Western District of Texas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Austin Man Pleads Guilty in Deadly Fentanyl Overdose CaseRead the Press Release
AUSTIN, Texas – An Austin man pleaded guilty in a federal court in Austin on Tuesday to distribution of fentanyl causing death.
According to court documents, David Lee Jr., 46, was identified as a supplier of counterfeit oxycodone tablets and other counterfeit prescription pills in the investigation of the overdose death of an 18-year-old Coupland male. As part of the investigation, a Williamson County Sheriff’s Office investigator purchased eight oxycodone tablets from Lee. A laboratory analysis determined the tablets contained fentanyl, tramadol and florofentanyl. Lee himself initiated a subsequent sale of 1,000 oxycodone tablets to the investigator. The lab analysis from that controlled-buy revealed the tablets contained fentanyl. Other controlled-buys were made from one of Lee’s co-conspirators, Virginia Zepeda.
Lee faces a penalty of 20 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.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas and Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of the Drug Enforcement Administration Houston Division made the announcement.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Williamson County Sheriff’s Office and Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Marshall is prosecuting the case.
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Container Home Charlatans Sentenced to a Combined 34 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
EL PASO, Texas – Two men were sentenced in a federal court in El Paso Tuesday to 25 years and nine years in prison for wire fraud and money laundering.
According to court documents, Leslie Robert Burk, 55, of El Paso, and Ethan Sturgis Day, 59, of Idyllwild, California, conspired, engaged, and participated in defrauding customers/victims through a business, Atomic Container Homes, Incorporated (ACHI) and other similarly named businesses. As the principals of ACHI, Burk and Day, using the business website, enticed people into contracts for the manufacture of container homes and other shipping container products, many of which were never delivered and many of which were sub-par. The two were arrested following an investigation through which the FBI found multiple individuals who, as former clients of Burk and Day believed they had been defrauded. The investigation revealed that the co-conspirators defrauded at least 41 victims for a combined total of more than $2.5 million. Several people spent thousands of dollars and never received anything they contracted for.
The two defendants were named in various counts of a 33-count indictment filed in April 2019. A federal jury convicted Burk and Day on 23 counts and 22 counts, respectively, on June 22, 2022. At Tuesday’s sentencing hearings, Burk received a sentence of 25 years in federal prison. Day was sentenced to nine years in prison. A restitution hearing is currently scheduled for July 11.
“Claiming to own a legitimate business for the sake of defrauding unsuspecting victims is a reprehensible crime and one that my office will continue to prosecute in order to protect our citizens from fraud and financial exploitation,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “This sentencing holds the defendants accountable for their fraudulent scheme while providing restitution to the victims. I appreciate the efforts of our partners at the FBI for their role in the investigation, ultimately leading to the successful outcome of this case.”
“Out of pure greed, Burk and his co-conspirator, Day, defrauded consumers of a basic and essential product which is providing homes to families. They victimized many hardworking people and businesses, not only from El Paso, but across the nation,” said Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey R. Downey of the FBI El Paso Field Office. “Their sentencing shows the FBI will not tolerate financial predators living off empty promises for their own personal gain, and we will seek justice for all financial fraud victims, regardless of whether they are located in El Paso or the rest of the country.”
The FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stanley Serwatka prosecuted the case.
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San Antonio Man Found Guilty of Supporting TerroristsRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A federal jury convicted a San Antonio man yesterday for conspiring to provide material support to terrorists.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Imad Eddin Wadi, 66, conspired to funnel funds to members and affiliates of U.S. designated foreign terrorist organizations, including al-Nusrah Front, a Syrian militant organization aligned with Al Qaeda. As part of the conspiracy Wadi communicated with others to secure a wealthy investor to invest funds to support Wadi’s purchase of a business. A percentage of the investment funds and subsequent profits from the investments were to be used to purchase weapons for foreign militants, including members and affiliates of al-Nusrah Front.
Wadi was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to murder and maim in a foreign country; one count of conspiracy to provide material support to designated foreign terrorist groups; and one count of conspiracy to provide material support or resources to terrorists.
Wadi faces up to life in prison on the murder and maim charge; up to 20 years in prison on the material support to designated foreign terrorist group charge; and up to 15 years in prison on the material support or resources to terrorists charge.
Wadi was taken into federal custody to await sentencing set for August 23, 2023.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas and FBI Special Agent in Charge, Oliver E. Rich Jr., made the announcement.
The FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark T. Roomberg and William R. Harris are prosecuting the case.
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Four Mexican Nationals Sentenced for Cocaine Trafficking and Firearm OffensesRead the Press Release
MIDLAND –Michael Robledo Guillen, 48, was sentenced today to 97 months in prison for cocaine trafficking and a firearm offense. She was the last of four Mexican nationals arrested by Odessa Police officers in December 2022 to be sentenced.
According to court documents, in December 2022, Guillen of Monterrey, Mexico; Ricardo Perez Flores, 37, of Veracruz, Mexico; Faustino Alvarez Mendoza, 22, of Michoacan, Mexico; and Ricardo Aguilar Villarreal, 37, of Monterrey, Mexico conspired to deliver one kilogram of cocaine from Dallas, Texas to Odessa, Texas. After Odessa Police Department officers stopped the truck the four defendants were in they recovered one kilogram of cocaine from the truck’s center console along with a stolen firearm. Officers recovered an additional loaded firearm from Mendoza’s waistband.
Earlier this month, Mendoza, Villarreal, and Flores were also each sentenced to 97 months in federal prison for both cocaine trafficking and firearm offenses.
“I would like to thank our law enforcement partners for disrupting the operations of these cocaine traffickers,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza. “These traffickers posed a clear threat to public safety as they were armed with loaded guns while transporting a significant amount of cocaine across the state of Texas.”
The Odessa Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Mahoney prosecuted the case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
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Waco Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Role in Drug Trafficking OperationRead the Press Release
DEL RIO, Texas – A Waco man was sentenced Tuesday in a federal court in Del Rio to 300 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Jimmie Troy Palmer III, 32, and other co-conspirators were arrested on Aug. 1, 2020, after one of the co-conspirators, Bibiana Ira Ortiz, attempted to enter the U.S. through the Del Rio Port of Entry with 16 packages of methamphetamine hidden in her vehicle. Lab tests revealed the combined net weight of the packages contained approximately 7,864 grams of methamphetamine with a purity of 98%.
Palmer had escorted Ortiz to Piedras Negras, Mexico, where the methamphetamine was loaded into the vehicle Ortiz was driving. Palmer returned to the U.S. ahead of Ortiz, instructing her to call him upon her successful arrival in Del Rio. Homeland Security Investigations agents arrested Palmer and the other co-conspirators at the motel in Del Rio, where Ortiz was expected to rejoin them. Inside Palmer’s pickup truck, agents discovered drugs, drug paraphernalia, several cell phones, and approximately $9,869.06 in U.S. currency.
Palmer has been in federal custody since his arrest and pleaded guilty in July 2021. Co-defendants Ortiz, Joshua Ruben Olivencia, and David Ray Coplin have each pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing.
“The diligent efforts shown by both HSI and the U.S. Border Patrol in this case demonstrate their commitment to combating drug trafficking along our district’s border,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “This substantial penalty of 25 years in federal prison sends a very strong message that our judicial system does not tolerate the devastating impact illicit substances have on our communities. I am grateful to our dedicated law enforcement partners for their ongoing service in preserving the safety and well-being of our nation, and we will continue to fully prosecute these offenders.”
“As drug traffickers prey on communities, they often ignore the laws of this nation. It’s great to have the cooperation of our federal partners to aid in the arrest and prosecution of these offenders,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee for HSI San Antonio. “Palmer’s lengthy prison sentence will be a deterrent to current and/or future drug traffickers. HSI will continue to pursue cross-border conspiracy investigations to target dangerous individuals who threaten the security of the United States.”
HSI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Rex Beasley prosecuted the case.
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San Antonio Veterinarian to Pay $85,000 in Civil Penalties for Alleged Violations of the Controlled Substances ActRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – Tracy S. Tommack, DVM, a veterinarian located in San Antonio, has agreed to pay $85,000 to settle a lawsuit filed by the United States in October 2022.
The United States’ complaint alleges that Tommack failed to comply with the prescription-writing and recordkeeping requirements of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). These requirements are intended to prevent the diversion of controlled substances for illegal purposes.
During a November 2020 inspection of Tommack’s clinic, Traveling Tails Veterinary Clinic, Drug Enforcement Administration diversion investigators identified at least 30 controlled substance prescriptions Tommack issued to fictitious patients between November 2017 and May 2019. Tommack issued the fabricated controlled substance prescriptions for the purpose of obtaining a stock supply of controlled substances for general dispensing to her patients, a practice explicitly prohibited by the CSA and its corresponding regulations. DEA investigators also uncovered numerous recordkeeping violations, including significant discrepancies in Tommack’s inventory of controlled substances and failure to provide written notification to the DEA regarding an incident in which Tommack’s practice experienced a significant loss of controlled substances.
“Compliance with the CSA’s prescription-writing and recordkeeping requirements is essential in ensuring that opioids and other addictive drugs are not diverted and abused,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “With the help of our partners, my office will continue to prioritize enforcement of this vital statute using all available tools at our disposal.”
The resolutions obtained in this matter were the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Diversion Control Unit.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Samuel M. Shapiro filed the lawsuit and negotiated the settlement on behalf of the government.
The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only and there has been no determination of liability.
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Co-leader of Alien Smuggling Organization Sentenced to Four Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
EL PASO, Texas – A Mexican national residing in Plano was sentenced in a federal court in El Paso on May 3 to 48 months in prison and three years of supervised release for one count of conspiracy to transport aliens.
According to court documents, Ana Maria Villa-Flores, 40, of Morelia, Michoacan, Mexico, conspired, communicated and coordinated the smuggling of a group of 22 undocumented noncitizens from El Paso to the Dallas-Fort Worth area with a co-conspirator in July 2021. Villa-Flores also conspired and coordinated with another co-conspirator to move 24 undocumented noncitizens from El Paso to Plano in January 2022. Further investigation revealed Villa-Flores to be a leader and organizer for conspiring to smuggle undocumented noncitizens via locked and enclosed cargo trailers from El Paso to Dallas-Fort Worth. Villa-Flores is held accountable for smuggling 124 known undocumented noncitizens between July 2021 and April 2022.
“As demonstrated in this case, our dedicated partners at Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Border Patrol remain vigilant in their pursuit of justice. The dismantling of this alien smuggling organization is a testament to their commitment and tireless effort,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “Together, we stand resolute in protecting our borders and upholding the rule of law, safeguarding the integrity of our nation.”
“Individuals involved in the illicit movement of human cargo into the country and then onto further destinations within the United States have a callous disregard for the value of human life and are placing profit ahead of public safety,” said Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola for HSI El Paso. “HSI will continue to aggressively work with our law enforcement partners to identify and arrest those involved in this illicit and dangerous activity.”
HSI and USBP investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Victoria Crosby prosecuted the case.
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Former Commercial Pilot Found Guilty of Internet StalkingRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A federal jury convicted a Chesterfield, Missouri man today for internet stalking.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, from May 2020 to September 2020, Mark Joseph Uhlenbrock, 69, with the intent to harass and intimidate another person, used the internet to engage in a course of conduct that caused substantial emotional distress to his victim. This course of conduct included posting nude photographs of the victim on the internet without the victim’s consent. The conduct from this crime occurred while Uhlenbrock was still on supervised release for a 2016 federal conviction for internet stalking the same victim.
In 2016, U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez sentenced Uhlenbrock to 41 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, after Uhlenbrock plead guilty to internet stalking. As part of his plea in that case, Uhlenbrock admitted that from January 2006 to August 2015, he caused substantial emotional distress by posting nude photographs of his victim on the internet without the victim’s consent.
Uhlenbrock is scheduled to be sentenced on August 30, 2023. He has remained in federal custody since his arrest on December 10, 2020, for violating conditions of his supervised release.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas and FBI Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich Jr., made the announcement.
The FBI is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Calve and Karina O’Daniel are prosecuting the case.
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U.S. Attorney Expresses Condolences for Fallen Cameron Police Officer, Honors Law Enforcement Partners During Police WeekRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – In honor of National Police Week, U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza recognizes the dedication, service and sacrifice of federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officers. This year, the week is observed Sunday, May 14 through Saturday, May 20. A livestreamed candlelight vigil on the National Mall in Washington D.C. will signify the start of the commemoration, Saturday, May 13 at 8pm EST.
President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week in 1962 to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which falls on May 15 each year, honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. Based on data analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, 226 federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement officers nationwide died in the line of duty in 2022.
“This is a week for all of us across the nation to recognize and appreciate the dedication of the brave men and women who put their lives on the line every day to keep our communities safe,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “As the U.S. Attorney, I thank our federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement partners in this district for their commitment to protecting our citizens and upholding the rule of law. We stand with them in solidarity and pledge to continue working together to build safer and stronger communities.”
On Wednesday, a Cameron Police Officer was fatally shot by a subject while executing a search warrant in Cameron, south of Waco. The Milam County Sheriff’s Office identified the officer as Sergeant Joshua Clouse, a U.S. Army veteran who is survived by his wife and two children.
“The loss of Sgt. Clouse is a difficult reminder of why we recognize Police Week and I extend my deepest sympathies to his family, friends and those who served by his side,” said U.S. Attorney Esparza. “We are grateful for his service and sacrifice in protecting his community. His memory should be forever honored.”
For further details about National Police Week, visit NationalPoliceWeek.org, or learn more from the principal organizer of the week, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, at NLEOMF.org.
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Former Austin ISD Teacher Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Illicit Sexual Conduct in ColombiaRead the Press Release
AUSTIN, Texas – An Austin man was sentenced in a federal court in Austin Wednesday to 84 months in prison followed by 10 years of supervised release for engaging in illicit sexual conduct in foreign places.
According to court documents, Michael Wayne Roberts, 41, was living in Medellin, Colombia when he paid money for sex with three Colombian girls between the ages of 13 and 15 on multiple occasions between December 2020 and June 2021. Roberts was arrested on Sept. 15, 2022 and has remained in federal custody. He pleaded guilty in February to all three counts in his indictment.
In addition to the prison sentence and supervised release, the U.S. district judge ordered Roberts to pay $147,844.51 in restitution to the victims. Roberts must also register as a sex offender.
“This sentencing reflects that those who engage in sexual conduct with minors, regardless of where it occurs, will be held accountable for their heinous, predatory crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “I am grateful for the diligent work of the Colombian National Police and our federal partners at Homeland Security Investigations, leading to the arrest and prosecution of this individual. Their commitment to justice has made our communities safer and protected our most vulnerable population—our children.”
“Protecting the children in our communities remains a top priority for Homeland Security Investigations,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Alejandro M. Amaro for HSI San Antonio. “This sentence is a testament that HSI remains committed to identifying individuals who prey on our most vulnerable population, especially those individuals that hold positions of public trust.”
HSI and the Colombian National Police investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Henneke prosecuted the case.
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Dallas Woman Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Non-U.S. Citizens Resulting in Migrant’s DeathRead the Press Release
EL PASO, Texas – A Dallas woman pleaded guilty in a federal court in El Paso Wednesday to charges in connection to her role as a stash house operator and coordinator of a human smuggling organization operating in far west Texas.
According to court documents, Elizabeth Miranda Lozano, 39, joined and actively participated in an ongoing conspiracy to bring in, transport, and harbor undocumented immigrants into the U.S. from Mexico through Hudspeth County from on or about November 2019 through on or about August 2021. Lozano began working for the human smuggling organization as a transport driver, picking up noncitizens near Sierra Blanca and delivering them to stash houses in the Dallas area, as well as in the Phoenix, Arizona area. In 2020, she had graduated to running stash houses in the Dallas area for the organization.
In May 2020, a co-conspirator of Lozano’s guided a group of undocumented individuals on a two-to-three-day trek to a pickup location east of the U.S. Border Patrol’s Sierra Blanca Checkpoint. Another co-conspirator, who Lozano had trained, was assigned as the pickup driver, but before the group reach the pickup location, one of the undocumented individuals began to struggle and subsequently died. The group abandoned the deceased migrant along with his son, who was eventually found by USBP agents.
Lozano pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to bring in aliens resulting in death and faces a maximum sentence up to life 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 of the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
Homeland Security Investigations; USBP; Immigration and Customs Enforcement; U.S. Marshals Service; FBI; The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; and the Drug Enforcement Administration are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia Acosta and Jose Luis Acosta are prosecuting the case.
This case was supported by Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA was created by the Attorney General in June 2021 in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to strengthen the Department’s overall efforts to combat these crimes based on the rise in prolific and dangerous smuggling from and through Central America and impacting our border communities. JTFA’s goal is to disrupt and dismantle those human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico, with a focus on networks that endanger, abuse or exploit migrants, present national security risks, or engage in other types of transnational organized crime.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas helps lead JTFA, which is comprised of detailees from southwest border U.S. Attorney’s Offices, 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, and dedicated support for the program is also provided by numerous components of the 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 Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs (OIA), and the Organized Crime and Gang Section (OCGS). JTFA is made possible by substantial law enforcement commitment from DHS, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and other partners.
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California Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Drug Trafficking, Firearm Possession ChargesRead the Press Release
ALPINE, Texas – A California man pleaded guilty in a federal court in Alpine Wednesday to charges related to drug trafficking.
According to court documents, Adrian Arturo Solis, 30, of Sylmar, California was traveling to Houston on Feb. 9, 2023 to conduct a drug transaction when a Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) trooper stopped him and his co-conspirators for exceeding the speed limit by 20 mph. When the DPS trooper recognized drug paraphernalia in the vehicle and observed a passenger attempt to conceal a pistol under his leg, he ordered all the occupants out of the vehicle. The three occupants were determined to be convicted felons.
During the traffic stop, Solis admitted to owning and possessing a second firearm located in the vehicle. A probable cause search revealed body armor, firearm magazines, and various types of drugs to include methamphetamine and fentanyl. After arriving at the Pecos Criminal Justice Center, the two passengers who accompanied Solis in the vehicle required medical treatment due to fentanyl overdoses.
Solis pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of possession of firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He faces a minimum prison term of five years for the firearm possession count and a maximum sentence of life 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 of the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
DPS and Pecos Police Department are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Ellis is prosecuting the case.
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Haitian National Found Guilty of Biting ICE Officers on Deportation AircraftRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A federal jury convicted a Haitian national in a federal court in San Antonio Tuesday for two counts of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees and inflicting bodily injury and one count of assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers or employees involving physical contact.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers were loading 112 Haitian nationals onto a contract aircraft in San Antonio bound for Port Au Prince, Haiti in September 2021, when a disturbance involving several individuals occurred in the middle section of the aircraft. Jubenson Domenique was identified as the main instigator of the disturbance and a decision was made for three officers to remove him from the aircraft.
During Domenique’s extraction from the aircraft, he bit the officers, breaking the skin and leaving teeth marks on all three. Emergency Medical Services responded, and one officer was treated at a local hospital, provided prescriptions for medication and began treatment and testing for possible infections, including six months of HIV treatment.
Domenique faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count of inflicting bodily injury and eight years in prison for the third count.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas and Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Huerta for the ICE Office of Professional Responsibility made the announcement.
ICE is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda Brown and Amy Hail are prosecuting the case.
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Defendants Sentenced in Air Force Contract Fraud CaseRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – The four remaining defendants in the fraud case involving former Air Force civilian employee Keith Seguin were sentenced this week in a federal court in San Antonio.
According to court documents, David Joseph Bolduc Jr., 62, of Herndon, Virginia, was the owner and director of operations at QuantaDyn, a software engineering company that worked on Randolph Trainer Development (RTD) simulators at Randolph Air Force Base. From 2007 through 2018, he and others paid $2,375,725.26 in bribes to Seguin in return for Seguin’s influence in obtaining government contracts and subcontracts for QuantaDyn. Bolduc was sentenced to 120 months in prison for one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and ordered to pay $37,757,713.93 in restitution to the government in addition to a forfeiture of property and $8,750,775.77.
John G. Hancock, 61, of Fairborn, Ohio, was sentenced to 40 months in prison for one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and ordered to pay $23,769,884.41 in restitution to the government. Hancock and co-conspirator Karen K. Paulsen aided Seguin in unlawfully manipulating the award amounts and winners of federal contracts, to corrupt contracting processes, and to defraud the Air Force, General Services Administration (GSA), and companies competing for government contracts.
Paulsen, 59, of Beaver Creek, Ohio, was sentenced for one count of conspiracy, to five years of probation with six months home confinement and 100 hours of community service during each year of probation. She was also ordered to pay $8,015,860.00 in restitution to the government.
Rubens Wilson Fiuza Lima, 73, of Marietta, Georgia, was sentenced to 27 months in prison and ordered to pay $653,984.20 in restitution to the government for one count of conspiracy. As a friend of Seguin, Lima took a job as a subcontractor on an RTD contract in Texas, used his business Impex Import Export Inc. to assist Seguin by disguising the bribe money paid to Seguin as legitimate purchases of supplies and equipment related to flight simulators.
“The sentences handed down in this case send a clear message that corrupt behavior will not be tolerated, especially when it involves the safety and security of our nation’s military,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “We are grateful for the hard work of our law enforcement partners in uncovering this corruption and holding these co-conspirators accountable. My office will continue to work tirelessly to protect the integrity of our government contracts, ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely.”
“The successful prosecution and sentencing of additional defendants demonstrate our unrelenting pursuit of justice in the face of complex criminal networks. Each co-conspirator played an active role in facilitating this fraudulent scheme and inflicted significant harm on the integrity of our institutions,” said Special Agent in Charge Ramsey E. Covington of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Houston Field Office. “Our team remains committed to working together to dismantle such schemes and safeguard the interests of our nation.”
“The results of this investigation exemplify the skill, persistence, and professionalism of the special agents, auditors, analysts, and attorneys who worked together to achieve justice and maintain taxpayer confidence in the integrity of the federal procurement system," said Special Agent in Charge Jamie M. Willemin for GSA OIG Southwest and Rocky Mountain Investigations Division. "Their efforts and dedication should be applauded.”
"The Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) is committed to combating corruption that pollutes the DoD contracting process," said Acting Special Agent in Charge Gregory Shilling for DCIS Southwest Field Office. "These results are a reflection of the steadfast vigilance of DCIS and our investigative partners to protect against those who seek to fraudulently enrich themselves at the expense of the American taxpayer."
"The sentences reflect the results of the skilled and hard work put forth by all agencies involved," said Special Agent in Charge Blair Holmstrand, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Procurement Fraud Detachment 3.
"This week’s sentencing should serve as a stark reminder that our agents, and those of our partner law enforcement agencies, are relentless in their pursuit of those who choose to defraud the government," said Special Agent in Charge Larry S. Moreland, of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division’s, Major Procurement Fraud Field Office.
The GSA OIG; DCIS; AFOSI; Army CID; and IRS-CI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Lewis, Kelly Stephenson and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Porier prosecuted the case.
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California Man Pleads Guilty to Trafficking Fentanyl into TexasRead the Press Release
PECOS, Texas – A California man pleaded guilty Tuesday in a federal court in Pecos to possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl.
According to court documents, the Texas Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) Criminal Investigations Division (CID) intercepted a known drug conspiracy occurring in the Pecos area. DPS CID requested U.S. Border Patrol’s assistance to seize suspected fentanyl in a controlled environment. On Feb. 23 at the USBP checkpoint in Sierra Blanca, a USBP canine alerted agents to search the vehicle driven by Edgar Jesus Castillo, 26, of Palmdale, California. During an inspection, agents located an unmarked envelope in the trunk of the vehicle containing a vacuum-sealed bag full of a compressed white powder. The powder tested positive for fentanyl. Castillo had obtained the 1.005 kilograms of fentanyl in California and was transporting it to Pecos, where he intended to rent a hotel room and meet with a customer traveling from Houston.
Castillo faces a penalty of 10 years to life in prison with a maximum fine of $10 million. 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 Texas Department of Public Safety, USBP and Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Ellis is prosecuting the case.
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U.S. Attorney Emphasizes Commitment to Survivors of Crime During National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas joins the rest of the nation in commemorating National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW) April 23-29. NCVRW is an annual week of recognition to honor victims of crime and ensure their rights are upheld.
This year’s theme is “Survivor Voices: Elevate. Engage. Effect Change.” It calls upon communities to amplify the voices of survivors and create environments where survivors have the confidence that they will be heard, believed, and supported.
“Survivors of crime often face physical, emotional and psychological trauma that can have long-lasting effects. They deserve our support, our compassion and our protection,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “As U.S. Attorney, I am committed to ensuring that criminals are held accountable for their actions, and that victims are treated with dignity and respect. This week, we stand in solidarity with survivors and remain focused on working toward a society in which all victims are treated with dignity and respect so that they can heal and rebuild their lives.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas has a dedicated team of prosecutors and victim assistance professionals who work together to ensure victims of crime receive the services and support they need.
In 2022, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas obtained a default judgement against Samantha Mueting and her company, iCORE Global. Mueting led a real estate scam, perpetrating a series of frauds upon couple nearing retirement. One of the victim couples lost approximately $600,000 to Mueting and iCORE Global when they sent wire transfers to Mueting’s bank accounts in San Antonio. Immediately after the wire transfers were deposited, Mueting made a large cash withdrawal. Suspecting fraud, bank officials closed the account and issued a check to Mueting who then deposited the funds into another bank account in San Antonio under the name of iCORE Global LLC and ICG Secure Deposit Funds LLC. Working with the United States Secret Service, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas filed a civil forfeiture case against the funds, which then totaled $482,194.05. The funds were returned to the victims in or about Oct. 2022.
On Aug. 4, 2022, Jose Gomez III was sentenced in Midland to 25 years in prison on hate crime charges for attacking an Asian family he believed was Chinese and therefore responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic. Gomez further admitted that he had attempted to kill the family’s six-year-old child. In addition to the prison sentence, Gomez was ordered to pay the victims $16,782.74 in restitution.
On Aug. 24, 2022, two men were sentenced in Waco for robbing five area merchants at gunpoint, causing severe harm to each of their victims through violent crime. Roosevelt Jones IV is now serving a 20 year prison sentence, while co-defendant Christopher Teon Fults is serving 10 years. Combined, Jones and Fults were ordered to pay more than $21,000 in restitution to the victims.
On Jan. 23, 2023, Jaycob Andrew Bustamante was sentenced to 204-months imprisonment, a 30 year term of supervised release, and $13,500 restitution, for cyberstalking, distribution of child sexual abuse material and extortion. Between January 2021 and September 2021, he created multiple social media accounts posing as the victim, through which he posted the sexually explicit images and sent the child pornography to her friends and family. Over the course of Bustamante’s constant harassment, he repeatedly threatened and stalked the victim through social media, placing her and her family in fear of violence, while demanding more sexually explicit images.
On Feb. 8, 2023, Connor Flores Jimenez, of the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas Reservation near Eagle Pass, was sentenced in Del Rio to 20 years in prison after he severely injured his two-month-old baby and choked his wife unconscious.
On April 4, 2023, Alberto Jimenez Pastrana was sentenced in Pecos to 15 years in prison for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Pastrana had shot at a vehicle containing his children and their mother, then crashed into it with this own vehicle and drove away, fleeing numerous law enforcement vehicles from various agencies. Pastrana was a convicted felon with four prior felony convictions and received the statutory maximum sentence.
Visit ovc.ojp.gov/ncvrw2023/overview for more information on National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.
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Retired General Sentenced for Wire Fraud, Falsifying Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A retired Air Force brigadier general was sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio today to 12 months and one day in prison with three years of supervised release for wire fraud and filing a false tax return.
According to court documents, Scott A. Bethel, 59, of Spring Branch began working as a government contractor and advisor to the Air Force upon his active duty retirement in 2012. During that time, he launched his own business, working directly with government staffing contracts, which he tended to simultaneously with the work he conducted for his contract employer. Bethel would seek hotel reimbursement from both his employer and the government. Bethel also submitted false hotel invoices for instances when he stayed with personal acquaintances rather than at hotels. In total, Bethel received approximately $15,140.50 from the Air Force to which he was not entitled.
An examination of Bethel’s work laptop revealed that he had also falsified charitable deductions and business expenses from 2015 to 2019, resulting in a government tax loss of approximately $139,687.00.
In addition to the prison sentence, Bethel was also ordered to pay $154,827.50 in restitution.
“Our commitment to upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the public trust remains unwavering,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “No one is above the law, and my office will relentlessly prosecute those who abuse their positions for personal gain and undermine the integrity of our financial systems, regardless of their status or background.”
“Today, the sentencing of retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General Scott Allen Bethel serves as a reminder that those in positions of authority and trust are expected to uphold higher standards of integrity and accountability,” said Special Agent in Charge Ramsey E. Covington of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Houston Field Office. “Bethel’s fraudulent actions, which included fabricating invoices, claiming false deductions, and attempting to enlist others in his criminal activities, not only tarnished his distinguished career but also undermine the very foundations of our tax and government systems. We are committed to enforcing the law and ensuring that individuals, regardless of their rank or status, are held accountable for their actions as we continue to work with our law enforcement partners to uphold the values of justice and fairness.”
IRS-CI, General Services Administration Office of Inspector General, and the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Harris and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Porier prosecuted the case.
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Austin Man Sentenced for Possession of Child Sexual Abuse MaterialRead the Press Release
AUSTIN, Texas – An Austin man was sentenced in a federal court in Austin Tuesday to five years in prison for possession of child pornography.
According to court documents, Tucker Smith, 31, had searched for, accessed, viewed, downloaded, possessed, stored, and distributed child sexual abuse material (CSAM) since approximately 2018. Smith stated that he maintained between 15 and 20 gigabytes of CSAM depicting minors ranging from two to three years old to 15-16 years old. Investigators seized and submitted approximately 904 images and 3,402 videos of suspected CSAM to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
“This sentencing sends the message that we will continue to pursue and prosecute the predators who engage in the heinous and indefensible act of possessing child sexual abuse material,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “Thank you to our partners at the FBI for their investigation and helping us seek justice for the dozens upon dozens of child victims exploited in this case.”
“The FBI remains steadfast in our commitment to protect children from those who seek to exploit their innocence,” said Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich Jr. of the FBI San Antonio Division. “These types of cases serve as a reminder of the important role the public plays in keeping our children and communities safe by immediately reporting potential public safety threats to law enforcement.”
The FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Devlin 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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Former Air Force Civilian Employee Sentenced to More than 15 Years in Prison for FraudRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man was sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio Monday to 188 months in prison for wire fraud and tax fraud.
According to court documents, Keith Alan Seguin, 57, was a civilian government employee authorized by the Air Force to solicit and accept orders for flight simulator technology and support, and to promote and manage related contracts. As part of a scheme that spanned more than 10 years, Seguin conspired with others who paid him more than $2.3 million in cash and bribes for $100 million in work on Air Force projects.
Senior United States District Judge David Ezra sentenced Seguin to 36 months confinement with one year of supervised release for the charge of making a false income tax return, and 188 months confinement followed by three years of supervised release for the charge of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Those sentences will run concurrently. The judge also ordered Seguin to pay $736,618 in restitution to the IRS and, $38,733,720.65 in restitution to the Air Force, Army and General Services Administration and to forfeit $2,342,095 that he received in bribe money.
“Government employees who collude with dishonest contractors to defraud the integrity of a government contracting system for personal gain will not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “It removes legitimate businesses from competition and harms the American taxpayer. It harms our nation’s warfighters by inflating the cost to the Government, thereby reducing the materials and training available to our service members. This office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to bring those offenders to justice.”
“The GSA OIG is committed to holding accountable those who abuse their government positions of trust for personal gain,” said the Honorable Carol Fortine Ochoa, Inspector General for the U.S. General Services Administration. "The outcome in this complex procurement fraud case is due to the dedicated efforts of GSA OIG special agents and our law enforcement partners."
"These results are a testament to the commitment of the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), together with our investigative partners to protect the integrity of the DoD contracting process,” said The Honorable Robert P. Storch, Inspector General, Department of Defense Office of Inspector General. "DCIS stands vigilant to combat corruption within the DoD and will tirelessly pursue those who seek to fraudulently enrich themselves at the American taxpayer's expense."
"Today's sentencing should serve as a stark reminder that our agents, and those of our partner law enforcement agencies, are relentless in their pursuit of those who choose to defraud the government," said Special Agent in Charge Larry S. Moreland, of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division’s, Major Procurement Fraud Field Office.
"The sentences reflect the results of the skilled and hard work put forth by all agencies involved," said Special Agent in Charge Blair Holmstrand, Air Force Office of Special Investigations, Procurement Fraud Detachment 3, San Antonio, Texas.
“Keith Seguin’s decade of millions of dollars of bribes and fraudulent contracts is insidious, infecting the trust placed in our government to serve the needs of its citizens. Now, he can dwell on his crimes while sitting in prison,” said Special Agent in Charge Ramsey E. Covington of IRS Criminal Investigation’s IRS-CI Houston Field Office. “IRS-CI and our law enforcement partners are here to help restore the trust that was lost and protect the interests of this nation and its people.”
The GSA OIG; DCIS; AFOSI; Army CID; and IRS-CI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys William Lewis, Kelly Stephenson and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Porier prosecuted the case.
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Former Nonprofit Leader Pleads Guilty to Fraud in San AntonioRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A California man pleaded guilty Thursday to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to defraud the United States.
According to court documents, Hector Barreto, 61, of San Juan Capistrano, was one of two conspirators who operated the Latino Coalition Foundation, an entity organized as a charitable and tax-exempt organization, and Hispanic Business Roundtable Institute, formed as a domestic nonprofit corporation from October 2012 to September 2021. Barreto also controlled the two organizations’ bank accounts.
Barreto and co-conspirator Miguel Gutierrez solicited donations from at least two victims for the purpose of funding nonprofit programs. While some of the funding was used for its intended purpose, Barreto and Gutierrez also diverted between $250,000 and $550,000 of the charitable funds toward personal use credit card expenses. The payments to the co-conspirators were not reported and from 2017 to 2019, Barreto co-conspired to falsify the IRS Form 990s for the foundation.
Barreto’s plea came four days into a jury trial that was expected to last three weeks. He’s scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 2 and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the wire fraud charge and five years in prison on the charge of defrauding the U.S. 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 Acting Special Agent in Charge Rodrick J. Benton of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Houston Field Office made the announcement.
IRS-CI and FBI are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Blackwell and Bill Harris are prosecuting the case.
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El Paso Man Pleads Guilty in San Antonio to Fentanyl Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – An El Paso man pleaded guilty in a federal court in San Antonio Wednesday to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
According to court documents, Albert Medina Jr. aka “Tots,” 37, sent at least 60,000 fentanyl pills to an undercover agent in San Antonio in 2021. Federal agents seized six bundles containing a total of seven kilograms of fentanyl during the transaction between the undercover agent and Medina’s courier, co-defendant Francisco Javier Ortiz. Ortiz pleaded guilty in December 2022 and currently awaits his sentencing hearing.
Medina is scheduled to be sentenced on July 26 and faces a minimum of 10 years in prison with a maximum penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. 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 Daniel Comeaux of the Drug Enforcement Administration made the announcement.
The DEA is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney William Calve is prosecuting the case.
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FBI Arrests Canutillo Woman for Making False StatementsRead the Press Release
EL PASO, Texas – A Canutillo woman was arrested Tuesday on criminal charges related to her alleged false statements made to an FBI Task Force Officer.
Court documents allege that, Veronica Gutierrez, 41, claimed that a police officer inappropriately touched her while executing a search warrant at her residence on or about Dec. 15, 2022. The April 5 indictment adds that she also claimed the police officer told her, this is what happens when she does not send pictures of herself to the officer.
Gutierrez is charged with one count of false statement. If convicted, she faces a maximum penalty of 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 of the Western District of Texas and Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey R. Downey of the FBI El Paso Field Office made the announcement.
The FBI’s West Texas Border Corruption Task Force is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Skillern 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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San Antonio Man Sentenced for Assault on National Park Service RangerRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man was sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio today to three months in prison and one year of supervised release for assault on a federal officer.
According to court documents, Daniel Ignacio Lizcano, 26, resisted arrest during an encounter with a National Park Service Ranger at the San Antonio Missions National Historic Park. Lizcano had been reported along with a female for suspicious activity at the San Jose Visitor Center bathroom within the park and was located with a vape tool and glass pipe. During an initial interview at the scene, Lizcano began to reach into his pocket, where a personal stun gun was later located. Lizcano refused to follow the park ranger’s instructions to drop what was in his hands, the park ranger attempted to place him under arrest and a struggle ensued. The park ranger called for support from additional officers and received assistance from a civilian passerby to gain control of Lizcano. Lizcano pleaded guilty March 28 to one count of assault on a federal officer.
“Our national parks are protected land where everyone should be able to enjoy the beauty of America and the unique heritage of the region,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “I appreciate the efforts our law enforcement partners at the National Park Service make to keep our parks safe, accessible and welcoming to all.”
"National Park Service law enforcement rangers serve a critical visitor and resource protection role, and as Superintendent of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, I am committed to ensuring the safety of our employees and visitors,” said Christine Jacobs, Superintendent of San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. “The National Park Service appreciates the support from the United States Attorney's Office through prosecution of this individual who assaulted a federal officer and for the court holding him accountable.”
The National Park Service investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Fidel Esparza III prosecuted the case.
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Government Contractors Indicted in San Antonio for Wire Fraud, Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A federal grand jury in San Antonio returned an indictment last week charging four members of a San Antonio family with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.
According to court documents, Kenneth Flores, Christopher Flores, Antonio Flores Jr., and Irma Flores, are alleged to have conspired together to defraud the United States by eliminating competition and fixing contract awards and prices on Army contracts for the housekeeping and janitorial services at Army Hospitals and Medical Centers. The alleged scheme involved a corrupt partnership between the Floreses and co-conspirator government employees Karisa Waysepappy Kelley and John Jordan “Chip” Mathes, involving millions of dollars in work on Army healthcare housekeeping and janitorial services contracts in return for bribes and kickbacks, eliminating the Flores’ competition in the process.
The defendants made their initial court appearances Monday, April 10, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard B. Farrer of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas.
The four defendants are each charged with one count of conspiracy, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted on all charges, they each face a maximum penalty of 45 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
The Floreses are currently released on a $50,000 bond each. An arraignment hearing is scheduled for April 19.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The Defense Criminal Investigative Service; Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division; U.S. General Services Administration Office of Inspector General; and IRS Criminal Investigation are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney William Lewis 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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El Paso Woman Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud, Impersonation of Federal EmployeeRead the Press Release
EL PASO, Texas – An El Paso woman pleaded guilty Monday to 11 counts related to wire fraud and impersonation of a federal employee.
According to court documents, Ana Maria Hernandez, 53, portrayed herself to be a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) employee and defrauded numerous undocumented noncitizen victims and their family members by falsely representing that she would process their immigration applications for a substantial fee. Hernandez’s victims provided her with the documentation required to file and adjust their immigration status. She was not an employee of CIS and never took any actions to adjust the victims’ status. Investigation revealed that Hernandez had amassed thousands of dollars of unexplained wealth within the 18 months coinciding with her fraudulent activity. Following her arrest on Jan. 23, 2023, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas and the Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso Division began receiving calls from dozens of potential victims in Hernandez’s fraud scheme.
Hernandez pleaded guilty to 10 counts of wire fraud and one count of impersonating an employee of the United States. She faces a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment on each wire fraud count and three years on the impersonation count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing date has not yet been set.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas and Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola of the HSI El Paso Division made the announcement.
HSI is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Patricia Aguayo is prosecuting the case.
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Large-Scale Drug Trafficking Organization Leader Sentenced to Life in PrisonRead the Press Release
EL PASO, Texas – The leader of a large-scale drug trafficking organization was sentenced in a federal court in El Paso Thursday to life in prison.
According to court documents, Jorge Sanchez Morales aka “Capulina,” 47, ran a drug trafficking organization, spanning from Mexico to El Paso and on to Atlanta, from 2002 to 2019. In the early 2000s, Sanchez Morales worked out of Atlanta, trafficking cocaine and other drugs with Sinaloa Cartel operatives.
In 2014, Sanchez Morales returned to Mexico to run his organization, which would then primarily traffic methamphetamine, often in liquid form. Sanchez Morales’ organization imported liquid methamphetamine from Juarez, Mexico into El Paso, and then transported it to Atlanta concealed in the fuel tanks of semi tractors. In Atlanta, the liquid methamphetamine was converted to a crystalline form and distributed. Sanchez Morales oversaw the operation on behalf of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, otherwise known as CJNG.
On Nov. 8, 2022, an El Paso jury found Sanchez Morales guilty of conspiracies to import and possess with intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine, conspiracy to commit international money laundering, and laundering monetary instruments. The court sentenced Sanchez Morales to life in prison for the drug conspiracies and to 20 years imprisonment for conspiring and laundering monetary instruments. The court ordered the sentences to run concurrently.
“This sentence serves as another step forward in the U.S. government’s efforts to disrupt and dismantle some of the most dangerous drug trafficking organizations we face,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “My office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners, within this district and beyond, to hold accountable those who attempt to poison our communities and carelessly endanger Americans.”
“The men and women of DEA are laser-focused in our mission of defeating the Sinaloa and Jalisco cartels,” said Special Agent in Charge Greg Millard of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s El Paso Division. “We will continue to tirelessly target these cartels and their associates involved in the manufacture or distribution of methamphetamine and other illicit, synthetic poisons that are killing Americans at record rates.”
The DEA, HSI, United States Border Patrol, El Paso Sheriff’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety and Socorro Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven Spitzer and Nathan Brown prosecuted the case.
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New Braunfels Men Plead Guilty to Selling Misbranded DrugsRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – Two New Braunfels men pleaded guilty in a federal court in San Antonio to selling non-controlled but dangerous substances through the mail.
According to court documents, Evan Asher Field, 42, and Michael Dominic Diaz, 30, purchased bulk quantities of various drugs, including synthetic opioids and benzodiazepines, and re-sold them through a website Field created in September 2019. The drugs, most of which originated in China and were not regulated or approved for any use by the FDA, can potentially cause toxic and fatal overdoses if consumed by humans. The two defendants, assisted by employee co-conspirators, repackaged the drugs into consumer-size containers and shipped them to various locations throughout the United States. The initial website remained online until September 2021, when Diaz launched a second website offering a nearly identical service. Despite disclaimers on the website and product packaging stating “for research purposes only,” and “not for human consumption,” the two defendants were aware that customers were purchasing the substances for personal use and consuming the drugs.
Field pleaded guilty on March 28 to conspiracy to defraud the United States and traffic in misbranded drugs. Diaz pleaded guilty on April 4 to the same charge. They each face a maximum penalty of five years in prison and are scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 8, 2023. 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; Associate Commissioner for Regulatory Affairs Judy McMeekin, Pharm.D., for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; and Special Agent in Charge Daniel Comeaux for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Houston Field Office made the announcement.
The FDA and DEA are investigating the case. This case was prosecuted utilizing resources from the Dark Market and Digital Currency Crimes (DMDCC) Task Force. The DMDCC Task Force is a joint effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office, HSI – Baltimore, the U.S. Secret Service, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service; the Food and Drug Administration, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Defense Criminal Investigative Service, the Baltimore Police Department, and the Baltimore County Police Department, targeting the use of dark net marketplaces and digital currencies to facilitate criminal activities.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin Chung and Amy Hail are prosecuting the case.
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Pecos Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Attempted MurderRead the Press Release
ALPINE, Texas – A Pecos man was sentenced in a federal court in Pecos last week to 180 months in prison for attempted murder.
According to court documents, Alberto Jimenez Pastrana, 35, shot at a vehicle containing multiple people—later determined to be his children and their mother—then crashed into it with his own vehicle and drove away. Pecos Police Department (PPD) patrol officers located Pastrana, who fled at a high rate of speed and led the officers on a vehicle pursuit, shooting at PPD officers and Reeves County Sheriff’s Deputies. Texas State Troopers, along with the other law enforcement officers in pursuit, tracked Pastrana to a neighborhood south of Pecos where he had crashed and took off on foot. He eventually ditched his assault rifle and surrendered in an area that contained empty oil-field chemical containers and abandoned vehicles.
Pastrana was charged in a criminal complaint on Sept. 28, 2022 with one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Pastrana, a convicted felon with four prior felony convictions, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge David Counts to the statutory maximum sentence.
“It was very evident that this defendant tried to end the lives of his own children and their mother with both a firearm and a vehicle,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “I greatly appreciate the joint effort and professionalism by our local and state law enforcement partners, who selflessly placed themselves in harm’s way in the pursuit leading to the Pastrana’s arrest.”
The Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division, Pecos Police Department, and Texas Highway Patrol investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Ellis prosecuted the case.
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San Antonio Woman Pleads Guilty to Providing Fentanyl That Led to Man’s DeathRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio woman pleaded guilty in San Antonio federal court Thursday to distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death.
According to court documents, Claudia Cardenas, 47, provided a man with a sample of fentanyl on May 8, 2022, allowing him to try the substance before committing to future purchases. The man ingested the fentanyl sample the following day. He immediately collapsed and was unresponsive. Two doses of Narcan were administered prior to the arrival of Emergency Medical Services, but the man was declared deceased upon EMS’s arrival. An autopsy revealed that the victim’s death was the result of toxic effects from Fentanyl and Methamphetamine.
Cardenas is scheduled to be sentenced on July 13 and faces a penalty of at least 20 years in prison up to life imprisonment. 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 and Special Agent in Charge Daniel Comeaux of the Drug Enforcement Administration made the announcement.
The DEA; the University of Texas at San Antonio Police Department; the San Antonio Police Department; the Texas Department of Public Safety; and the Alamo Heights Police Department are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Hail is prosecuting the case.
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Odessa Woman Sentenced for False Statements During Firearm PurchasesRead the Press Release
MIDLAND, Texas – An Odessa woman was sentenced in a federal court in Midland Wednesday to 18 months in prison for providing false statements during purchases of firearms.
According to court documents, Delma Vitela, 45, purchased at least six firearms between December 2020 and March 2022 from various gun stores in the Midland/Odessa area for her then-boyfriend, a Mexican national. Vitela's then-boyfriend was prohibited from possessing firearms based on his immigration status. By representing on the purchase forms that she was the intended buyer of the guns, Vitela knowingly made false or fictitious written declarations when purchasing the firearms.
In March 2022, an individual was stopped by law enforcement in Laredo, Texas while attempting to cross into Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. This individual had in his possession two firearms that Vitela had straw purchased, one of which she’d purchased less than two weeks prior.
Vitela was arrested by federal authorities on Oct. 21, 2022 and was released on bond on Oct. 26.
“This defendant’s conduct posed a serious threat to the safety and security of people in our communities on both sides of the U.S./Mexico border,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “I am thankful our law enforcement partners were able to locate and recover some of the firearms before they reached Mexico.”
“Straw purchasing is not an act of love; it is an act that fuels violence across our country and our neighbors,” said Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Dallas Field Division. “ATF and our partners in the Permian Basin are steadfast in our fight to keep firearms out of the hands of those that shouldn’t have them. Ms. Vitela thought she was being a good girlfriend when she was actually helping to arm vicious Mexican drug cartels. I hope that others don’t make this same mistake.”
ATF investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Mahoney prosecuted the case.
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Jury Finds Oklahoma Man Guilty of Smuggling Firearm into MexicoRead the Press Release
ALPINE, Texas – A federal jury in Pecos convicted an Oklahoma City man last week for illegal smuggling of goods from the United States.
According to court documents and evidence presented at the two-day trial, Jesus Soto-Parra, 31, drove into Mexico in December 2022 and was turned back by Mexican authorities due to vehicle registration issues. As Soto-Parra returned through the Presidio, Texas Port of Entry, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officers discovered a firearm, body armor and ammunition in his vehicle.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas and Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola for the Homeland Security Investigations El Paso Division made the announcement.
CBP and HSI are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kevin Cayton and Matthew Ellis are prosecuting the case.
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Five Arrested in San Antonio for Alleged Drug Trafficking Organization InvolvementRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – Five San Antonio men were arrested in San Antonio today on criminal charges related to their alleged roles in a drug trafficking organization.
According to court documents, Cesar Martinez aka Viejito, 66; Bruce Charles Morales, 51; Kelvin Sauls, 41; Juan Alberto Coronado aka Cacheton, 49; and Julio Rodriguez III, 39, were named in a six-count indictment issued by a grand jury earlier this month.
Martinez is charged with all six counts in the indictment, to include conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; conspiracy to commit money laundering; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; and two separate counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. If convicted, Martinez faces punishments of at least 15 years in prison up to life imprisonment.
Morales is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. If convicted, Morales faces punishments of at least 10 years in prison up to life imprisonment.
Sauls is charged with five counts, to include conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine; conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; conspiracy to commit money laundering; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. If convicted, Sauls faces punishments of at least 10 years in prison up to life imprisonment.
Coronado is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, he faces punishment of at least five years up to 60 years in prison.
Rodriguez is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute detectable quantities of cocaine and conspiracy to commit money laundering. If convicted, he faces punishment up to 40 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 and Special Agent in Charge Daniel Comeaux for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Houston Field Office made the announcement.
The DEA is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Nowinski is 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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Correctional Officer Arrested for Suspected Contraband, Narcotics SmugglingRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A Karnes County Detention Facility (KCDF) correctional officer was arrested Friday in San Antonio on criminal charges related to his alleged smuggling of contraband and narcotics into KCDF.
According to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint, Dexter Obryan Sistrunk, 40, of Converse is alleged to have smuggled contraband such as heroin, methamphetamine and tobacco to inmates in return for money.
Sistrunk is charged with attempting to provide contraband in prison. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 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; Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich Jr. of the FBI San Antonio Division; Special Agent in Charge Daniel Comeaux of the Drug Enforcement Administration Houston Field Office; and U.S. Marshal Susan Pamerleau for the Western District of Texas made the announcement.
The FBI, DEA and U.S. Marshals Service are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Fidel Esparza III and Amy Hail are 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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Fraudulent Tax Return Preparer Sentenced in San AntonioRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man was sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio Thursday to 12 months and one day in prison for preparing false tax returns.
According to court documents, Eden Garza, 43, prepared numerous false income tax returns for clients between tax years 2014 and 2019. IRS-Criminal Investigation agents determined that Garza aided and assisted in the preparation of 49 false income tax returns by falsifying filing statuses, itemized deductions, income and expenses, and residential energy credits. The fraudulent refunds resulted in a criminal tax loss of $255,967. The investigation also revealed that Garza had received a preparation fee from his clients, which was usually 10% of the refund received.
In addition to the prison sentence, Garza was ordered to serve one year of supervised release and pay restitution equal to the criminal tax loss of $255,967.
“This case serves as an important reminder—especially at this time of the year—to be aware of those who commit tax fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “The preparers of false income tax returns do untold damage to our nation, and hopefully this sentencing will serve to deter others from preparing false returns for financial gain.”
“Federal prison is a fitting home for this tax criminal who flaunted his criminal enterprise by placing advertising stickers on the false tax returns he prepared,” said Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Rodrick J. Benton of IRS-CI’s Houston Field Office. “Approximately 98% of investigated tax returns he prepared were egregiously false. As we wind down tax season, know that criminals like him will go to prison for stealing from our nation.”
IRS-CI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bill Harris and Kelly Stephenson prosecuted the case.
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Dripping Springs Woman Sentenced for Defrauding VA, SSA of more than $500KRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A Dripping Springs woman was sentenced in a federal court in San Antonio today to 46 months in prison and ordered to pay $501,709.54 in restitution for defrauding the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) of more than $500,000.
According to court documents, Josephine Casandra Perez-Gorda, 40, defrauded the VA and SSA by overstating the severity and extent of her spouse’s disability from October 2011 through August 2017. Mr. Perez-Gorda, now deceased, was an Army veteran who participated in the fraud. The couple claimed Mr. Perez-Gorda was paralyzed from the waist down from an injury he suffered while on active duty. The ruse included applying for and receiving a specially equipped vehicle, a specially adapted home and additional compensation based on his disability rating.
The investigation began after San Antonio news station, KENS5, aired a story titled, “Homes for Our Troops Questions Veteran’s Paralysis after Video.” The story involved a specially adapted house in Dripping Springs that was gifted to the Perez-Gordas in December 2013 by the non-profit foundation Homes for Our Troops. Although Mrs. Perez-Gorda claimed her husband was “paralyzed from the belly button down,” Mr. Perez-Gorda was seen walking around the neighborhood and playing basketball. VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) agents videotaped Mr. Perez-Gorda walking around without assistance. Mrs. Perez-Gorda furthered the scheme by completing all the VA and SSA paperwork claiming Mr. Perez-Gorda was paralyzed in both legs.
On Sept. 27, 2022, Mrs. Perez-Gorda was found guilty of 11 counts of wire fraud; one count of mail fraud; one count of health care fraud; three counts of false statements related to a health care matter; one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud; and one count of theft of government funds. In addition to the imprisonment and restitution, Perez-Gorda is responsible for a $100 special assessment on each of the 18 counts and $100,000 for trial expenses.
“As the U.S. Attorney’s Office, we will pursue individuals that defraud and steal from integral benefit programs like those designed by the Veteran’s Administration and the Social Security Administration,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “These programs are crucial to our disabled veterans and other disabled Americans who truly depend on their assistance, and they must be protected.”
“Fraudulently obtaining benefits from VA diverts valuable resources intended for the care of deserving veterans,” said Deputy Assistant Inspector General for Investigations Carl Scott of the Department of Veterans Affairs Office of Inspector General’s Office of Investigations. “The VA OIG is grateful to the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Social Security Administration OIG for their efforts in this joint investigation.”
“A jury found Josephine Perez-Gorda guilty as a co-conspirator in a scheme that defrauded the Social Security Administration and the U.S. Veterans Administration of more than $500,000 and services intended to assist persons with disabilities. This sentence now holds her accountable for her criminal actions,” said Gail S. Ennis, Inspector General for the SSA. “I appreciate the VA Office of the Inspector General for their work in this joint investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for prosecuting this case.”
The VA-OIG and SSA-OIG investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Surovic and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Miller prosecuted the case.
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Mexican National Pleads Guilty to Smuggling Firearms into MexicoRead the Press Release
DEL RIO, Texas – A Mexican national pleaded guilty in federal court in Del Rio on Monday to smuggling firearms and ammunition into Mexico from the United States.
According to court documents, Jose Jesus Hernandez-Valle, 54, conspired with others to smuggle a 9mm pistol, a .40 caliber pistol, and more than 200 rounds of ammunition and other related firearm accessories into Mexico. The firearms were discovered and seized by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the Del Rio International Port of Entry on Nov. 2, 2022.
Hernandez-Valle pleaded guilty to smuggling of goods from the United States. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 25, 2023 before Chief U.S. District Judge Alia Moses and faces a maximum penalty of 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 of the Western District of Texas and Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee of the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Antonio Division made the announcement.
HSI and CBP are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary Bird and Alex Brown are prosecuting the case.
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SIM Card Swapping Fraudsters Sentenced in San AntonioRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man and woman were sentenced Wednesday in a federal court in San Antonio for their roles in a SIM card swapping fraud scheme.
According to court documents, Zena Elisa Dounson, 24, and Andrew Percy Trujillo, 22, conspired to access and transfer assets from victims’ cryptocurrency accounts via SIM swapping. A mobile phone uses a SIM card to store information that identifies and authenticates the subscriber to that cellular phone. A SIM swapping scheme allows a person to use other phones or devices as though they were the authorized subscriber. In November 2021, Dounson, an employee at the AT&T store at Ingram Park Mall, assisted Trujillo in adding himself as an authorized user to the accounts of multiple victims. Using his access as an apparent authorized user, Trujillo would add multiple devices to the accounts. Dounson would then transfer the victims’ SIM card credentials to the fraudulent SIM cards in Trujillo’s phones. When the victims’ original devices were locked due to suspected fraud, Trujillo accessed and transferred at least $250,000 worth of cryptocurrency from the victims’ investment accounts to his own account. Both defendants pleaded guilty in August 2022 to one count of conspiracy to commit computer fraud and abuse and wire fraud.
At the hearing, Trujillo was sentenced to 33 months in prison plus three years of supervised release. Additionally, he was ordered to pay approximately $282,000 in restitution. Dounson received a split sentence of two months in prison and five years of probation. She was also ordered to pay $282,000 in restitution.
“SIM Swapping is a rapidly growing type of fraud scheme that everyone should be aware of,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “It’s particularly dangerous because it abuses access to two-factor authentication systems which are intended to provide additional security. Anyone who uses two-factor authentication should be mindful that it is not foolproof, and to still be on the lookout for any suspicious activity involving their phones.”
“The defendants in this case callously devised a scheme to transfer more than $250,000 of cryptocurrency from multiple victims for their own personal gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich Jr. of the FBI San Antonio Division. “This sentencing brings a measure of justice to victims and holds the defendants accountable for their actions."
The FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Galdo and Justin Chung prosecuted the case.
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Justice Department Announces Historic Guatemalan Human Smuggling Extraditions at Joint Task Force Alpha SummitRead the Press Release
The U.S. Department of Justice yesterday announced the first ever extraditions from Guatemala to the United States on charges of human smuggling resulting in death, and the first Guatemalan human smuggling extraditions to the United States of any kind in nearly five years.
This announcement was made at a meeting of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA) in El Paso, Texas. This meeting was convened by Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department's Criminal Division to bring together law enforcement leaders to discuss disrupting and dismantling human smuggling networks operating along the Southwest Border.
JTFA was created by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in June 2021, in partnership with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas, to strengthen the department’s overall efforts to combat these crimes based on the rise in prolific and dangerous smuggling emanating from Central America and impacting our border communities. JTFA’s goal is to disrupt and dismantle those human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico, with a focus on networks that endanger, abuse, or exploit migrants, present national security risks, or engage in other types of transnational organized crime.
Since its creation, JTFA has successfully increased coordination and collaboration between the Justice Department, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and other interagency law enforcement participants, and with foreign law enforcement partners, including El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico; targeted organizations that have the most impact on the United States, and coordinated significant smuggling indictments and extradition efforts in U.S. Attorneys’ offices across the country. To date, JTFA’s work with its partners has resulted in criminal charges and over 183 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers and significant facilitators of human smuggling activities, several dozen convictions, significant prison sentences, seizure of drugs, firearms, ammunition and vehicles, and substantial asset forfeiture.
“This case demonstrates the deadly threat that human smuggling groups pose to the migrants they endanger and exploit,” said Attorney General Garland. “It also demonstrates that Joint Task Force Alpha and the entire Justice Department are doubling down on our efforts to disrupt and dismantle dangerous human smuggling operations and to find and bring to justice the perpetrators – no matter where they are.”
“JTFA was created to investigate and prosecute the international networks responsible for human smuggling activities that exploit and victimize migrants,” said Assistant Attorney General Polite. “The extradition of four prolific smugglers from Guatemala – in addition to the other cases and investigations we highlighted during this summit – demonstrates the Department of Justice’s commitment to holding accountable criminal organizations that prey upon the vulnerable for profit. Through JTFA, our message to human smugglers is clear: using the combined might of U.S. law enforcement and its international partners, we will continue to aggressively target you and your illegal operations both within the United States and south of the border, using every tool, technique, and resource at our disposal.”
As announced last year, extensive coordination and cooperation between U.S. and Guatemalan law enforcement authorities led to the indictment and arrest of the four leaders, as well as the apprehension of 15 additional targets in Guatemala, in August 2022. Pursuant to an extradition request, Guatemalan authorities ordered the extradition of the leaders to the United States to face charges for their alleged roles in the offense.
According to court documents, Guatemalan nationals Felipe Diego Alonzo, aka Siete, 39; Nesly Norberto Martinez Gomez, aka Canche, 38; Lopez Mateo Mateo, aka Bud Light, 43; and Juan Gutierrez Castro, aka Andres, 46, allegedly conspired with other smugglers to facilitate the travel of large numbers of migrants from Guatemala through Mexico, and ultimately, into the United States, charging the migrants and their families approximately $10,000 to $12,000 for the perilous journey. The defendants are also alleged to be responsible for the death of a young indigenous Guatemalan woman, who died in Texas in May 2021.
“The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas is fully committed to working with our international and federal law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle transnational human smuggling organizations,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “Through our combined efforts we will hold accountable human smugglers who callously disregard the safety of the people they transport. We are dedicated to ensuring that all victims of these groups receive justice.”
The victim’s family paid the defendants approximately $10,000 for the journey to the United States. As alleged in the indictment, the defendants and their co-conspirators guided her for several days through the desert to Odessa, Texas, where she ultimately died. Upon learning of her death, the defendants and their co-conspirators allegedly disposed of her body on the side of a road in Crane County, Texas. The defendants and their co-conspirators then allegedly arranged for payment to the victim’s family.
“These extraditions speak to the collaboration in this Administration across the federal government and with our partners throughout the hemisphere,” said Deputy Secretary John K. Tien of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). “From the frontline efforts of our workforce at Customs and Border Protection, to the investigative capabilities we leverage at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the seamless coordination with our partners at the Justice Department, we are unwavering in our commitment to holding transnational criminal networks accountable for human smuggling and their abuse of migrants.”
The indictments and extraditions against Diego Alonzo, Martinez Gomez, Mateo Mateo, and Gutierrez Castro, as well as the assistance provided by U.S. authorities to Guatemalan law enforcement, were coordinated under JTFA.
JTFA is comprised of detailees from southwest border U.S. Attorney’s Offices, 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 for the program is also provided by numerous components of the 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 Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs (OIA), and the Organized Crime and Gang Section (OCGS). JTFA is made possible by substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and other partners.
HSI Midland led U.S. investigative efforts in this case, working in concert with HSI Guatemala and the HSI Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C. HSI received substantial assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO); U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) National Targeting Center/Operation Sentinel; U.S. Border Patrol (USBP); the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS); the Odessa and Midland Police Departments; the Texas Department of Public Safety; and the Ector County, Midland County, and Crane County Sherriff’s Offices. OIA and OPDAT provided significant assistance in this matter. The Department of Justice thanks Guatemalan law enforcement, who were instrumental in furthering this investigation.
JTFA Co-Director James Hepburn of HRSP, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose Luis Acosta for the Western District of Texas and JTFA, and Assistant U.S. Attorney John Fedock for the Western District of Texas handled the case, with substantial assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian Gallegos for the Western District of Texas and HRSP Historian/Latin America Specialist Joanna Crandall.
The charges contained in an indictment are merely allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Fentanyl Dealer Pleads Guilty, Claims Responsibility for Death of San Antonio WomanRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man pleaded guilty in federal court in San Antonio Wednesday to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl resulting in death.
According to court documents, Patrick James Hall, 28, is charged with distribution of fentanyl resulting in the death of a 20-year-old woman. The two met on Oct. 28, 2020, in a hotel room where he had been selling the drug in the form of a small round blue pill disguised as oxycodone. Phone records indicate that the victim had been unconscious in Hall’s hotel room for an extended period before Hall returned a missed call to the victim’s friend using her cell phone. Hall notified the friend that she needed to pick up the victim from the hotel because she had overdosed. He then left the location without calling for emergency services. The victim’s friend, however, did alert emergency services and, upon their arrival, the victim was pronounced dead, noting she had been deceased for some time. A toxicology report showed that the victim had an amount of fentanyl in her blood that exceeded 24 times a fatal dose.
Hall was arrested on Nov. 19, 2020. Text messages sent from his phone confirmed that he had been selling the pills to multiple individuals at the time of the victim’s death, and that he himself had overdosed on the pills one week prior to this instance.
Hall is scheduled to be sentenced on June 15 and faces a penalty of 20 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.
U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas and Special Agent in Charge Daniel Comeaux of the Drug Enforcement Administration Houston Field Office made the announcement.
The DEA and SAPD are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Hail is prosecuting the case.
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Ecuadorian National Sentenced for Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
DEL RIO, Texas – An Ecuadorian national was sentenced in federal court in Del Rio Wednesday to 84 months in prison and five years of supervised release for possession of child sexual abuse material.
According to court documents, Ramiro Heliberto Cuenca-Campos, 27, of Cuenca Provincia, Azuay, Ecuador was apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol agents near Brackettville during a failed human smuggling attempt. A forensic analysis of his cell phone revealed more than 2,000 images containing child sexual abuse material.
Chief U.S. District Judge Alia Moses found Cuenca-Campos guilty after a bench trial on July 27, 2021. He has remained in federal custody since his arrest on March 10, 2020. In addition to the prison sentence, Cuenca-Campos was ordered to pay $18,000 in restitution to the victims and $200 in special assessments. Chief Judge Moses also ordered forfeiture of his phone.
“This defendant traveled from Ecuador and crossed the border into our country with a sickening amount of child sexual abuse material on his cell phone,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “Thankfully, our federal law enforcement partners at the border disrupted a human smuggling operation and conducted their routine procedures, searching this individual and his phone when they detained him. This case reinforces the fact that, much like our policies against the drugs and firearms that noncitizens occasionally try to bring into the U.S., we will not tolerate anyone bringing in material that sexually exploits and harms children.”
“Individuals who receive and possess child pornography participate in the victimization of children whose innocence can never be restored,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig S. Larrabee for the Homeland Security Investigations San Antonio Division. “These criminals also represent a public safety threat to our communities. For those reasons, child exploitation cases are a top priority for HSI, and we will continue to work closely with our federal partners to ensure they are arrested, prosecuted, and ultimately removed from the United States.”
HSI and USBP 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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Midland Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Prison for Meth Distribution and Firearm ChargeRead the Press Release
MIDLAND, Texas – A Midland man was sentenced last week to 360 months in prison for possessing approximately 1,000 grams of methamphetamine and possessing a handgun in furtherance to a drug activity.
According to court documents, on September 23, 2022, Midland Police officers found that Fabian Hernandez, 33, was a guest at a downtown hotel. In a search of his room, officers found over two pounds of methamphetamine and a 9mm Rock Island Armory handgun.
On December 15, 2022, Hernandez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 50 grams of Methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking activity. Hernandez has remained in federal custody since his arrest on September 23, 2022.
“The court imposed a substantial sentence in this case. This should be a clear message to drug traffickers that dealing drugs while possessing a firearm is a serious crime that will result in serious punishment,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “We are grateful for the collaboration between the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Midland Police Department that resulted in the removal of another dealer from the streets.”
“Illicit synthetic drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl continue to drive addiction and fatal poisonings in our country,” said Greg Millard, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s El Paso Division. “It is the top priority of the men and women of DEA to relentlessly pursue those manufacturing and distributing these poisons in our communities.”
The DEA’s Midland Resident Office and the Midland Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Lopez prosecuted the case.
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San Antonio Human Smuggler Sentenced to More Than 6 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
DEL RIO, Texas – A San Antonio man was sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio today to 78 months in prison for conspiracy to transport illegal aliens resulting in serious bodily injury or placing lives in jeopardy.
According to court documents, Enrique Rodriguez, 21, fled in a pickup truck during an attempted traffic stop by a Dimmit County Sheriff’s deputy. Driving north on U.S. Highway 83 at speeds over 100 mph, Rodriguez narrowly avoided multiple collisions, including with oncoming law enforcement vehicles, and drove head-on into a guardrail. The occupants of the vehicle, including six undocumented noncitizens riding in the bed of the truck, were ejected as the truck rolled over. The responding deputy and U.S. Border Patrol agents observed that the vehicle occupants suffered serious injuries, including likely head trauma, broken legs, severe neck injuries, loss of upward mobility and loss of consciousness. Four of the six undocumented individuals required emergency room treatment.
Rodriguez has remained in federal custody since his arrest on May 19, 2020. He pleaded guilty on Oct. 20, 2020. In addition to his prison sentence, Rodriguez was ordered to pay $205,827.97 in restitution.
“This defendant failed to yield for a traffic stop and his numerous reckless decisions that followed resulted in a violent crash,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “His smuggling victims are very fortunate they survived. These smuggling attempts pose a very serious threat, not only to those directly involved, but to innocent civilians and our partners as well.”
“Targeting smugglers who prey on human beings is a top priority for HSI," said Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee of the Homeland Security Investigations San Antonio Division. "Human smugglers show a callous disregard for the value of life. Because of this, we will continue to aggressively pursue these human smugglers who put the lives of others in jeopardy for financial gain."
HSI, USBP, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Dimmit County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Banister prosecuted the case.
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Human Smuggler Involved in Hwy 90 Rollover Sentenced to 41 Months in PrisonRead the Press Release
DEL RIO, Texas – A Perryton man was sentenced today in Federal court in Del Rio to 41 months in prison for one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens resulting in serious bodily injury or placing lives in jeopardy.
According to court documents, Caleb Hernandez, 21, led a U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) agent and Kinney County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) deputies on a high-speed chase on Highway 90 near Brackettville, allowing multiple suspected undocumented individuals out of the vehicle at various locations. At one point during the pursuit, Hernandez drove into opposite lanes of traffic and onto the shoulder. He eventually lost control of the vehicle, rolling over and landing upside down. Hernandez and four undocumented noncitizens were removed from the vehicle.
Hernandez has remained in custody since March 13, 2021. He pleaded guilty on July 19, 2021. In addition to his prison term, Hernandez was ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his incarceration. He was also ordered to pay a $3,000 fine.
“This defendant put untold lives at risk by evading law enforcement the way he did,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “Offenders who illegally smuggle undocumented individuals into the U.S. and across this district must never doubt that they will be caught, and that our justice system will see that they are prosecuted.”
“Human smugglers have no respect for human life, as demonstrated by this defendant,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee of the Western District of Texas. “Those responsible for illegally moving people into and through our country place their personal profit above everything else. They are driven by greed with little regard for the health and well-being of their passengers. HSI is committed to investigating smugglers and holding them accountable for their actions.”
HSI, USBP and the KCSO investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Rex Beasley prosecuted the case.
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Man Sentenced in El Paso for Trafficking Cocaine, Fentanyl into U.S.Read the Press Release
EL PASO, Texas – A U.S. citizen living in Mexico was sentenced Thursday to 51 months in prison for conspiracy to import a controlled substance.
According to court documents, Eduardo Aletse Herrera, 20, of Cuidad Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico attempted to enter the U.S. at the Ysleta Port of Entry on July 28, 2022. During a vehicle inspection, Customs and Border Protection Officers discovered nine bundles hidden throughout the car. Five of the bundles tested positive for 5.84 kilograms of cocaine, while the remaining four bundles tested positive for 4.46 kilograms of fentanyl. Herrera pleaded guilty to one count in the eight-count indictment Nov. 30, 2022.
“The defendant in this case attempted to smuggle a very large amount of lethal narcotics into our country,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “We can thank our partner agents at the border for detecting the drugs and thwarting Herrera’s efforts.”
“This sentence sends a warning to drug smugglers that HSI special agents along with our law enforcement and judicial partners will work tirelessly to bring to justice those who supply our communities with fentanyl and other deadly drugs, contributing to an already-devastating national opioid epidemic.” said Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola of the Homeland Security Investigations El Paso Division.
HSI and CBP investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Susanna Martinez prosecuted the case.
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Houston Area Man Sentenced for Selling, Mailing Counterfeit Native American GoodsRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A Kingwood man was sentenced in federal court in San Antonio Tuesday to five years of probation for mail fraud and misrepresentation of Indian Goods under the Indian Arts and Crafts Act.
According to court documents, Kevin Charles Kowalis, 60, fraudulently marketed and sold jewelry online that he described as “Native American Indian Handmade,” “genuine Indian handcrafted,” “Zuni,” and “Navajo.” He had received the counterfeit jewelry from a manufacturer in the Philippines unaffiliated with any federally recognized Native American tribe. Kowalis fulfilled an order of the jewelry to a San Antonio-based customer, mailing several packages through the U.S. Postal Service. In addition to the five-year probation sentence, Kowalis was ordered to forfeit his inventory and pay restitution to a victimized artist.
“Fraud can come in many forms but always carries the intent to deceive a victim,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “Offenders like this defendant victimize both our cherished Native American community and consumers who believe they’re collecting authentic pieces of Native American culture. We will not stand idle while someone takes advantage of our citizens and our federal resources.”
“This sentencing is important in the fight to end this type of fraud. Our dedicated team of special agents works on behalf of the Department of the Interior and the Indian Arts and Crafts Board to protect American Indian and Alaska Native artists and the consumers who purchase authentic Native American art and craftwork,” said Assistant Director Edward J. Grace of the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) Office of Law Enforcement. "We thank our partners at the U.S. Department of Justice for their assistance with this investigation."
“For those selling counterfeit Indian art and craftwork it is important to know that wherever you are we will diligently work to find and prosecute you under the Indian Arts and Crafts Act,” said Director Meridith Stanton of the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Indian Arts and Crafts Board. “This case provides a vivid demonstration of that commitment.”
The USFWS Office of Law Enforcement investigated the case with the assistance of the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Indian Arts and Crafts Board.
Assistant U.S. Attorney William Calve prosecuted the case.
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San Antonio Woman Sentenced to 8 years in Prison for Trafficking MethRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio woman was sentenced Tuesday in federal court in San Antonio to 100 months in prison for possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Karen Lastiri, 32, consented to a vehicle search during a 2021 traffic stop. During the search, Bexar County Sheriff’s Office deputies found 52.38 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride. Lastiri, traveling from Houston to San Antonio with two children in the vehicle, was arrested by agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration. She was later released on a $50,000 unsecured bond.
“Lastiri worked as a driver for a Drug Trafficking Organization and put her children’s lives at risk by bringing them on this job,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “I appreciate the cooperation between BCSO and the DEA, leading to this successful prosecution and the disruption of drug trafficking operations.”
"Drug Trafficking Organizations will stop at nothing. This case demonstrates the length these organizations go to disguise illicit drug activities by putting children in harm's way," said Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of the DEA Houston Division. "Lastiri was transporting a significant amount of methamphetamine hydrochloride from Houston to San Antonio with two children in the vehicle. DEA will continue to relentlessly pursue anyone using our communities to traffic drugs while attempting to harm the innocent along the way."
The DEA investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Spears prosecuted the case.
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Mexican National Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distributing MethRead the Press Release
MIDLAND, Texas – A Mexican national was sentenced Wednesday in federal court in Midland to 294 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine.
According to court documents, Julio Cesar Banuelas-Gutierrez, 47, of Camargo, Chihuahua distributed one to one and a half pounds of methamphetamine every two weeks in the Midland-Odessa area, totaling at least 12 pounds of the drug. Investigators also found that on at least one occasion, Banuelas-Gutierrez had exchanged firearms for methamphetamine.
“The substantial sentence imposed in this case reflects our unwavering commitment to protect our communities and bring drug traffickers to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “My appreciation goes out to all the law enforcement officers involved, who made it possible for us to prosecute and put an end to this dealer’s activities.”
The Odessa and Midland Police Department Joint Task Force investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joe Mahoney and Monica Daniels prosecuted the case.
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Criminal Organization Leader to Serve 25 Years in Federal Prison Once Current 10-Year Sentence EndsRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A Mexican national was sentenced Wednesday in federal court in San Antonio to 25 years in prison for his involvement in a criminal organization.
According to court documents, Jose Miguel Sandoval-Pineda aka “Primo,” aka “Chavalon,” 22, of Michoacan, Mexico, was the leader, organizer and recruiter for a criminal organization heavily involved in human smuggling, firearms trafficking and narcotics trafficking in the San Antonio area in 2019 and early 2020. Sandoval-Pineda and his organization are also tied to numerous shootings and arsons, including two homicides, mostly in the San Antonio area. Sandoval-Pineda was arrested on Jan. 17, 2020 in West Columbia, Texas and is currently serving a 10-year federal sentence for the illegal possession of a machine gun. On Nov. 4, 2021, Sandoval-Pineda pleaded guilty to four additional counts: conspiracy to transport illegal aliens; conspiracy to commit money laundering; conspiracy to commit arson; and use of fire or explosives to commit a federal felony.
On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez sentenced Sandoval-Pineda to 10 years for one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens; 15 years for one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering; and 15 years for one count of conspiracy to commit arson, which will run concurrent with each other. Judge Rodriguez also sentenced Sandoval-Pineda to a consecutive 10 years in prison for one count of the use of fire or explosives to commit a federal felony. Sandoval-Pineda will serve his 25-year federal prison sentence at the conclusion of his current 10-year sentence.
“This defendant, who was already serving 10 years in federal prison, will now remain locked up for more than two more long decades,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “That is thanks to the dedication of our skilled prosecutors and our law enforcement partners at the local and federal levels. Without them, this criminal organization would likely still be out there terrorizing our communities and putting innocent lives at risk.”
“Yesterday’s sentence is an example of Homeland Security Investigation’s commitment to seeking justice on individuals responsible for violent crimes and wreaking havoc in our neighborhoods as this defendant did,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee of the HSI San Antonio Division. “The successful outcome of this case is a direct result of the steadfast efforts of HSI and our law enforcement partners in combating violent crime, human smuggling and firearms trafficking.”
“As this case demonstrates, ATF is uniquely positioned to investigate and bring to justice those that use gun violence and fire to hurt and intimidate others,” said Special Agent in Charge Fred J. Milanowski of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Houston Field Division. “We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to investigate and hold accountable those who commit violent crimes in our community.”
Of the 11 defendants in this case, six have been sentenced. On Aug. 26, 2021, co-defendant Jose Victor Calleja-Velasquez aka “Kory,” 32, of Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico was sentenced to 240 months for one count of illegal alien in possession of a firearm and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. A second co-defendant Jorge Rodriguez, 27, of Austin was sentenced on Nov. 30, 2021, to concurrent sentences of 27 months for one count of conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. On Oct. 19, 2022, a third co-defendant Samuel Lee Jones, 33, of San Antonio was sentenced to time already served with three years of supervised release for one count of illegal possession of a machine gun. A fourth co-defendant, Emmanuel Valdovinos aka “Manny,” 22, of San Antonio was sentenced on Dec. 5, 2022 to concurrent sentences of 78 months for one count of conspiracy to commit arson and one count of felon in possession of a firearm. On Dec. 14, 2022, Jose Efrain Ovalle-Alvarado, 24, of San Antonio was sentenced to 33 months in prison for one count of illegal possession of a machine gun.
Four defendants are in federal custody as they await their sentencing hearings: Eduardo Angel Viera aka “Lalo,” 26, of San Antonio; Javier Duenas aka “Puppet,” 22, of San Antonio; Jahannatan Pachecano Andrade, 23, of San Antonio; and Daniel Boanerges Orellana-Cano, 23, of La Ceiba, Atlantida, Honduras. The eleventh defendant, Jose Carlos Martinez, 22, of San Antonio is pending trial.
The ATF, HSI and San Antonio Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Nowinski prosecuted the case.
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West Texas Man Arrested, Charged with Bribing HSI AgentRead the Press Release
EL PASO, Texas – A Seminole man was arrested Thursday in El Paso on criminal charges related to his alleged bribery of a Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agent.
According to the criminal complaint, Pedro Thiessen, 70, failed to declare more than $10,000 when entering the United States at the Ysleta Port of Entry in October 2022. Thiessen filed a petition to recover the funds and was interviewed by an HSI agent in January 2023 regarding the petition. An affidavit attached to the complaint alleges that Thiessen offered to pay the agent an unknown amount of money if the agent assisted with the recovery. The agent reported the offer to the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).
The affidavit alleges that Thiessen again proposed a monetary offer to the agent during a phone call on Feb. 6. On Feb. 15, the agent arranged a meeting with Thiessen for the following day. According to the court documents, Thiessen presented the agent with $1,000 at that meeting and was immediately arrested.
Thiessen is charged with bribery of public officials. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 15 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 of the Western District of Texas and Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola of the HSI El Paso Division made the announcement.
HSI and ICE OPR are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Osterberg 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 Human Smugglers Sentenced to Federal Prison for Hostage TakingRead the Press Release
EL PASO, Texas – A Mexican national was sentenced in federal court in El Paso Wednesday to 144 months in prison, along with an El Paso man who was sentenced to 200 months in prison, for violation of federal law concerning hostage taking.
According to court documents, Carlos Villa-Miranda aka “Negro,” 42 of Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, and Enrique Quiroz Jr. aka “Kike,” 50 of El Paso were co-conspirators in a human smuggling organization through which they demanded money from the families of the undocumented individuals they were trafficking. Quiroz threatened to kill the trafficking victims if they were to speak to the police and urged the victims to tell their families to pay the ransoms. Villa-Miranda also made threats toward the undocumented individuals, on at least one occasion brandishing a butcher-style knife.
In December 2020, Villa-Miranda was arrested after he fled a secondary inspection at the Las Cruces U.S. Border Patrol Checkpoint on Interstate-10, and Quiroz was taken into custody during a search of his apartment.
“These human smuggling organizations are incredibly dangerous and prove that they value their pursuit of money and power through unlawful means far more than the lives of their trafficking victims,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. “The agents with the Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) did an outstanding job tracking down these two criminals and putting a stop to their roles as human smugglers.”
“These sentences show the grave consequences human smugglers face when they exploit people in such a ruthless way,” said Special Agent in Charge Francisco B. Burrola of the HSI El Paso Division. “HSI is vehemently committed to using its ample authority to identify, investigate and arrest criminals who prey on the vulnerabilities of their human cargo with threats and acts of violence.”
HSI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Adam Hines and Sarah Valenzuela prosecuted the case, along with former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Herbert Bunton and Spencer Kiggins.
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