Western District of Texas

EL PASO – An El Paso man was sentenced last week to 262 months in prison for his role in methamphetamine importation and distribution.

According to court documents and testimony at trial, on April 12, 2020, Gilberto Lopez, 40, driving a 2003 GMC Yukon, applied for entry into the U.S. from Mexico at the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry.  Lopez and his passenger were referred to secondary inspection where a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) canine alerted to the vehicle for narcotics.  Subsequent inspection of the Yukon revealed two black bundles containing methamphetamine under the muffler’s shield.

On May 20, 2021, a federal jury in El Paso found Lopez guilty of one count of conspiracy to import 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; one count of importation of 500 grams of methamphetamine; one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; and one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. The Government’s evidence at trial included Lopez’s fingerprint on an inside layer of one of the bundles.

Lopez has remained in federal custody since his arrest on April 12, 2020.

“We frequently highlight fentanyl, but methamphetamine trafficking continues to contribute to violent crime and tragic overdose incidents in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “The dedicated efforts of our law enforcement partners and prosecutions like this help to protect our communities by disrupting the flow of methamphetamine and other dangerous drugs into the United States.”

“Collaborating with our federal partners is always a priority for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) El Paso, and this sentence exemplifies the result of our unified effort to interdict, investigate and prosecute drug traffickers who continue to poison our citizens, and who are contributing to the narcotics epidemic that is ravaging our country,” said Francisco B. Burrola, Special Agent in Charge of HSI El Paso. “HSI will continue to aggressively target, disrupt and dismantle the highest levels of transnational criminal organizations with the goal of disrupting the flow of drugs into our communities.”

HSI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Ganz and Stanley Serwatka prosecuted the case.

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AUSTIN – A Canadian national pleaded guilty to making false statements on income tax returns.

According to court documents, William Henry Woo, 66, earned income in the United States from gambling at casinos that was subject to federal taxes  Beginning in January 2007 through January 2011, Woo submitted to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) fraudulent claims seeking approximately $5.4 million in tax refund monies by falsely over-reporting the tax withheld by the casinos and by duplicating his refund claims.  Woo fraudulently obtained more than $1 million in tax refunds from the Department of Treasury.

Woo pleaded guilty to two counts of making false statements on income tax returns for tax year 2007.  A sentencing date has not been set.  For each count, Woo faces up to three years in prison, restitution 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 Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and IRS-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI) Special Agent in Charge Ramsey E. Covington, Houston Field Office, made the announcement.

The IRS-CI is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Castillo is prosecuting the case.

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The Barrio Azteca gunmen directly responsible for the March 2010 murders in Juarez, Mexico of a U.S. Consulate employee, her husband, and the husband of another U.S. Consulate employee were sentenced to life in prison today.

“The gunmen who viciously shot and killed Leslie Enriquez, Arthur Redelfs, and Jorge Salcido Ceniceros will now deservedly spend the rest of their lives in prison,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.  “This prosecution demonstrates the Department’s commitment to combating violent transnational criminal organizations and holding accountable those who may harm Americans, whether at home or abroad.  I want to thank the Mexican Government for its cooperation that helped lead to this just result, including extraditing both defendants to the United States to be prosecuted for their heinous crimes.”

On Feb. 3, Jose Guadalupe Diaz Diaz, aka Zorro, 43, of Chihuahua, Mexico, and Martin Artin Perez Marrufo, aka Popeye, 54, also of Chihuahua, were found guilty of all 11 counts after a 13-day jury trial in the Western District of Texas, El Paso Division. The jury found Diaz and Marrufo guilty of conspiracy to commit racketeering, narcotics trafficking, narcotics importation, money laundering, and murder in a foreign country; three counts of murder in aid of racketeering; and three counts of murder resulting from the use and carrying of firearms during and in relation to drug trafficking.

“The victims in this case were coming from a child’s birthday party when they were misidentified as targets by members of Barrio Azteca and gunned down in a senseless act of violence,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff for the Western District of Texas. “I am incredibly proud of the work our office and our law enforcement partners, including international law enforcement, have done to bring some sense of justice to the victims’ families.”

Evidence presented at trial demonstrated that on March 13, 2010, Diaz and Marrufo served as gunmen on the hit teams that murdered U.S. Consulate employee Leslie Enriquez, her husband, Arthur Redelfs, and Jorge Salcido Ceniceros, the husband of another U.S. Consulate employee. The victims were targeted by the hit teams after leaving a child’s birthday party in Juarez because they were mistaken initially for rival gang members. Diaz shot and killed Enriquez and Redelfs. Marrufo shot and killed Ceniceros.

The defendants were sentenced to life in prison on 10 counts and 240 months of imprisonment on the remaining count. Three of the life in prison sentences will run consecutive to the sentences imposed on all other counts. Both defendants were also sentenced to five years of supervised release and ordered to pay restitution.

“Today’s sentencing demonstrates the FBI’s commitment to fighting the senseless violence that transnational criminal organizations continue to inflict on the American people, wherever they reside,” said Assistant Director Luis Quesada of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “It was important that justice be served, not only for the victims, Leslie Enriquez, Arthur Redelfs, and Jorge Salcido Ceniceros, but also their families. The FBI appreciates the collaborative efforts of our local, state, federal, and international law enforcement partners in ensuring all those responsible were held accountable.” 

“Today’s sentencing serves as a testament to DEA’s commitment, alongside our law enforcement partners, to bring to justice those responsible for the heartbreaking murder of innocent members of our U.S. mission abroad,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “The men and women of the DEA will stop at nothing to pursue those that use violence and intimidation to further drug trafficking schemes.”

As proven at trial, Barrio Azteca is a transnational criminal organization engaged in, among other things, money laundering, racketeering, and drug-related activities in El Paso, Texas, among other places. The gang allied with other drug gangs to battle the Sinaloa Cartel, at the time headed by Joaquín “Chapo” Guzman, and its allies for control of the drug trafficking routes through Juarez, Chihuahua, Mexico. The drug routes through Juarez, known as the Juarez Plaza, are important to drug trafficking organizations because it is a principal illicit drug trafficking route into the United States.

A total of 35 defendants were charged in the third superseding indictment and are alleged to have committed various criminal acts, including the 2010 Juarez Consulate murders in Juarez, Mexico, as well as racketeering, narcotics distribution and importation, retaliation against persons providing information to U.S. law enforcement, extortion, money laundering, murder, and obstruction of justice. Of the 35 defendants charged, all have been apprehended. Of those apprehended, 28 have pleaded guilty, three (including Diaz and Maruffo) have been convicted by a jury following trial, one committed suicide before the conclusion of his trial, and three are awaiting extradition from Mexico.

Diaz was extradited from Mexico on Nov. 13, 2019, and Maruffo was extradited from Mexico on Jan. 18, 2020. The extraditions were the result of close coordination between U.S. and Mexican law enforcement authorities, who have cooperated in the investigation and prosecution of this case.

Acting Deputy Chief Jay Bauer of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section, Trial Attorney Christina Taylor of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Spitzer for the Western District of Texas are prosecuting the case. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and Office of Enforcement Operations provided significant assistance in this case.

The FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force located at the Texas Anti-Gang Center in El Paso, FBI Albuquerque Field Office, DEA Juarez, and DEA El Paso investigated the case. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Immigration and Customs Enforcement; the U.S. Marshals Service; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Federal Bureau of Prisons; U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service; Texas Department of Public Safety; Texas Department of Criminal Justice; El Paso Police Department; El Paso County Sheriff’s Office; El Paso Independent School District Police Department; Texas Alcohol and Beverage Commission; New Mexico State Police; Dona Ana County, New Mexico, Sheriff’s Office; Las Cruces, New Mexico, Police Department; Southern New Mexico Correctional Facility; and Otero County Prison Facility New Mexico provided valuable assistance. 

SAN ANTONIO – Today United States Attorney Ashley C. Hoff announced that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Matthew Devlin will lead the efforts of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2022 general election.  AUSA Devlin has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Western District of Texas. In that capacity he is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints about voting rights, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

 “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and have that vote counted in a fair and free election,” said United States Attorney Ashley C. Hoff.  “Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to threats of violence.  The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”

The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud.  The Department will address these violations wherever they occur.  The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.

Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input.  It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice.  The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).  

“The right to vote is the cornerstone of American democracy.  We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the right to vote can exercise it if they choose, and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice,” stated United States Attorney Hoff.  “To respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and possible election fraud during the upcoming election and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA/DEO Devlin will be on duty in this District while the polls are open.  He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number (512) 687-0818.”

In addition, the FBI will have personnel available in each field office throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and/or other election abuses occurring on Election Day. The FBI San Antonio Field Office can be reached by the public at (210) 225-6741. The FBI El Paso Field Office can be reached by the public at (915) 832-5000.

Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, D.C. by phone at 800-253-3931 or by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ .

United States Attorney Hoff further stated that, “Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the assistance of the American electorate.  It is important that those who have specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”

Please note, however, in the case of a crime of violence or intimidation, please call 911 immediately and before contacting federal authorities.  State and local police have primary jurisdiction over polling places, and almost always have faster reaction capacity in an emergency.

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SAN ANTONIO – David Joseph Bolduc, Jr., 61, of Herndon, Virginia, pleaded guilty on October 12 to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud for his role in a government contract fraud scheme.   Bolduc and QuantaDyn bribed a government official to obtain confidential government information and secure government contracts. Consequently, the government overpaid for flight simulators and training services at the expense of the American taxpayer.

Court documents reflect that QuantaDyn Corporation, a software engineering company based in Virginia, and Bolduc paid Keith Alan Seguin, 56, a former civilian employee at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, more than $2.3 million in bribes from 2007 to 2018 to obtain government contracts and government pricing information. As part of the fraudulent scheme, Bolduc, one of the owners of QuantaDyn, conspired with QuantaDyn; Karen Paulsen, 56, of Beavercreek, Ohio; John G. Hancock, 60, of Fairborn, Ohio; and Seguin, 56, of San Antonio, to defraud the United States by overcharging to offset the bribe payments and inflate profits for the benefit of Bolduc, QuantaDyn, and the prime contractor that employed Hancock and Paulsen. From 2007 to 2018, the conspirators fixed the contract award and pricing on Air Force and General Services Administration (GSA) contracts, which caused the United States to overpay for flight simulator technology and simulator services.

Bolduc is scheduled to be sentenced on January 9, 2023 and faces up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

On September 15, 2020, QuantaDyn pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and was sentenced to probation for five years, ordered to pay a $6.3 million fine and pay more than $37 million in restitution. In addition to the fines and restitution, QuantaDyn was ordered to pay a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $22,834,526.31 and forfeit funds in corporate accounts totaling over $7 million.

On June 15, 2021, Seguin pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of tax fraud and false statements. Seguin is set for sentencing on January 23, 2023 and faces up to 20 years in prison on the conspiracy charge and up to three years in prison for the tax fraud and false statement charge.

On March 1, 2022, Paulsen pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States. Paulsen is set for sentencing on January 23, 2023 and faces up to five years in prison.

On August 16, 2022 Hancock pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Hancock is set for sentencing on November 14, 2022 and faces up to 20 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff; Special Agent in Charge Jamie Willemin of the General Services Administration—Office of the Inspector General (GSA-OIG), Southwest and Rocky Mountain Investigations Division; Special Agent in Charge Ramsey Covington of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Houston Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Michael Mentavlos of the Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS), Southwest Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Scott Moreland of the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division, Major Procurement Fraud Field Office (USACID); and Special Agent in Charge Blair Holmstrand of the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI), Procurement Fraud Detachment 3 in San Antonio made the announcement.

The GSA-OIG, IRS-CI, DCIS, USACID, and AFOSI continue to investigate this case. Individuals who may have information about this scheme or these defendants are asked to call the GSA-OIG fraud reporting hot line at (800) 424-5210, or go online to www.gsaig.gov and click on the “report FRAUD” link. U. S. Attorney Hoff extends her appreciation to the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Eastern District of Virginia, Southern District of Ohio and Northern District of Georgia for their valuable assistance.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys William F. Lewis, Jr and Kelly G. Stephenson, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Porier are prosecuting this case.

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SAN ANTONIO – Two men were arrested yesterday in San Antonio on criminal charges related to their alleged involvement in an attorney impersonation scheme.

According to court documents, beginning in December 2019, Jose Maria Guerrero, 68, of Olmos Park, and Rodolfo Solis Zepeda, 75, of San Antonio, devised a scheme to have Guerrero, who is not a licensed attorney, impersonate Zepeda, who is a licensed attorney, in telephonic immigration court hearings.  Guerrero was formerly a Texas licensed attorney who resigned from the Texas bar in lieu of disciplinary actions in 2016. 

Zepeda, or one of his employees, gave Zepeda’s law firm’s business phone number to the immigration court for use during the telephonic hearings.  The call from immigration court was then forwarded to Guerrero’s personal cell phone.  Guerrero would claim to be Zepeda and proceed with the hearing. 

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents identified at least 100 different occasions where Guerrero appeared as Zepeda before immigration courts.

Guerrero and Zepeda are charged with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and five counts of false statements. If convicted, the defendants face up to five years in prison on each of the six counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee made the announcement.

HSI is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Chung 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 – A San Antonio man pleaded guilty yesterday to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and computer fraud for a scheme utilizing Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) swapping.  SIM Swapping is an increasingly common method of fraud in which a victim’s cell phone carrier is compromised to re-assign a phone number from one SIM card to another.  This allows bad actors to intercept phone and text communications and use them to compromise the phone owner’s other accounts. 

According to court documents, Andrew Percy Trujillo, 22, along with his co-defendant Zena Elisa Dounson, 34, of San Antonio, devised a scheme to SIM swap mobile customers’ phones at a local AT&T store.  Dounson was employed at the store and allowed Trujillo to add himself as an authorized user to multiple victims’ AT&T accounts where Trujillo then ported a victim’s SIM card credentials to his own devices’ SIM cards.  This caused calls and texts to the victims’ phone numbers to be sent to devices controlled by Trujillo rather than the rightful owners.  Co-conspirators were able to  access the victims’ various cryptocurrency accounts and transfer out at least $250,000 worth of cryptocurrency.

Trujillo pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit computer fraud and abuse as well as wire fraud. Dounson previously pleaded guilty to the same offense on September 27, 2022.  The co-defendants are currently set for sentencing on January 5, 2023.  Both defendants face up to five years in prison.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff 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 Justin Chung and Michael Galdo are prosecuting the case.

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EL PASO – Edwin Alejandro Rodriguez, 21, pleaded guilty this week and Martin Najera, 30, pleaded guilty last week to buying firearms and then smuggling them to Mexico.  Both are U.S. citizens living in Mexico.

According to court documents, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) began an investigation in April 2022 into reports that Rodriguez and Najera were purchasing firearms and exporting them to Mexico.  Agents from HSI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) were able to identify approximately 31 firearms that were bought by the pair and then transported to Mexico.

Rodriguez and Najera pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to smuggle goods from the United States.  Sentencing for both defendants is expected in December.  The defendants face up to five years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas; HSI Special Agent in Charge Frank Burrola, El Paso Division; and ATF Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II, Dallas Division, made the announcement.

HSI and ATF are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ellen Denum is prosecuting 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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SAN ANTONIO – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas announced today that as part of its continuing efforts to protect older adults and bring perpetrators of fraud schemes to justice, it is joining the Justice Department’s Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force as one of 14 additional U.S. Attorney’s Offices. Since 2019, current Strike Force members — including the Department’s Consumer Protection Branch, six U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Homeland Security Investigations — have brought successful cases against the largest and most harmful global elder fraud schemes and worked with foreign law enforcement to disrupt criminal enterprises, disable their infrastructure and bring perpetrators to justice.

Expansion of the Strike Force will help to coordinate the Department’s ongoing efforts to combat sophisticated fraud schemes that target or disproportionately impact older adults. The expansion will increase the total number of U.S. Attorneys’ Offices comprising the Strike Force from six to 20, including all of the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in the states of California, Arizona, Texas, Florida, Georgia, Maryland and New York.

 “We are intensifying our efforts nationwide to protect older adults, including by more than tripling the number of U.S. Attorneys’ offices participating in our Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force dedicated to disrupting, dismantling and prosecuting foreign-based fraud schemes that target American seniors,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “This expansion builds on the Justice Department’s existing work to hold accountable those who steal funds from older adults, including by returning those funds to the victims where possible.”

“Older adults are often exploited and victimized by fraud schemes that deplete their financial resources at a time in their lives when those resources are most needed and most often irreplaceable,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff.  “We are committed to pursuing justice for older adults throughout communities in the Western District of Texas. We look forward to working with other members of the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force and our state and local law enforcement partners in this pursuit.”

The Strike Force expansion will further enhance of the Department’s existing efforts to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation. During the period from September 2021 to September 2022, Department personnel and its law enforcement partners pursued approximately 260 cases involving more than 600 defendants, both bringing new cases and advancing those previously charged. The matters tackled by the Department and its partners ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. Substantial efforts were also made over the last year to return money to fraud victims.

This past year, the Austin Division of the Western District of Texas prosecuted, Harry Cole, a Nigerian citizen, who was involved in a fraudulent “sweepstakes” scheme that targeted the elderly with losses in excess of $260 million.  Cole was sentenced to 166 months in prison and ordered to forfeit $850,000 and to pay $111,870.25 in restitution.  The San Antonio Division prosecuted Scherry Lynn Moses, an adult day care owner, for fleecing elderly victims out of their Medicaid and Social Security benefits.  Moses was sentenced to 60 months in prison and ordered to pay $1,784,817.96 in restitution.  The Court also entered a money judgment against Moses in the amount of $1,784,817.96, representing the proceeds that she obtained as part of the scheme. 

The Department also highlighted two other efforts, including success in returning money to victims and efforts to combat grandparent scams. 

In the past year, the Department has notified over 550,000 people that they may be eligible for payments. Notifications were made to consumers whose information was sold by one of three data companies prosecuted by the Department and were later victims of “sweepstakes” or “astrology” solicitations that falsely promised prizes or individualized services in return for a fee. More than 150,000 of those victims cashed checks totaling $52 million, and thousands more are eligible to receive checks. Also notified were consumers who paid fraudsters perpetrating person-in-need scams and job scams via Western Union. In the past year, the Department has identified and contacted over 300,000 consumers who may be eligible for remission. Since March 2020 more than 148,000 victims have received more than $366 million as a result of a 2017 criminal resolution with Western Union for the company’s willful failure to maintain an effective anti-money laundering program and its aiding and abetting of wire fraud.

Over the past year, the Department pursued cases against the perpetrators of “grandparent scams,” otherwise known as “person-in-need scams.” These scams typically begin when a fraudster, often based overseas, contacts an older adult and poses as either a grandchild, other family member or someone calling on behalf of a family member. Call recipients are told that their family member is in jeopardy and is urgently in need of money. When recently sentencing one of eight perpetrators of a grandparent scam indicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal judge described such scams “heartbreakingly evil.” The Department is working with government partners and others to raise awareness about these schemes.

Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice Hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps. Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies, and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.[ET]. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about the Department’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website, www.elderjustice.gov.

Some of the cases that comprise today’s announcement are charges, which are merely allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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On Thursday, Guatemalan nationals Armando Gael-Galicia aka Artemio Diego Andres Gonzalez and Luis Moreno-Gonzalez, 26, and Jose Diego Tercero-Gonzalez, 22, both of whom resided in Texas, pleaded guilty in federal court in the Western District of Texas to conspiracy to transport and harbor aliens for financial gain and resulting in death. At sentencing, each will face a statutory maximum penalty of life in prison.

In early May 2021, the body of a young indigenous Guatemalan woman was discovered in a remote area just outside of Odessa, Texas. On Aug. 23, 2021, Gael-Galicia and Tercero-Gonzalez were arrested in or near 910 Coyochic Avenue in Odessa, which was the location of the trailer where the victim was taken and died. Inside the trailer were additional migrants who had entered the country illegally, detailed ledgers, and more than 100 cell phones. Pursuant to their guilty pleas, the defendants admitted that they operated a prolific alien smuggling organization and were responsible for the transportation of the migrant who died.

This investigation is related to the recent indictment and arrests of Felipe Diego Alonzo aka Siete, 38; Nesly Norberto Martinez Gomez aka Canche, 37; Lopez Mateo Mateo aka Bud Light, 42; and Juan Gutierrez Castro aka Andres, 45; in Guatemala in August 2022. Those defendants allegedly conspired with other smugglers to facilitate the travel of large numbers of migrants from Guatemala through Mexico, and ultimately, to the United States, charging the migrants and their families approximately $10,000 to $12,000 for the perilous journey. In addition to prolific smuggling of migrants to the United States, the human smugglers targeted in the August 2022 operation are alleged to be responsible for the death of the same indigenous Guatemalan woman transported by Gael-Galicia and Tercero-Gonzalez. Guatemalan authorities arrested Diego Alonzo, Martinez Gomez, Mateo Mateo, and Gutierrez Castro pursuant to requests for their extradition by the United States.

“Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA) was created to investigate and prosecute the international networks responsible for dangerous human smuggling activities that exploit and victimize migrants,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Through extensive coordination with our U.S. Attorney’s Office and law enforcement partners, yesterday’s guilty pleas emphasize JTFA’s comprehensive mission to leave no stone unturned in its efforts to hold accountable all those who treat human life like a commodity.”  

“I am incredibly thankful for the collaborative law enforcement efforts that resulted in these guilty pleas,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff for the Western District of Texas. “Not only are they indicative of joint efforts to hold callous human smugglers accountable but they also demonstrate our firm commitment to ensuring that all victims receive justice.”

"While this conviction is a significant win for law enforcement agencies and task force partners, it’s equally important to acknowledge the closure and semblance of justice it brings the family and friends of the victims," said Acting Executive Associate Director Steve Francis of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “Human smugglers who conspire to undermine federal laws for profit have no regard for human life and combating this horrific crime of exploitation is one of our agency’s top priorities. Rest assured, HSI special agents will continue to utilize their broad range of authority and international footprint to identify, investigate, and disrupt domestic and transnational criminal organizations engaged in human smuggling operations around the world.”

“Transnational criminal organizations put profit over human lives,” said CBP Deputy Commissioner Troy Miller. “CBP has dedicated significant time, effort, and resources to strike at the heart of this problem through joining initiatives like Joint Task Force Alpha. These partnerships are critical to disrupting the criminals who prey on vulnerable individuals.”

This investigation was coordinated under Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). JTFA was created by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland 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 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, DHS, and other interagency law enforcement participants, and with foreign law enforcement partners, including El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico; targeted those organizations who have the most impact on the United States, and coordinated significant smuggling indictments and extradition efforts in U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country. To date, JTFA’s work with its partners has resulted in criminal charges and over a hundred domestic and international arrests, including against leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of human smuggling activities; several dozen convictions; significant jail sentences imposed; and substantial asset forfeiture. 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, 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 investment from DHS, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and other partners.

HSI Midland led U.S. investigative efforts, working in concert with HSI Guatemala and the HSI Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C. HSI received substantial assistance from the U.S. Immigration and Customs (ICE)’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center/Operation Sentinel; the U.S. Border Patrol; the U.S. Marshals Service; the Odessa and Midland Police Departments; the Texas Department of Public Safety; and the Ector County, Midland County, and Crane County Sherriff’s Offices. The Department of Justice thanks Guatemalan law enforcement, who were instrumental in furthering this investigation.

The case is being handled by JTFA Co-Director James Hepburn of HRSP and Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Fedock and Jose Luis Acosta for the Western District of Texas and JTFA, with assistance from HRSP Historian/Latin America Specialist Joanna Crandall and Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section Trial Attorney Daria Andryushchenko. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs and Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training provided significant assistance.

The charges contained in an indictment are merely allegations. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

ALPINE – A Midland man was sentenced today to a total of 200 months in prison for possessing fentanyl and illegally possessing a firearm.

According to court documents, Edgar Parra, 36, sold a total of 112.3 grams of fentanyl to undercover DEA operatives on three separate occasions between August and October 2021.  On November 11, 2021, the Midland Police Department executed a search warrant on Parra’s hotel room where they  found a loaded handgun along with 3.7 grams of methamphetamine.

On March 23, 2022, Parra pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl and one count of possessing a firearm during and in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  Parra has remained in federal custody since he was arrested on federal indictment charges on January 21, 2022.

“Prosecuting crimes involving deadly fentanyl is a priority for our office,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “We are thankful for the collaborative efforts of our law enforcement partners that have taken another fentanyl dealer off the streets such that he is no longer peddling this poison.”

“Illicit fentanyl is killing Americans across our nation, including in West Texas communities,” said Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Greg Millard, El Paso Division. “This case shows that DEA and its law enforcement partners will ensure that criminals who deal in this deadly substance are held responsible for the harm they cause.”

DEA, with assistance from the Midland Police Department, investigated the case.

For more information on the dangers of fentanyl and DEA’s One Pill Can Kill campaign, please visit https://www.dea.gov/onepill.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Ellis 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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PECOS – A federal jury convicted a Mexican national last week of importing and possessing marijuana.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) agents encountered Jose Manuel Ayala-Alas, 26, and six other co-defendants hiding in the brush in the High Lonesome Mountains on June 22, 2022. USBP agents were able to apprehend the group with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Aircraft Operations Division.  Backtracking the group’s footprints, troopers flying the DPS helicopter assisted agents in the discovery of 10 burlap sacks containing approximately 603 pounds of marijuana hidden in the brush.

Ayala was found guilty of one count of importation of marijuana and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana.  A sentencing date has not been set.  Ayala faces up to 40 years in prison on each count.

Ayala’s co-defendants, Leonel Ayala-Alas, 23; Jeronimo Alas-Ayala, 29; Julio Ayala-Torres, 28; Arturo Gonzalez-Terrazas, 40; Pedro Rio-Molina, 20; and Jose Mirey Trueba-Molina, 19, all from Mexico, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana.  All are scheduled to be sentenced in November 2022.

U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Greg Millard, El Paso Division made the announcement.

The DEA, with valuable assistance from USBP and DPS, is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Ellis and Amy Greenbaum are prosecuting the case.

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SAN ANTONIO – Today a federal jury convicted a Dripping Springs woman for defrauding the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) of over $300,000.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial,  Josephine Casandra Perez-Gorda, 39, defrauded the VA and SSA by overstating the severity and extent of her spouse’s disability from October 2011 through August 2017.  Mr. Perez, now deceased, was an Army veteran who participated in the fraud. The Perezes claimed Mr. Perez 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 KENS5 ran a news story titled, “Homes for Our Troops Questions Veteran’s Paralysis after Video.”  The news story involved a specially adapted house in Dripping Springs that was gifted to the Perezes by the non-profit foundation Homes for Our Troops in December 2013.  Although Mrs. Perez claimed her husband was “paralyzed from the belly button down,” Mr. Perez was seen walking around the neighborhood and playing basketball.  VA Office of Inspector General (OIG) agents videotaped Mr. Perez walking around without assistance. 

Mrs. Perez furthered the scheme by completing all the VA and SSA paperwork claiming Mr. Perez was paralyzed in both legs.   

Mrs. Perez 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.  Sentencing is set for December 20, 2022.  She faces up to 20 years in prison on each of the wire fraud and mail fraud charges; up to 10 years in prison on each of the health care fraud charges and the theft of government funds charge; and up to five years in prison on each of the false statements related to a health care matter.   

U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas, VA-OIG SAC Jeffrey Breen and SSA-OIG SAC Jason Albers made the announcement.

The VA-OIG and SSA-OIG are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Surovic and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tiffany Miller are  prosecuting the case.

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AUSTIN – Last week, U.S. District Judge Lee Yeakel sentenced Eri Gutberto Parra-Lopez, 25, of Phoenix, AZ, to 72 months in prison for distributing fentanyl.

According to court documents, between May 2021 and July 2021, Parra, a then active-duty Army Sergeant stationed at Fort Hood, sold approximately 3,150 tablets of fentanyl, weighing about 3,349 kgs., to undercover officers in and around the Austin area. 

On April 20, 2022, Parra pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of fentanyl.

“Fentanyl is flooding the United States at an alarming rate and our communities in Central Texas are not immune from its devastation,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff.  “This case underscores our resolve to address the dangerous trafficking of fentanyl with all available resources. We will continue to prioritize and prosecute crimes involving this deadly poison and we are thankful for the outstanding work of our local, state, and federal partners.”

“This case demonstrates the lengths Mexican cartels are willing to go to infiltrate our communities with deadly fentanyl for their own selfish gains,” said Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of the Houston Division. “We remain committed to our collaborative efforts with our local partners to reverse the overdose and poisoning epidemic and bring to justice those fueling it.”

“This sentencing is the result of the great teamwork we have with our local, federal and state law enforcement partners,” said Special Agent in Charge Maria Thomas of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID). “Army CID and our partner agencies take the threat of fentanyl to the public, and the Army, very seriously. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to interdict the distribution of fentanyl wherever it may occur.”

The DEA, Pflugerville and Austin Police Departments, and Army CID investigated the case with assistance from the Travis County Sheriff’s Office.

For more information on the dangers of fentanyl and DEA’s One Pill Can Kill campaign, please visit https://www.dea.gov/onepill.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark H. Marshall prosecuted the case.

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EL PASO – An El Paso woman was arrested this week at the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry on criminal charges related to her alleged assault on a federal law enforcement officer.

According to court documents, Shailene Ashanty Gutierrez, 19, entered the U.S. from the Republic of Mexico at the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry.  Gutierrez was a passenger in a vehicle where a small quantity of marijuana and empty rifle magazines were located.  The vehicle was sent to secondary inspection and Gutierrez was detained pending further investigation.  While detained, Gutierrez became aggressive and kicked and caused injury to two Customs and Border Protection officers.

Gutierrez is charged by federal criminal complaint with one count of assault on a federal law enforcement officer. If convicted, Gutierrez faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Gutierrez is scheduled for a detention hearing on Thursday, September 22, at 9:00 a.m., before U.S. Magistrate Judge Miguel Torres.

U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Frank Burrola, El Paso Division made the announcement.

HSI is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stanley M. Serwatka 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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SAN ANTONIO – Bobby Dominguez, 35, of San Antonio was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge David A. Ezra to 30 years in prison for production of child sexual abuse material.  According to court documents, Dominguez produced images of a six-year-old child performing sexual acts and sent those images over the internet.

On November 19, 2020, Dominguez pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography.  He has been in federal custody since his arrest on December 27, 2018.

“Judge Ezra sentenced Dominguez to the statutory maximum sentence in this case, 30 years without parole” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff.  “The judge’s comments on how life-altering Dominguez’s callous actions are for the young victim are true.  I am thankful this predator is behind bars and the healing process can begin for this child.”

“The FBI is committed to protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation,” said FBI San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich Jr. “This is a horrific crime and we will do everything in our power to hold perpetrators accountable for these heinous acts. Thanks to the hard work of our law enforcement partners and the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force, this individual is now off the streets.”

The FBI investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Thompson prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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EL PASO – A New Mexico man was sentenced last week to 36 months in prison for attempting to distribute obscene matter to a minor in violation of Title 18, Section 1470 of the United States Code, which strictly prohibits such actions.

According to court documents, Alfredo Ramos, 24, engaged in sexually explicit and obscene text conversations with someone he thought to be 13 years old.  In reality, Ramos was texting an undercover employee from the FBI’s Violent Crimes Against Children Squad.

 “Our office treats the protection of children as an extraordinarily serious responsibility, and as this case demonstrates, we will persist in our efforts to ensure that those who prey on minors are found and held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff.  “I am thankful for the work of our prosecutors and the efforts of our law enforcement partners.”

“We have zero tolerance for individuals who intend to take away the innocence of our children by making them victims of a sexual crime,” said Jeffrey R. Downey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI El Paso Field Office. “I want to thank the members of the FBI El Paso’s Child Exploitation & Human Trafficking Task Force for preventing Ramos from meeting an undercover employee whom he believed was a thirteen-year-old, he met via social media, for sex. This case is another reminder for all of us to remain vigilant about our children’s online behavior and social media presence.”

On June 13, 2022, Ramos pleaded guilty to one count of attempted transfer of obscene materials to a minor.

The FBI, with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division and El Paso County Constable’s Offices Precinct One and Precinct Six, investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Catherine Dos Santos 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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SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man was sentenced last week to 190 months in prison for distribution of child sexual abuse material.

According to court documents, on July 30, 2020, a federal search warrant was executed on the residence of Juan Rafael Benavidez, 64.  Benavidez’s cellphone was seized and after forensic analysis, approximately 37,657 images and four videos of child sexual abuse material were found.

On January 13, 2022, Benavidez pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography.  Benavidez has remained in federal custody since his arrest on July 30, 2020.

“Predators do not care about the damage they do to the innocent victims of these reprehensible crimes,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff.  “Holding these offenders accountable for the harm they cause and protecting our communities is a top priority for our office.  I am proud of the work we do, and the work of our law enforcement partners to combat these crimes.”

“The FBI will continue to work tirelessly with all our law enforcement partners to protect vulnerable children from abuse and exploitation,” said Oliver E. Rich Jr., Special Agent in Charge, FBI San Antonio. “Juan Benavides will now be held accountable for his heinous crimes and will spend the next 15 years of his life in prison.”

The FBI investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Thompson prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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AUSTIN – A Round Rock man was arrested today in Round Rock on criminal charges related to his alleged involvement in engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place.

According to court documents, Michael Roberts, 40, traveled from the United States to the Republic of Colombia to engage in illegal sexual conduct with minors. 

Roberts is charged by a federal indictment with three counts of engaging in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign place.  If convicted, Roberts faces up to 30 years in prison on each of the three counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee, San Antonio Division, made the announcement.

HSI is investigating the case. HSI would like to acknowledge and thank the Government of Colombia and the Colombian National Police for their cooperation with HSI’s investigation. If you have any information on this case, you can contact the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Tip Line at 866-347-2423.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith M. Henneke is prosecuting 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.

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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MIDLAND – An Odessa man was sentenced Tuesday to 41 months in prison for his involvement in a bomb hoax at the Ector County Courthouse.

According to court documents, on April 7, 2022, David Paul Finnegan, 37, left a suspicious device at the front steps of the Ector County Courthouse.  The device consisted of a large PVC pipe containing miscellaneous objects.  It was held together with black tape and had a wristwatch taped to it.  The Odessa Police Department Explosives Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team was called out to examine the device.  After the EOD technicians rendered it safe, they determined the device did not contain explosives.

Further investigation revealed Finnegan was scheduled to have hearings on various matters  at the courthouse the day he planted the device.  As a result of its discovery, the courthouse was evacuated and shut down to the public for much of the day, causing various court proceedings to be postponed, including Finnegan’s. 

On June 13, 2022, Finnegan pleaded guilty to one count of perpetrating a hoax. Finnegan has remained in federal custody since his arrest on April 14, 2022.

“Not only did this bomb hoax cause the Ector County courthouse and multiple local businesses to be shut down, but the event also required federal and local law enforcement agencies to expend significant time, resources, and taxpayer dollars to render the area safe and identify the perpetrator,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff.  “Let this prosecution send a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated in our communities.”

“Hoax threats are dangerous to first responders and to the victims because it is not always immediately clear whether it is a hoax and the motivation behind the threat,” said Jeffrey R. Downey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI El Paso Field Office. “Public safety is paramount, and the FBI and our state and local law enforcement partners always respond to each threat. Anyone who issues a hoax threat will be held accountable. Due to the collaborative work with our local, state and federal partners, we were able to locate Mr. Finnegan and bring him to justice for the fear he instilled into the residents of Odessa .”

The FBI, with valuable assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); the Ector County Sheriff’s Office; Odessa Police Department; and the Texas Department of Public Safety, investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John Fedock prosecuted the case.

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SAN ANTONIO – A Mexican national was sentenced last week to 300 months in prison for his role in distributing methamphetamine in the San Antonio area.

According to court documents, on April 7, 2020, a search warrant was executed at the residence of Roberto Ignacio Sanchez Benitez, 51.  During the search, commercial amounts of methamphetamine were located to include an ice chest with about 25 pounds of methamphetamine.  Agents also recovered a firearm and over $30,000 in cash. Law enforcement officers learned that Benitez claimed to be a “witch doctor” and allegedly sacrificed goats for protection.  

On January 19, 2022, Benitez pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.  By pleading guilty, Benitez admitted he illegally distributed methamphetamine.  Benitez has remained in federal custody since his arrest on April 7, 2020.

“Benitez peddled poison on a large scale in our San Antonio community,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff.  “I am proud of the federal prosecution of this case and I want to thank our law enforcement partners for their hard work and dedication to public safety.”

“The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is steadfast in our commitment to take individuals who illegally possess firearms off our streets,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Fred J. Milanowski, Houston Field Division.  “We will continue to diligently work to hold those who violate federal firearms laws accountable.”

“The arrest, and subsequent conviction, of this offender is the culmination of months of hard work by the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD), South Texas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) and the ATF. Our commitment to keeping San Antonio safe is unwavering,” said SAPD Chief William McManus. “Every day, our officers remain dedicated to our community and its safety.”

The ATF, SAPD and HIDTA investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Ella Spears 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.  Anonymous tips involving gang crime and wanted fugitives can be submitted at www.stopsanantoniogangs.org.

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EL PASO – Johnny George Gonzalez, 35, of Stratford, TX was sentenced to life in prison for numerous counts of sexual exploitation of a minor.  United States District Judge Frank Montalvo also sentenced Gonzalez to an additional 300 years in prison to run consecutive to his life sentence.

According to court documents, law enforcement officers with the Ontario Provincial Police encountered Gonzalez in a Dark Web forum wherein members exchanged videos and images of child sexual abuse material. Gonzalez shared links to digital storage folders containing thousands of images of child pornography and child erotica. The case was referred to the FBI and after executing a search warrant at his residence in El Paso, agents discovered over 65 electronic devices, including laptop computers, desktop computers, computer hard drives, cell phones, thumb drives and tablets. To date, approximately one million images and videos constituting child pornography and child erotica have been found on Gonzalez’s devices.

Investigators learned that Gonzalez made surreptitious recordings of pre-pubescent boys and girls in retail stores across El Paso, with a particular focus on their breasts, genitals and buttocks. A thorough review of those devices and his online storage accounts also revealed that Gonzalez had produced no fewer than 13 different series of child sexual abuse material.

During today’s sentencing, the court heard how Gonzalez abused the trust of friends and neighbors in a tight-knit community in North Texas.

On May 25, 2022, Gonzalez pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated sexual abuse of a child and 10 counts of production of child pornography.  By pleading guilty, Gonzalez admitted that he filmed himself sexually abusing at least six minor children beginning as early as 2014 and later shared the videos online via cloud storage applications, email and the Dark Web. The children depicted range in age from four to 10 years old. An additional two minor victims were identified between the time of Gonzalez’s plea and today’s sentence.

Gonzalez further admitted that in late July 2021 he traveled from El Paso through New Mexico to Stratford with the intent to engage in a sexual act with one of the minor children.

Gonzalez was arrested on September 9, 2021 and has remained in custody since that time.

“For eight years, Gonzalez documented his depraved sexual abuse through photographs and videos, which he then shared with pedophiles around the world,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “The heinous nature of his conduct will digitally live forever and continue to victimize these children.  While this sentence will not repair their pain and damage, it will ensure that he will never again have the opportunity to prey upon children.”

“Protecting children from dangerous child predators is a priority for the FBI. The crimes committed by these offenders cause incalculable damage to their young innocent victims,” said Jeffrey R. Downey, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI El Paso Field Office. “I hope today’s sentencing brings some closure to the victims knowing this predator will be in federal prison for a very long time. I want to thank the members of the FBI El Paso’s Crimes Against Children/Human Trafficking task force for their work on this case and their commitment to protecting our most vulnerable population, our children, to ensure justice is served for them.”

The FBI El Paso Division investigated the case with substantial assistance from FBI Dallas-Amarillo Resident Agency. The Ontario (Canada) Provincial Police also contributed to the investigation. This investigation remains ongoing as the FBI attempts to identify additional child victims. To report information related to this investigation, call the El Paso FBI office at 915-832-5000.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michelle Winters and Catherine Dos Santos prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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EL PASO – An El Paso man was sentenced last week to a total of 210 months in prison for trafficking drugs and illegal possession of firearms.

According to court documents, on October 6, 2021, Daniel Lee Burmeister, 37, was arrested after a search warrant was executed at a residence where Burmeister was staying.  During the search, law enforcement officers found multiple firearms and fentanyl pills.

On June 1, 2022, Burmeister pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; one count of possession of an unregistered firearm; one count of possession of a firearm unidentified by a serial number; one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  Burmeister has remained in federal custody since his arrest on October 6, 2021.

“This case demonstrates the inherently dangerous nature of drug-dealing in our society, particularly when it involves the deadly substance fentanyl and an offender who uses guns to further drug distribution activities,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff.  “The sentence imposed by the Court as a result of the prosecution of this case serves to reinforce our commitment to hold offenders like Mr. Burmeister accountable and to protect our community from harm.”

“Fentanyl traffickers like Daniel Burmeister are driving addiction and killing Americans only to make a profit,” said Jeffrey R. Downey, FBI Special Agent in Charge, El Paso Field Office. “Burmeister will now serve seventeen and a half years in federal prison for being in possession of firearms as a convicted felon and using those weapons during his drug trafficking crimes. The FBI will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect our communities from the dangerous drug traffickers that are selling this poison in our neighborhoods.”

“This case is a clear example of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) collaborative efforts with FBI and law enforcement partners to remove those offenders who prey on our communities through drug trafficking and illegal firearms use,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II.

The FBI and ATF investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Mallory Rasmussen 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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EL PASO – A Socorro man was sentenced today to 20 years in prison for receipt and distribution of child sexual exploitation material.

According to court documents, law enforcement became aware that Hector Anthony Segura, 33, had distributed approximately 17 videos in October 2020 containing child sexual abuse material.  With consent from Segura, FBI agents searched several of his electronic devices.  Over 1,000 videos depicting child sexual abuse material were found on the devices.

On May 31, 2022, Segura pleaded guilty to one count of receipt and distribution of a visual depiction involving the sexual exploitation of a minor.

Segura was arrested on January 21, 2022.  He has remained in federal custody since his arrest.

“Our office is proud to have secured the conviction and sentence in this case against an individual who received and distributed an alarming amount of child sexual abuse material,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “We remain committed to protecting our community and prosecuting those who contribute to the exploitation of children.”

“Today's sentencing sends a strong message that there are serious consequences for those who would harm children by distributing and trading images of child pornography,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey R. Downey. “It is impossible to measure the suffering these victims have endured, and hopefully this will help them on their long road to recovery. The FBI is committed to finding perpetrators of this terrible crime and seeking justice for all who have been victimized.”

The FBI investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Valenzuela 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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AUSTIN – Last week, a federal judge sentenced Okanlawon Azeez Egerongbe, aka Tony Kunle, Alex Tohee, 37, of Round Rock to 120 months in prison and to pay $633,520 in restitution for his role in a money laundering scheme.

On May 18, 2021, Egerongbe pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.  According to court records, Egerongbe knowingly laundered millions of dollars from victims that he obtained through various fraud schemes. The frauds included romance, business email compromise (BEC), unemployment insurance, and investment scams all designed to trick innocent victims through false pretenses.  The amount of attempted and actual loss from the conspiracy was at least $3.5 million.  To perpetuate the frauds, Egerongbe used fake passports to open multiple bank accounts in Austin.  He would then structure withdrawals into smaller amounts to avoid a transaction reporting requirement.  Many victims faced serious financial hardship from these schemes.

“My office will continue to pursue fraudsters and identity thieves who use the internet to prey on vulnerable victims online,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “That includes the money launderers who enable these transnational criminal networks by concealing and transferring their ill-gotten gains.  The tragic suicide of one of the romance fraud victims in this case,  who suffered the betrayal and the loss of so much hard-earned money, underscores the real-world impact of these online scams.”

“Let this sentence serve as a notice that Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is committed to actively investigating individuals who prey on the vulnerable to perpetuate financial crimes,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee, HSI San Antonio. “These types of crimes have devastating effects on the victims and our financial institutions. HSI will continue to aggressively pursue cyber criminals and financial fraudsters to the full extent of the law and will fight to recover and legally return victim’s funds to their rightful owner.”

“The U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) has a long and proud history of protecting the U.S. Mail and investigating fraud schemes,” said Scott Fix, Inspector in Charge of the Houston Division of the USPIS. “Okanlawon Egerongbe devised multiple schemes to defraud innocent people and misused Postal Service products and the U.S. Mail to facilitate his crime. Postal Inspectors will continue to work with our law enforcement partners, including HSI Austin, to ensure anyone using the U.S. Mail for fraudulent financial gains are brought to justice.”

HSI and the USPIS investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Keith M. Henneke and Michael C. Galdo prosecuted the case.

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AUSTIN – A San Antonio man was sentenced last Friday to 37 months in prison and ordered to pay $1,175,866.91 in restitution for embezzling that amount from the City of Johnson City, Texas.

According to court documents, while employed by the city, Anthony Michael Holland, 37, embezzled at least $1,175,866.91 from city accounts starting in 2015 and continuing until around September 2020. He concealed the embezzlement by falsifying city financial records and other documents. Holland used the money for his personal benefit, including purchasing a residence in San Antonio.

On December 15, 2021, Holland pleaded guilty to one count of theft from a state or local government that receives federal program funds. 

“Anthony Holland repeatedly betrayed the trust of the people of Johnson City by stealing from them over the course of six years while holding the positions of City Secretary and Chief Administrative Officer,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff.  “We are proud to have prosecuted this case in federal court and our office will continue to hold those that corrupt our local governments and harm our communities accountable for their actions.”

“The FBI is committed to ensuring those who choose to abuse their positions of trust will be held accountable,” said FBI San Antonio Division Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich Jr. “In this effort, one of our most important partners is the public, and we encourage honest citizens to continue to report corrupt activity to the FBI.”

The FBI, with invaluable assistance from the Johnson City Police Department, investigated the case. The United States Attorney’s Office also appreciates the cooperation of the Atlanta Regional Office of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alan M. Buie, Robert Almonte and Mark Tindall prosecuted the case.

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ALPINE – A Mexican national was sentenced last week to 108 months in prison for possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

According to court documents, on January 28, 2022, a U.S. Border Patrol agent conducted a traffic stop on a black BMW SUV driven by Efren Derma-Dominguez, 26.  After a consensual search of the SUV was conducted, approximately 445.5 pounds of marijuana and 154 grams of methamphetamine were found.

On March 31, 2022, Derma pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana and methamphetamine.

U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas; Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Greg Millard; and United States Border Patrol, Big Bend Sector Chief Patrol Agent Sean L. McGoffin made the announcement.

The DEA and U.S. Border Patrol investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott V. Greenbaum prosecuted the case.

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SAN ANTONIO – A Canyon Lake man was sentenced yesterday to 97 months in prison and over $8.9 million in restitution for his role in a scheme to defraud several San Antonio financial institutions. He was also ordered to pay a $2.9 million money judgment for the proceeds derived from his criminal activity.

According to court documents, Ronald Wayne Schroeder, 49, along with his co-defendants, Jill Martin Alvarado, 60, of Irving; Rigo Alvarado, 57, of Barstow; Ryan Martinez, 58, of San Antonio; and Phyllis Joe Martinez, 80, of San Antonio, conspired to defraud various financial institutions of money by factoring false and fraudulent invoices.  Factoring is when a company sells specific accounts receivable to a third party at a discounted price to accelerate its cash flow. 

Schroeder used fraud and deceit to factor false invoices for companies owned by his co-defendants.  Schroeder would factor these false invoices with Southwest Bank and Bank of San Antonio (BOSA).  Schroeder and other co-conspirators would then use that money for their own personal enrichment or to pay off old invoices owed to the financial institutions much like a Ponzi scheme where money from new investors is used to pay old investors. 

Three companies involved in the scheme included: Nerd Factory, which was owned by Ryan Martinez and later, Phyllis Martinez; Alvy’s Logistics, which is owned by Jill and Rigo Alvarado; and, Republic Logistics, a fake company created and used by Schroeder to steal money for himself.  According to the court records, false and fraudulent invoices from Nerd Factory were factored by Southwest Bank and then Bank of San Antonio.  That money would then be used by the owners of Nerd Factory, Ryan Martinez and later, Phyllis Martinez, for legal fees in a pending criminal federal case or as unearned profit.  Alvy’s Logistics and Nerd Factory also sent back some of the money obtained to Schroeder.

In addition to using false and fraudulent invoices for actual companies, Schroeder submitted the fake invoices from Republic Logistics to BOSA for payment.  Schroeder then used this money to purchase expensive items, such as cars, RVs, an airplane, boat, and a beach house as well as $50,000 in landscaping and the installation of a $100,000 pool. In its forfeiture proceedings, the United States seized and forfeited several items, including a Shelby Mustang and proceeds for the sale of a Port Aransas property, and sold Schroeder’s interest in a Columbia single engine aircraft.

On December 9, 2021, Schroeder pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. 

“Today’s sentencing demonstrates that our office has and will continue to aggressively pursue and prosecute fraud against financial institutions,” said Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristy Callahan.  “This type of fraud damages the economy and eventually the consumer.  Along with our partners in law enforcement, this office will hold accountable those who commit fraud, divest them of criminal proceeds, and use federal remedies to recover victim losses.”

Schroeder’s co-defendants all pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud.   Phyllis Martinez was sentenced to time served and ordered to pay restitution of $289,984; Jill Alvarado was sentenced to time served and ordered to pay restitution of $3,904,924.92; Rigo Alvarado was sentenced to 48 days imprisonment and ordered to pay restitution of  $3,904,924.92; and Ryan Martinez is still pending sentencing.

The FBI investigated the case. The U.S. Marshal Service assisted with the recovery of property derived from criminal proceeds.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph E. Blackwell prosecuted the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Fidel Esparza III handled the asset forfeiture proceedings.

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SAN ANTONIO – A Liberty Hill man pleaded guilty yesterday for his role in facilitating the dealing of firearms by an unlicensed co-conspirator.

According to court documents, Michael Anthony Flynn, 46, is a federally licensed firearm dealer who aided a co-conspirator in a business arrangement akin to straw purchasing. From October 2019 to February 2022, Truett Shane Street, 56, of Lakeway, conspired with Flynn to purchase bulk quantities of firearms through various gun brokers and other online retailers. Street then provided the firearms to Flynn, who sold them through his business, Strategic Dynamic International. After selling the firearms Street purchased, Flynn repaid him in cash.

At least 212 firearms were purchased online by Street and sold through Flynn’s business, primarily at gun shows in the San Antonio area.

Flynn pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting someone engaged in the firearms business without a license. A sentencing date has not been set. On July 21, 2022, Street pleaded guilty to one count of engaging in the firearms business without a license. Street is scheduled for sentencing on November 30, 2022. Both men face up to five 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 Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas; FBI Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich Jr.; and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Fred J. Milanowski made the announcement.

The FBI and ATF are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys William F. Calve and Matthew Kinskey are prosecuting 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.  Anonymous tips involving gang crime and wanted fugitives can be submitted at www.stopsanantoniogangs.org.

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WACO – Two Killeen men were sentenced today for their roles in armed robberies in Killeen.  Roosevelt Jones IV, 26, was sentenced to 20 years in prison and ordered to pay $12,026 in restitution and Christopher Teon Fults, 29, was sentenced to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay $9,356 in restitution.

According to court documents, from November 2017 through January 2018, Jones and Fultz robbed five area merchants at gun point.  Jones was also charged with armed robbery of another merchant in February 2018.

“Those who perpetrate violence among us forfeit their freedom,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “The sentences of Mr. Jones and Mr. Fults are entirely appropriate given their crimes and the harm to their victims. I commend our law enforcement partners for their hard work and dedication to community safety.”

“Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that the FBI is committed to working with our local law enforcement partners to reduce violent crime and ensure every person has the opportunity to live and work in a safe community,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich Jr., San Antonio Division.

On September 7, 2021, Jones and Fults both pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery and both have remained in federal custody since their arrests in October 2019.

The FBI Central Texas Violent Crimes Task Force, with valuable assistance from the Temple Police Department and the Killeen Police Department’s Violent Crime Unit, investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregory Gloff 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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SAN ANTONIO – A former schoolteacher with the Southside Independent School District was sentenced yesterday to 240 months in prison on child pornography charges.

According to court documents, a search warrant was executed at the residence of Mark Anthony Rodriguez, 56, of San Antonio.  During the search, three devices were found that contained approximately 4,700 images and 384 videos of child pornography.

At the conclusion of a bench trial on December 12, 2019, U.S. District Judge Fred Biery found Rodriguez guilty of one count of distribution of child pornography; one count of receipt of child pornography; and three counts of possession of child pornography. In addition to the prison sentence, Rodriguez was ordered to pay $70,000 in restitution to fourteen separate victims.

“During his sentencing, Rodriguez acknowledged that his job was to be a protector, not a predator, of children,” said Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristy Callahan.  “He failed. The justice system has now held him accountable. We are proud of the work our office and law enforcement partners do to combat this blight on our communities.”

“HSI San Antonio, remains committed in identifying individuals distributing child pornography on the internet,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. “Identifying and investigating those who prey on our most vulnerable population, especially those individuals that hold positions of public trust, remains a top priority for HSI. Today’s sentence sends a clear message that there will be severe consequences for those who exploit children in anyway and HSI will continue to dedicate our resources to identify these individuals and bring them to justice”

HSI investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Thompson prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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ALPINE – An Alabama man was sentenced yesterday to 210 months in prison for producing child pornography.

According to court documents, Matthew Jacob Metzler, 32, traveled to Arizona to pick up a minor and then brought the child to Pecos where he engaged in sexual acts with the child.  A search warrant was executed on Metzler’s cellular phone where child pornography photos along with a sexually explicit video Metzler made with the minor were found.

“Those who engage in crimes against children will be held accountable for their actions,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff.  “In February 2022, Metzler traveled to Arizona to pick up a minor and transported the child across state lines to Pecos, Texas.  While in Pecos, Metzler, who was living out of his car, engaged in sexual acts with the child. The child was ultimately located by law enforcement and reunited with family in Arizona. This was a great example of multiple agencies in the West Texas community working together to bring justice for a minor victim.  The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work tirelessly to protect minor victims.” 

On March 24, 2022, Metzler pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography.  Metzler has remained in federal custody since his arrest on February 7, 2022.

HSI, along with assistance from the Pecos Police Department and the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division, investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Greenbaum 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 – Joshua Rojero, 35, of Odessa was sentenced last week to 264 months in prison for his role in a meth distribution ring operating in and around the Midland Odessa area.

According to court documents, Rojero, along with Juvencio Camargo-Garcia, 26, of Mexico; Rudy Mireles, 45, of Midland; Hector Gastelum Valenzuela, 26, of Mexico; Andrea Arroyos, 40, of Lubbock; and Ever Garcia, 19, of Mexico, were all part of a methamphetamine distribution ring that operated in Midland and Odessa.  A joint investigation by the Midland and Odessa Police Departments revealed the group distributed multiple-ounce quantities of methamphetamine from an Odessa residence as well as a motel in Odessa.

Camargo-Garcia, Mireles, Valenzuela, Rojero, Arroyos, and Garcia each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and Garcia also pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

In addition to Rojero’s sentence of 264 months, Camargo-Garcia was sentenced to 262 months; Mireles to 235 months; Valenzuela 188 months; Arroyos to 189 months; and Ever Garcia to 195 months in prison.

“The prosecution that resulted in these substantial prison sentences sends a strong message that peddling this poison in our communities will simply not be tolerated,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff.  “It is important to note that over two kilograms of methamphetamine and four firearms were seized in connection with the investigation in this case.”

“This is a great example of cooperation between law enforcement agencies in the Permian Basin that has made our communities safer,” said Odessa Police Chief Mike Gerke.  “The Odessa Police Department appreciates all of our partners and understands that we are stronger when we all work together.”

The Midland and Odessa Police Departments investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney John Fedock prosecuted the case.

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The Justice Department today announced that Integrity Asset Management LLC, a company that manages approximately 55 multi-family apartment properties in and around El Paso, Texas, has agreed to pay $107,000 to resolve allegations that it violated the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) by charging unlawful fees to servicemembers who terminated their residential leases early and by denying other servicemembers’ requests to terminate their leases.

“The SCRA requires that landlords allow servicemembers to terminate their leases without penalty if they receive qualifying military orders,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Early lease termination rights are critically important for members of our armed forces as they limit the costs and expenses associated with military moves and deployments. This consent order reaffirms the Justice Department’s firm commitment to protecting the rights of servicemembers, veterans, and their families.”

“Our office is committed to ensuring that landlords and property managers honor the rights of servicemembers and their families who willingly sacrifice for us all,” said the United States Attorney for the Western District of Texas Ashley Hoff. “Today’s settlement will provide relief to servicemembers who were impacted by Integrity’s actions.”

The SCRA allows servicemembers to terminate a lease early after entering military service or receiving qualifying military orders, such as permanent change of station orders, orders for a deployment of at least 90 days, stop movement orders, and separation or retirement orders. If a servicemember terminates a lease due to a deployment or other qualifying military orders, the SCRA prohibits the landlord from imposing any early termination charges.

Today, the department filed a complaint in federal court alleging that Integrity charged unlawful early termination fees to at least 17 servicemembers. Some of these early termination fees took the form of “concession chargebacks,” which required the servicemembers to pay back rent concessions or discounts that they had received during their tenancies. These charges ranged from $132 to $2,032 per servicemember. The suit also alleges that Integrity wrongfully denied two other servicemembers’ lease termination requests.

Under the proposed consent order that was filed concurrent with the complaint, and which still must be approved by the court, Integrity has agreed to pay $45,325 to the affected servicemembers and a $62,029 civil penalty to the United States. The order also requires Integrity to repair the servicemembers’ credit, provide SCRA training to its employees, and develop new policies and procedures that comply with the SCRA.

The Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas jointly handled this case.

Since 2011, the department has obtained over $476 million in monetary relief for over 121,000 servicemembers through its enforcement of the SCRA. For more information about the department’s SCRA enforcement efforts, please visit www.servicemembers.gov.

Servicemembers and their dependents who believe that their rights under the SCRA have been violated should contact the nearest Armed Forces Legal Assistance Program Office. Office locations may be found at http://legalassistance.law.af.mil.

SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for drug trafficking and firearm violations.

According to court documents, on March 26, 2020, law enforcement officers observed Kenton Maurice Haynes, 27, and Kevin Johnson, Jr., 29, both of San Antonio, driving a car in circles in an empty parking lot, parking, and then repositioning several times. Another car pulled up, and the driver exited his vehicle and got into the backseat of Johnson’s car. Officers then arrested all three individuals for a drug transaction that was in progress. At the time of the arrest, Johnson had a loaded handgun and nearly $10,000 in cash. Haynes had a loaded handgun equipped with a high-capacity magazine and approximately $2,700 in cash. Officers also recovered approximately two and a half pounds of marijuana, ecstasy and cocaine during the arrest.

When he was arrested, Haynes was a documented member of the Bloods and Neighborhood Piru street gangs and under felony indictment for state offenses. Haynes was also wanted for multiple felony warrants for narcotics and firearms offenses.

On March 25, 2022, after a four-day jury trial, Haynes was found guilty of one count of receipt of firearm while under indictment; one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime; and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

“Today’s sentence reflects the devoted work of our law enforcement partners in making our community safer from gang-related drug and firearms trafficking,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff.  “Haynes was a documented member of the violent Blood-Piru street gang and had a lengthy criminal history. His sentence should serve as a strong message to the community that the U.S. Attorney’s Office, through the initiative of Project Safe Neighborhoods, is dedicated to reducing and deterring violence in our communities.”

“It is more important now than ever before that we hold criminals accountable for their actions,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Fred J. Milanowski, Houston Division.  “As with this joint effort, we will continue to combat violent crime by holding violent offenders who possess firearms and narcotics, liable.”

On March 16, 2022, Haynes’ co-defendant, Kevin Johnson, Jr., pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and one count of possession with intent to distribute marijuana. Johnson is scheduled for sentencing on October 17, 2022. He faces a maximum of five years in prison for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime to be served consecutively with any other sentence imposed.

The ATF, along with members of San Antonio Texas Anti-Gang Center (TAG), investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Kinskey and William F. Calve 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.  Anonymous tips involving gang crime and wanted fugitives can be submitted at www.stopsanantoniogangs.org.

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MIDLAND – Yesterday, a Midland man was sentenced to 24 months in prison for failure to pay over employment taxes.

According to court documents, Thomas Valdez Rodriguez, 45, was the owner of both Tom-E-Lee Trucking and Tom-E-Lee Industries.  From 2012 through 2018, Rodriguez failed to pay employment taxes withheld from the  employees of his trucking company. Also from 2015 to 2018, Rodriguez failed to pay the employment taxes withheld from the employees of his industry company.  In addition, Rodriguez failed to pay personal income taxes since 2011.  Rodriguez caused a total tax harm of $12,714,214.42 in unpaid payroll taxes for both companies and unpaid personal income taxes. 

Rodriguez used some of the unpaid tax money for season tickets on the 50-yard line at Dallas Cowboys football games and chartered jets to take him and friends to the those games.  He also purchased a new residence for over $2 million.

On January 12, 2022, Rodriguez pleaded guilty to two counts of willful failure to account for and pay over federal withholding taxes.  In addition to his prison sentence, Rodriguez was ordered to pay $12,714,214.42 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). He paid $1 million of that right before his sentencing.

“This sentence serves as a reckoning for a defendant that deliberately evaded paying federal payroll taxes, cheating the tax system, his employees, and in the end, all American taxpayers,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff.  “Here we had a business owner who withheld money from his employees’ pay and rather than paying the employment taxes as he was trusted to do, he turned those funds into a personal piggy bank to fuel whatever he desired in his extravagant lifestyle.”

“The collection and payment of employment taxes by business owners on behalf of their employees is a cornerstone of our country’s voluntary tax system.  Thomas Rodriguez’s failure to pay over withheld employment taxes to the IRS is a serious criminal offense,” said IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Special Agent in Charge Ramsey E. Covington of the Houston Field Office.  “Additionally, Rodriguez spent the millions in unpaid employment taxes on himself, funding his lavish lifestyle and burgeoning business.  These actions not only harmed his employees’ future Social Security and Medicare benefits, he was also stealing from all honest taxpayers and the United States Treasury.  IRS-CI will continue to track down business owners and payroll professionals who, like Rodriguez, use their employees’ withheld employment taxes for their own personal gain.”   

IRS-CI investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandi Young prosecuted the case.

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EL PASO – Trevor Dylan Lehew, 28, of Plano, pleaded guilty today to one count of aggravated sexual abuse of a child, announced U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff and FBI Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey R. Downey, El Paso Field Office.

According to court documents, between November 2014 and December 2015, Lehew engaged in the continuing sexual abuse of a six-year-old child at a residence located on Fort Bliss. During this period, Lehew was an active-duty soldier stationed at the military installation. By pleading guilty, Lehew admitted that he knowingly engaged in a sexual act with a child.

At the time of his arrest for these crimes, Lehew was serving a Texas state sentence for aggravated sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child related to two other minor children.

A sentencing date has not been set. Lehew faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The FBI investigated the case with assistance from the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division.  FBI-Louisville and FBI-Seattle, Tacoma Resident Agency also assisted with this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Winters is prosecuting 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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SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man was sentenced today to 30 years in prison for production of child pornography.

According to court documents, on December 1, 2020, officers from the San Antonio Police Department were called regarding a complaint that Michael Anthony Martinez Jr., 34, had video of child pornography on his cellular phone.  A search warrant was executed on Martinez’s phone and numerous files depicting prepubescent children engaged in sexually explicit conduct were found.  Also on the phone was a video Martinez filmed showing him sexually abusing a two-year-old child.

On April 7, 2022, Martinez pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography.  Martinez has been in federal custody since his arrest on March 8, 2021. 

“As a society, we must vigilantly protect the innocence and health of our children,” said Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristy Callahan.  “This defendant was caught only because someone had the courage to report him and protect a child from a dangerous predator.  For the sake of our future generations, we must let authorities know when suspected child abuse is occurring.”

“The horrible acts perpetrated by those who exploit and victimize innocent children demand justice, and that’s why the FBI works tirelessly every day with our law enforcement partners on these cases,” said FBI San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich Jr. “This sentencing is a reminder of our continued focus on holding these dangerous predators accountable.”

The FBI and the San Antonio Police Department investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Thompson prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio woman was sentenced today to 33 months in prison for financial and tax fraud.

According to court documents, Alicia Henderson, 60, was the office manager and bookkeeper for a non-profit corporation that provided services for the San Antonio Downtown Public Improvement District.  Her responsibilities included oversight of the accounting and financial reporting functions for the non-profit corporation.

Between July 2014 and November 2017, Henderson forged or wrote to herself 118 checks drawn on the non-profit’s bank account and deposited the funds into her personal bank account.  Henderson used the stolen money, totaling $291,385.23, for her own personal benefit but did not report the embezzled funds on her federal tax forms.  Henderson owed $64,719 in taxes for 2014 to 2016.

In addition to the prison sentence, Henderson also was ordered to pay $356,104.23 in restitution.  On October 21, 2020, Henderson pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of false statements on an income tax return. 

“Ms. Henderson betrayed the public trust by first stealing from a non-profit and then failing to pay taxes on her income,” said Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristy Callahan.  “Our office will continue to vigorously prosecute those who use their positions to defraud citizens of San Antonio for their own personal enrichment.”

“This individual took advantage of her position to personally enrich herself at the expense of the citizens of San Antonio,” said FBI San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich Jr. “The public can have confidence that the defendant will be held accountable for the crimes she committed.”

“The fraud and tax crimes perpetrated by Alicia Henderson cause people to distrust otherwise lawful enterprises and non-profit organizations,” said Special Agent in Charge Ramsey E. Covington, of IRS-Criminal Investigation’s Houston Field Office, which includes San Antonio in its jurisdiction. “The sentencing today hopefully helps restore some of that public trust and reinforce to other would-be criminals and tax evaders that there is a price to pay for crime.”

The FBI and IRS-CI investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph E. Blackwell and William R. Harris prosecuted the case.

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MIDLAND – The Justice Department today announced that Jose Gomez III, 21, of Midland, Texas, was sentenced 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 had previously pleaded guilty to three counts of committing a hate crime.

According to the facts admitted in the plea, on March 14, 2020, Gomez entered a Sam’s Club Warehouse in Midland, Texas, behind an Asian family with young children. Gomez had never seen them before and believed they were Chinese.  Gomez followed them in the store for several minutes because he perceived them to be a “threat” as they were “from the country who started spreading that disease around.” Gomez then momentarily left the family to find a serrated steak knife in the store. Gomez bent the blade so that when he held the handle in his fist, the blade rested against his knuckles, sharp-edge facing outward. Gomez returned to the Asian family and punched the father, B.C., in the face, cutting him.  Gomez then left to retrieve an eight-inch knife from the store. When Gomez returned to B.C., Gomez abruptly turned towards B.C.’s two young children – then aged six and two years old – who were seated in the front basket of the shopping cart. Gomez slashed open the face of R.C., the then-six-year-old child.  The blade entered millimeters from R.C.’s right eye, split his right ear, and wrapped around to the back of his skull.  Gomez also stabbed a white Sam’s Club employee, Z.O., who intervened to stop Gomez from further assaulting the Asian family. While being held down on the ground, Gomez yelled at the Asian family, “Get out of America!”

Gomez admitted he believed the Asian family was Chinese and that he blamed them for the COVID-19 pandemic. Gomez further admitted he had attempted to kill the six-year-old child.  Gomez also admitted he had attacked Z.O., the store employee, because Gomez wanted to kill the six-year-old child and Z.O. was preventing him from doing so. 

“Pandemic-driven and racially-motivated acts of violence are deplorable crimes, and the Justice Department stands ready to use our hate crimes laws to hold perpetrators accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Hate crimes targeting Asian Americans have spiked during the pandemic and must be confronted. All people deserve to feel safe and secure living in their communities, regardless of race, color or national origin.”

“Hate-motivated violence will simply not be tolerated in our society and every person deserves to feel safe from such vicious harm,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff for the Western District of Texas.  “Today’s sentence sends the message loud and clear that our office will aggressively prosecute federal hate crimes while seeking justice for victims.”

"Mr. Gomez's cowardly and racially motivated actions do not represent our West Texas community,” said Special Agent in Charge Jeffery R. Downey of the FBI El Paso Field Office. “It is our hope today's sentence will help the victims with the healing process. Rest assured, the FBI and our law enforcement partners will aggressively pursue anyone who commits these violent acts to ensure the civil rights of all Americans are protected."

The case was investigated by the Midland Police Department and the FBI. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandi Young of the Western District of Texas and Trial Attorney Angie Cha of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.

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Kristen Clarke, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division at the U.S. Department of Justice and Ashley C. Hoff, the United States Attorney for the Western District of Texas, release this statement on the third anniversary of the mass shooting in an El Paso Walmart that resulted in the deaths of 23 individuals and injured numerous others.

“Today, with heavy hearts, we mark the third anniversary of the tragedy that occurred in El Paso.  Our thoughts remain with those who lost their lives and those who were injured, as well as their loved ones, the El Paso community, and the countless others who were impacted by this senseless, reprehensible crime. Our commitment to pursue justice for all those affected by this violent act of hate remains unwavering.” 

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EL PASO – Raymundo Guerra, 36, of El Paso pleaded guilty this week to one count of conspiracy to kidnap. 

According to court documents, on December 23, 2015, Guerra agreed with Charles Douglass, 39, and Lawrence Dean Henry, aka Gotti, 33, both of  El Paso, to kidnap a man they thought had stolen methamphetamine from Guerra. The victim was kidnapped in Chaparral, NM, then forcibly moved to El Paso and then back again to Chaparral. The victim was assaulted by the three men and died during the commission of the kidnapping. Guerra and Henry then burned and buried the victim’s remains in a desert area near Chaparral.

The case, initially opened as a missing person’s report, remained unsolved until officers with the El Paso Police Department and agents with the FBI discovered the victim’s remains in 2017. Guerra, who is a United States citizen, fled to Mexico to avoid prosecution. The FBI worked with counterparts in Mexico to have Guerra arrested and deported to the United States to face these criminal charges.

Guerra is scheduled to be sentenced on October 12, 2022 and faces 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.

On April 17, 2019, Douglass  pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to kidnap and was sentenced on  October 30, 2019 to 169 months in prison.

On July 2, 2019, Henry pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to kidnap and one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.  On November 12, 2019, Henry was sentenced to 480 months in prison.

U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and FBI Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey R. Downey, El Paso Field Office, made the announcement.

The FBI and the El Paso Police Department, with valuable assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator, are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ian Martinez Hanna and Kyle Myers are prosecuting the case.

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EL PASO – A federal grand jury in El Paso returned an indictment today charging two men for their alleged roles in a wire fraud scheme.

According to court documents, Russell Alan Vandenburg, 74, of El Paso and Scott Anthony Stuart, 55, of Las Vegas, held various leadership roles at companies that provided services in the real estate industry, including property management, construction management and property acquisition in the El Paso area and elsewhere in the United States.  Vandenburg and Stuart exercised control over the bank accounts of the companies and the properties managed by the companies. 

From February 2015 through October 2017, Vandenburg and Stuart engaged in an alleged scheme to defraud the partners that held an ownership interest in the properties that the companies managed by misrepresenting how funds obtained from the properties were used and by misappropriating those funds for the personal benefit of Vandenburg and others.  As part of the scheme, Vandenburg and Stuart commingled funds from different properties and used the funds for non-authorized expenses including covering shortfalls and expenses for other properties and for paying Vandenburg’s personal expenses.  They concealed the fraud by making misleading and false statements to company partners and by concealing information from the partners. 

“Messrs. Vandenberg and Stuart are alleged to have violated the trust of individuals who invested in our local community,” stated Jeffrey R. Downey, Special Agent in Charge, FBI El Paso Field Office. “The FBI looks forward to assisting the United States Attorney’s Office in the prosecution of this case.”

Vandenburg and Stuart are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and 10 counts of wire fraud. A date for the defendants’ initial court appearances has not been set.  If convicted, Vandenburg and Stuart face up to 20 years in prison on each of the fraud counts. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and FBI Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey R. Downey, El Paso Field Office, made the announcement.

The FBI is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mallory Rasmussen and Anna Arreola are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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ALPINE – Today, Miguel Angel Ortega, 39, of Pecos pleaded guilty to one count of possession of child pornography.

According to court documents, on January 4, 2022, a search warrant was executed on Ortega’s cellular phone.  Approximately 54 videos containing child pornography of prepubescent children were located.

A sentencing date has not been set.  Ortega faces up to 20 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.  Ortega has remained in federal custody since his arrest on January 5, 2022.

U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Frank Burrola, El Paso Division, made the announcement.

HSI, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Pecos Police Department are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Kennedy is prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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EL PASO – An El Paso man was sentenced today to 120 months in prison for coercion and enticement of a minor.

According to court documents, on April 24, 2021, Justin Allen Thomas, 32, began a conversation through a social media application with a 14-year-old.  The conversation quickly turned sexual in nature and Thomas made plans to meet the teen for a sexual encounter.  When Thomas showed up at the teen’s residence, he was arrested by law enforcement.  Instead of a 14-year-old, Thomas was communicating with an FBI employee.

On May 2, 2022, Thomas pleaded guilty to one count of attempted coercion and enticement.  He has remained in federal custody since his arrest on April 24, 2021.

“This case highlights the importance of undercover operations in preventing these individuals from harming children in our community,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff.  “Not only did this individual plan to meet with someone whom he thought was a 14-year-old to engage in prohibited sexual activity, but agents discovered child sexual exploitation material on his electronic devices after his arrest.”

“Individuals such as Mr. Thomas, who target the most vulnerable members of our community, will be held accountable for their actions,” said Jeffrey R. Downey, Special Agent in Charge FBI El Paso Field Office. “I am extremely proud of the hard work conducted by our Agents and the El Paso Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and Texas Department of Public Safety  to ensure justice was served in this case. The FBI will continue to work hard to stop these crimes from occurring.”

The FBI, with valuable assistance from HSI, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the El Paso Police Department, investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah Valenzuela 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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SAN ANTONIO – A federal grand jury in San Antonio returned an indictment today charging Juan  Claudio D’Luna-Mendez, 23, and Juan Francisco D’Luna-Bilbao, 48, both citizens of Mexico, with one count each of possession of a firearm while unlawfully present in the United States.

According to court documents, the registration for a tractor trailer used in an attempted human smuggling event came back to a residence in San Antonio.  San Antonio Police Department officers set up surveillance on the residence and observed two males leaving in separate trucks.  After traffic stops on both trucks, the drivers were identified as D’Luna-Mendez and D’Luna-Bilbao.  D’Luna-Bilboa was in possession of a handgun that was found in the center console of the truck he was driving.  A search warrant was executed at the residence where additional firearms were located. 

If convicted, both defendants face up to 10 years in prison.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Both defendants have remained in federal custody since their arrests on June 27, 2022.

U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Fred J. Milanowski made the announcement.

The ATF, with valuable assistance from the San Antonio Police Department, is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda Brown and Sarah Spears are prosecuting the case.

This case is being prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders work together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime. Anonymous tips involving gang crime and wanted fugitives can be submitted at www.stopsanantoniogangs.org.

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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PECOS – Yesterday, a federal jury convicted Thomas Scott Perkins, 31, of Fort Stockton on child pornography charges.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents determined through investigation that Perkins was sharing child pornography online.  A search warrant was executed at Perkins’ residence and multiple hard drive devices were discovered that contained 95,316 images and 1,237 videos of child pornography.

Perkins was found guilty of one count of distribution of child pornography and eight counts of possession of child pornography.  He is scheduled for sentencing on October 24, 2022 and faces up to 20 years in prison on the distribution count and up to 10 years in prison on each of the possession counts.  Perkins has remained in federal custody since his arrest on September 14, 2020.

U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and HSI Special Agent in Charge Frank Burrola, El Paso Division, made the announcement.

HSI, with assistance from the FBI, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Department of Public Safety, is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott V. Greenbaum and Kevin Cayton are prosecuting the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

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EL PASO – An El Paso school teacher was sentenced today to life in prison for coercion and enticement of a minor.

According to court documents, Ricardo Ortiz, 31, began chatting with a 14-year-old on social media when the conversation quickly turned sexual in nature.  Ortiz arranged to meet with the minor for a sexual encounter but when he arrived at the meeting place, Ortiz was arrested by law enforcement.  Ortiz was actually speaking with an undercover FBI employee instead of a minor. 

Upon further investigation it was discovered that Ortiz also engaged in sexual activities with at least three minors in the El Paso area.  Agents also found child pornography on Ortiz’s electronic devices.

On March 9, 2022, Ortiz pleaded guilty to three counts of coercion and enticement of a minor and one count of possession of a visual depiction involving the sexual exploitation of a minor.

“Our office will continue to prioritize the prosecution of those who prey upon children in our communities,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “We are incredibly grateful for our law enforcement partners in this case for their tireless efforts in identifying victims and working to hold Ricardo Ortiz responsible for the unspeakable harm he has caused.”

“Ricardo Ortiz, a local teacher in El Paso, was trusted by students and parents alike to serve as a role model and not a sexual predator going after teens,” said Jeffrey R. Downey, Special Agent in Charge, FBI El Paso Office. “I want to thank our partners on the El Paso Child Exploitation & Human Trafficking Task Force for their dedication to the mission to protect the children of our community. They were able to stop Ortiz, who attempted to meet a 14-year-old, whom he met via social media, for sex. This case reminds all of us to remain vigilant about our children’s online behavior and social media presence. We encourage parents to speak with their children about the dangers of online predators who use popular apps, games, and websites and to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.”

The FBI investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mallory J. Rasmussen and Kristal Wade 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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SAN ANTONIO – A federal grand jury in San Antonio returned an indictment today against two men charged in the fatal tractor trailer incident that occurred on June 27, 2022, resulting in the death of 50 adults and three minor children and injuring 10 adults and one minor child.

Homero Zamorano Jr., 46, of Pasadena, TX, and Christian Martinez, 28, of Palestine, TX,  are charged in a federal indictment with one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens resulting in death; one count of transportation of illegal aliens resulting in death; one count of conspiracy to transport aliens resulting in serious bodily injury and placing lives in jeopardy; and one count of transportation of illegal aliens resulting in serious bodily injury and placing lives in jeopardy, all in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324.

Upon conviction, the charges for conspiracy to transport and transport resulting in death carry a maximum penalty of life in prison or the death penalty.  The Attorney General will decide whether to seek the death penalty at a later time.  Should the Attorney General determine that the circumstances of the offense are such that a sentence of death is justified, the law requires that notice be filed with the court at a reasonable time before trial.  The defendants face up to 20 years in prison for the transporting resulting in serious bodily injury charges.  A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

On June 27, 2022, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents responded to the scene of a human smuggling event involving a tractor trailer and 64 individuals suspected of entering the United States illegally.  San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) officers advised HSI Agents that they arrived at the location of the tractor trailer in southwest San Antonio after receiving 911 calls from concerned citizens.  At the scene, SAPD officers discovered multiple individuals some still inside the tractor trailer, some on the ground and in nearby brush, many of them deceased and some of them incapacitated.  SAPD officers were led to the location of an individual, later identified as Zamorano, who was observed hiding in the brush after attempting to abscond.  Zamorano was detained by SAPD officers.

A search warrant was executed on a cell phone belonging to Zamorano.  Through investigation, it was discovered that communications occurred between Zamorano and Martinez concerning the smuggling event.  

Laredo Sector Border Patrol provided HSI agents surveillance footage of the tractor trailer crossing through an immigration checkpoint. The driver could be seen wearing a black shirt with stripes and a hat.  HSI agents confirmed Zamorano matched the individual from the surveillance footage and was wearing the same clothing.

U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee, San Antonio Division, made the announcement.

HSI, with valuable assistance from the San Antonio Police Department; the Palestine Police Department; Joint Task Force Alpha; Customs and Border Protection; and Border Patrol, is investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda Brown, Sarah Spears and Jose Luis Acosta are prosecuting the case.

These charges resulted in coordination with Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA). The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas is part of the JTFA, which was established by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland in June 2021 to marshal the investigative and prosecutorial resources of the Department of Justice, in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), to enhance U.S. enforcement efforts against the most prolific and dangerous human smuggling and trafficking groups operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. The Task Force focuses on disrupting and dismantling smuggling and trafficking networks that abuse, exploit, or endanger migrants, pose national security threats, and are involved in organized crime. JTFA consists of federal prosecutors and attorneys from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the Southwest Border (District of Arizona, Southern District of California, Southern District of Texas, and Western District of Texas), from the Criminal Division and the Civil Rights Division, along with law enforcement agents and analysts from DHS’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and Customs and Border Protection’s U.S. Border Patrol, the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

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 – Two executives of iCore Global LLC (iCore) have pleaded guilty to their involvement in a fraud scheme.

According to court documents, Samantha L. Mueting, 57, of San Antonio and Josephus De Laat, aka Jos De Laat, 61, of Spicewood defrauded investors through iCore, a company Mueting owned and operated and touted as being a multi-national commercial real estate provider.   De Laat served as iCore’s chief financial officer.

Together they conspired to perpetrate a series of frauds upon couples nearing retirement.  The defendants promised to allocate the victim couples’ funds into a commercial real estate hedge fund, but instead used the funds for their own personal gain.  According to the indictment, they made fraudulent misrepresentations that iCore was a full service, conflict-free, commercial real estate provider worldwide. 

Mueting claimed that iCore operated in at least 64 countries, with 156 offices, managed anywhere from tens to hundreds of billions of dollars in a commercial real estate investment fund and employed anywhere from 1,500 to 5,000 employees.  In reality, iCore’s incorporation address was a shipping company store P.O. Box in Helotes and never employed more than half-dozen employees at any given time.  In sum, the defendants defrauded investors of more than $2.1 million.

On July 1, 2022, Mueting pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud. She is scheduled to be sentenced on October 4, 2022 and faces up to 20 years in prison.

De Laat pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.  He is scheduled to be sentenced on October 18, 2022 and faces up to 20 years in prison.

A third codefendant is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and is scheduled for trial on August 29, 2022.

U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and U.S. Secret Service (USSS) Special Agent in Charge Paul Duran made the announcement.

The USSS is investigating the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew W. Kinskey and Gregory Surovic are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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