Western District of Texas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
San Antonio Bookkeeper Sentenced for FraudRead the Press Release
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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Texas Man Sentenced on Hate Crime Charges for Attacking Asian FamilyRead the Press Release
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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Joint Statement by Assistant Attorney General Clarke and U.S. Attorney Hoff on Third Anniversary of Walmart ShootingRead the Press Release
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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Kidnapper Pleads GuiltyRead the Press Release
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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Two Men Charged in Wire Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
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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Pecos Man Pleads Guilty to Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
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 Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
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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Two Mexican Nationals Indicted for Illegal Firearms PossessionRead the Press Release
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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Fort Stockton Man Found Guilty of Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
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 School Teacher Sentenced to Life in Prison for Coercion and Enticement of a MinorRead the Press Release
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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Defendants Indicted in Tractor Trailer Smuggling Incident That Resulted in 53 DeathsRead the Press Release
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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iCore Global LLC Executives Plead Guilty to FraudRead the Press Release
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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Keller Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison and Ordered to Pay $14M in Restitution for Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
MIDLAND – A Keller man was sentenced yesterday to 168 months in prison and ordered to pay $14,538,967.27 in restitution for operating a Ponzi scheme.
According to court documents, Marco Perez Jr., aka Sully Perez, 37, is the founder and director of Permian Basin Proppants, Inc. (PBP), a company headquartered in Midland that claims to sell proppants such as sand for fracking operations, i.e., “frac sand.” Between 2017 and 2022, Perez used PBP to perpetuate a Ponzi scheme by soliciting investor money based on misrepresentations. During this time, Perez received over $14 million from the scheme. He used most of the funds for his own personal benefit, buying property, vacations, a lavish wedding, and luxury vehicles including a Lamborghini, a Rolls-Royce, a BMW, and a Cadillac Escalade. Perez also purchased a helicopter.
Perez enticed victims to fund or invest in PBP transactions, promising substantial guaranteed returns on their investment. However, the representations Perez made were based on false and misleading promises, such as promising victims that their investments would be used to purchase frac sand at a discount and that frac sand would then be resold at a profit to fracking operations in and around the Permian Basin. Investors were promised they would receive back their entire investment plus an additional return, often within a relatively short time period. Perez rarely used the investment money to purchase frac sand or complete promised transactions. Instead, he diverted significant amounts of investor money to fund his lifestyle and keep the scheme running, such as by making payments to prior PBP investors.
On April 13, 2022, Perez pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activities.
“We will work tirelessly to prosecute fraudsters like Perez,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “His greed and total disregard for the livelihood of his victims is unconscionable. I want to thank the FBI and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for their hard work in providing some justice to Perez’ victims and trying to recoup their losses.”
“The FBI will continue to vigorously pursue scam artists, like the defendant, who convince others to entrust them with their hard-earned money, but instead use that money for personal gain,” said Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey R. Downey, FBI El Paso. “This sentence ensures that Mr. Perez Jr. is punished and sends the strong message that investment schemes don’t pay.”
The FBI and SEC investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John A. Fedock and Fidel Esparza prosecuted the case.
If you feel you have been a victim of a fraud scheme, contact the FBI at tips.fbi.gov or call 800-CALL-FBI.
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Former Army Soldier Sentenced for Assault on Law Enforcement OfficersRead the Press Release
WACO – An Austin man was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for assault on law enforcement officers.
According to court documents, on February 6, 2021, Ricardo Manuele Davila-DeJesus, 29, became intoxicated and got into an argument with several individuals inside a Fort Hood military barracks. The argument continued outside when the defendant pulled out a .45 caliber pistol and discharged his firearm in the direction of a soldier who, fearing for his life, retreated back into the barracks. Other individuals who were at the scene managed to subdue and disarm the defendant. During transport to the police station, Davila struck an officer and spit in the face of another. He continued to resist arrest by repeatedly kicking the back door of the patrol vehicle.
On March 22, 2022, Davila pleaded guilty to two counts of assaulting, resisting or impeding certain officers.
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 together with the Fort Hood Military Police investigated the case.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Captain Shmuel Bushwick prosecuted the case.
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Canyon Lake Man Found Guilty of Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A federal jury convicted a Canyon Lake man today for distribution of child pornography.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Seth Elred Perricone, 47, shared more than 115,000 files of child pornography over the Internet. The jury found Perricone guilty of six counts of distribution of child pornography and one count of receipt of child pornography.
Perricone is scheduled for sentencing on November 3, 2022. He faces up to 20 years in prison on each of the seven counts. He has remained in federal custody since his arrest on January 26, 2018.
U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and FBI Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich Jr., San Antonio Division, made the announcement.
The FBI and the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracy Thompson and William Calve 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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Louisiana Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Aggravated Sexual Abuse of a MinorRead the Press Release
EL PASO – A Louisiana man was sentenced today to life in prison for aggravated sexual abuse of a minor under the age of 12.
According to court testimony and documents presented at trial, Marco Antonio Abundiz, aka Marco Antonio Abundis, 33, lived at Fort Bliss. In October 2020, a six-year-old made an outcry against Abundiz. The investigation revealed that Abundiz had sexually abused the child on Fort Bliss on multiple occasions. Further investigation revealed that Abundiz had repeatedly sexually assaulted another minor several years prior. The defendant also admitted to downloading and viewing child sexual abuse material.
On April 1, 2022, a federal jury sitting in El Paso found Abundiz guilty of one count of aggravated sexual abuse of a minor under the age of 12 years. Abundiz has been in federal custody since his arrest on October 27, 2020.
“Today’s sentence serves as another example that our office will do everything in its power to help ensure that those who harm children in our communities are held fully responsible for their reprehensible actions,” said United States Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “These victims were brave. Their courageous testimony not only helped secure some measure of justice but put this pedophile behind bars.”
“A child should feel and be safe in their community,” 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 victim 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, with valuable assistance from the Army Criminal Investigation Division, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarah Valenzuela and Christopher Mangels prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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El Paso Man Pleads Guilty to Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
EL PASO – Jorge Mario Manjarrez-Reyes, 30, of El Paso, pleaded guilty today to one count of production of a visual depiction involving the sexual exploitation of a minor.
According to court documents, law enforcement officers first encountered Manjarrez-Reyes on a peer-to-peer program where he was sharing images of child pornography. Following the execution of a search warrant at the defendant’s residence on March 19, 2020, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) forensically discovered approximately 513 images and 619 videos depicting child pornography on Manjarrez-Reyes’ electronic devices. In coordination with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, HSI later learned that one of the pornographic videos had been created by Manjarrez-Reyes.
By pleading guilty, Manjarrez-Reyes admitted that he knowingly used and coerced a four-year-old victim to take part in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of that abuse.
A sentencing date has not been set. Manjarrez-Reyes faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff and HSI Special Agent in Charge Frank Burrola, El Paso Division, made the announcement.
HSI El Paso’s Cyber Crimes Group investigated the 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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Former DPS Employee Sentenced for Bribery and Fraud in CDL SchemeRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man was sentenced yesterday to 24 months in prison for his role in a commercial driver’s license bribery and fraud scheme.
According to court documents, from January 2017 until June 2019, Alonzo Blackman, 68, was an employee of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and oversaw the issuance of commercial driver licenses (CDLs). A CDL permits the holder to drive and operate large commercial vehicles and buses. To be eligible for a CDL, an applicant must pass a written exam and a skills test. Investigation revealed Blackman did not administer the skills test to applicants but passed them as if the test had been conducted.
Blackman issued 215 fraudulent CDLs and was paid approximately $1,000 per CDL. Bribes were paid to Blackman by two co-defendants, Fernando Guardado Vazquez, 43, of San Antonio, and Marino Maury Diaz-Leon, 55, a Cuban national living in San Antonio. Of the 215 fraudulent CDLs, 197 went to Cuban nationals; 11 to U.S. citizens; one to a Dominican Republic national; one to an Ethiopian national; one to an Iraqi national; one to a Puerto Rican national; one to a Ukrainian national; and two to Mexican nationals.
On February 13, 2020, Blackman pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and honest services fraud. In addition to the prison sentence, Blackman was ordered to pay a $215,000 money judgment.
Codefendant Diaz-Leon also was sentenced today to 12 months and 1 day in prison. On May 26, 2021, Diaz-Leon pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail and honest services fraud.
Codefendant Vazquez is scheduled to be sentenced on August 10, 2022. On May 9, 2022, Vazquez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services fraud.
“This case represents an appalling breach of public trust and safety,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “Our office will continue to work with the FBI and our other law enforcement partners to hold corrupt officials and those who conspire with them accountable for their criminal actions.”
“The FBI is committed to working with our partners to hold public officials accountable to the trust bestowed upon them by the citizens we serve,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich Jr. “We will continue to aggressively investigate allegations of public corruption and would like to thank our partners for their strong partnership and unrelenting pursuit of justice.”
The FBI and the Texas Rangers with the Texas Department of Public Safety investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph E. Blackwell and William R. Harris prosecuted the case.
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San Antonio Man Sentenced for Child Pornography DistributionRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man was sentenced today to 151 months in prison for distributing child pornography.
According to court documents, Dario Torres, 40, was identified by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) as trafficking child pornography in social media chatrooms. On March 21, 2018, a search warrant was executed at his residence where agents located two cellular phones belonging to Torres. One phone contained approximately 130 videos and 761 images depicting the sexual abuse and exploitation of children. Forensic agents also found that Torres had shared three of the videos on social media. The other phone contained 6,908 images and 141 videos depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct, including bondage and bestiality.
On February 13, 2020, Torres pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography. In addition to the sentence, Torres was ordered to pay $65,000 in restitution. Torres has remained in federal custody since his arrest on April 6, 2019.
“We will continue to vigorously prosecute those who distribute child pornography as they violate the sanctity and innocence of our children,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “We remain grateful for our law enforcement partners as we work together to protect kids and hold these offenders accountable for the harm they cause in our society.”
“HSI San Antonio, along with our law enforcement partners around the nation remain committed in identifying individuals distributing child pornography on the internet,” said HSI Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. “Investigating those who prey on our most vulnerable population remains a top priority for HSI. This sentence sends a clear message that there are severe consequences for those who exploit children in any way 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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Three Found Guilty in Human Smuggling OperationRead the Press Release
DEL RIO – This week, a federal jury sitting in Del Rio convicted three defendants of one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens and one count of conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens, both in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324, as well as one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Roberto Galeas-Mejia, 45, from Honduras who resided in San Antonio; Eva Maria Galeas, aka Eva Huerta-Galeas, 42, of San Antonio; and Lisa Maria Ortega, 24, of San Antonio, conspired together to run a human alien smuggling operation (ASO) and to launder the monetary proceeds of their unlawful activities. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents linked at least 28 events of transporting and harboring undocumented non-citizens to this ASO and arrested over 200 non-citizens who were smuggled by the ASO. In addition, HSI seized $603,593 in ASO proceeds from the residence of Roberto Galeas-Mejia. All are scheduled for sentencing on January 25, 2023.
Co-defendants Sandra Galeas-Mejia, 46, of San Antonio and Norma Galeas-Mejia, 50, of Houston, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324. Sandra Galeas is scheduled for sentencing on August 30, 2022. Norma Galeas is scheduled for sentencing on September 28, 2022.
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. Attorneys Rex Beasley, Antonio Franco and Holly Pavlinski are prosecuting the case.
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San Antonio Man Sentenced to over 19 Years in Prison for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – Yesterday, a San Antonio man was sentenced to 230 months in prison for receipt of child pornography by U.S. District Judge Jason Pulliam.
According to court documents, on September 21, 2020, a search warrant was executed at the residence of Louis Anthony Soucie, 59. During the search, digital devices were recovered that contained 48 videos and 580 images of prepubescent children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
“At sentencing, Soucie never mentioned remorse for his actions, commenting instead on the new start he would get in prison,” said Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristy Callahan. “Judge Pulliam rightfully reminded everyone that Soucie’s victims don’t get a chance for a new start. It is my hope that his sentence will bring some semblance of justice to his victims.”
“This sentence is fitting of the heinous crime that is child exploitation,” said Craig S. Larrabee, Acting Special Agent in Charge for HSI, San Antonio. “HSI will continue to work relentlessly with our law enforcement partners to ensure that these predators feel the full weight of the law.”
On March 22, 2022, Soucie pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography. In addition to the prison sentence, Soucie will be on a lifetime of supervision once he completes his prison term.
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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Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Providing Material Support to TerroristsRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – Two men were sentenced today for conspiring to provide material support to the designated foreign terrorist organization Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham/Syria (ISIS).
Kristopher Sean Matthews, aka Ali Jibreel, 36, of South Carolina, was sentenced to 240 months in prison and Jaylyn Christopher Molina (aka Abdur Rahim), 24, of Cost, TX, was sentenced to 216 months in prison.
According to court documents, since May 2019, Matthews conspired with Molina to provide services to ISIS by administering an encrypted, members-only chat group for persons who supported ISIS ideology; by collecting, generating, and disseminating pro-ISIS propaganda; and by disseminating firearms training materials and bomb-making instructions.
On November 24, 2020, and January 25, 2021, Matthews and Molina, respectively, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to provide material support to ISIS. In addition, Molina pleaded guilty to one count of receiving child pornography. Both men have remained in federal custody since their arrests on September 21, 2020. Molina was sentenced to 216 months in prison on the terrorism charge and another 216 months in prison on the child pornography charge. Both sentences for Molina were ordered to run concurrently.
“The United States Attorney’s Office will work closely with our law enforcement partners locally, nationally, and internationally to do everything possible under the law to stop terrorists before they can harm our citizens,” said United States Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “Matthews and Molina recruited individuals and provided bomb-making instructions to aid ISIS. In this case, along with our law enforcement partners, we successfully stopped Matthews and Molina before anyone was harmed.”
“This sentencing serves as a reminder that terrorist organizations such as ISIS and their affiliates remain a threat to the United States in the homeland and abroad,” said San Antonio FBI Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich Jr. “Addressing this threat continues to be the highest priority of the FBI and our Joint Terrorism Task Force partners.”
The San Antonio FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), with valuable assistance from the San Antonio Police Department, the United States Secret Service, and the Gonzalez County Sheriff’s Office, investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Roomberg, William R. Harris, and Eric Fuchs and DOJ Trial Attorneys George C. Kraehe and Felice J. Viti of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to TerroristsRead the Press Release
Two men were sentenced today for conspiring to provide material support to the designated foreign terrorist organization Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham/Syria (ISIS).
Kristopher Sean Matthews, aka Ali Jibreel, 36, of South Carolina, was sentenced to 20 years in prison, and Jaylyn Christopher Molina, aka Abdur Rahim, 24, of Cost, Texas, was sentenced to 18 years in prison.
According to court documents, since May 2019, Matthews conspired with Molina to provide services to ISIS by administering an encrypted, members-only chat group for persons who supported ISIS ideology; by collecting, generating, and disseminating pro-ISIS propaganda; and by disseminating firearms training materials and bomb-making instructions to each other and to other members of the chat group and others.
On Nov. 24, 2020, and Jan. 25, 2021, Matthews and Molina, respectively, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to provide material support to ISIS. In addition, Molina pleaded guilty to one count of receiving child pornography. At today’s sentencing, Molina received another 216 months, to run concurrently, for the child pornography charge. Both men have remained in federal custody since their arrests on Sept. 21, 2020.
The San Antonio FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), with valuable assistance from the San Antonio Police Department, the U.S. Secret Service and the Gonzalez County Sheriff’s Office, investigated this case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Roomberg, William R. Harris and Eric Fuchs for the Western District of Texas and Trial Attorney George C. Kraehe and former Trial Attorney Felice J. Viti of the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Killeen Man Sentenced to over 35 Years for Carjacking and Armed RobberiesRead the Press Release
WACO – Today Darius Letrayal King, 29, of Killeen was sentenced to 427 months for carjacking and armed robberies of local stores.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, King, along with his codefendant Corey Labon Jackson, 51, also of Killeen, committed armed robberies of a 7-Eleven and a Family Dollar store in January 2020. King drove Jackson to the stores and provided him a firearm while Jackson robbed the stores at gun point. On January 3, 2020, King also committed a carjacking, taking a vehicle at gunpoint from an acquaintance.
On March 10, 2022, King was found guilty by a federal jury sitting in Waco of one count of Carjacking; three counts of Brandishing a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence; two counts of Interference with Commerce by Robbery; and one count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. King has remained in federal custody since his arrest on January 8, 2020.
On February 22, 2022, Jackson pleaded guilty to one count of Interference with Commerce by Robbery and one count of Brandishing a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence. On May 18, 2022, Jackson was sentenced to a total of 144 months in prison. Jackson has remained in federal custody since his arrest on January 8, 2020.
“Those who perpetrate violence among us forfeit their freedom,” said Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristy Callahan. “Mr. King’s prison sentence reflects that very notion and is appropriate given his crimes. Our law enforcement partners are to be commended for acting quickly to protect our communities.”
“Today’s sentencing sends a clear message that violent criminal acts will not be tolerated,” said Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich Jr., FBI, San Antonio Division. “We maintain our steadfast commitment to work with our federal, state and local partners to address violent crime in our communities."
The FBI and the Killeen Police Department’s Violent Crime Unit, with invaluable assistance from the Temple Police Department, investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Frazier prosecuted 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.
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Guatemalan Citizen Sentenced for Assaulting a Federal OfficerRead the Press Release
ALPINE – Robinson Mendoza-Gomez, 22, a Guatemalan citizen, was sentenced on Monday to 21 months for assaulting a federal officer.
According to court documents, on December 14, 2021, Border Patrol agents near Van Horn attempted to apprehend a group of suspected undocumented noncitizens. Mendoza demanded one of the agents release a person in the group. Mendoza then charged and struck the agent injuring the agent’s face.
“An assault on a federal officer is detrimental to a peaceful society and impacts us all,” said Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristy Callahan. “The United States Attorney’s Office takes such violations seriously and will vigorously prosecute them.”
“The men and women of the United States Border Patrol work tirelessly to keep our borders safe every day,” said FBI El Paso Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey R. Downey. “Assaults on Border Patrol agents or any other law enforcement officer will not be tolerated and will be investigated swiftly by our office so they can continue to carry out their sworn duty to protect our community and nation.”
On March 2, 2022, Mendoza pleaded guilty to one count of Forcibly Assaulting a Federal Officer. Mendoza has remained in federal custody since his arrest on December 14, 2021.
The FBI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott V. Greenbaum prosecuted the case.
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El Paso Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison for Coercion of a ChildRead the Press Release
EL PASO – An El Paso man was sentenced yesterday to 120 months in prison for his role in enticing a child to engage in sexual activity.
According to court documents, Lawrence Allen Schmidt, 53, began communicating through social media with a 14-year-old girl. Schmidt’s conversation with the child became sexual in nature and he arranged to meet the girl at her house. When he arrived, he had condoms, lubricant and candy in his possession. Unbeknownst to Schmidt, he had been communicating with an undercover employee with the FBI.
On April 4, 2022, Schmidt pleaded guilty to one count of coercion or enticement of a female under 18 years of age.
“Those who seek to manipulate children for their own sexual gratification deserve prison time,” said Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Kristy Callahan. “I am thankful for the efforts of our law enforcement partners to remove these predators from our streets.”
“Crimes against children are some of the most reprehensible acts that law enforcement is determined to prevent and punish once they occur,” said FBI El Paso Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey R. Downey. “We are thankful for the collaboration of our Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and El Paso Police Department partners on the El Paso Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force. It is because of this partnership that this individual is now facing a lengthy sentence for his crimes. 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, HSI, DPS, and El Paso Police Department 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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53 Fatalities from Tractor Trailer Smuggling Incident – Charges Filed Against FourRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – Homero Zamorano Jr., 45, was arrested today on criminal charges related to his alleged involvement in alien smuggling resulting in death, in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324.
According to court documents, on June 27, 2022, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) 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.
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.
HSI confirmed that 48 individuals at the scene were deceased. Of those 22 were Mexican nationals, seven Guatemalan nationals, two Honduran nationals and 17 of unknown origin but suspected to be undocumented non-citizens (UNCs). HSI confirmed the undocumented status of the deceased individuals by utilizing a mobile fingerprint device. Sixteen of the 64 undocumented individuals were transported to local hospitals for medical evaluation. Five died at the hospital. Officials are working with foreign consulate offices for proper notifications to family members of the deceased.
Zamorano is charged by criminal complaint with one count of alien smuggling resulting in death. He is originally from Brownsville but resides in Pasadena, TX. If convicted, Zamorano faces up to life in prison or possibly the death penalty. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Also charged by criminal complaint is Christian Martinez, 28, who was arrested on June 28, 2022 in Palestine. He is charged with one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens resulting in death. According to court documents, 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. If convicted, Martinez faces up to life in prison or could face the death penalty. Martinez had an initial appearance today in Tyler. He will be transported to San Antonio for further proceedings.
In addition to arrests of Zamorano and Martinez, Juan Claudio D’Luna-Mendez, 23, and Juan Francisco D’Luna-Bilbao, 48, both citizens of Mexico, were arrested and had initial appearances on June 27, 2022. According to court documents, the registration for the tractor trailer used in the attempted alien smuggling event came back to a residence in San Antonio. SAPD 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. Both individuals were determined to be in the U.S. illegally and were charged by criminal complaint with one count of possession of a weapon by an alien illegally in the U.S. in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5). If convicted, both defendants face up to 10 years in prison.
U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas; Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee, San Antonio Division; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Fred J. Milanowski, Houston Division, made the announcement.
The HSI and ATF, with valuable assistance from the San Antonio Police Department and the Palestine Police Department, are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Amanda Brown, Matthew Lathrop and Sarah Spears are prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Statement by United States Attorney Ashley C. Hoff Regarding Migrant Deaths in Tractor Trailer Incident Yesterday EveningRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – “San Antonio first responders and law enforcement discovered a tragic and disturbing scene yesterday evening on the southwest side of San Antonio. Dozens of immigrants were found dead or incapacitated in and around a tractor trailer with over a dozen others hospitalized in critical condition. All were the apparent victims of human smugglers indifferent to the well-being of human life. The South Texas heat is brutal this time of year, especially given the recent record-high temperatures. We will continue to work with the Homeland Security Investigations and the local responders to identify and bring those who were responsible for this tragedy to justice.”
Ashley C. Hoff, United States Attorney, Western District of Texas
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El Paso Man Sentenced for Role in Two Deaths from a Cocaine OverdoseRead the Press Release
EL PASO – An El Paso man was sentenced today to 293 months in federal prison for his role in two deaths resulting from a cocaine overdose in November 2017.
On February 24, 2022, Paris Lamont Dennis, 39, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of a controlled substance, causing serious bodily injury. According to court documents, on or about November 18, 2017, Dennis distributed cocaine, a Schedule II Controlled Substance, which resulted in the death of two individuals. Dennis, a known drug dealer, found the victims unresponsive after giving them a use amount of cocaine. The Medical Examiner reported that the victims died from accidental overdose with toxic levels of cocaine in their systems.
“Drug overdose deaths are at a record high,” said Ashley C. Hoff, United States Attorney for the Western District of Texas. “Our office will continue to pursue and hold accountable those responsible for distributing controlled substances resulting in injuries and deaths.”
“The drugs Mr. Dennis distributed killed two young El Pasoans, and today he learned his punishment,” said Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Greg Millard, El Paso Division. “Others who insist on peddling drugs to members of the community should take notice. DEA will leverage all resources to investigate, and we will not rest until all those responsible are brought to justice, however long it takes.”
This case was investigated by DEA and the El Paso Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Phillip Countryman prosecuted the case.
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Fort Stockton Man Found Guilty of Child EndangermentRead the Press Release
PECOS – A federal jury convicted a Fort Stockton man this week of one count of endangerment of a child.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on February 5, 2022, Big Bend National Park Rangers found an abandoned vehicle belonging to Hector Flores Jr., 48, located in a very remote part of Big Bend National Park about 20 miles from the Mexican border. Birth certificates for Flores and a nine-year-old child were found in the vehicle. Evidence in the area suggested the nine-year-old was with Flores. Park Rangers and U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel initiated a search.
Further investigation revealed Flores withdrew the child from school on January 4 and did not enroll the child in a new school. Around January 28, 2022, a camera recorded Flores’ vehicle entering Big Bend National Park. Flores’ vehicle was found in an area that offers no food, water or shelter. On February 14, 2022, Mexican authorities located Flores and the child in Mexico and detained Flores but returned the child to the U.S. The child reported to authorities that they ran out of food and had not eaten for four days. In addition, the weather from January 28 to February 13 included subfreezing temperatures and heavy rains.
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 Big Bend National Park Service, with valuable assistance from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott V. Greenbaum and William Calve are prosecuting the case.
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El Paso Man Pleads Guilty to over $600K Tax Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
EL PASO – An El Paso man pleaded guilty yesterday to multiple counts of an indictment for his involvement in a tax fraud scheme.
According to court documents, Elein Rodela Jr., 41, was a tax preparer in the El Paso area. From August 2016 to August 2018, Rodela perpetrated a scheme to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by filing false tax returns and then receiving the ill-gotten refunds. The scheme involved using legitimate W2 forms to file fraudulent tax returns and obtain federal tax refund checks in the name of non-citizens working in the U.S. To further his scheme, Rodela opened P.O. boxes in El Paso, Texas and New Mexico, and used these addresses to receive the fraudulently obtained tax refund checks. He subsequently cashed the refund checks and laundered the money through a bank account belonging to a children’s sports team. Rodela’s scheme resulted in a total loss to the IRS of approximately $670,217.
Rodela pleaded guilty to three counts of mail fraud; one count of wire fraud; four counts of aggravated identity theft; five counts of money laundering; and one count of theft of government funds. A sentencing date has not been set. Rodela faces up to 20 years in prison on each of the mail fraud, wire fraud, identity theft, and money laundering counts. He faces up to 10 years in prison on the theft of government funds count. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence and restitution 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 Special Agent in Charge Ramsey E. Covington, Houston Field Office, made the announcement.
The IRS is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ellen Denum and Shane Wagman Romero are prosecuting the case.
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San Antonio Man Sentenced to 28 Years in Prison for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio man was sentenced today to 28 years in prison for production of child pornography.
According to court documents, Jeremy Shawn Lopezieo, 35, participated in a live chat through social media. During the chat he live streamed the sexual abuse of a child not realizing he was chatting with an undercover agent with the FBI’s Child Exploitation Task Force. The FBI immediately located and arrested Lopezieo and rescued the child.
On January 20, 2022, Lopezieo pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography. In addition to the prison sentence, Lopezieo also was ordered to pay $50,000 to the victim. After his prison term, he will serve 25 years on supervised release. He has remained in custody since his arrest on February 28, 2019.
“I am hopeful the sentence handed down to Lopezieo gives the victim some sense of justice, even though it cannot mitigate a lifetime of trauma,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “I am thankful the FBI intervened so quickly in this case and stopped the abuse of this predator.”
“Today’s sentencing is a reminder of the need for continued and aggressive pursuit of all those that would rob children of their innocence and harm them in such a despicable manner,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich Jr. “The FBI and our law enforcement partners in our Child Exploitation Task Forces are committed to protecting children from these horrible predators and will do everything we can to bring these perpetrators to justice.”
The FBI, with valuable assistance from the San Antonio Police Department and the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Thompson prosecuted the case.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and CEOS, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Former El Paso Police Officer Sentenced for Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
EL PASO – A former El Paso police officer was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for her involvement in a conspiracy to maintain a drug-involved premise.
According to court documents, Monica Garcia, 24, conspired with Fred Saenz, her stepfather and co-defendant, to use Saenz’s residence to distribute cocaine. Agents determined that Saenz was using his residence and a separate stash location to store and distribute cocaine. Garcia used her position as an El Paso police officer to provide information that helped Saenz avoid detection by law enforcement while he distributed cocaine. Her activities included conducting counter-surveillance and running license plate registrations to identify undercover police vehicles near the residence and stash house.
On November 10, 2020, agents seized $14,405 from Saenz’s residence and 1.2 kilograms of cocaine from a stash house he used. During the investigation undercover agents bought quantities of cocaine from Saenz at his residence.
On July 26, 2021, Fred Saenz pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine. On November 1, 2021, Saenz was sentenced to 42 months in prison and ordered to forfeit $14,405 derived from the drug conspiracy.
On August 9, 2021, Garcia pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to maintain a drug-involved premise.
“Thanks to the collaboration between the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the El Paso Police Department we were able to see that justice was done in this case,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “This sentence is a message that corruption, at any level, will not be tolerated.”
“Drug traffickers will stop at nothing, including trying to infiltrate law enforcement. But we can't let them,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Greg Millard, El Paso Division. “DEA and its local, state, and federal partners will remain diligent in finding and prosecuting anyone who supports, funds, or aids the cartels.”
“An officer that chooses to violate their oath has no place in law enforcement and this case serves as an example that the El Paso Police Department does not condone and will not tolerate such conduct by any officer of this department,” said El Paso Chief of Police Greg Allen. “I would like to thank the DEA and Special Agent in Charge at the time, Kyle Williamson, for taking the lead in investigating the case. I would also like to thank and commend the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas for the successful prosecution and subsequent sentencing.”
The DEA and the El Paso Police Department’s Narcotics Unit and Special Investigations Unit investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Williams and Steven Spitzer prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
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Marfa Man Found Guilty of Meth PossessionRead the Press Release
PECOS – A federal jury sitting in Pecos convicted a Marfa man last week for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Stephen Dudley Brunson, 63, was stopped for a traffic violation. Brunson was subsequently arrested for Class C offenses involving the license plate and temporary permit displayed on the vehicle he was driving. When Brunson was searched incident to arrest, several knives and brass knuckles were found on his person as well as over 27 grams of methamphetamine.
A sentencing date has not been scheduled yet. Brunson faces up to 20 years in prison. He has remained in federal custody since his arrest on February 18, 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 Office, made the announcement.
The DEA and the Texas Department of Public Safety are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy L. Greenbaum and Sarah Spears are prosecuting the case.
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Multi-Agency Investigation Takes Down Meth Distribution RingRead the Press Release
WACO – A multi-agency investigation into a methamphetamine distribution ring has led to multiple defendants being indicted and arrested.
On June 14, 2022, a federal grand jury sitting in Waco handed down five indictments charging a total of 27 defendants.
The following defendants were each charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of methamphetamine. According to the indictments the conspiracy began in January 2021.
Charged in W22CR095: Jason Fletcher, 38, of Belton and Luis Guillermo Martinez, 28, of Waco. If convicted, Fletcher and Martinez face up to life in prison.
Charged in W22CR096: Karen Pendola Bennett, 45, of Waco; Jesus Espinoza Lopez, 33, of Waco; Patricia Nelson, 49, of Waco; Robert Johnson, 46, of Woodway; and Clayton Wilkins, 62, of Waco. If convicted, Bennett, Lopez, Nelson and Johnson face up to life in prison. Wilkins, if convicted, faces up to 40 years in prison.
Charged in W22CR109: Alejandro Solis, 32, of Waco; Jesus Castellanos-Renteria, 39, of Houston; Gustavo Alvarado Guerrero, 29, of Waco; William Charles Herrera, 30, of Waco; Maria Picon, 35, of Clifton; Rogers Anthony Marshall, 49, of Valley Mills; Denecia Alley, 32, of Waco; Jovita Ibarra, 28, of Waco; Lance John Showen, 51, of Waco; Hector Dominguez, 31, of Waco; Nicholas Ray Ramirez, 41, of Waco; Flocelo Mondragon Jr., 35, of McGregor; Alfred Turner, 28, of Waco; Areli Martinez Torrez, 38, of McGregor; Alexxus Briann Arocha, 26, of Waco; Felix Alberto Huezo-Hernandez, 33, of Waco; Sonya Renee Hughes, 44, of Waco; and Steven Merritt, 52, of Bruceville-Eddy. If convicted, Arocha, Huezo, Hughes and Merritt face up to 40 years in prison. All other defendants, if convicted, face up to life in prison.
Marshall and Picon are also charged with one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a federal drug trafficking crime. If convicted, they face up to five years in prison to run consecutive to any other sentence they receive.
Not charged with the conspiracy drug count is Able Chavez, 25, of Waco. Chavez is charged in W22CR094 with one count of possession with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. If convicted, Chavez faces up to life in prison on the drug count and up to five years in prison on the gun count to run consecutive to any other sentence he receives.
Also not charged with the conspiracy drug count is Andrew Ochoa, 36, of Waco. Ochoa is charged in W22CR093 with one count of making a false statement in acquisition of a firearm. If convicted, Ochoa faces up to 10 years in prison. Investigation revealed Ochoa was purchasing and delivering firearms to a 13-year-old child.
All defendants have been arrested except for Karen Pendola Bennett who remains a fugitive in this case.
U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas; FBI Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich Jr., San Antonio Division; Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Daniel Comeaux, Houston Division; Waco Police Department Chief of Police Sheryl D. Victorian; McLennan County Sheriff Parnell McNamara; Bell County Sheriff Eddy Lange; and Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Regional Director Todd H. Snyder made the announcement.
The FBI; DEA; Waco Police Department; McLennan County Sheriff’s Office; Bell County Sheriff’s Office; and DPS are investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Smith-Burris is prosecuting the cases.
An indictment is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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El Paso Man Pleads Guilty to Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
EL PASO – Kevin Holguin-Cano, 29, of El Paso pleaded guilty this week to receipt of child sexual abuse material.
According to court documents, in June 2021, agents executed a search warrant on the residence of Holguin and found materials depicting a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Holguin pleaded guilty to one count of receipt and distribution of a visual depiction involving the sexual exploitation of a minor. A sentencing date is not scheduled yet. Holguin 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.
U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Frank Burrola, El Paso Division, made the announcement.
The HSI is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mallory Rasmussen 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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Office Manager Sentenced for Embezzling over $775,000 from EmployerRead the Press Release
AUSTIN – A Round Rock woman was sentenced today to 51 months in prison for embezzling from her employer.
According to court documents, Cynthia Linette Jones, 52, was the office manager for a Central Texas business. In that role, she had access to the company’s accounting system and checkbook. From 2012 to 2018, she forged over 70 company checks and stole over $775,000.
On November 30, 2021, Jones pleaded guilty to one count of bank fraud and one count of tax evasion. In addition to the prison sentence, Jones was ordered to pay over $775,000 in restitution to her former employer and over $185,000 in restitution to the Internal Revenue Service.
“Institutions run on trust,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “They depend on trusted individuals to do the right thing in the interests of their coworkers and employers. Today’s sentencing reflects the seriousness of Jones’ abuse of her position and the determination of this office to seek stiff punishments against those who embezzle from their employers.”
“Cynthia Jones violated the trust placed in her by her employer through the multi-year theft of company funds while also violating the duty to report all income, even income illegally earned, to the IRS,” said Special Agent in Charge Ramsey E. Covington of the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), Houston Field Office. “The sentencing today communicates the severity of both violations Jones committed, which should also serve as a deterrent reminder to other would-be tax evaders and white collar criminals.”
The IRS-CI investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney G. Karthik Srinivasan prosecuted the case.
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Mexican National Sentenced for Shooting at U.S. Border Patrol AgentRead the Press Release
DEL RIO – Today Sergio Trevino, 35, a Mexican national was sentenced to a total of 214 months in prison for shooting at two U.S. Border Patrol agents near Brackettville.
According to court documents, on January 3, 2021, U.S. Border Patrol agents attempted to stop Trevino as he drove a Chevy Suburban northbound on Texas Ranch Road 334 just north of Brackettville. A high-speed chase ensued when Trevino attempted to abscond. During the pursuit, Trevino fired multiple shots at the agents.
Spike strips were used to bring the Suburban to a stop. Trevino fled from the vehicle and was later apprehended. Six Honduran nationals were found in the vehicle along with 28-year-old Jesseca Ann Whitmire, a U.S. citizen.
On March 31, 2021, Trevino pleaded guilty to one count of assault on a federal officer and one count of using a firearm during a crime of violence. Trevino was sentenced to 94 months in prison on the assault charge and 120 months on the use of a firearm charge with both sentences to run consecutive.
“Sergio Trevino not only placed the lives of the U.S. Border Patrol agents who were attempting to apprehend him in peril, but also the lives of the undocumented noncitizens he was transporting and everyone traveling on the road that day,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “Thankfully no one was seriously injured by his senseless and dangerous actions. The collective efforts of agents from the U.S. Border Patrol, FBI, ATF, and Homeland Security Investigations, brought Mr. Trevino to justice so that he will no longer be a threat to the community for many years to come.”
“This sentence is yet another example of the vital work being conducted by HSI, and its law enforcement partners, to target individuals who are part of dangerous transnational criminal organizations spreading crime and violence in our communities,” said Craig Larrabee, Acting Special Agent in Charge, HSI San Antonio. “HSI will continue to aggressively pursue these criminal networks who put the lives of others in jeopardy for financial gain. We will not let up in our efforts to dismantle and disrupt their illicit pathways, leverage all available resources, and work together with our law enforcement partners to pursue justice.”
“Today’s sentencing sends a strong message to those who would commit violent acts against federal officers,” said Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich Jr. “The FBI will continue to work closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to hold violent criminals accountable for their actions at the border as well as throughout the United States.”
On June 14, 2021, Whitmire pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport illegal aliens in violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1324 and faces up to 10 years in federal prison. Whitmire is scheduled to be sentenced on April 4, 2023.
Trevino and Whitmire have remained in federal custody since their arrests on January 3, 2021.
HSI and FBI are investigating this case. The Texas Department of Public Safety, Kinney County Sheriff’s Office and Real County Sheriff’s Office assisted Border Patrol agents in apprehending Trevino, Whitmire and the undocumented noncitizens.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Larry W. Fadler Jr., is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
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Austin Serial Robber Sentenced to 219 Months in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
AUSTIN – An Austin man was sentenced today to over 18 years in prison for robbing Austin-area convenience stores while brandishing a firearm.
According to court documents, in May of 2021, David Olmos, 35, robbed two Austin convenience stores at gunpoint. At that time, Olmos had been released on a pending state-court case on a personal recognizance bond. On both occasions, Olmos approached the store clerk and asked for a cigarillo or cigarettes. When the clerks turned away, Olmos displayed a handgun and demanded money from the cash registers. On May 25, 2021, Olmos was arrested after having committed multiple other violent crimes, including other commercial robberies and a carjacking.
On January 6, 2022, Olmos pleaded guilty to one count of interfering with commerce by threats or violence and two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
“The sentence imposed today sends a strong and clear message,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “Federal prosecutions for violent crime lead to hard time. Along with our law enforcement partners, we will continue to use every tool in the federal toolbox to prosecute offenders and reduce violent crime in our communities.”
“Removing this type of danger from the streets has an immediate impact on the safety of our community,” said Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Fred J. Milanowski. “This case is a perfect example of ATF’s commitment to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who commit dangerous crimes in our communities are held accountable for their actions.”
The ATF and the Austin Police Department investigated the case, with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Travis County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gabriel Cohen prosecuted 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.
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Scammers Pretending to be from U.S. Attorney’s Office Asking for MoneyRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – The U.S. Attorney’s Office is alerting the public of imposter scams involving individuals claiming to represent the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
During these calls, scammers may attempt to collect money in lieu of arrest for a variety of false charges. They may tell victims they can avoid arrest by purchasing a prepaid debt card or gift card and read the card number over the phone to satisfy the debt or by sending cash.
Scammers use many tactics to sound and appear credible. They sometimes provide information like actual names of federal prosecutors and federal office addresses. They also spoof their phone numbers to appear on caller IDs as if they are calling from a government agency such as the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Remember that the U.S. Attorney’s Office will never ask you to purchase a gift card or give out a credit card number to avoid arrest.
Please call the San Antonio FBI office at 210-225-6741 to report scam calls pretending to be from the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
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San Antonio Man Sentenced for Arson of Travis County Political Party OfficeRead the Press Release
AUSTIN – A San Antonio man was sentenced today to 72 months in prison for arson.
According to court documents, on September 29, 2021, Ryan Taylor Faircloth, 31, threw a Molotov cocktail through the window of the Travis County Democratic Party office in downtown Austin, causing a fire. Faircloth admitted to targeting the political party office because he opposed positions he believed to be taken by the Democratic Party. A good Samaritan was able to extinguish the fire before 911 responders arrived.
On January 10, 2022, Faircloth pleaded guilty to one count of arson. In addition to the prison sentence, Faircloth was ordered to pay $12,472.84 in restitution and a $5,000 fine.
“Violence in the political process is unacceptable,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “We all must respect the rule of law. Those who commit acts of violence or destroy property for a political or ideological agenda will be held accountable for their crimes. My office will continue to investigate and bring to justice anyone who uses violent acts to harm, intimidate or coerce their fellow citizens participating in the political process.”
"Those who commit violence for any ideological agenda will be held accountable for their actions," said FBI San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich Jr.
The FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force, with assistance from the Austin Police and Fire Departments, investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys G. Karthik Srinivasan and Michael C. Galdo prosecuted the case.
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Mexican National Sentenced for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – Yesterday, a Mexican national living in Lytle was sentenced to 120 months in prison and ordered to pay $45,000 in restitution for receiving child pornography.
According to court documents, on October 23, 2020, the FBI received information that Luis Rodolfo Hernandez Borjas, 29, stored images of child pornography on his laptop. Further investigation revealed Borjas had over 1900 images and 17 video files depicting child pornography. Borjas also admitted to sexually assaulting an eight-year-old child.
On June 22, 2021, Borjas pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography. Borjas has remained in federal custody since his arrest on January 25, 2021.
“There are so many devastating consequences of this type of child exploitation,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “Not only are the lives of the victims forever adversely impacted, but the abuse of additional victims is perpetuated by normalizing the behavior in a child predator’s mind. Our office will continue to vigorously prosecute those who prey upon children in such a manner.”
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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Las Cruces Man Found Guilty of Kidnapping and CarjackingRead the Press Release
EL PASO – Yesterday, a federal jury convicted Fernando Angel Puga, aka Cholo, 36, from Las Cruces, NM, of kidnapping, carjacking resulting in serious bodily injury and transportation of a stolen vehicle in interstate commerce.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, on June 9, 2017, Puga and his co-defendant Sergio Ivan Quinonez-Venegas, 38, from Mexico, approached a man working at a food truck in El Paso. Puga and Quinonez told the victim their car had broken down and asked for a ride. While the victim was giving the defendants a ride to a nearby gas station, Quinonez pulled out a gun and advised the victim that this, “was a kidnapping.” The victim was forced at gunpoint and knifepoint to drive the pair from El Paso to Las Cruces. Once in Las Cruces, the victim was struck and stabbed multiple times by a machete wielded by Puga causing factures to the victim’s skull and arms, and severe puncture wounds and lacerations to his body and hands.
Puga’s sentencing date has not been set. He faces up to life in prison for the kidnapping charge; up to 25 years in prison on the carjacking charge; and up to 10 years in prison for the stolen vehicle charge.
On February 2, 2022, Quinonez pleaded guilty to one count of carjacking resulting in serious bodily injury. He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 28, 2022. He faces up to 25 years 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 El Paso Field Office, with valuable assistance from FBI Albuquerque; U.S. Border Patrol; Dona Ana County New Mexico Sheriff’s Office; El Paso Police Department; and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice K-9 unit, is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ian Martinez Hanna and Ellen Denum are prosecuting the case.
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Pleasanton Man Sentenced for Child Pornography ChargeRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – A Pleasanton man was sentenced today to 75 months in prison for receipt of child pornography.
According to court documents, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents executed a search warrant in July 2019 at the residence of Daniel Lee Ogorzolka, 70. Two devices were seized that contained over 25 videos and over 2,000 images of prepubescent children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Ogorzolka has remained in federal custody since his arrest on November 27, 2019. He pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography in March 2022. In addition to his prison term, Ogorzolka was also sentenced to 10 years of supervised release and ordered to pay $20,000 in restitution.
“Today’s sentence serves as a strong message to anyone who seeks to sexually exploit and endanger children,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “You will be investigated; you will be identified; and you will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
“HSI San Antonio remains committed in partnering with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and other industry partners to identify individuals distributing child pornography on the internet,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. “Investigating those who prey on our children remains a top concern for HSI and our partners. Together, we continue to dedicate our resources under Operation Predator to identify and investigate those who victimize our most vulnerable population”.
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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Austin Man Sentenced for Hotel Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
AUSTIN – Today an Austin man was sentenced to 70 months in prison and ordered to pay $5,052,366.92 in restitution for his role in a fraud scheme.
According to court documents, from 2012 until June 2018, Jason Michael Schubert, 47, devised a scheme to bilk hotel investors out of millions of dollars. Schubert identified potential investors by conducting seminars on how to make money from investing in hotel properties, known as “Rich in Five” seminars, charging the participants substantial fees to attend. Schubert then solicited money from the participants for investing in preexisting hotel properties that he would manage and operate while claiming that investors would profit with little effort on their part.
However, many of the hotels were older and in substantial disrepair. Although Schubert had no hotel management experience, he represented that investor funds would be used to renovate the hotels. Instead, he misappropriated the money by paying himself significant “management fees.” Schubert’s fraudulent activities depleted investor funds, causing the hotel properties to go into foreclosure with a loss of over $5 million to investors.
On December 2, 2020, Schubert pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud and one count of engaging in a monetary transaction involving criminally derived property.
“This defendant engaged in a complex fraud involving commercial real estate, moving funds among numerous bank accounts, and making many false promises to well-intentioned investors,” said United States Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “Like so many other fraud schemes, this scheme was designed to line the defendant’s own pockets with other people’s hard-earned money. Now that his scheme has been dismantled, we are confident that the prosecution and sentencing of this defendant will bring a measure of justice to his victims.”
“This is a clear case of a criminal taking advantage of investors by misappropriating their life savings for his own financial gain,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich. “The FBI will continue its vigorous pursuit of those who commit these types of fraudulent schemes to hold them accountable for their actions.”
This case was investigated by the FBI, with assistance from Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations, the Texas State Securities Board, and the Texas Department of Insurance.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Devlin prosecuted the case.
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Schertz Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Transporting a Minor for Criminal Sexual ActivityRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – Yesterday, a Schertz man was sentenced to 168 months in prison for transporting a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity.
According to court documents, in early January 2020, Kraig David Van Winkle, 36, used a social media application to start chatting with a minor in Arkansas. Shortly thereafter, the conversation became sexual in nature. On January 9, 2020, Van Winkle arranged to meet with and ultimately brought the minor back to Texas with the intent to engage in sexual activity. During the trip back to Texas, Van Winkle made the minor throw the minor’s cell phone in a drainage ditch. He also handcuffed, bound the child with rope and placed tape across the child’s mouth when he left the victim alone in his residence.
On October 5, 2021, Van Winkle pleaded guilty to one count of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Van Winkle has remained in federal custody since his arrest on January 13, 2020.
“I am thankful for the FBI and Springdale Police Department’s tireless efforts in locating the victim in this case,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “Our office will continue to hold child predators accountable and to deliver justice for survivors.”
“This sentencing sends a strong message to those who would commit these types of heinous crimes, they will face justice and be held accountable for their actions,” said FBI San Antonio Division Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich Jr.
The FBI, with valuable assistance from the FBI Little Rock Field Office and the Springdale, AR 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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U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff Recognizes Police WeekRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – In honor of National Police Week, United States Attorney Ashley C. Hoff recognizes the dedication, service and sacrifice of federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement. This year, the week is observed Wednesday, May 11 through Tuesday, May 17, 2022.
“This week, we gather to pay tribute to the law enforcement officers who sacrificed their lives in service to our country,” said Attorney General Garland. “We remember the courage with which they worked and lived. And we recommit ourselves to the mission to which they dedicated their lives. On behalf of a grateful Justice Department and a grateful nation, I extend my sincerest thanks and gratitude to the entire law enforcement community.”
“Our law enforcement officers fulfill a critical role in ensuring the protection of an orderly society and back that commitment with their very lives,” said United States Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “Here in the Western District of Texas we extend our deepest respect and gratitude to our law enforcement partners and join Attorney General Garland, along with the entire Department of Justice, in publicly thanking them for their service and sacrifice.”
In 1962, President Kennedy issued the first proclamation for Peace Officers Memorial Day and National Police Week to remember and honor law enforcement officers for their service and sacrifices. Peace Officers Memorial Day, which falls on May 15 each year, specifically honors law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. Based on data submitted to and analyzed by the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund (NLEOMF), 472 law enforcement officers nationwide died in the line of duty in 2021. Of that number, 319 succumbed to COVID-19. According to the Officer Down Memorial site, 34 officers died in the line of duty in the Western District of Texas.
Additionally, according to 2021 statistics reported by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) through the Law Enforcement Officer Killed and Assaulted (LEOKA) Program, 73 law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty in 2021 were killed by felonious acts whereas 56 died in accidents. Deaths resulting from felonious acts increased in 2021, rising more than 58 percent from the previous year. In 2021, unprovoked attacks were the cause of 24 deaths significantly outpacing all other line of duty deaths resulting from felony acts and reaching the highest annual total in over 30 years of reporting. LEOKA statistics can be found on FBI’s Crime Data Explorer website for the LEOKA program.
The names of the 619 fallen officers added this year to the wall at the National Law Enforcement Officer Memorial will be read on Friday, May 13, 2022, during a Candlelight Vigil in Washington, D.C., starting at 8:00 PM EDT. Those who wish to view the vigil live online, can watch on the NLEOMF YouTube channel found at https://www.youtube.com/TheNLEOMF. The schedule of National Police Week events is available on NLEOMF’s website.
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Man Sentenced for Stealing from PayPal Accounts in Wire Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
A Texas man was sentenced today to five years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for his conduct in connection with a scheme to buy 38,000 compromised PayPal account credentials from an illegal online marketplace, and then use those credentials to steal money from the rightful PayPal account owners. In addition to the term of imprisonment, the defendant was ordered to pay $1.4 million in restitution.
Marcos Ponce, 37, of Austin, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in October 2021. According to court documents, from at least as early as November 2015 and continuing through in or about November 2018, Ponce and his co-conspirators worked together to establish buyer accounts on a particular illegal online marketplace (Marketplace A). Marketplace A functioned as an illegal market for stolen payment account credentials and associated personally identifying information (PII). The co-conspirators purchased over 38,000 stolen PayPal account login credentials.
In addition, Ponce and his co-conspirators developed social engineering techniques in order to trick unwitting third parties into accepting money transfers from the compromised PayPal accounts, and then transferring the money into accounts controlled by members of the conspiracy.
“The Justice Department remains firmly committed to protecting the American people from fraudsters like this defendant,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “May today’s sentencing send a clear message to would-be thieves: there are real-world consequences for online crimes.”
“This prosecution and sentence send a powerful message that the cyberworld is not a haven for criminals, and law enforcement will work tirelessly to bring cybercriminals to justice,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff for the Western District of Texas.
“Today’s sentencing sends a message that the FBI will pursue cybercriminals across the globe. Hiding behind a computer does not mean you can stay anonymous or out of reach of law enforcement,” said Assistant Director in Charge Steven M. D’Antuono of the FBI’s Washington Field Office. “With the assistance of FBI cyber task forces across the country, the FBI will diligently and aggressively work to identify and locate criminals, regardless of where they operate.”
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, with significant assistance from the FBI San Antonio - Austin Cyber Task Force.
Senior Counsel Laura-Kate Bernstein of the Justice Department’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Devlin for the Western District of Texas prosecuted the case, with substantial assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Demian Ahn for the District of Columbia.
Federal Arrest Made in Connection with Series of Postal RobberiesRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – Yesterday, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service arrested a San Antonio man on criminal charges related to his alleged involvement in robbing U.S. letter carriers and stealing their postal keys.
According to court documents, Tony Evans, aka Tony Tre Von Evans, Tony Trevon Evans, age 24, confronted three U.S. Postal Service letter carriers on separate occasions and demanded the carrier’s postal keys. The robberies took place in San Antonio in July and August 2021 and in Austin in April 2022. On two of the occasions, Evans brandished a firearm.
Evans is charged by criminal complaint with robbery of mail, money, or property of the United States. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Evans had his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard B. Farrer.
U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff of the Western District of Texas and U.S. Postal Service Inspector in Charge Scott Fix, Houston Division, made the announcement.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is investigating the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney William Calve is prosecuting the case.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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San Antonio Man Sentenced for Straw Purchase SchemeRead the Press Release
SAN ANTONIO – Charles Anthony Lecara, aka “Eric,” “Bloodhound,” 43, of San Antonio was sentenced today to 87 months in prison for aiding and abetting false statements in connection with firearm purchases.
According to court documents, between March and June 2018, Lecara conspired with others to purchase firearms by making false statements and representations to firearm dealers. The co-conspirators acted as straw purchasers, claiming the guns were purchased by them for their use. However, Lecara directed the conspirators on which firearms to purchase, focusing on firearms popular with Mexican cartels, and took possession of them shortly after they were purchased. In August 2018, numerous firearms purchased on Lecara’s behalf were recovered in a stash location in San Antonio along with a significant amount of crystal methamphetamine.
On January 13, 2022, Lecara pleaded guilty to three counts of aiding and abetting false statements in connection with the acquisition of firearms. Lecara has remained in federal custody since his arrest on July 22, 2021.
“This case illustrates why our office and law enforcement partners are committed to prosecuting those who violate federal firearms laws,” said U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. “Lying and buying schemes such as this endanger the public and offenders who sign on the dotted line should expect to do hard time.”
“The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has no greater mission than keeping firearms out of the hands of criminals. This case not only demonstrates the lengths to which criminals will go to acquire firearms, but more importantly, ATF’s expertise and commitment to investigating such violations of federal law,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski. “In partnership with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the United States Attorney’s Office, we will continue to work tirelessly to bring those who disregard the safety of our communities to justice.”
“By putting weapons smugglers behind bars, law enforcement disrupts the supply of firearms before they fall into the hands of violent drug cartels who pose a threat both here and abroad,” said Shane Folden, Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations, San Antonio. “HSI will continue working with our federal law enforcement partners both domestic and international in this effort.”
The ATF and HSI, along with valuable assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety, investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joseph Lo Galbo, Eric Yuen and Karina O’Daniel prosecuted 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.
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