdosed on tranquilizers in an attempt to take her own life.
From March 2014 to April 2015, Latigo used threats and blackmail tactics to force the victim to do things against her will. Latigo had used the naked images she had previously sent during their relationship to compel her to do a variety of things, including complying with his sexual demands. If she refused, he would post the images online until she acquiesced. On many occasions, she had to contact Google to have naked pictures of her removed. Latigo also sent the images to her sister, her sister’s boss and male co-workers in an effort to control and harass her.
Latigo used his own email address to send messages to the woman in which he berated her and demanded she do things. He even created a Gmail account and Google+ page with the victim’s name and used a naked photograph of her as the profile picture.
Latigo’s actions caused the victim to move. She even changed jobs. She closed her Facebook account and got offline. However, he ultimately found her again, went to her new job and continued to harass her.
The jury also heard from another witness that placed Latigo at the victim’s daughter’s school indicating he was physically stalking her. A computer forensic expert also testified that Latigo accessed multiple Facebook accounts and the victim’s email from his own computer and attempted to cover his trail in the process.
Latigo represented himself during the trial and attempted to convince the jury that this entire case was about the victim wanting to hurt him. He claimed she created the accounts used to harass her. However, she actually broke down in tears on the stand when she learned her naked images had been sent in response to a Craigslist ad she supposedly created. No evidence was presented to the jury that demonstrated the victim ever had control of either of these accounts. In fact, Latigo’s own xpert witness testified that the email address at issue was created on one of Latigo’s computers seized by the FBI during a search of his home.
The jury ultimately did not believe Latigo’s claims and found he intentionally harassed the victim and caused her substantial emotional distress. He was convicted as charged.
U.S. District Judge Kenneth Hoyt presided over the trial and has sentencing for Jan. 8, 2017. At that time, Latigo faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine. Following a detention hearing held in June 2015, U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy Johnson ordered Latigo into custody, finding his “alleged conduct to be so egregious and threatening to the victim, that detention is warranted.” She further noted he presented a danger to the victim. He will remain in custody pending his sentencing hearing.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sherri Zack and Steve Schammel are prosecuting the case.
Illegal Alien Gets Max for Assaulting a Border Patrol AgentRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 55-year-old Mexican National has been ordered to prison following his conviction of assaulting a federal agent, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. A federal jury sitting in Laredo convicted Miguel Cabrera-Rangel on June 29, 2017, following a two-day trial.
Today, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña ordered Cabrera-Rangel to serve the statutory maximum of 96 months. At the hearing, the court heard from the victim who provided an update of continuing issues he is having with his eye. He had a pre-existing condition that made him more likely to suffer from a detached retina and his ophthalmologist provided a written statement indicating that the blow to the agent likely precipitated the issue. The detached retina was repaired but then he developed cataracts. He is having another surgery tomorrow. Not a U.S. citizen, Cabrera-Rangel is expected to face deportation proceedings following his prison sentence.
During trial, the jury heard testimony from a Border Patrol (BP) agent who was investigating a report of possible undocumented aliens on a ranch near Hebbronville. He came upon a group of aliens and attempted to apprehend them. Cabrera-Rangel was one of them and engaged in a struggle with the agent, ultimately gaining control of his service flashlight. Cabrera-Rangel then punched the agent in the face and struck him with the flashlight, causing a bilateral fracture of the nose along with lacerations and contusions. Cabrera-Rangel fled, but was later apprehended on a fishing boat in Copano Bay off Corpus Christi.
He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI investigated the case in conjunction with BP. Assistant U.S Attorneys Michael Bukiewicz and Christopher Coker prosecuted the case.
Massive Sentence Imposed for Pasadena Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A Houston man will be serving more than 40 years in prison for the attempted robbery and robbery of the Shared Resources Credit Union and for using and carrying a firearm during commission of the crimes, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. A federal jury deliberated for less than five hours before convicting Raynard Gray, 34, and Sonny Pervis, 28, March 23, 2017, on all counts as charged following a three-day-trial.
Today, U.S. District Judge Sim Lake handed Pervis a total sentence of 485 months in federal prison – 125 months for the robberies in addition to five years for the first firearms charge and another 25 years for the second which must be served consecutively to each other and to the bank robbery sentences. Following completion of his more than 40-year prison term, he will serve five years of supervised release. The sentence was enhanced due to the reckless endangerment during flight. The judge found that following the robbery, Pervis aided and abetted the high speed chase and fired his weapon at a civilian in a nearby neighborhood.
Gray’s hearing was continued to a later date.
A total of seven men met and planned the robbery of the credit union. At trial, the jury heard Gray was the leader of this robbery crew and acted as a lookout during the robberies, while Pervis was one of the men who entered the credit union and brandished and discharged a firearm.
They arrived at the bank first on Saturday, July 26, 2014, with the intention of committing the robbery. The jury heard that employees inside the bank observed the men with the firearms as they approached. However, the doors to the lobby were locked so the crew left, but returned two days later to complete the crime.
The men fled the scene after stealing the money on July 28. A civilian followed them in order to give police the vehicle information of the robbers, during which time Howard Glaze, 24, of Houston, and Pervis discharged their firearms in a neighborhood in his direction. The group then led officers on a high-speed chase from Pasadena to north Houston, where they abandoned their vehicle and fled on foot. Glaze was soon apprehended. The investigation later led to the discovery and arrest of the others.
During trial, the jury saw surveillance videos, photos and police dash camera footage of the high speed chase and heard testimony from 12 witnesses. They also heard from a sergeant with the Pasadena Police Department who collected cash, bank straps and clothing of the robbers from the abandoned vehicle. The officer was also able to lift a fingerprint off a trash bag found in that vehicle, which belonged to Pervis.
The defense did not dispute that the robberies occurred, but contended that Pervis and Gray were not involved. The jury was not convinced and convicted them on all charges.
Pervis and Gray and Braziel will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The remaining five co-defendants - Keith McGee, 27, Glaze, Kwhun Johnson, 25, Leroy Richardson, 37, and Chris Braziel, 30, all of Houston, had pleaded prior to trial. McGee was ordered to serve a sentence of 140 months, while Richardson, Johnson and Glaze received respective sentences of 130, 60 and 130 months imprisonment. Braziel is set for sentencing Feb. 15, 2018.
The FBI and police departments in Pasadena and Houston conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard Hanes and Heather Winter are prosecuting the case.
Jury Convicts Raymondville Man of Meth DistributionRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 20-year-old Raymondville man has been convicted of conspiracy to import and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. The federal jury sitting in Brownsville returned its verdicts against Zack Anthony Sayas late yesterday following two days of trial and less than two hours of deliberation.
During trial, the jury heard that Sayas had recruited and conspired with Jose Angel Reyes Jr., 23, also of Raymondville, to travel from Raymondville to Mexico with the intention of smuggling the methamphetamine and transporting it to Houston.
On Dec. 8, 2015, at approximately 6:15 a.m., Reyes attempted to enter the United States via the Veterans Port of Entry as the driver and single occupant of a silver Chevy Aveo. The car was randomly selected for secondary inspection, at which time officers discovered bundles wrapped in tape hidden in each door panel. The substance in the bundles tested positive for crystal methamphetamine and weighed approximately 11.94 kilograms. He was taken into custody at that time.
While detained, agents observed his cell phone receiving continuous messages from the same number. They were also able to obtain an extraction report that included previously deleted text messages from the same sender.
Reyes identified the individual that recruited him to go to Mexico as Sayas. Reyes was to travel to Brownsville where Sayas would take possession of his car and travel to Mexico where the vehicle would be loaded with drugs. Then both Reyes and Sayas would drive the car back to Houston to deliver the drugs. However, there was a slight change of plans and Reyes agreed to drive the car through the port of entry by himself and pick up Sayas on the U.S. side of the border. However, Reyes was intercepted at the Veteran’s Port of Entry.
Evidence showed that the phone number associated to Sayas was the same as the one that sent messages and voicemail to Reyes. The jury also heard that Sayas had driven the Chevy Aveo into Mexico through the Gateway Port of Entry on Dec. 7, 2015, at and re-entered the U.S. via the pedestrian lane the following day.
Sayas attempted to convince the jury that he was working the case as a confidential informant. However, the jury heard rebuttal testimony to the contrary, did not believe his claims and convicted him on all counts as charged.
U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera presided over trial and has set sentencing for Jan. 31, 2018. At the time, Sayas faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison as well as a possible $10 million maximum fine. He will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Reyes previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and is set for sentencing Oct. 30, 2017.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Coronado and Ana Cano are prosecuting the case.
Mexican Woman Sentenced for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 35-year-old woman from Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, has been ordered to prison following her conviction of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. Maria De Jesus Castillo-Flores pleaded guilty Oct. 5, 2016.
Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo ordered Castillo to serve a 120-month term of imprisonment. Not a U.S. citizen, she is expected to face deportation proceedings following her release from prison.
On Aug. 11, 2016, Castillo approached the U.S. Border Patrol Checkpoint located at mile marker 29 on Interstate 35, north of Laredo, as the driver of a passenger vehicle. At the primary inspection lane, an agent noticed that it appeared someone had tampered with the carpet under the driver’s seat. Authorities then x-rayed the vehicle, after which they discovered anomalies in the gas tank. Upon further investigation, they found 31 kilograms of liquid methamphetamine concealed in the gas tank. Castillo later admitted she was going to be paid to transport the controlled substance to Houston.
Castillo has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Border Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher dos Santos is prosecuting the case.
Laredoan Heads to Prison for Attempting to Smuggle MethRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 32-year-old Laredo man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of smuggling 3.7 kilograms of methamphetamine past a Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. Francisco Guerrero pleaded guilty Jan. 23, 2017.
Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia-Marmolejo ordered Guerrero to serve 10 years in prison immediately followed by five years of supervised release.
On Aug. 2, 2015, a Turimex bus pulled up to the BP checkpoint at mile marker 29 on interstate 35. Authorities recognized Guerrero as having made several recent trips through the checkpoint. Agents began to question him as to the purpose of the trip and Guerrero appeared noticeably nervous. He then gave consent for authorities to search his bag, at which time they found three bundles wrapped in brown tape which appeared to be narcotics. Lab tests confirmed the substance to be 3.5 kilograms of methamphetamine with a 99.5% purity.
Guerrero will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Border Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alfredo De La Rosa is prosecuting the case.
Illegal Alien Ordered to Prison on Firearms ChargeRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 33-year-old Mexican National who resided in Laredo has been ordered to federal prison for illegally possessing firearms, announced Acting U.S. Abe Martinez. Gerardo Penalosa-Hernandez pleaded guilty July 29, 2016.
Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia-Marmolejo ordered he serve 96 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, Penalosa-Hernandez is expected to face deportation proceedings following the sentence.
On May 14, 2016, authorities learned of potential illegal activity occurring at the Palo Blanco Apartment in Laredo. They observed the location and witnessed Penalosa-Hernandez acting suspiciously. When officers approached him, he attempted to hide.
His wife soon arrived at the scene and stated there were illegal aliens being held inside their house. Law enforcement searched the residence and discovered 14 undocumented aliens waiting to be smuggled further into the United States. Authorities also found three weapons belonging to Penalosa-Hernandez. He admitted he intended to sell the weapons to a drug cartel in Mexico.
As an illegal alien, Penalosa-Hernandez is prohibited by federal law of possessing any firearm or ammunition.
He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Laredo Police Department, Border Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alfredo De La Rosa is prosecuting the case.
Former Alarm Monitoring Company Employees Charged with FraudRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Two Houston area women and one man have been charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.
A federal grand jury returned a sealed indictment against Sonja Martinez, 46, of Rosharon, Michell Garcia, 36, of Spring, and Ray Torres, 46, of Houston, on Oct. 18, 2017. Martinez was taken into custody yesterday and is expected to make her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephen Smith today at 2:00 p.m. Garcia and Torres have been ordered to make their appearances Friday, Oct. 27 at 10:00 a.m.
The three defendants are alleged to have electronically submitted falsified vendor requests for payment to divert money to themselves from their former employer’s bank account. All are charged with one count of conspiracy and eight counts of wire fraud.
The indictment alleges that Martinez, Garcia and Torres worked at the Houston branch of a Florida-based security company that installed, tested and monitored fire and security systems. The Florida company had acquired the Houston branch from another company, and all three defendants had worked at the predecessor company, according to the indictment.
The company used third party vendors to install its alarm systems. The indictment alleges Martinez and Garcia worked in the accounting department and were responsible for paying the vendors and noting in the company’s accounting system. From November 2011 until May 2016, Martinez, Garcia and Torres allegedly participated in a scheme to divert approximately $1,661,163 to themselves and their family members. The indictment alleges they used a computer in Texas to submit fraudulent vendor requests for payment to their employer’s out-of-state bank. They then allegedly used an electronic bank token to release funds to ACH transfer money from their employer’s bank account to their own bank accounts and bank accounts of their relatives.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Belinda Beek is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Convicted Sex Offender Arrested for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 31-year-old Corpus Christi man has been charged with possession of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.
Authorities arrested Adam Simington today. He is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jason B. Libby today at 2:00 p.m.
According to the criminal complaint filed yesterday, Simington was convicted in the state of Oklahoma for possessing child pornography. Authorities learned he was allegedly in possession of child pornography. According to the charges, law enforcement seized several digital devices from Simington’s residence which resulted in the discovery of more than 900 images of child pornography.
If convicted, Simington faces a minimum of 10 and up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Corpus Christi Police Department - Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hugo R. Martinez 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."
A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law
Mexican Alien Sentenced for Assaulting Agent During ArrestRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – An undocumented Mexican national has been ordered to federal prison for assaulting and injuring the Border Patrol (BP) agent who arrested him, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. Roman Sanchez-Rivera, 27, pleaded guilty Feb. 17, 2017.
Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo imposed a sentence of 51 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. Citizen, he is expected to face deportation proceedings following the prison term. He was also ordered to pay $21,610.14 in restitution to the U.S. Department of Labor.
On the morning of Dec. 1, 2016, BP agents encountered Sanchez-Rivera and other undocumented aliens in the brush near Encinal. The aliens ran from the agents but were soon apprehended. During the arrest, Sanchez-Rivera punched one of the agents in the face causing injuries. He also forced an intense physical struggle which resulted in serious injuries to one of the agent’s knees which required surgery.
Sanchez-Rivera has been in custody since his arrest where he will remain pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Border Patrol and the FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose Homero Ramirez prosecuted this case.
Long Arm of the Law Catches up with Drug Trafficking FugitiveRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – After 14 years on the run, a 42-year-old Roma man has pleaded guilty to charges filed against him in 2002 for conspiring to possess and possession with intent to distribute more than 1000 kilograms of marijuana, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.
A federal grand jury indicted Romeo Eduardo Barrera in September 2002 for federal drug law violations. He was Initially released on bond, but failed to appear for a pretrial conference before U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt in Houston in February 2003. A warrant issued for his arrest.
In late May 2017, Barrera was involved in an automobile accident in the Rio Grande Valley. Local law enforcement present at the scene of the accident arrested him upon discovering the outstanding warrant. Barrera made his initial appearance in the McAllen Division and was transferred to Houston to face the long-pending charges. He made his appearance before Judge Hoyt who revoked his previous bond and ordered he be detained pending further criminal proceedings.
Today, Barrera entered a guilty plea to each of two counts alleged in the indictment - conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 1000 kilograms or more of marijuana and aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
The charges against Barrera arise from an investigation initiated in March 6, 2002. At that time, authorities located suspected narcotics traffickers from the Rio Grande Valley at a Houston-area Holiday Inn Express Hotel. Thereafter, law enforcement conducted surveillance during which time they observed Barrera arrive at the hotel and eventually leave with two others. Surveillance of that vehicle ultimately lead investigating officers to a residence on Northfield in Houston. There, investigating agents watched Barrera and seven other defendants entering and exiting the residence, using trash cans to remove large bales of marijuana and load them into a van parked nearby.
When officers approached, Barrera fled the scene along with all but one of the others. Authorities arrested Barrera shortly thereafter on a nearby street. During the chase, Barrera held 386.6 grams of marijuana wrapped in clear cellophane and a yellow sheet of paper with figures written on it.
In the Northfield residence, officers also found 31 cellophane-wrapped bales of marijuana weighing a total of approximately 1644 pounds along with an additional 154 grams of marijuana, 30 used and new duffle bags, two digital scales, wrapping materials, calculators, drug ledgers and three firearms.
In the parked van, investigating officers also found and seized 19 cellophane-wrapped bales of marijuana with an approximate total weight of 928.55 pounds.
At sentencing, Barrera faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison as well as a possible $10 million fine. Sentencing is set for Jan. 18, 2018. Barrera will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The Harris County Sheriff’s Office, Houston Police department and the FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nancy G. Herrera is prosecuting the case.
Houston Man Sentenced to 35 Years for Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 29-year-old Houston man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction on two counts of sex trafficking by the use of force, fraud and coercion, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. Roger Maldonado pleaded guilty Sept. 13, 2016.
Today, U.S. District Judge Nancy F. Atlas took into consideration Maldonado’s undue influence over the two minor victims as well as his criminal history of assaults and firearm possession which showed a pattern of violent behavior and handed him a total sentence of 420 months in federal prison. Additional information was also presented today, including a victim statement and letter. In handing down the sentence, Judge Atlas stated that Maldonado repeatedly engaged in conduct which hurt others. Maldonado was further ordered to serve 10 years of supervised release following completion of his prison term, during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
Maldonado came to the attention of law enforcement after law enforcement found a minor female at a hospital whom Maldonado had physically assaulted in August 2015. The victim had suffered a forehead laceration, upper and lower eyelid contusions, neck abrasions, a finger contusion and abdominal trauma. At that time, the female advised law enforcement that Maldonado was her boyfriend and that he had assaulted her.
In September 2015, law enforcement found a second minor female whom Maldonado had also assaulted. The investigation revealed that Maldonado had been trafficking these two victims on Backpage.com as well as at Pink Spa - a sexually-oriented business located in Houston known by law enforcement for prostitution activities.
Through their investigation, law enforcement discovered Maldonado had been taking photographs of these victims and posting advertisements in order to solicit business for these victims. Maldonado would set up the dates for the victims and transport the women in order for them to engage in commercial sex acts. The victims would then turn a portion of the money over to Maldonado. Ultimately, he used force, threats of force, fraud and coercion to have these victims perform commercial sex acts from which he benefited financially.
He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI and Houston Police Department conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly Ann Leo and Sherri Zack 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."
Nigerian Citizen Convicted of Defrauding U.S. Victims in Multi-Million Dollar SchemeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 29-year-old Nigerian man who was residing in Houston has pleaded guilty to perpetuating a wire fraud scheme involving various Internet scams, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. Idowa Olugbenga Temetan aka David Cole pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and three counts of wire fraud.
From October 2013 until March 2014, Temetan used counterfeit passports to open bank accounts in the greater Houston area. The passports contained photographs of Temetan but utilized the alias of David Cole. He then worked with others to lure victims into sending money into these bank accounts. These funds were obtained through a variety of internet scams, including lottery scams and business investment scams. Checks or wire transfers were then sent from the victims’ bank accounts to accounts Temetan or others controlled. Temetan and his co-conspirators would then use the counterfeit passports to retrieve the fraudulently obtained funds.
Law enforcement has been able to trace at least $4 million to victims, some of whom who reside in Houston, that have been affected by this scheme. Temetan defrauded one victim of $3 million alone. After authorities identified this victim, they were able to trace the accounts into which the monies were being deposited.
Authorities arrested Temetan in Las Vegas, Nevada, while he was withdrawing cash from the account. Upon his arrest, law enforcement also obtained a fraudulent passport he was using under the name of David Cole.
U.S. District Judge Sim Lake accepted the guilty plea and has set sentencing for Feb. 2, 2018. At that time, Temetan faces up to 30 years in federal prison and a possible $1 million maximum fine. Temetan is in custody pending that hearing.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie N. Searle is prosecuting the case.
Huntsville Nursing Home Pays the United States and the State of Texas $5 Million to Settle Claims Alleging Poor Quality of CareRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – Health Services Management Inc. (HSM) has paid the United States $5 million to resolve claims that the company billed the Medicare and Medicaid programs for worthless services and for services that were never provided, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. HSM is based in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and owns and operates nursing homes throughout Texas and the United States. The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only with no determination of liability.
The United States and Texas began the investigation following the filing of a qui tam, or whistleblower, lawsuit on Oct. 17, 2014. The whistleblower worked at Huntsville Health Care Center, a 92-bed nursing home and rehabilitation facility that HSM owned and operated. She claimed that during her employment, she witnessed patient abuse and neglect, inadequate care, physical and verbal abuse and denial of basic services, such as providing patients with food and water.
The investigation concluded that from Jan. 1, 2013, through Dec. 31, 2015, Huntsville Health Care Center billed for services that were not provided or which were so substandard and deficient that they were considered worthless and potentially harmful to specific Huntsville patients. The claims for payment to Medicare and Medicaid for those services were deemed to be fraudulent and submitted in violation of federal and state law.
“We take seriously the care of our most vulnerable citizens, the elderly and infirm,” said Martinez. “When providers accept federal funds for reimbursement, they have a duty and responsibility to provide the best care possible to the patient, especially when those patients are elderly and at times incapacitated. The United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) for the Southern District of Texas will aggressively hold those accountable who fail to provide the care that is expected when the failure to do so results in harm to the patients and the treasury.”
“It's disturbing when a nursing home company accepts Medicare and Medicaid money to care for vulnerable nursing home residents and in return provides substandard care, as alleged in this case,” said Special Agent in Charge C.J. Porter of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General (DHHS-OIG). “We will continue to hold nursing homes accountable to give residents the quality health services, and living conditions, taxpayers pay them to provide.”
As part of the settlement, HSM also agreed to enter into a Corporate Integrity Agreement with DHHS-OIG.
Under the False Claims Act and the Texas Medicaid Fraud Prevention Act, a private party - known as a relator - can file an action on behalf of the United States and Texas and receive a portion of the recovery. In this case, the relator received $1 million.
The USAO, DHHS-OIG and the Texas Attorney General’s Office - Civil Medicaid Fraud Division conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill Venezia handled the matter.
Corpus Christi Man Heads to Prison for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 69-year-old Corpus Christi man has been ordered to prison after admitting he possessed child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. Henry Franklin Reddick pleaded guilty April 28, 2017.
Today, U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos handed Reddick a 36-month sentence. At the hearing, a Corpus Christi Police Department (CCPD) computer forensic expert testified that Reddick was saving numerous images of child pornography on a digital storage device a month before his arrest. Reddick was further ordered to serve 10 years of supervised release following completion of his prison term, during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the Internet. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
The investigation into Reddick began after authorities received a CyberTipline report from The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. The CyberTipline provides the public and electronic service providers with the ability to report online instances of child pornography. The CyberTipline report indicated that an individual using the email address of [email protected] had uploaded 79 images of suspected child pornography onto a cloud storage service.
Law enforcement was able to determine Reddick was associated with that email address and executed a search warrant at his residence. At that time, agents seized various electronic devices on which forensic analysis later revealed more than 450 images and 13 videos of child pornography.
Reddick was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Corpus Christi Police Department—Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
This case, prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Hugo R. Martinez and Elsa Salinas, 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."
Benavides Man Sentenced for Assault on Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 24-year-old resident of Benavides has been ordered to federal prison for assaulting a Border Patrol agent by use of a deadly or dangerous weapon, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. A federal jury sitting in Laredo convicted Oscar David Gonzalez II on April 12, 2017, after a two-day trial.
Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia-Marmolejo, who presided over the trial, ordered Gonzalez to serve 84 months in federal prison immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
On Dec. 2, 2016, a Border Patrol agent was working highway interdiction on State Highway 16 south of Hebbronville. At approximately 10:20 p.m., he observed a Toyota Camry followed by a Nissan Altima traveling north in tandem at a high rate of speed. The agent positioned his marked unit behind the Camry and observed several subjects in the back seat attempting to hide. Another agent arrived in his marked unit to assist in a traffic stop on both vehicles.
The first agent conducted a traffic stop on the Camry, while the second agent continued following the Altima. As the first agent approached the Camry on foot, Gonzalez drove away in the direction of the second agent and the Altima and intentionally swerved into the driver’s side of the Border Patrol marked vehicle. The collision forced the second agent onto the shoulder of the highway, broke the vehicle’s driver side mirror and scraped the fender. Gonzalez continued driving the Camry north for a couple of miles before he as stopped and taken into custody by additional responding Border Patrol agents.
Border Patrol and the FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Julian Castaneda and former AUSA Jorge Vela prosecuted the case.
Zapata Couple and Convicted Felons Sentenced on Firearms ChargesRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 43-year-old Zapata man and his common-law wife have been ordered to federal prison following their convictions of being felons in possession of firearms, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. Jesus Jose De Jesus and Amira Elizabeth Saenz, 35, each pleaded guilty March 21, 2017.
Today, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana ordered De Jesus to serve 46 months in prison, while Saenz received a six-month term of imprisonment plus an additional six months to serve on home confinement for revocation of a prior supervised release. After completion of their sentences, both will serve three years of supervised release.
De Jesus is a convicted sex offender and multiple-time convicted felon. Saenz is a convicted drug felon. As such, both are prohibited from possessing firearms per federal law. On Oct. 27, 2015, law enforcement officers were conducting compliance checks on sex offenders in Zapata County, at which time they encountered four firearms inside a residential trailer located on the 3400 block of South U.S. Zapata Highway 83 in Zapata.
The next day, agents recovered the four firearms located in the bedroom the couple shared. The firearms included a .308 caliber rifle, .22 caliber rifle, seven millimeter rifle and a .410 caliber shotgun.
Saenz was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. De Jesus 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 conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorneys José Homero Ramirez and José Angel Flores Jr. prosecuted the case.
Galveston Resident Convicted of Two Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 26-year-old man from Galveston County has entered a guilty plea to receipt and possession of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.
Lavelas Luckey first came to the attention of law enforcement after multiple images of child pornography were found associated with his online account. Authorities later conducted a search of Luckey’s residence which eventually led to the discovery of 107 videos and 638 images of child pornography.
Luckey admitted ownership of the child pornography as well as the online account he used to obtain it.
During the plea hearing today, Luckey admitted to using peer-to-peer software to search for, download and obtain child pornography. He also admitted to distributing the child pornography through his online account.
Sentencing has been set for Dec. 29, 2017, before U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks. At that time Luckey faces a minimum of five and up to 20 years imprisonment for receipt of child pornography and up to 10 years for possession of child pornography. Each count also carries a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
The Pearland Police Department and the FBI conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie N. Searle 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."
Hebbronville Man Sentenced for Smuggling DrugsRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A 47-year-old resident of Hebbronville has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of conspiracy and possession with the intent to distribute more than 50 kilograms of marijuana, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. Eden Alan Martinez pleaded guilty Jan. 23, 2017.
Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia-Marmolejo ordered sentenced Eden Martinez to 40 months to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
On Nov. 7, 2016, Eden Martinez took part in a conspiracy to smuggle marijuana by attempting to circumvent the Highway 16 Border Patrol Checkpoint near Hebbronville. He was driving a 2008 blue Chevrolet Silverado pick-up truck in which authorities found 111.5 kilograms of marijuana in the engine compartment, front bumper and rear quarter panels.
Eden Martinez has been in custody since his arrest on Nov. 7, 2016, where he will remain pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney José Angel Flores Jr. prosecuted the case.
Grand Jury Indicts Dallas Man on Multiple Charges of Child ExploitationRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A federal grand jury in Brownsville has indicted a 64-year-old man for child exploitation crimes that allegedly occurred in Honduras, Mexico and Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.
A federal grand jury returned a 12-count superseding indictment against Donald Frederic Bollinger, of Dallas, today. He was previously indicted Sept. 19, 2017, and has been in custody since his arrest shortly thereafter. He is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Morgan on the new charges on Oct. 26, 2017.
The charges include allegations that Bollinger engaged in illicit sexual activity in a foreign place (Honduras and Mexico), travelled to a foreign place with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, conspired to transport a minor across international boundaries with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, failed to register as a sex offender, conspired to engage in alien smuggling and committed a felony involving a minor while being registered as a sex offender.
The indictment alleges that between February 2012 and March 2014, Bollinger travelled from Dallas to Honduras to engage in illicit sexual conduct with boys under the age of 18. Thereafter, Bollinger allegedly conspired to have an individual under the age of 18 transported to the United States with the intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. During this time period, Bollinger also allegedly travelled to Honduras by aircraft and used a cell phone to entice or coerce an individual he believed was 15 years old to engage in sexual activity, according to the charges. Bollinger allegedly travelled through South Texas to Mexico to engage in illicit sexual conduct between March and April 2016. Bollinger, a registered sex offender, also failed to update his sex offender registration when he travelled to Mexico in March 2016, according to the indictment.
Bollinger faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life imprisonment for conspiring to transport a minor across international borders with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and enticement of a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity. For each of the five counts of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in foreign places and one count of traveling with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity Bollinger faces up to 30 years in prison. He also faces up to 20 years in prison for enticement of a minor to travel to engage in illicit sexual activity.
Bollinger also faces penalties for engaging in alien smuggling and for failing to update his sex offender registration status before traveling internationally. These charges include sentences of up to 10 years for failure to register and for conspiring to smuggle undocumented aliens into the United States as well as a five- year sentence for encouraging an undocumented alien to enter the United States illegally. In addition, Bollinger faces another mandatory minimum of 10 years in addition to any other sentence imposed for committing the crimes while a registered sex offender.
Each charge also carries a possible $250,000 maximum fine upon each conviction.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) - Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Task Force conducted the investigation with the assistance of HSI - Dallas division.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ana Cano and Jason Corley 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."
Former Oil Services Company Employee Convicted for Embezzling $1.8 Million from CompanyRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 54-year-old resident of Pasadena has entered a plea of guilty to wire fraud, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. Darla Kay Beede admitted she embezzled $1.8 million during her longtime employment with Chevron Phillips Chemical Company.
Beede was issued company credit cards via Case Bank on behalf of several managers, but used those cards for her own personal benefit. She used the company cards to purchase pre-paid debit/gift cards and copper wire. In order to mask her unlawful expenditures, she would falsify receipts from vendors, changing the item descriptions to reflect something other her unlawful purchases. Additionally, Beede would forge the expense account statements and authorization signatures in order to conceal her unlawful spending. She also provided fictitious receipts from various vendors to accounts payable at the company for spending justification.
As a result of her scheme, the company suffered a loss of $1.8 million.
Sentencing has been set before Chief U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal for Feb. 6, 2018. At that time, Beede faces up to 20 years in prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.
She was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Elmilady is prosecuting the case.
Convicted Fugitive Gets Significant Sentence After Re-captureRead the Press Release
LAREDO, Texas – A Laredo man has been sentenced to federal prison after being a fugitive from justice for more than 10 years, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.
Luis Enrique Flores, 44, pleaded guilty May 6, 2005, admitting he possessed with intent to distribute more than four kilograms of methamphetamine.
In August 2005, Flores was released on bond but then failed to appear for his hearings or report to pretrial services. Flores remained a fugitive until his arrest on June 5, 2017. He pleaded guilty to a charge of failure to appear on July 31, 2017.
Today, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana ordered he serve a total of 108 months in federal prison - 100 months for the drug conviction followed by a consecutive sentence of eight months imprisonment for the failure to appear. Flores will also serve a five-year-term of supervised release following completion of his sentence.
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 original drug investigation. The U.S. Marshals Service and its Fugitive Task Force investigated the charges of failure to appear. Assistant U.S. Attorney José Angel Moreno is prosecuting the case.
Youth Organizer Convicted of Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A teen mentor and founder of a nonprofit youth organization has been convicted of sexual exploitation of a child, otherwise known as production of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.
Kevin Ray McMillan, 37, of Corpus Christi, was a former teen mentor with the Boys and Girls Club of Corpus Christi and founder of Texas Youth Entrepreneurs - a nonprofit youth organization that mentors aspiring young future business owners. In May 2017, authorities learned McMillan had been sending sexually-explicit text messages via cellular telephone to a juvenile female. The investigation led to the discovery that McMillan had engaged in sexual activity with the young girl, which was photographed via cellular telephone. He was taken into custody as he was traveling to engage in sexual activity with a minor.
Senior U.S. District Judge John D. Rainey accepted the guilty plea today and set sentencing for Jan. 22, 2018. At that time, McMillan faces a minimum of 15 and up to 30 years in federal prison and a possible $250,00 maximum fine. Upon completion of any prison term imposed, McMillan also faces a maximum of life on supervised release during which time the court can impose a number of special conditions designed to protect children and prohibit the use of the Internet.
McMillan was arrested on federal charges in May 2017 and has been in custody since that time where he will remain pending his sentencing hearing.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Corpus Christi Police Department - Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Hugo R. Martinez 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."
Wife of Former Mexican Official Convicted in Bank Fraud ConspiracyRead the Press Release
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - The wife of the former Tabasco, Mexico, Secretary of Finance has been found guilty of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. A federal jury in Corpus Christi returned its verdict late Friday against Silvia Beatriz Perez-Ceballos, 49, of Sugar Land, following 10 days of trial and approximately five hours of deliberation.
At trial, the government presented evidence that included several extremely complex money laundering transactions involving multiple fictitious U.S. and Mexican companies and more than $40 million in laundered funds. The jury heard that Perez-Ceballos made false statements and submitted falsified documents to J.P. Morgan Chase Bank official in an effort to move $2 million to an offshore account in Bermuda. Perez-Ceballos also attempted to hide several assets, including a high-end Sugar Land residence under the company name Phantom Investments International. The case involved real property purchases in all cash transactions in Los Angeles, California, New York, New York, Miami, Florida and Houston.
Perez-Ceballos faces up 30 years in federal prison and a possible $1 million maximum fine.
U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos presided over the trial and has set sentencing for Dec. 15, 2017. Perez-Ceballos will remain in custody pending that hearing.
Also charged in relation to the conspiracy is her husband - Jose Manuel Saiz-Pineda, 49 - and his business associate Martin Alberto Medina-Sonda, 44. Saiz-Pineda was the Secretary of Finance of the Mexican State of Tabasco from 2007 to 2012, appointed to serve under former Governor Andres Granier Melo. Saiz-Pineda is currently in custody in Tabasco on related charges of illegal enrichment. Medina-Sonda is currently serving a prison term in Mexico. The charges against them in the United States are formal accusations of criminal conduct, not evidence. They are presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS - Criminal Investigation, sheriff’s offices in Fort Bend and Harris Counties and the U.S. Marshals Service conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Assistant United States Attorneys Julie K. Hampton and Jon Muschenheim are prosecuting the case.
Woman Pleads Guilty to Preparing False Income Tax ReturnRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A local tax return preparer has entered a guilty plea to willfully aiding and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return for a client, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.
In the plea agreement filed in the record of the case, Crystal T. Kemp admitted she prepared income tax returns for clients of her business in Houston named CQ Tax Preparation. Kemp willfully placed several false items on the tax returns, including false losses from sole proprietorships, false refundable American Opportunity Credits, false earned income credits and false child tax credits.
“Kemp abused her knowledge of the tax system to defraud the U.S. Government and her clients through tricking them into signing documents to support her fraudulent scheme,” said Goss. “IRS-CI is and always will be committed to uncovering all types of schemes used by unscrupulous return preparers to harm the American taxpaying public.”
According to the plea agreement, Kemp admitted she prepared 41 false income tax returns for clients with a combined tax loss to the United States of $429,131. Kemp also prepared a false 2015 income tax return for an undercover IRS agent posing as a taxpayer, claiming a false income tax refund of $5,546 when the tax return should have reflected a tax due and owing of $1,270.
Kemp further admitted in the plea agreement that she claimed a false income tax refund on her 2013 and 2014 personal income tax returns that resulted in a combined tax loss to the United States of an additional $96,608.
U.S. District Judge Sim Lake accepted the plea and has set sentencing for January 19, 2018. At that time, Kemp will face up to three years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. She was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.
IRS-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin R. Martin is prosecuting the case.
Registered Sex Offender Convicted of Three Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 44-year-old Porter man has entered guilty pleas to distribution, receipt and possession of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. Eric Furzland is a sex offender who has been required to register since his conviction for indecency with a child in 1997 in Harris County.
Authorities believed Furzland was uploading and storing child pornography into a virtual storage account. He had been using a variety of online applications to chat with others about child pornography and trade materials. He later posted such materials to a Cloud storage service and made the link to his account available to at least one other person.
Law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence, at which time they seized computer media and cellular phones. Forensic analysis of the phone, computer media and virtual storage accounts revealed 300 child pornography images and 2000 child pornography videos.
U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett accepted the plea today and has set sentencing for Dec. 20, 2017. At that time, Furzland faces a mandatory minimum of 15 and up to 40 years imprisonment for the distribution and receipt of child pornography as well as another 10-20 years for possession. All charges carry the possibility of an additional $250,000 fine. Furzland also faces a maximum of life on supervised release during which the court can impose a number of special conditions designed to protect children and prohibit the use of the Internet. He will again be required to register as a sex offender for up to the rest of his life.
At a detention hearing held shortly after his arrest in April 2017, Furzland was found to be a flight risk and danger to the community. He has been in custody since that time where he will remain pending that hearing.
The FBI conducted the investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherri Zack is prosecuting the case, 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."
Nigerian Citizen Sentenced for Defrauding More than $1.3 million Dollars from U.S. VictimsRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 25-year-old Nigerian man who resided in Houston has been ordered to federal prison for perpetuating a wire fraud scheme involving various Internet scams, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. Wiseman Oputa pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud April 20, 2017.
Today, U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett, who accepted the guilty plea, handed Oputa the 36-month sentence. He was further ordered to pay a $1,319,103.72 in restitution to the numerous victims he defrauded. Not a U.S. citizen, Oputa is expected to face deportation proceedings following his release from prison.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2016, until Jan. 25, 2017, Oputa used counterfeit passports to open bank accounts in the greater Houston area. The passports contained photographs of Oputa but had different names and identification information. He then worked with others to lure victims into sending money into these bank accounts. These funds were obtained through a variety of Internet scams, including business email compromises, romance schemes and unauthorized intrusions into company email accounts. Checks or wire transfers were then sent from the company’s accounts payable to accounts Oputa or others he controlled. Oputa would then use the counterfeit passports to retrieve the fraudulently obtained funds.
Oputa was part of a scheme that defrauded numerous victims nationwide. In one instance in December 2016, Oputa opened an account at Regions Bank with a counterfeit Ghanaian passport as identification. Shortly thereafter, the account received a wire transfer of $40,000 from a victim who had been told to send money for taxes on money he had won in Spain. USAA Bank identified the fraudulent transfer and was able to recall this specific wire. Two additional wires were also recalled; however, the remaining victims’ wire transfers were not. The total amount of money the victims lost nationwide exceeded $1.3 million.
Oputa will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation along with Department of State – Diplomatic Security Service and the Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanne Elmilady is prosecuting the case.
Armed Drug Trafficker Ordered to Serve 15 Years in CustodyRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – Another member of an armed crew involved in stealing 246 kilograms of marijuana has been ordered to prison, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.
Mexican nationals Eduardo Rodriguez-Silva, 27, and Arturo Guadalupe Saldivar-Abrego, 30; Eliezer Jesus Vela, 39, of Pharr; and Luis Angel Gonzalez, 21, and Nery Gonzalez Jr., 29, both of Edinburg, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Rodriguez-Silva, Saldivar-Abrego, Gonzalez and Gonzalez Jr. also pleaded to conspiracy to carry and use a firearm during and in relation to a drug offense.
Today, U.S. District Judge Randy Crane ordered Rodriguez-Silva to serve 60 months imprisonment for the drug trafficking and a 120-term of imprisonment for the firearm charge. The sentences will run consecutively for a total of 15 years in federal prison. He is expected to face deportation proceedings following his release.
Judge Crane previously sentenced Gonzalez Jr. to 207 months in prison, while Gonzalez, Saldivar-Abrego and Vela were ordered to serve 180, 96 and 60 months, respectively. Vela, Gonzalez and Gonzalez Jr. will also serve four years of supervised release following completion of the prison terms. Not a U.S. citizen, Saldivar-Abrego is expected to face deportation proceedings following his release from prison.
On Oct. 9, 2015, a vehicle containing approximately 246 kilograms of marijuana was traveling on expressway 83. Rodriguez-Silva, Saldivar-Abrego, Gonzalez and Gonzalez Jr. soon approached in a second vehicle and fired gunshots at the load vehicle, forcing it to stop. They then transferred the marijuana into their vehicle. Following a pursuit, officers apprehended Saldivar-Abrego. Gonzalez and Gonzalez Jr. were arrested shortly thereafter. In March of 2017, Rodriguez-Silva was arrested. A subsequent investigation revealed Vela was the owner of the vehicle and that it was purchased knowing it was to be used to transport narcotics.
All 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 along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, FBI and police departments in San Juan and Alamo. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rolando Cantu and Kristen Rees prosecuted the case.
Young San Benito Man Sent to Federal Prison for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 27-year-old resident of San Benito has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of sexual exploitation of a minor, otherwise known as production of child pornography, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. Jonathan Rios aka Jonathan Rios Ventura was an assistant manager at a local restaurant prior to his arrest on July 26, 2016. He pleaded guilty Nov. 16, 2016.
Today, U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen handed Rios a sentence of 235 months in federal prison. He was further ordered to serve 20 years on supervised release, during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the Internet. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.
At the time of his plea, the court heard that Rios persuaded or coerced a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct. Specifically, he had sexual intercourse with a minor child under the age of six and filmed it with his cell phone.
Rios 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, the Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Task Force and the San Benito Police Department conducted the investigation.
This case, prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Corley and Ana Cano, 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."
The Woodlands Woman Convicted of Defrauding EmployerRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 52-year-old resident of The Woodlands has pleaded guilty to wire fraud, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.
Kavita Nehendra Duvvuru was a former employee of Vinmar International Ltd. Today, she admitted that while employed there, she made unauthorized charges and cash advances for personal expenses on credit cards which were only to be used for Vinmar business expenses. Duvvuru further admitted she altered the credit card statement and provided false information to conceal her fraud from the company.
Duvvuru began employment with the Houston petrochemical distribution and marketing company Vinmar in 2004. Vinmar paid the balances on several credit cards issued in the name of Vinmar’s president and another officer of Vinmar on a monthly basis. These credit cards included an American Express Plum card and two MasterCards and were used to charge Vinmar’s business expenses. Duvvuru had credit cards issued in her name on those accounts as well, but was only authorized to charge Vinmar business expenses.
Beginning in or about 2010, Duvvuru began making unauthorized charges for personal expenses on the American Express Plum credit card. Eventually, these unauthorized personal charges reached between $10,000 and $20,000 per month. She also obtained unauthorized cash advances from the MasterCard credit cards, which she used for personal expenses including payment of her property taxes and college tuition payments for her children.
In late 2016, Duvvuru made $22,359.29 in unauthorized personal charges on the American Express Plum card. She later accessed the online statement, downloaded a copy and used a software program to alter it to conceal her unauthorized personal charges. She then added a falsified charge for the same amount and attributed it to a Vinmar vendor. She also created false entries to account for the charge it to make it appear to be a legitimate Vinmar business expense. She then submitted the falsified entries to Vinmar’s accounting department.
As a result of her scheme, Vinmar suffered a loss of at least $2.5 million.
U.S. District Judge Sim Lake accepted the guilty plea today and has set sentencing for Jan. 19, 2018. At that time, Duvvuru faces up to 20 years in federal 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.
Mission Man Sentenced to Prison for CocaineRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 25-year-old Mission man has received a 10-year prison sentence for transporting cocaine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. Mario Alberto Garrido pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute 23 kilograms of cocaine on Nov. 8, 2016.
Today, U.S. District Judge Ricardo H. Hinojosa sentenced Garrido to 120 months in prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release.
On June 2, 2016, authorities stopped Garrido for a traffic violation in Mission. A canine alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle, at which time law enforcement discovered approximately 23 kilograms of cocaine in a hidden compartment in the trunk of the car he was driving.
Garrido admitted he had been involved in transporting and distributing cocaine since he was 12 years old.
Garrido has been and will remain in custody since his arrest where he will remain pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI and Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Leonard is prosecuting the case.
Mission Man Sentenced to Prison for CocaineRead the Press Release
McALLEN, Texas – A 25-year-old Mission man has received a 10-year prison sentence for transporting cocaine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. Mario Alberto Garrido pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute 23 kilograms of cocaine on Nov. 8, 2016.
Today, U.S. District Judge Ricardo H. Hinojosa sentenced Garrido to 120 months in prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release.
On June 2, 2016, authorities stopped Garrido for a traffic violation in Mission. A canine alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle, at which time law enforcement discovered approximately 23 kilograms of cocaine in a hidden compartment in the trunk of the car he was driving.
Garrido admitted he had been involved in transporting and distributing cocaine since he was 12 years old.
Garrido has been and will remain in custody since his arrest where he will remain pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI and Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Leonard is prosecuting the case.
Local Man Set to Appear in Court on Allegations of Trafficking a Minor for SexRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A federal grand jury has indicted a 31-year-old Missouri City man for allegedly trafficking a 12-year old girl, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez.
Eddie Larue is expected to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Dena Hanovice Palermo at 10:00 a.m. today.
According to the indictment returned last week, Larue allegedly recruited a 12-year old girl to engage in commercial sex acts for money along the 1.3 mile stretch of Bissonnet St., commonly referred to as “The Track.” Larue also allegedly used force and threats of force to compel his victim into prostitution and took all of the money she received.
If convicted, Larue faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and up to life in federal prison as well as a $250,000 fine.
The Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA) conducted the investigation. HTRA law enforcement includes members of the FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Houston Police Department, sheriff’s offices in Harris and Montgomery counties, Texas Alcoholic and Beverage Commission, Texas Attorney General’s Office, Department of State, Department of Labor, IRS and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Established in 2004, the United States Attorney’s office in Houston formed the HTRA to combine resources with federal, state and local enforcement agencies and prosecutors, as well as non-governmental service organizations to target human traffickers while providing necessary services to those that the traffickers victimized. Since its inception, HTRA has been recognized as a national model in identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking and prosecuting those engaged in trafficking offenses.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sebastian Edwards and Sharad Khandelwal are prosecuting this case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.