Western District of Texas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Key Leader in Texas Human Smuggling Organization Sentenced to 40 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
DEL RIO, Texas – A Mexican national was sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio to 480 months in prison for illegal alien transportation resulting in death.
According to court documents, Nicolas Mondragon-Gonzalez, aka “Chayo” and “Flaco,” 36, of Luvianos, Mexico, was a leader and orchestrator of a human smuggling organization (HSO). Mondragon-Gonzalez had hired Sebastian Tovar, a driver who was sentenced in August 2023 to 420 months in prison for his role in the operation. Tovar had been transporting nine undocumented noncitizens when he led a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper on a pursuit and collided with another vehicle in the oncoming traffic lane. Eight of the nine passengers in Tovar’s vehicle were killed, while the two occupants of the other vehicle were seriously injured. Following the crash, U.S. Border Patrol agents encountered a second smuggling vehicle carrying undocumented noncitizens. The driver stopped and the occupants fled on foot. USBP agents were able to locate them.
Mondragon-Gonzalez was arrested Sept. 28, 2021. He pleaded guilty to four counts January 10, 2022: one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens, one count of illegal alien transportation resulting in death, and two counts of transportation of illegal aliens.
“The result in this case is a testament to this office's commitment to seek justice for our community members,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “It reflects the hard work and interagency cooperation of our federal and state law enforcement partners, whose efforts brought this case to a successful conclusion.”
“This defendant will spend the next 40 years in federal prison for his actions,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee for HSI San Antonio. “Human smuggling is dangerous but as this case demonstrates, it’s also deadly. HSI will not stop investigating and bringing smugglers to face justice. There can be no safe haven for smugglers who evade our nations laws, endangering our communities and causing deaths.”
Codefendant Ruben Junior Rodriguez-Jaimes, a foot guide, was sentenced in August 2023 to 180 months in prison. Rogelio Manuel Luna was sentenced in June 2024 to 108 months in prison with credit for time served. Jennifer Oralia Davis, aka “Paypa,” was sentenced in September 2023 to 151 months in prison with credit for time served.
Four additional defendants pleaded guilty in 2023 to one count of illegal alien transportation resulting in death: Lauren Michelle Malmquist aka “Mama” and “Lala,” Veronica Torres-Mendez, and Eduardo Rivera Benitez aka “Lalo” and “Casper,” each face a maximum penalty of life in prison. Jose Eli Rodriguez faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Another individual indicted in the case, Marco Antonio Hernandez aka “Temo,” was arrested on June 27 in Houston. Hernandez had previously been sentenced on Oct. 11, 2023 to 24 months in prison with credit for time served.
HSI, USBP and DPS investigated the case with valuable assistance from the Travis County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Banister prosecuted the case.
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92K Rounds of Ammo Found During Bridge of the Americas Bus Inspection, Drivers Arrested on Smuggling of Goods ChargesRead the Press Release
EL PASO, Texas – Two Mexican national bus drivers were arrested Saturday in El Paso on criminal charges related to their alleged smuggling of firearm ammunition.
According to court documents, Lucio Enriquez Garcia, was the driver of a charter bus bearing a Mexico license plate when he approached the Bridge of the Americas Port of Entry. Garcia told the Customs and Border Protection officer that he was carrying 16 passengers with some children from Phoenix, Arizona to Zacatecas, Mexico and there were no firearms on board. An assistant bus driver, Ramiro Antonio Barbosa Resendiz, also denied possession of firearms.
Further inspection revealed 26 black totes, 11 of which contained 33,000 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition. The remaining 15 totes contained 59,900 rounds of .223 caliber rifle ammunition for a total of 92,900 rounds of ammunition.
Garcia and Resendiz made their initial appearances in court Monday and are each charged with one count of smuggling goods from the United States. If convicted, they each face up to 10 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations and CBP are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg McDonald is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Two Texas Men Indicted, Arrested for Dealing Firearms Without a LicenseRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A federal grand jury in San Antonio returned indictments charging two Texas men with offenses related to the unlawful dealing of firearms.
According to court documents, Ronin Michael Rhoades, 24, of Georgetown, and Tristan James Banda, 42, of Pflugerville, were both allegedly engaged in the business of dealing in firearms, despite not being licensed firearms dealers.
Additionally, Rhoades allegedly conspired to traffic and straw purchase a variety of firearms, including AR- and AK-style rifles, FN SCAR rifles, pistols, and a .50 caliber rifle.
Rhoades was arrested Aug. 1 and is charged with one count of conspiracy to traffic firearms, one count of conspiracy to straw purchase firearms, and one count of dealing in firearms without a license. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison for the firearms trafficking charge, up to 25 years imprisonment for the straw purchasing charge, and up to five years for dealing firearms without a license.
Banda was arrested Aug. 14 and is charged with one count of dealing in firearms without a license. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is investigating the cases.
Assistant U.S. Attorney William Calve is prosecuting the cases.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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El Paso Man Sentenced to 24 Years in Federal Prison for Holding Migrants Hostage, Dealing FentanylRead the Press Release
EL PASO, Texas – An El Paso man was sentenced in federal court to 292 months in prison for harboring migrants and taking them hostage, as well as conspiracy with intent to distribute fentanyl after a prior felony drug conviction.
According to court documents, Simon Roberto Alvarado, 39, conspired with Juan Carlos Calzada, 30, and Mexican national Janeth Nicole Magallanes, 26, to detain six citizens of Guatemala and Honduras. The co-conspirators held the migrants hostage in an apartment and threatened them with injury or death if their families did not pay ransoms.
FBI agents detained Magallanes while conducting surveillance at the residence Jan. 5, 2021, and further discovered the six hostages along with several weapons. The investigation revealed Alvarado was the owner of the residence, and a search of Alvarado’s phone indicated he and others had also trafficked more than 400 grams of fentanyl through the Western District of Texas.
The Court sentenced Calzada on Feb. 14 to 78 months in federal prison for one count of conspiracy to commit hostage taking. Magallanes was sentenced on Feb. 20 to 120 months for one count of hostage taking.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas and Special Agent in Charge John S. Morales for FBI El Paso made the announcement.
The FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Valenzuela, Kyle Myers, and Adam Hines prosecuted the case.
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Bulgarian National Extradited for Scheme to Illegally Export U.S.-Origin Sensitive Microelectronics to RussiaRead the Press Release
Bulgarian national Milan Dimitrov, 50, made his initial appearance in a federal court in San Antonio today after being extradited from Greece.
According to court documents, Milan Dimitrov allegedly conspired with Ilias Sabirov, 52, of Russia, and Dimitar Dimitrov, 74, of Bulgaria, to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Export Control Reform Act (ECRA) in a scheme to procure sensitive radiation-hardened integrated circuits from the United States and illegally export those components to Russia through Bulgaria without the required licenses from the U.S. government.
The indictment alleges that between at least May 2014 and May 2018 the defendants used the Bulgarian company Multi Technology Integration Group EEOD (MTIG) to receive export-controlled items from the United States and transship them to Russia without the required licenses.
According to the indictment, Sabirov is the head of two Russian companies — Cosmos Complect and OOO Sovtest Comp. — and controls MTIG. Both Dimitar and Milan Dimitrov worked for Sabirov at Cosmos Complect and MTIG.
As alleged, in 2014, the defendants met with the supplier of the radiation-hardened circuits in Austin, Texas, and were informed that radiation-hardened circuits could not be shipped to Russia because of U.S. trade restrictions. Sabirov then established MTIG in Bulgaria to purchase the controlled electronic circuits, which did not require a license for export to Bulgaria. The radiation-hardened properties of these circuits made them resistant to damage or malfunction in the harsh outer-space environment. The circuits were controlled for export to Russia for these very reasons. The parts were shipped to Bulgaria in 2015, and MTIG soon thereafter transshipped them to Sabirov’s companies in Russia. OOO Sovtest Comp. transferred over $1 million to MTIG for the parts.
In the same timeframe, MTIG — at Sabirov’s direction — ordered over $1.7 million in other electronic components produced by another U.S.-based electronics manufacturer. MTIG bought these parts to fulfill part of its contract with OOO Sovtest Comp. Again, the parts were shipped from the United States to Bulgaria, where they were merely repackaged and then shipped to Russia.
In late 2018, a Department of Commerce Export Control Officer interviewed Milan Dimitrov during a visit to MTIG to determine whether the radiation-hardened components were still in MTIG’s possession in Bulgaria. Milan Dimitrov, among other things, falsely denied sending the components to Russia.
Milan Dimitrov is charged with two counts of IEEPA violations, one count of money laundering, and one count of making false statements to the Department of Commerce in violation of the ECRA. Each count in the indictment carries a maximum penalty of up to 20 years in prison.
Sabirov and Dimitar Dimitrov remain at large. The two were charged in the same indictment in December 2020 with two counts of IEEPA violations and one count of money laundering.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department's National Security Division and U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The Commerce Department’s Office of Export Enforcement and the FBI are investigating the case with assistance from Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS).
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael C. Galdo and G. Karthik Srinivasan for the Wastern District of Texas are prosecuting the case along with Trial Attorney Christine Bonomo of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with Greek authorities to secure the extradition of Dimitrov to the United States.
An indictment merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Bulgarian National Extradited for Scheme to Illegally Export U.S.-Origin Sensitive Microelectronics to RussiaRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A Bulgarian national made his initial appearance in a federal court in San Antonio Monday after being extradited from Greece.
According to court documents, Milan Dimitrov, 50, allegedly conspired with Ilias Sabirov, 52, of Russia, and Dimitar Dimitrov, 74, of Bulgaria, to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Export Control Reform Act (ECRA) in a scheme to procure sensitive radiation-hardened integrated circuits from the United States and illegally export those components to Russia through Bulgaria without the required licenses from the U.S. government.
Milan Dimitrov is charged with two counts of IEEPA violations, one count of money laundering, and one count of making false statements to the Department of Commerce in violation of ECRA. Each count in the indictment carries up to 20 years in federal prison.
Sabirov and Dimitar Dimitrov currently remain at large. The two were charged in the same indictment in December 2020 with two counts of IEEPA violations and one count of money laundering.
The indictment alleges that between at least May 2014 and May 2018 the defendants used the Bulgarian company Multi Technology Integration Group EEOD (MTIG) to receive export-controlled items from the United States and transship them to Russia without the required licenses.
According to the indictment, Sabirov is the head of two Russian companies—Cosmos Complect and OOO Sovtest Comp.—and controls MTIG. Both Dimitar Dimitrov and Milan Dimitrov worked for Sabirov at Cosmos Complect and MTIG.
As alleged, in 2014, the defendants met with the supplier of the radiation-hardened circuits in Austin and were informed that radiation-hardened circuits could not be shipped to Russia because of U.S. trade restrictions. Sabirov then established MTIG in Bulgaria to purchase the controlled electronic circuits, which did not require a license for export to Bulgaria. The radiation-hardened properties of these circuits made them resistant to damage or malfunction in the harsh outer-space environment. The circuits were controlled for export to Russia for these very reasons. The parts were shipped to Bulgaria in 2015, and MTIG soon thereafter transshipped them to Sabirov’s companies in Russia. OOO Sovtest Comp. transferred over $1 million to MTIG for the parts.
In the same timeframe, MTIG—at Sabirov’s direction—ordered over $1.7 million in other electronic components produced by another U.S.-based electronics manufacturer. MTIG bought these parts to fulfill part of its contract with OOO Sovtest Comp. Again, the parts were shipped from the United States to Bulgaria, where they were merely repackaged and then shipped to Russia.
In late 2018, a Department of Commerce Export Control Officer interviewed Milan Dimitrov during a visit to MTIG to determine whether the radiation-hardened components were still in MTIG’s possession in Bulgaria. Milan Dimitrov, among other things, falsely denied sending the components to Russia.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The Commerce Department’s Office of Export Enforcement and the FBI are investigating this case with assistance from Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS).
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael C. Galdo and G. Karthik Srinivasan are prosecuting the case along with trial attorney Christine Bonomo of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance.
An indictment merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Convicted McKinney Man Sentenced in Del Rio for Human SmugglingRead the Press Release
DEL RIO, Texas – A McKinney man was sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio to 30 months in prison for conspiracy to transport undocumented noncitizens.
According to court documents, on July 26, 2022, Draivon Rashon Dixon, 33, approached a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint near Carrizo Springs in an SUV. Agents encountered three undocumented noncitizens attempting to conceal themselves in the vehicle. Agents also recovered a 9mm pistol and 18 rounds of ammunition inside the vehicle. A jury found Dixon guilty at trial on Jan. 18, 2023.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
USBP investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ekua Ayatra Assabill and Jayvee Rhoda prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonio Franco is handling asset forfeiture.
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Honduran National Indicted for Alleged Armed Robberies of Two Austin StoresRead the Press Release
AUSTIN, Texas – A federal grand jury in Austin returned an indictment charging a Honduran national with four counts related to Hobbs Act robbery and firearm offenses.
According to court documents, Christian Lopez-Burgos, 25, allegedly committed an armed robbery of two Austin convenience stores on or about Dec. 31, 2023 and Feb. 3, 2024. During the first robbery, Lopez-Burgos allegedly brandished a firearm. During the second robbery, he allegedly fired a pistol at a victim three times and pointed it at two others.
Lopez-Burgos is charged with two counts of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison for each Hobbs Act violation, a minimum of seven years in prison for the brandishing charge, and a minimum of 10 years in prison for the discharge offense years in prison. Federal law provides that any punishment imposed as to the firearms charges is to run consecutively to any other sentence imposed. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The FBI, Austin Police Department, San Marcos Police Department and Houston Police Department are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabriel Cohen is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
###Five Point Enterprises Agrees to Pay the United States over $2M for Submitting False Claims to VA for Post-9/11 GI Bill Education BenefitsRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today that Five Point Enterprises LLC (5PE) has agreed to pay the United States $2,049,159 to resolve allegations that it submitted false claims to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for educational assistance benefits under the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 (Post-9/11 GI Bill). Until 2021, 5PE was a for-profit company based in Austin, Texas, that operated vocational schools across the country offering non-college degree programs to students, including veteran students, under a franchise agreement with New Horizons Inc.
“The Post-9/11 GI Bill educational assistance benefits are part of our promise to the brave women and men who have served our country,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “Today’s settlement demonstrates our commitment to safeguarding the integrity of this important program.”
“My office is committed to protecting the integrity of our federal programs and the education benefits military veterans and their families have earned by serving this country,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “We and our partners stand ready to hold accountable those who take advantage of them through fraudulent practices.”
The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides educational assistance benefits for eligible veterans and members of the armed services who enroll in qualified education or training programs. The VA restricts the number of veterans that schools may enroll in their courses, requiring that no more than 85% of students enrolled in a course have all or part of their tuition, fees, or other charges paid for them by the school or the VA. This is known as the “85/15 Rule.” The 85/15 rule ensures that educational institutions offer quality programs with a substantial number of non-supported students enrolled, which weeds out any institutions that survive only by the influx of federal benefits. For veteran students properly enrolled in a course, the VA pays the actual net cost for tuition and fees charged by the school after it has applied any scholarships, waivers, grants or other assistance designed to defray the cost of tuition and fees, which is known as the “Last Payer Rule.” The government contends that, between 2015 and 2020, 5PE knowingly enrolled Post-9/11 GI Bill funded veterans in courses at 20 New Horizons franchises across the country where 85% or more of the students were already veterans or supported students, in violation of the 85/15 Rule, and failed to report to the VA the tuition reductions it provided to veterans, in violation of the Last Payer Rule. As a result, the government contends that 5PE submitted false claims for educational assistance benefits to the VA and false certifications of compliance with the Post-9/11 GI Bill’s requirements material to those false claims.
“This settlement demonstrates that violations of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits regulations will not be tolerated,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Molly King of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General (VA OIG) Northwest Field Office. “The VA OIG will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of VA’s education benefits program.”
The Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch, Fraud Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas handled the matter. VA OIG provided substantial assistance in the investigation.
Senior Trial Counsel Christopher Wilson of the Civil Division and Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas A. Parnham Jr. for the Western District of Texas handled the matter.
The claims asserted against defendants are allegations only. There has been no determination of liability.
SettlementMexican National Sentenced to Nearly 20 Years in Federal Prison for Meth TraffickingRead the Press Release
DEL RIO, Texas – A Mexican national was sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio to 235 months in prison for importing 69.5 kilograms of methamphetamine into the U.S. from Mexico.
According to court documents, Rey David Sonora-Villanueva, 36, of Nueva Rosita, Coahuila, Mexico, attempted to enter the U.S via the Eagle Pass Port of Entry on Feb. 26, 2020. During a vehicle inspection, Customs and Border Protection officers extracted 69.5 kilograms of methamphetamine from Sonora-Villanueva’s vehicle. Analysis of the seized methamphetamine revealed a purity level of 98%.
Sonora-Villanueva was indicted for four charges related to the possession and importation of methamphetamine. He pleaded guilty on Jan. 28, 2021 to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tyler Fleming and James Ward prosecuted the case.
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Justice Department Reaches Settlement with City of El Paso, Texas, and Its Contractors for Auctioning over 170 Vehicles Owned by ServicemembersRead the Press Release
The Justice Department today announced that it has reached settlements with the City of El Paso, Texas (the City); United Road Towing Inc., doing business as UR Vehicle Management Solutions (URT); and Rod Robertson Enterprises Inc (RRE) to resolve allegations that they violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA). The United States’ complaint, which was filed on Feb. 2, 2023, alleges that the City and its contractors auctioned or otherwise disposed of over 170 vehicles owned by protected servicemembers without first obtaining court orders allowing them to do so.
“Members of our armed forces should not have to worry about their cars being auctioned off while they are on the front lines defending our freedoms, liberties and rights,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “These settlements should send a strong message to other cities that they should not take advantage of the rights of our servicemembers while they are defending us from harm."
“My office is committed to safeguarding the rights of servicemembers who call the Western District of Texas home,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “I am proud of our partnership with the Civil Rights Division and our work fighting for the men and women in this district who have been deployed overseas.”
Under the agreements, which are subject to court approval, the City must develop new policies and procedures to ensure that contractors who are responsible for auctioning or otherwise disposing of impounded vehicles comply with the SCRA in the future. The City is also responsible for the payment of a $20,000 civil penalty.
RRE, which was the City’s contractor from January 2015 until April 2019, must establish a $140,000 settlement fund to compensate the affected servicemembers and pay a $20,000 civil penalty.
URT, which has been the City’s contractor since June 2019, must establish a $57,395 settlement fund to compensate servicemembers, pay a $24,980 civil penalty, provide SCRA training to its employees, adopt policies and procedures to investigate the military status of any registered owner prior to auctioning a vehicle and obtain a court order or a valid SCRA waiver prior to auctioning a vehicle owned by a protected servicemember.
The department launched its investigation after receiving a complaint from U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Lisa Dechent. While she was deployed to Afghanistan, the City had her 2016 White Chevrolet Silverado truck towed to the impound lot. URT sold it at auction for $6,200, without obtaining the court order required by the SCRA. At the time of the auction, Lieutenant Colonel Dechent still owed approximately $13,000 on the loan she had used to finance the purchase of the truck.
The department’s enforcement of the SCRA is conducted by the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section and U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the country. Since 2011, the department has obtained over $481 million in monetary relief for over 147,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. For more information about the department’s SCRA enforcement efforts, please visit www.servicemembers.gov.
Servicemembers and their dependents who believe that their rights under SCRA have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations may be found at legalassistance.law.af.mil/.
View the consent order here.
View the order approving settlement here.
Fifth Defendant Pleads Guilty in North Austin Mail Robbery Case, Sixth Defendant Arrested Out of StateRead the Press Release
AUSTIN, Texas – An Austin man pleaded guilty in federal court to charges related to conspiracy and mail robbery.
According to court documents, Cody Smith, 19, conspired with five codefendants in 2023 to target U.S. Postal Service letter carriers and steal their Arrow Keys in order to unlawfully open mail boxes in the local area. In one instance, on Dec. 4, 2023, Smith and codefendant Samuel Williams, 19, wearing dark hooded sweatshirts and masks, approached a letter carrier and demanded he give them his assigned USPS Arrow Key. Smith and Williams ripped the key from the letter carrier’s belt and ran to a getaway vehicle. Codefendants Christian Mosquera, 21, and Nicholas Williams, 21, assisted in the robbery as driver and look-out, respectively. Two other codefendants, Camren Hamilton, 22, and Jonathan Rangel, 27, also had roles in the conspiracy.
Smith pleaded guilty to one count of robbery of mail matter or other property and one count of conspiracy to commit robbery of mail matter or other property. He faces a up to ten years in prison for the robbery charge and up to five years in prison for the conspiracy. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Codefendant Samuel Williams was located and arrested in St. Louis July 30.
Mosquera, Nicholas Williams, Hamilton and Rangel have all pleaded guilty and are scheduled for sentence hearings in September. Smith does not yet have a sentencing date.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Austin Police Department, Round Rock Police Department, and Georgetown Police Department are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Guess is prosecuting the case.
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Corpus Christi Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Federal Prison for Transporting, Endangering Undocumented NoncitizensRead the Press Release
DEL RIO, Texas – A Corpus Christi man was sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio to 46 months in prison for conspiracy to transport undocumented noncitizens, placing lives in jeopardy.
According to court documents, Thomas Bucciarelli, 40, failed to yield to law enforcement in Carrizo Springs on Aug. 20, 2022. Bucciarelli drove through red traffic lights and struck the driver’s side of a vehicle stopped at an intersection. Border Patrol agents located Bucciarelli’s vehicle in a parking lot, finding four passengers who were revealed to be undocumented noncitizens. Bucciarelli was taken into federal custody. He pleaded guilty to one count on Feb. 6, 2023.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
U.S. Border Patrol investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy Markovits prosecuted the case.
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Former Army Civilian Employee Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for $100 Million Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – Janet Yamanaka Mello, the civilian Army employee who stole over $108 million from a grant program designed to provide services to military dependents and their families was sentenced today to 180 months in prison for five counts of mail fraud and five counts of filing a false tax return.
According to court documents, Janet Yamanaka Mello, 57, worked as a financial program manager for the U.S. Army, Installation Management Command – G9 (Morale, Welfare and Recreation) Child and Youth Services (CYS) at Fort Sam Houston. In or around December 2016 through at least August 29, 2023, Mello formed a business she called Child Health and Youth Lifelong Development (CHYLD). The sole purpose of CHYLD was to receive grant funds from the 4-H Military Partnership Grant program, which Mello fraudulently secured by way of her position as a CYS financial program manager.
Once Mello received a grant check, she deposited the check into her bank account, spending the money on clothing, jewelry, vehicles and real estate. Court documents indicate that Mello repeated the process 49 times during a six-year period, requesting approximately $117,000,000 in payments, and receiving approximately $108,917,749.
Subsequently, Mello failed to accurately report her income for tax years 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022, omitting millions of dollars in income fraudulently received through CHYLD.
“Janet Mello betrayed the trust of the government agency she served and repeatedly lied in an effort to enrich herself,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “Rather than $109 million in federal funds going to the care of military children throughout the world, she selfishly stole that money to buy extravagant houses, more than 80 vehicles and over 1,500 pieces of jewelry. Her actions reflect exactly the opposite of what it means to serve your country, and my office will continue to work tirelessly to prosecute those who illegally seek personal gain at the expense of their fellow citizens.”
“Corruption and fraud in U.S. Army programs jeopardize the safety and security of our Soldiers and their families. When discovered, fraudulent activities by Army employees will not be tolerated, and those involved will be brought to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Maria Thomas for the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division, Central Texas Field Office. “The Army community, and the public, can rest assured that we remain committed to aggressively pursuing anyone that uses government programs for their own personal gain.”
"Mello's penchant for extravagance is what brought her down. We identified that her reported income was well below the lavish lifestyle she lived. As we uncovered the details, the criminal scheme grew, the dollar amount grew, and the reach of her spending grew," said Acting Special Agent in Charge Lucy Tan of IRS Criminal Investigation's Houston Field Office. "Financial crimes have victims, and this one took opportunities away from the children and families of our military men and women."
CI and Army CID investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Simmons, Antonio Franco, Kristy Callahan, Todd Keagle, and Steven Seward prosecuted the case.
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Bastrop Man to Spend 25 Years in Federal Prison for Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
AUSTIN, Texas – A Bastrop man was sentenced in federal court to 300 months in prison for sexual exploitation of a minor.
According to court documents, Stuart Mitchell Pieper, 41, was a member of a private chat group on a social networking application. In July and August 2023, Pieper used the account to post multiple images depicting the sexual abuse of children. Pieper also discussed, in the group chat and in direct messages, how he was “grooming” female children for sexual activity.
A search warrant executed on Aug. 12, 2023 resulted in the seizure of phones and laptops. A preliminary search of Pieper’s cell phone revealed images and videos depicting child sexual abuse. Pieper was arrested that day by state authorities in Bastrop County and was transferred into federal custody on Nov. 13, 2023. He was indicted for one count of sexual exploitation of a minor and pleaded guilty to the charge on April 18, 2024.
The FBI and Bastrop County Sheriff's Office investigated the case with valuable assistance from the Franklin County District Attorney's Office and the New Albany Police Department in Ohio.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabriel Cohen prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Mexican National Sentenced to Federal Prison for Smuggling Goods into MexicoRead the Press Release
DEL RIO, Texas – A Mexican national who had been living in Houston was sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio to 51 months in prison for smuggling firearms and other goods from the United States into Mexico.
According to court documents, Gustavo Belmudez-Ramirez, 36, gave negative declarations for weapons, ammunition, and currency over $10,000 while attempting to drive through the Del Rio Port of Entry into Mexico Oct. 20, 2021. Customs and Border Protection officers searched his vehicle and the attached trailer, revealing two rifles and a revolver, as well as rifle magazines, scopes, bipods and $10,319 in undeclared cash.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations and CBP investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Izaak Bruce prosecuted the case.
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Cedar Park Man Sentenced for Dealing Firearms Without a License, Making False Statement to ATFRead the Press Release
AUSTIN, Texas – A Cedar Park man was sentenced in federal court in Austin to imprisonment for one year and one day, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for dealing in firearms without a license and making a false statement to ATF agents. The court also ordered forfeiture of 32 firearms.
According to court documents, Andrew Darley Pennington, 40, frequently used a gun broker website to advertise firearms shortly after he had purchased them. On Dec. 2, 2021, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives executed a search warrant, seizing 32 firearms and approximately 18,430 rounds of ammunition from Pennington’s home. In the seven months prior to the search, Pennington had purchased more than 200 firearms.
At the time of the search, Pennington agreed to be interviewed by investigators. When asked by an ATF agent if he had shipped any firearms, Pennington falsely stated that he had not done so since 2016. In fact, he had shipped firearms to California and Nevada on a number of occasions during 2021.
“Federal law forbids anyone who is not properly licensed from engaging in the business of dealing in firearms,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “Dealing in firearms without a license is a serious, dangerous crime that our partners at ATF regularly investigate, and this office will prosecute.”
“Firearms dealing without licensing is a form of firearms trafficking which is a top investigative priority for ATF,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael Weddel for the ATF Houston Division. “We will continue to leverage both human resources and crime gun intelligence to tackle the issue. We know that these types of firearms contribute to the violence in our communities, and we will continue leveraging the partnerships that law enforcement has to address the dangerous and illicit activity of firearms trafficking.”
ATF investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Castillo and Alan Buie prosecuted the case.
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Floresville Man Gets 30 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting a Child at a Home DaycareRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A Floresville man was sentenced in federal court to 360 months in prison for the sexual exploitation of a seven-year-old girl.
According to court documents, Rodney Allan Felux, 45, sexually assaulted and exploited the child victim while the child attended a residential daycare in December 2022. The victim advised her mother of the incident leading to an investigation. In a forensic interview, the victim said that she was sexually assaulted while blindfolded and taken to a shed where Felux took numerous sexually explicit images of her.
Felux was arrested January 11, 2023 and pleaded guilty in January 2024 to one count of sexual exploitation of children. In addition to the 30-year sentence and lifetime supervised release, U.S. District Judge Fred Biery ordered Felux to pay $50,000 restitution to the victim.
“As the court stated during the sentencing, the penalties are severe for this offense for a reason,” U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “This defendant has caused irreparable harm to this young girl based on his contemplated, planned and acted upon predatory sexual behavior.”
"This sentencing sends a clear message that we will not tolerate the sexual abuse and exploitation of children in our community," said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp of the FBI's San Antonio Field Office. "The FBI, along with our law enforcement partners at the Wilson County Sheriff's office, will continue to vigorously pursue every lead to rescue children who are being victimized, and bring their perpetrators to justice."
The FBI and Wilson County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Thompson prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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El Paso Man to Spend 15 Years in Federal Prison for Dealing Deadly FentanylRead the Press Release
EL PASO, Texas – An El Paso man was sentenced in federal court to 15 years in prison for distribution of fentanyl, causing death.
According to court documents, Michael Joseph Cuccaro, 22, sold counterfeit M-30 oxycodone pills containing fentanyl to a purchaser on Dec. 11, 2022. The purchaser consumed the pills and died from fentanyl poisoning.
A federal grand jury in El Paso indicted Cuccaro Sept. 6, 2023, in a two-count indictment charging him with conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute and distribution of a controlled substance causing death or serious bodily injury. Cuccaro was subsequently arrested on a bench warrant. He pleaded guilty to distribution of a controlled substance causing death on April 24, 2024.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip Countryman prosecuted the case.
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Austin Felon Indicted for Alleged Drug Trafficking and Firearm Possession After Ramming Police CruiserRead the Press Release
AUSTIN, Texas – A federal grand jury in Austin returned an indictment charging a felon with three counts related to his alleged drug trafficking and firearm possession.
According to court documents, Cliofa Delacruz, 34, is a four-time convicted felon who was arrested by Austin Police officers after allegedly ramming a law enforcement vehicle while evading. Delacruz is alleged to have possessed methamphetamine and loaded firearm inside his vehicle.
Delacruz is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, one count of felon in possession of firearm, and one count of possession of firearm in drug trafficking. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Austin Police Department are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Doug Gardner is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Acupuncturist and Acupuncture Clinic Ordered to Pay $2.3 Million to Resolve Civil False Claims Act AllegationsRead the Press Release
AUSTIN, Texas – U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman has ordered an Austin acupuncturist, Dongxin Ma, and his clinic, Ma Acupuncture Center PC, to pay $2.3 million to the United States under the False Claims Act.
The order enforces a mediated settlement resolving allegations that Dr. Ma and his clinic submitted inflated bills to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for acupuncture services provided to veterans under the VA’s community care program. Specifically, the United States’ lawsuit alleged that Dr. Ma billed the VA for 60 minutes of one-on-one personal contact for each veteran he treated despite spending no more than 15 minutes with any patient. According to the government’s complaint, Dr. Ma billed as many as 61 hours of one-on-one contact with veterans in a single day.
“Healthcare providers that treat our nation’s veterans must be held to the highest standards,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “This office is committed to holding accountable any provider that defrauds a VA health benefits program.”
“This civil settlement is a testament to the VA OIG’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of VA’s healthcare programs and preserving taxpayer funds,” said Special Agent in Charge Kris Raper with the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s South Central Field Office. “The VA OIG thanks the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their efforts in this case.”
The United States’ lawsuit is captioned United States v. Dongxin Ma, et al., Civil Action No. 1:22-cv-00145-RP (W.D. Tex.). The United States was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Parnham and Liane Noble.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
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PRM Prison Gang Member Sentenced to 19 Years in Prison for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
DEL RIO, Texas – A member of the Partido Revolucionario Mexicano (PRM) prison gang and a drug dealer for the gang were sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio for drug trafficking charges.
According to court documents, Clinton Ritchie, 34, of Eagle Pass, worked with other indicted co-conspirators to distribute narcotics in Eagle Pass from March 2019 to June 2021.
Chief Judge Alia Moses sentenced Ritchie to 235 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Co-defendant Carlos Daniel Rodriguez-Urrabazo, 41, of Eagle Pass, was also sentenced to 84 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine.
“The significant sentencing of these criminals reflects the united commitment of law enforcement to stop the importation of drugs from Mexico and the subsequent distribution of illicit substances throughout our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “Our successful prosecution is a testament to the hard work of the partnerships across federal, state and local levels.”
“DEA will continue to work with our law enforcement to stop prison gang violence and drug trafficking from bleeding into our communities and devastating lives,” said Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of the DEA Houston Division.
“Our Texas communities deserve to live without the constant threat of drug violence,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp of the FBI's San Antonio Field Office. “I want to thank our partners at Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Maverick County Sheriff’s Office, Eagle Pass Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Homeland Security Investigations for their continued assistance in keeping our communities safe.”
“These individuals represented a significant threat to the residents of Eagle Pass,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee for HSI San Antonio. “Not only did they work for a vicious criminal enterprise, but Clinton Ritchie displayed a willingness to commit violence in furtherance of that enterprise. HSI and our partners stand united in ensuring that those who engage in violence and intimidation will face the full force of the law, sending a clear message that these acts will never be tolerated.”
The DEA, FBI, HSI, Border Patrol, Maverick County Sheriff’s Office, Eagle Pass Police Department and Texas Department of Public Safety investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Izaak Bruce and Holly Pavlinski prosecuted the case.
This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
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Justice Department Secures Agreement with Bell County to Ensure Polling Place Access to Voters with DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
AUSTIN, Texas – U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas announced today that the United States has reached a settlement agreement with Bell County to ensure that the county provides accessible polling places to voters with disabilities. The agreement resolves the United States’ investigation into Bell County’s compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability by a state or local government in any of its programs or services.
The United States surveyed 13 of the county’s polling places used during the 2023 Uniform Election. The United States observed that polling places contained architectural or equipment barriers that rendered the facilities inaccessible to votes with disabilities, such as a lack of van accessible parking, excessively sloped ramps, excessively sloped portions of parking spaces and protruding objects. In addition, the United States observed a lack of knee and toe clearance to accommodate wheelchairs at the accessible voting machines.
“The right to vote is a foundation of our democracy and must not be diminished or restricted,” said U.S. Attorney Esparza. “Under this agreement, eligible voters with disabilities in Bell County will be able to exercise their fundamental right to vote and participate in our democracy. Our office will continue working to ensure that all eligible Americans have access to the ballot, and we commend Bell County for their cooperation throughout the investigation and in this resolution.”
Under the settlement agreement the county will engage the technical assistance of an accessibility expert and use an evaluation form for each current and prospective polling place based on ADA architectural standards. The agreement requires the county to either relocate voting to new, accessible facilities, or to use temporary measures such as portable ramps, traffic cones, signs, wedges, and door stops to ensure accessibility on Election Day. In addition, Bell County will train its poll workers and other elections staff on the requirements of the ADA and how to use temporary measures to ensure each polling place is accessible during elections.
For more information about the ADA, please visit www.ada.gov, or call the Department of Justice’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 (TDD). Information about filing a complaint, including instructions for filing a complaint online, can be found at https://www.justice.gov/crt/how-file-complaint.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Liane Noble, Matthew Mueller and Robert Green represented the government in this investigation and resolution.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
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Odessa Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for January CarjackingRead the Press Release
MIDLAND, Texas – An Odessa man was sentenced in federal court in Midland to 30 years in prison for carjacking and discharging a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence.
According to court documents, Isaac Ramirez Carrasco, 38, carjacked a couple on Jan. 30 by pointing a shotgun at the driver and ordering both occupants out of their vehicle. The victim did not initially comply, and Carrasco fired the shotgun at least one time in the air before returning his aim to the victim. The couple ultimately exited the truck and Carrasco drove away in it. Odessa Police were able to track the truck to a nearby residence, where they also located Carrasco and the shotgun.
“This 30-year sentence sends a strong message that violent crime in our community will not be tolerated and will be met with the full force of the law,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “Carrasco demonstrated a complete and total disregard for human life and risked causing innocent people severe injury or worse. Thanks to the response by our local law enforcement partners, Carrasco is off the streets and our community is safer.”
“The partnerships that we have with other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and prosecutors allows us to create a safer community for all of our citizens,” said Odessa Police Chief Michael Gerke. “We are appreciative that multiple entities came together to remove this dangerous criminal from our streets.”
The Midland/Odessa Violent Crimes Task Force investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Mahoney prosecuted the case.
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Mexican National Sentenced to Nearly 20 Years for Trafficking Meth through Eagle Pass Port of EntryRead the Press Release
DEL RIO, Texas – A Mexican national was sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio to 235 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, on Nov. 12, 2020, Braulio Reyes, 27, of Agujita, Coahuila, Mexico, attempted to enter the United States through the Eagle Pass Port of Entry pedestrian lane. Customs and Border Protection Officers discovered Reyes had several packages strapped to his waist, containing 3.45 kgs of methamphetamine hydrochloride with a purity level of 100%.
Reyes pleaded guilty Feb. 26, 2021, facing a federal prison term of 10 years to life and a maximum fine of $10,000.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rex Beasley and Holly Pavlinski prosecuted the case.
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Del Valle Felon Sentenced to More Than 12 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking, Firearm ChargesRead the Press Release
AUSTIN, Texas – A Del Valle man was sentenced in federal court to 150 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and felon in possession of a firearm.
According to court documents, Anthony Robles, 48, sold nine ounces of methamphetamine to an undercover law enforcement agent on April 26, 2023. The following day, agents executed a search warrant at his residence and recovered 19 firearms, ballistic vests and body armor, and diamonds. Agents also recovered more than 600 grams of methamphetamine, more than 500 grams of heroin, approximately one kilogram of fentanyl, and more than 50 grams of cocaine.
Robles was arrested Oct. 18, 2023. He pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance and one count of felon in possession of a firearm.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Texas Department of Public Safety investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Harding prosecuted the case.
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Austin Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal Prison for Fentanyl DistributionRead the Press Release
AUSTIN, Texas – An Austin man was sentenced in federal court to 168 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl.
According to court documents, Trenton Harris Tindall, 24, was identified as having coordinated the purchase of counterfeit oxycodone with a purchaser in Austin who was found deceased the day after their correspondence. In their text messaging, Tindall told the purchaser that he possessed oxycodone for distribution and arranged the transaction. The Travis County Medical Examiner determined the victim’s cause of death was accidental and due to the toxic effects of fentanyl.
Through three separate operations during an investigation, Tindall distributed a total of approximately 450 fentanyl-laced oxycodone tablets—blue in color with “M30” printed on them—to law enforcement. Tindall pleaded guilty Dec. 15, 2023 to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 40 grams of fentanyl.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The FBI and Austin Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Devlin prosecuted the case.
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El Paso Contractor Sentenced to Prison for Defrauding Bureau of PrisonsRead the Press Release
EL PASO, Texas – An El Paso man was sentenced in a federal court to 24 months in prison with a $5,000 fine for defrauding two federally funded correctional institutions.
According to court documents, Jack McCager Kidd, 72, was the owner of a company contracted by the Bureau of Prisons to construct two gas pipelines to separate correctional institutions—a high-security prison in Pennsylvania and a medium-security prison in Alabama. Kidd falsely invoiced the institutions for more natural gas than his company delivered and refused to provide information requested by the institutions concerning the amount of natural gas delivered and the calculations he used to determine the monthly invoice amounts.
He was arrested Oct. 28, 2021 and charged with 72 counts of wire fraud. He pleaded guilty Aug. 30, 2023 to one count of wire fraud. Per the plea agreement, Kidd also agreed to pay $11,397,374 in restitution.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General Fraud Detection Office and FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chris Skillern and Sarah Valenzuela prosecuted the case.
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Texas Couple Serving Decades in Federal Prison for Importing, Distributing MethRead the Press Release
DEL RIO, Texas – A Texas man was sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio to 37 years in prison for conspiracy to import and distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Joseph Ivy, 45, and his spouse, Yvette Contreras, 35, imported and sold large amounts of methamphetamine. Deputies from the Dimmit County Sheriff’s Office conducted a search warrant on their home in Catarina Aug. 18, 2020, discovering 1.5 kgs of methamphetamine, $7,389 in cash, two firearms, and a ledger documenting narcotic transactions. On Aug. 21, 2023, DCSO deputies apprehended Ivy during a traffic stop and found 2.4 kgs of methamphetamine in his vehicle.
Ivy admitted to transporting three kgs of methamphetamine to Moorhead, Minn. and four kgs to Charlotte, Texas. He and Contreras also admitted to working with a third conspirator, Margaret Charles Garcia. On at least two occasions, Garcia imported methamphetamine from Mexico at the instruction of Ivy.
Contreras was sentenced April 13, 2023 to 25 years in prison for her role in the conspiracy. Garcia pleaded guilty March 7, 2022 to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Garcia’s sentence hearing is scheduled for Oct. 2.
“These traffickers worked directly with Mexican drug cartels to bring loads of harmful narcotics into our communities and peddle them for a profit,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “My office remains committed, along with our local, federal and state partners, to dismantling criminal organizations and holding their personnel accountable for these serious offenses.”
“This Texas couple pushed large amounts of methamphetamine onto South Texas streets, and this lengthy prison sentence officially puts them out of business,” said Deputy Special Agent in Charge Alejandro Amaro for the Homeland Security Investigations San Antonio Division. “HSI is committed to disrupting prolific drug traffickers like Joseph Ivy and Yvette Contreras - criminals with no regard for the incredible damage they inflict on so many lives and communities.”
HSI and the DCSO investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brett Miner and Zach Bird prosecuted the case.
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Previously Deported Felon Sentenced to 2 Years in Federal Prison for Illegal Re-EntryRead the Press Release
DEL RIO, Texas – A Mexican national was sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio to 24 months in prison for illegal re-entry into the United States.
According to court documents, Erasmo Zuniga-Angel, 30, of Buena Vista, Hidalgo, Mexico, was among a group of six undocumented noncitizens who had illegally crossed the Rio Grande into the U.S. on May 4, 2023. U.S. Border Patrol agents encountered the group and discovered that Zuniga-Angel had previously been deported Nov. 18, 2022 after being convicted in Missouri of illegal re-entry and sexual misconduct involving a child.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
USBP investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jayvee Rhoda prosecuted the case.
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San Antonio Man Sentenced to 11 Years in Prison After Mailing Fentanyl-Laced Pills, Causing Death of El PasoanRead the Press Release
EL PASO, Texas – A San Antonio man was sentenced in a federal court in El Paso to 132 months in prison for distributing fentanyl-laced pills through the mail, leading to the death of an El Paso woman.
According to court documents, Brennan Dane Short, 49, sold counterfeit M-30 pills to a purchaser in El Paso on March 21, 2023. Short mailed a package containing the pills from a United States Postal Service location. On March 27, 2023, the purchaser of the pills was found deceased at a hotel. The El Paso County Medical Examiner’s Office found that the deceased died of acute methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl toxicity though she “would not have died but for the fentanyl.”
Short was arrested on Aug. 15, 2023. He pleaded guilty April 4 to one count of distribution of a controlled substance causing death or serious bodily injury.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip Countryman prosecuted the case.
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El Paso Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Poisoning Death of 19-Year-OldRead the Press Release
EL PASO, Texas – Two El Paso women have been sentenced in a federal court in El Paso prison for their roles in the fentanyl poisoning death of a 19-year-old single mother.
According to court documents, Kathy Lee Nicole Bradford, 32, coordinated the sale of M-30 pills to a woman in El Paso in April 2022. On Bradford’s behalf, codefendant Patricia Tafoya, 40, delivered 10 counterfeit M-30 pills containing fentanyl to the purchaser, who consumed some of the pills and, as concluded by the El Paso County Medical Examiner’s Office, died of acute fentanyl toxicity.
Bradford admitted in March to knowing the pills contained fentanyl, pleading guilty to one count of distribution of a controlled substance causing death or serious bodily injury. She was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison.
Tafoya pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute. She was sentenced to 21 months in prison and ordered into a drug treatment program.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip Countryman prosecuted the case.
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Former Texas School District Employee Arrested for Allegedly Stealing Federal FundsRead the Press Release
ALPINE, Texas– A former Valentine Independent School District employee was arrested on criminal charges related to his alleged scheme to fraudulently misappropriate school district funds for personal expenses.
According to court documents, Ernesto Villarreal, 42, of Marfa, is alleged to have fraudulently and improperly used credit cards that were issued by Valentine ISD. The cards were intended for Villarreal to use for authorized purchases in his capacity as business manager and tax assessor/collector. Instead, Villarreal allegedly used the credit cards for hundreds of personal purchases, including but not limited to purchases for travel, lodging, home improvements, hardware store purchases, personal cell phone bills, fuel, oil changes, convenience store purchases, university tuition payments, and various other unauthorized purchases.
Additionally, Villarreal is alleged to have accessed payroll information for several employees and former employees of the district in order to create fraudulent payroll payments that he sent to his personal bank account. The indictment alleges that Villarreal would change the direct deposit information for employees and former employees and replace such information with his own bank accounts’ direct deposit information.
Villarreal is charged with one count of theft concerning programs receiving federal funds and eight counts of wire fraud. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison for count one and up to 20 years in prison for each wire fraud count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The FBI is investigating the case, assisted by the Texas Rangers and the Department of Education Office of Inspector General.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Greenbaum is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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FBI Arrests El Paso Couple for Alleged Child AbuseRead the Press Release
EL PASO, Texas – An El Paso couple was arrested for charges in a four-count federal indictment related to their alleged child abuse.
According to court documents, Cecilia Stepaniak, 34, and Coreydon Stepaniak, 34, from April 2019 to February 2024 allegedly engaged in conduct that placed a child under the age of 15 in imminent danger of death, bodily injury, and physical or mental impairment. The indictment alleges acts including falsely reporting to a medical care provider that the minor victim was removed from school for bullying elementary school children; dangerously restricting the minor’s food intake; hitting the minor victim with a cell phone charging cable; holding a sharp kitchen knife to the minor victim’s throat; kicking the minor victim while on the ground; locking the minor victim in a dark closet; confining the minor victim to the garage of their Fort Bliss residence; and forcing the minor victim to perform calisthenics exercises multiple times a day for extended periods of time.
Both defendants are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit injury to a child, one count of injury to a child, one count of child endangerment, and one count of child abandonment.
If convicted, they each face up to five years in prison for the conspiracy charge; a minimum of 180 days up to two years for the injury to a child charge; and a minimum of two years to 20 years for the endangerment and abandonment charges. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The FBI and the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nallely Barbosa and Debra Kanof are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Midlothian Man Sentenced in One of Two Cases Involving Fraud, BriberyRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A Midlothian man was sentenced in federal court to 25 months in prison for falsifying court documents and bribing a Veteran’s Administration contracting officer.
According to court documents, Javor McCoy, 43, attempted to avoid a civil court appearance in Dallas by transmitting a criminal summons to an employee with the Dallas County Court showing he had to appear in court for a Western District of Texas federal indictment. The summons contained the false and fraudulent electronic signature of a United States magistrate judge and had been altered to display a fictitious appearance date for McCoy.
The criminal summons altered by McCoy was related to charges he faced for bribery of a public official. In that case, court documents reveal that McCoy owned Ready 2 Go Transport Central LLC (R2G Central), a purported Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, providing transportation for veterans, including ambulance and wheelchair transportation. McCoy’s co-defendant in the bribery case, Glenn Dartone Johnson, 50, of San Antonio, was a contracting officer with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA). McCoy paid Johnson approximately $100,000 for information regarding the VA bid process and for Johnson’s assistance in influencing the VA bid process to help R2G Central win competitive bids from the VA.
McCoy pleaded guilty to charges in both cases in January. U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia ordered the Defendant sentenced to 25 months on each case, to be served concurrently. McCoy will also be subject to a term of supervised release of three years.
Johnson pleaded guilty on Dec. 20, 2023, to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery of a public official and is scheduled to be sentenced Sept. 19, 2024.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The FBI and VA-OIG investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Chung and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Porier prosecuted the case.
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Houstonian sent to prison for nearly $1M international money laundering schemeRead the Press Release
HOUSTON – A 31-year-old local man has been sentenced following his conviction of conspiracy to commit money laundering, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.
Baudelaire Tchouala pleaded guilty Dec. 7, 2023.
U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett has now ordered Tchouala to serve 18 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. He must also pay $168,068 in restitution.
“Business email compromise (BEC) scams and the money launders that support them prey on all levels of society from corporations to people trying to buy their first homes,” said Hamdani. “Today our office along with the FBI removed a conduit for that system. Our office will continue to seek out these BEC networks and dismantle them piece by piece.”
“In just a few short months, Tchouala deliberately opened numerous accounts at multiple banks with the express purpose of laundering almost $1 million dollars in fraudulent funds,” said FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams. “Working with other remorseless criminals, Mr. Tchouala ruined victims’ lives by stealing hard-earned down payments for homes and shattering their trust in our financial system. FBI Houston’s investigators will continue to relentlessly pursue brazen swindlers while also seeking to make fraud victims whole once more.”
From July 2018 to November 2018, Tchouala laundered money into several bank accounts and withdrew the money to send to others. He used a business account to conceal the fraudulent activity.
In BECs similar to this one, conspirators pose as business partners of corporate victims or individuals that owe money for professional services or loans and send fraudulent emails saying that the business’ bank account has changed. They then ask that payments be sent to a new bank account (an account the conspirators control). The victims think they are paying for legitimate expenses, services or invoices, with the real company unaware of the sent emails. The conspirators attempt to withdraw or wire the money to another account before it can be discovered and frozen.
The victims in this case believed they paid for goods and services from legitimate individuals and companies but were tricked into sending the money to Tchouala’s accounts. On July 23, 2018, a victim wired $64,000 from their bank account to Tchouala’s account based on instructions they received via email. This account was opened May 24, 2018. The victim sent the money, believing it was for the purchase of a house.
On Oct. 29, 2018, another victim directed $198,955 into Tchouala’s account for a down payment on a condominium. The receiving account was just opened Oct. 12, 2018.
In addition, several companies also fell victim to the scheme. One had communicated via email with someone pretending to be from another company. On Oct. 4, 2018, that person sent an email requesting that payment be sent to an updated bank account. Based on that email, the victim company sent approximately $645,711 to Tchouala’s bank account, which was only opened Aug. 21, 2018.
The victims reside in various countries including the United States, South Korea and Japan.
Tchouala withdrew most of the money via cash, card purchases, checks and transfers. Tchouala’s fraudulent financial activity totaled approximately $935,000.
Tchouala was permitted to remain on bond pending surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rodolfo Ramirez and Shirin Hakimzadeh prosecuted the case.
24 Federally Indicted in San Antonio for Alleged Drug and Firearm TraffickingRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas announced at a press conference Thursday that 24 alleged members and associates of the Mexican American prison gang Hermanos de Pistoleros Latinos were indicted in San Antonio for criminal charges related to their alleged drug and firearm trafficking.
Law enforcement arrested 19 alleged gang members and associates Tuesday in an operation involving federal, state and local agencies. Five of the 24 defendants were already in federal or state custody prior to Tuesday’s arrests.
The indictment carries 24 counts including conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking; conspiracy to traffic firearms; and more. If convicted, the defendants face varying ranges of time in prison, from maximum sentences of 15 or 20 years to penalties of five years to life in prison.
A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
“Thank you to our federal, state and local law enforcement partners, led by the FBI and DEA in this case, for their ongoing commitment to investigating these issues in our communities and for their continued commitment to reducing violence, and firearm and drug crimes that plague our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “Their professionalism, determination, and expertise help protect the safety of our citizens and allow our federal prosecutors to keep violent criminals out of our communities for years.”
“We are truly safer today because there are fewer firearms in the hands of bad actors — fewer kilos of meth, heroin and cocaine for sale in our community and one less trafficking organization doing business in South Texas,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp of the FBI's San Antonio Field Office. “The FBI remains committed working with our partners in whatever way we can to reduce violent crime in our communities, throughout the state of Texas – and across the country.”
“These arrests will put a dent into HPL’s drug trafficking activities that have been their main source of income,” said Special Agent in Charge Daniel Comeaux for the Drug Enforcement Administration Houston Division. Members rely on the money made outside to fund members behind bars and help HPL as an organization thrive at the devastating expense of our communities.”
The defendants arrested Tuesday are:
- Daniel Natividad aka “Danny Boy,” 50, of Hebronville
- Brian Zepeda aka “Get Down”, 39, of San Antonio
- Roberto Ibarra aka “Bobby,” 44, of Laredo
- Mike Rayas Carrillo aka “Gordo,” 37, of San Antonio
- Jesus Mendoza Jr. aka “Chivo,” 50, of San Antonio
- Gilberto Garcia aka “Gibo,” 42, of San Antonio
- Ramon Lozoya aka “Bulldog,” 41, of San Antonio
- Maximo Flores Jr., 44, of San Antonio
- Miguel Zamora Rosas aka “Eight Ball”, 39, of San Antonio
- Paul Garcia aka “Baby Paul”, 38, of San Antonio
- Abraham Pagan aka “Shank,” 44, of San Antonio
- Mark Anthony Avila, 43, of San Antonio
- Rudy Hugo Lopez, 34, of San Antonio
- Robert Davalos Alvarado aka “Pork Chop,” 41, of San Antonio
- Raymond Medina aka “Crime”, 35, of San Antonio
- Roger Hilburn, 33, of San Antonio
- Armando Perales aka “Pitbull,” 54, of San Antonio
- Ruben Rivera, 36, of San Antonio
- JR Perales, 31, of San Antonio
The following defendants were already in custody:
- Antonio Rios Jr. aka “Tone”, 33, of San Antonio
- Vidal Morales Jr. aka “Moe”, 49, of San Antonio
- Ronald Mendoza aka “Ronnie,” 41, of San Antonio
- Carlos Bernal aka “Guero,” 46, of San Antonio
- Adrian Calvillo aka “Token,” 40, of San Antonio
The FBI and DEA are leading the investigation with valuable assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service, IRS-Criminal Investigations, Customs and Border Protection, Texas National Guard Counter Narcotics Taskforce, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Office of the Inspector General, Bexar County District Attorney’s Office, Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, San Antonio Police Department, Boerne Police Department, and the New Braunfels Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Nowinski and Fidel Esparza III are prosecuting the case.
This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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San Antonio Woman Who Acted as Legal Advocate to Smuggle Migrants Sentenced to 14 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
DEL RIO, Texas – A San Antonio woman was sentenced in federal court to 168 months in prison for one count of wire fraud.
According to court documents, Kimberly Cruz, 35, orchestrated a scheme in which she misrepresented herself as a legal advocate in order to smuggle migrants into the United States. Between April and October 2019, Cruz convinced multiple migrants and their families that she was an attorney, proceeding to collect identity documents such as birth certificates, voter identifications, passport card, and more from the migrants. In return for the services Cruz promised, migrants deposited a total of $275,911 into her personal accounts.
Using the packets of documents that the migrants had provided her, Cruz misrepresented herself to officers at the Eagle Pass Point of Entry, indicating that the migrants required humanitarian paroles and were permitted to enter the U.S. for 24 to 48 hours for the purpose of attending United States Customs and Immigration Services appointments. Cruz would then transport the migrants to San Antonio, where she would deliver them to family members or drop them off at the airport or a bus station.
Cruz was arrested Oct. 29, 2019 and pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud Oct. 25, 2021. In addition to the imprisonment, Chief Judge Alia Moses ordered Cruz to pay $9,900 in restitution and a forfeiture of more than $271,000.
“This defendant falsely represented herself in order to take advantage of our country’s immigration procedures while putting at risk the lives of more than 95 migrants,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “I am grateful for the diligent efforts of Homeland Security Investigations in uncovering Cruz’s extensive criminal conduct, and I assure you that my office stands ready to work with all our law enforcement partners to prosecute those who attempt to circumvent the law.”
“The message is clear — have no doubt. Individuals who impersonate a legal advocate to exploit others for their own personal gain, will be held accountable for their crimes,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee for HSI San Antonio. “HSI is committed to bringing to justice human smugglers that prey on the vulnerable with no regard for the well-being of the people they smuggle.”
HSI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Banister prosecuted the case.
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Justice Department Secures Agreement with Upton County to Make Election Website Accessible to People with DisabilitiesRead the Press Release
AUSTIN, Texas – U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas announced today that the United States has reached a settlement agreement with Upton County to resolve findings that the county violated Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by maintaining an election website that is not accessible to individuals with vision or manual disabilities.
The county’s election website provides essential information about how to vote, such as registration requirements, identification requirements, and voting information for people with disabilities. The website also links to other critical information, including details about voting early and on election day.
“The right to vote is a foundation of our democracy and must not be diminished or restricted,” said Esparza. “Election websites provide crucial voting information and should be accessible to voters with disabilities.”
Under the settlement agreement, Upton County agreed to make all future and existing online election content accessible to people with disabilities. The county also agreed to hire an independent auditor to evaluate the accessibility of content on its election website, solicit comments and requests from visitors and users of its website about any accessibility barriers, designate an employee to coordinate its accessibility efforts, revise its accessibility procedures, and train relevant personnel.
This agreement is part of the Department of Justice’s ADA Voting Initiative, which safeguards the voting rights of individuals with disabilities. To read more about the ADA and how it applies to voting, please visit www.ada.gov/topics/voting/. This settlement agreement is also part of the Department of Justice’s Tech Equity Initiative to combat disability discrimination that occurs through technology such as websites and mobile apps.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Liane Noble represented the government on behalf of the Western District of Texas during the resolution process, in coordination with partners in the Civil Rights Division and other U.S. Attorney’s Offices in Texas.
For more information about the ADA, visit www.ada.gov, or call the Department of Justice’s toll-free information line at (800) 514-0301 or (800) 514-0383 (TDD). Information about filing a complaint, including instructions for filing a complaint online, can be found at https://www.justice.gov/crt/how-file-complaint.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
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U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza Recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness DayRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas, joined national, state, local, and tribal leaders today in recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). Since 2006, WEAAD has been commemorated to promote awareness and increase understanding of the many forms of elder abuse as well as the resources available to those at risk.
Highlighting the partnership between law enforcement and the public, U.S. Attorney Esparza emphasized the importance of awareness and education.
“Elder abuse is a serious crime against some of our nation’s most vulnerable citizens and, with our law enforcement partners, my office is committed to preventing and prosecuting the most pressing elder justice issues facing older Americans. But we need your help to prevent elder abuse and neglect,” said U.S. Attorney Esparza. “Listen to older adults and their caregivers to understand their challenges and provide support. Look for unusual financial transactions like unexplained withdrawals, purchases of gold bars or cryptocurrency, or uncharacteristic efforts to wire large amounts of money. Report abuse or suspected abuse to local adult protective services, long-term care ombudsman, or the police. Together, we can combat all types of elder abuse in our communities.”
Elder abuse is an act that knowingly, intentionally, or negligently causes or creates a serious risk of harm to an older person by a family member, caregiver, or other person in a trust relationship. Such harm may be financial, physical, sexual, or psychological. The Justice Department maintains a variety of programs and initiatives to combat elder abuse.
The Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force marshals federal and state agencies working collaboratively to investigate and prosecute foreign-based schemes that target older Americans. In addition to aggressively investigating the individuals, organizations, and networks responsible for these crimes, this initiative provides the public with information to guard against both traditional scams, like tech support fraud, as well as trending schemes, such as romance scams.
Using one scam to perpetrate or conceal another, some fraudsters rely on money mules to move the proceeds of their illegal activity. Preying on the good will or financial vulnerability of their targets, scammers recruit people, many times older victims, to participate in schemes to move money in ways that avoid notice. The Money Mule Initiative identifies and addresses money mule activity to disrupt these fraud schemes and helps people to recognize and avoid participation in perpetuating fraud.
To help older individuals and their families identify and avoid fraudulent activity, the Justice Department provides Senior Scam Alerts with information about the tactics used in specific schemes. For example, in Social Security Administration Impostor schemes, scammers impersonate government administrators and falsely reporting suspicious activity to request that the victims provide their Social Security number for confirmation. In Tech Support scams, fraudsters contact victims, sometimes through internet pop-up messages, to warn about non-existent computer problems, ask that the victim give them remote access to their computer, and identify a non-existent problem, then demand large sums of money for unnecessary services. In Lottery scams, telemarketers falsely notify victims that they have won a sweepstakes and tell them they must first pay fees for shipping, insurance, customs duties, or taxes before they can claim their prizes.
To learn more about the department’s elder justice efforts please visit the Elder Justice Initiative page.
The Western District of Texas continues to work with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute elder abuse crimes.
To report elder fraud, contact the dedicated National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 1-833-372-8311 and visit the FBI’s IC3 Elder Fraud Complaint Center at IC3.gov.
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Killeen Couple Sentenced for Operating Fraudulent Rideshare Company for SoldiersRead the Press Release
WACO, Texas – A Killeen man and his wife were sentenced in a federal court in Waco for defrauding a Department of the Army transportation program by using the illegally obtained personally identifiable information (PII) of more than 800 soldiers.
According to court documents, Kevin Romulus Pelayo, 45, co-owned and operated a rideshare company, Soldiers Vanpools LLC, with his wife, Cristine Furio Fredericks, 40. The company claimed to shuttle military personnel to and from Fort Hood, now known as Fort Cavazos, from Jan. 1, 2014 through June 10, 2020. Soldiers Vanpools LLC was funded by the Department of the Army’s Mass Transportation Benefit Program (MTBP).
Pelayo and Fredericks submitted the names, social security numbers, and other identifying information of active duty soldiers to the MTBP on a monthly basis from 2014 to midway through 2020, falsely claiming that the soldiers were active participants in the rideshare program.
The couple also purchased vans, SUVs and other vehicles in order to convince the MTBP that they were operating a legitimate business and transporting the riders they claimed in their scheme. Additionally, the couple spent a large portion of the millions of dollars in funds they received on real estate, personal vehicles, and other property. In total, Pelayo and Fredericks purchased 43 vehicles, 129 luxury purses and jewelry items, and 12 real properties in Bell County and Coryell County.
Pelayo was sentenced to 36 months in prison for one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and two counts of engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property. Fredericks was sentenced to five years of probation for two counts engaging in monetary transactions in criminally derived property.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
IRS Criminal Investigation and the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Gloff prosecuted the case.
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Texas U.S. Attorneys Announce “Operation Texas Kill Switch” Aimed at Machinegun Conversion DevicesRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – Today, U.S. Attorneys for the Western, Northern, Southern, and Eastern Districts of Texas announced, “Operation Texas Kill Switch,” a statewide initiative targeting illegal machinegun conversion devices, colloquially known as “switches.”
At simultaneous press conferences throughout the state, U.S. Attorneys Jaime Esparza, Leigha Simonton, Alamdar Hamdani, and Damien Diggs, joined by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives Special Agents in Charge Jeffrey Boshek and Michael Weddel, and ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Robert Topper, lambasted switches, which transform commercially available firearms into fully automatic weapons capable of firing faster than military-grade M4s.
“As U.S. Attorneys and federal law enforcement agents, our offices have been investigating and prosecuting switches for many years, but as the problem continues to escalate, we are determined to do more,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “Operation Kill Switch has two main goals. We encourage state and local law enforcement to be on the lookout for machinegun conversion devices, and we urge the public to report switches to law enforcement.”
“Today’s important initiative is aimed at raising awareness of illegal machine gun conversation devices also known as ‘switches,’” said Special Agent in Charge Michael Weddel for ATF Houston. “Today’s threat comes from machinegun conversion devices that easily convert a firearm into a machinegun. These “Switches” as they are often called on the streets, not only pose a serious threat to those living in our communities but a unique and deadly threat to law enforcement. Simply possessing one of these devices is a federal crime and we will work endlessly in conjunction with our United States Attorney’s Office in addition to our local, state, and federal partners to identify and prosecute these crimes.”
About an inch long, switches may be made of metal or plastic and can be manufactured using a 3D printer. They generally slot into the butt of a gun and allow the shooter to fire “full auto,” unloading dozens of rounds with a single pull of the trigger. (In contrast, regular semi-automatic firearms require a separate trigger pull for each round fired.) To date, switches have been used in numerous fatal shootings, including at least one juvenile mass shooting and multiple police killings.
Except in very limited circumstances, possession of a switch is illegal, as the National Firearms Act classifies the switch itself as a machinegun.
Yet the number of switches recovered by law enforcement has risen dramatically in the past few years. Between 2017 and 2023, Texas-based ATF agents seized 991 switches; 490 of those, 50 percent, were seized just last year. They are often sold over social media, marketed to adults and juveniles alike.
At Monday’s press conference, the U.S. Attorneys announced that as part of Operation Texas Kill Switch, they are partnering with Crime Stopper programs statewide to combat the proliferation of these illegal devices.
From now until Aug. 31, local Crime Stopper programs will offer cash rewards for information leading to the apprehension or prosecution of those who possess switches or 3D printers being used to manufacture them. To be eligible for cash rewards, tipsters must provide information to their local Crime Stoppers program. Tipsters may also use **TIPS to be connected to a Crime Stoppers program in their area. Tips can be submitted 24 hours a day, and anonymity is guaranteed by law. Information may also be submitted directly to ATF at www.atf.gov/contact/atf-tips.
U.S. Attorneys Esparza, Simonton, Hamdani, and Diggs also urged local law enforcement to partner with the feds on switch cases, which carry maximum sentences of up to 10 years in the federal system. They laid out their case in a joint op-ed published Monday in the Austin American Statesman.
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San Antonio Man Sentenced to More Than 41 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Exploiting a ChildRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man was sentenced in federal court to 502 months in prison followed by lifetime supervised release for producing and distributing child sexual abuse material.
According to court documents, Demetrio Ramirez, 34, produced and shared across social media 20 videos depicting himself and a prepubescent minor engaged in sexual conduct. The child sexual abuse material was identified on Feb. 15, 2023, through Operation Rescue Me, a joint operation by the FBI and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Ramirez pleaded guilty without a plea agreement on Feb. 20 to one count of sexual exploitation of children and one count of distribution of child pornography. He was also ordered to forfeit his phone and any online accounts used to commit the offense. Restitution will be decided at a later date.
“Thanks to the vigilance of our FBI and the NCMEC, we were able to put an end to the repeated sexual abuse of a young child and lock up the offender for the next four decades,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “Let us be clear. The sexual abuse and exploitation of children will not be tolerated. We will relentlessly pursue these cases and prosecute them to the full extent of the law.”
"Demetrio Ramirez preyed on children, one of the most vulnerable groups in our society, and this sentence ensures he can't hurt another child," said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp for the FBI San Antonio Field Office. “We want to thank our partners at the NCMEC and DOJ, through their Project Safe Childhood, for their continued assistance in keeping our communities safe from predators.”
The FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Thompson prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Del Rio Man Sentenced to 8 Years in Prison for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
DEL RIO, Texas – A Del Rio man was sentenced in federal court to 97 months in prison for possession of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
According to court documents, Henry P. Arredondo, 23, received and sent files depicting CSAM using his social media account in August 2021. Homeland Security Investigations agents conducted a forensic analysis of Arredondo’s cell phone, recovering 46 images depicting CSAM, including images of prepubescent male children. Arredondo was arrested Aug. 26, 2022. He pleaded guilty Nov. 21, 2022.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Rex Beasley prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Federal Jury Finds Belizean National Guilty of Illegal Re-Entry in Del RioRead the Press Release
DEL RIO, Texas – A federal jury convicted a Belizean national in a federal court in Del Rio for illegal re-entry into the United States.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Francis Kerr aka Francis Deon Flowers, 51, of Belmopan, Belize, was arrested Aug. 22, 2023, near Eagle Pass. He was found to have been in the U.S. illegally, after being formally deported through Houston on or about Oct. 1, 2009.
Kerr had previously served a prison sentence of 17 years and four months after being convicted by a jury in Los Angeles, California for two counts of 2nd degree robbery, four counts of assault with a firearm, and one count of conspiracy to commit robbery.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
U.S. Customs and Immigration Services and the U.S. Border Patrol are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Paul Markovits and Joshua Garland are prosecuting the case.
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San Antonio Man Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison for Robbing Pawn Shop and Selling Stolen Firearms OnlineRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man was sentenced in federal court to 192 months in prison for the armed robbery of a Federal Firearms Licensed pawn shop, as well as conspiring to traffic firearms stolen during the robbery.
According to court documents, Antonio Hinojosa Jr., 21, conspired with others over a social media chat to rob a San Antonio pawn shop. On May 18, 2023, the group, wearing gloves, masks, and dark clothing, robbed the pawn shop and threatened store employees by brandishing firearms. They succeeded in stealing 14 firearms and more than $8,600 worth of jewelry before fleeing in a getaway truck. After the robbery, Hinojosa posted photos of the stolen firearms on social media to advertise and sell them to his contacts.
Hinojosa was arrested June 26, 2023. He pleaded guilty March 7 to one count of conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, and one count of conspiracy to traffic firearms.
Co-defendant, Joshua Michael Govea, whose role in the robbery was to detain the store workers at gunpoint, pleaded guilty to the robbery conspiracy and brandishing charges. Govea was sentenced to 117 months last week. Two additional co-defendants, Cesar Alan Garcia and Sebastian Louis Xavier Suarez, are pending trial and remain in custody. As is customary in the judicial process, Garcia and Suarez are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the San Antonio Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney William Calve prosecuted the case.
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Dallas Man Sentenced for Role in Human Smuggling OrganizationRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A Dallas man was sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio to 84 months in prison for conspiracy to transport undocumented noncitizens.
According to court documents, Sedrick Zelitis Smith, 47, was a member of a human smuggling organization, coordinating transport of migrants who arrived in Laredo from Mexico, serving as the go-between for organization leadership and load drivers during smuggling events, and assisting in the theft and procurement of tractor trailers. On multiple occasions, Smith traveled between Dallas, San Antonio and Laredo to assist with smuggling loads. He also served as a driver for the organization, smuggling migrants from Laredo to San Antonio, using his commercial driver’s license.
Smith’s arrest was the result of an investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations beginning in May 2021. Agents learned that the human smuggling organization had smuggled more than 900 migrants from Laredo to San Antonio inside tractor trailers in at least 19 human smuggling events. The loads ranged from approximately 30 migrants to more than 100 packed into a single trailer.
Nine others have been indicted in the case. Bryan Adamson, Ronnie Joe Branch, Eliseo Loredo, Rodney Edward Shavers, Mark Algie Holliday, Francisco Arredondo-Colmenero, and Debbie Marie Gonzales await court proceedings.
Fredi Zagala-Servin was sentenced in April to 97 months in prison for Conspiracy to Transport Illegal Aliens.
Norman Lee Walker Jr. was arrested May 21.
“With the rise of human smuggling in recent years, it is absolutely critical that we send a message to criminals throughout all levels of these organizations that their crimes at the expense of vulnerable individuals are serious, they are dangerous, and we are here to readily prosecute,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “I appreciate the dedication of our partners at HSI and our Joint Task Force Alpha initiative. Their efforts have been essential in taking down this HSO and many others. We’ll continue to dismantle these groups and serve justice together.”
“Justice was served for a human smuggler responsible for coordinating the transportation of hundreds of noncitizens from Laredo to San Antonio. These noncitizens were crammed into tractor trailers, during multiple smuggling events in the stifling Texas heat,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee for HSI San Antonio. “HSI is committed to aggressively target human smugglers and smuggling organizations who continually victimize people for profit.”
HSI and JTFA investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda Brown prosecuted the case.
The indictments and convictions of these defendants are the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas is part of JTFA, which was established by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland created JTFA in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security to strengthen the Justice Department’s efforts to combat the rise in prolific and dangerous smuggling emanating from Central America and impacting our border communities. JTFA is comprised of detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border, including the Southern District of Texas, the Western District of Texas, the District of New Mexico, the District of Arizona, and the Southern District of California. Dedicated support is also provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division that are part of JTFA, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP), and supported by the Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance, and Training (OPDAT), the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section (NDDS), the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS), the Office of Enforcement Operations (OEO), the Office of International Affairs (OIA), and the Violent Crime and Racketeering Section JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in over 295 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of human smuggling; over 230 U.S. convictions; 170+ significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.
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Mexican National to Serve 8 Years in Prison for Meth and Fentanyl TraffickingRead the Press Release
ALPINE, Texas – A Mexican national was sentenced in a federal court in Pecos to 97 months in prison for intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Sandra Araceli Diaz Vazquez, 37, of Chihuahua, Mexico, was suspected of delivering narcotics within the U.S. On Dec. 5, 2023, law enforcement officers conducted a traffic stop along Interstate 20 near Colorado City after observing Diaz Vazquez commit two moving violations. Diaz Vazquez consented to a vehicle search, which resulted in the discovery of approximately 20.2 kilograms of methamphetamine and 5.6 kilograms of fentanyl concealed within the fuel tank.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
HSI and the 32nd Judicial District Attorney’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy Greenbaum and Scott Greenbaum prosecuted the case.
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Former Marfa Substitute Teacher Gets 30 Years in Prison for Producing Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
ALPINE, Texas – A Marfa woman was sentenced in a federal court in Alpine to 360 months in prison for production of child pornography.
According to court documents, investigators found that Sonya Conchita Murillo, 33, a former substitute teacher for the Marfa Independent School District, possessed child sexual abuse materials, including videos depicting Murillo sexually abusing a prepubescent child. Murillo was arrested June 7, 2023 and pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography in January.
Murillo’s former boyfriend, Patricio Javier Serrano, was sentenced in March to 97 months in prison for one count of possession of child pornography and one count of transportation of child pornography, aiding and abetting. Serrano had been charged in a separate indictment and pleaded guilty on Oct. 27, 2023.
“The fact that the judge delivered the maximum allowed 30-year imprisonment to this defendant for producing child pornography, is indicative of the utterly horrendous predatory acts Murillo committed,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “I am very grateful to our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners for their work on this case. Rest assured, protecting the children in our communities is undoubtedly a top priority in this district, and child predators will be brought to justice.”
“Children trust their teachers and caretakers and Murillo betrayed that trust,” said Special Agent in Charge John Morales for FBI El Paso. “No child should ever have to question the motives of an adult they interact with at school or at home. A child should feel safe and not be subjected to sexual abuse. I want to thank the FBI Special Agents in our Alpine Resident Agency and our partners at Homeland Security Investigations, Marfa Police Department, and Texas Department of Public Safety who worked together to remove a child predator from our schools and neighborhoods.”
“Homeland Security Investigations aggressively pursues child predators, and cases involving people in positions of trust are particularly disturbing. In this case, the punishment is fitting of the crime," said Acting Special Agent in Charge Eric McLoughlin for HSI El Paso. “Today we are once again reminded of the need for constant vigilance—online and in our schools—to protect the most vulnerable among us."
The FBI, HSI, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Marfa Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amy Greenbaum and Kevin Cayton prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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El Paso Man Arrested for Allegedly Failing to Pay Employment TaxesRead the Press Release
EL PASO, Texas – An El Paso man was arrested in El Paso on criminal charges related to his alleged failure to account for and pay trust fund taxes.
According to an indictment, Edward Dean La Puma, 57, founder and sole proprietor of a local business called 77 Stone, allegedly failed to truthfully account for and pay the trust fund taxes due to the IRS on behalf of his employees between March 2018 and January 2023.
La Puma is charged with 20 counts of failure to account for and pay over trust fund taxes. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison for each count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas and Special Agent in Charge Ramsey E. Covington for the IRS Criminal Investigation Houston Field Office made the announcement.
IRS CI is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Micaela Glass and Chris Skillern are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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