Western District of Texas
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Former State Senator Carlos Uresti Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
In San Antonio today, a federal judge sentenced San Antonio attorney and former District 19 Texas State Senator Carlos I. Uresti to 12 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney John F. Bash, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division, and Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge D. Richard Goss, San Antonio Field Office.
In addition to the prison term, Senior U.S. District Judge David A. Ezra ordered that Uresti pay $6,345,441 restitution and be placed on supervised release for a period of three years after completing his prison term.
“As Judge Ezra said, this is a sad day for the community. The judge imposed a just sentence of 12 years in prison that accounts for the fact that former Senator Uresti used his position of trust in the community to lure his victims to the fraudulent scheme at the heart of the case. I hope that this sentence sends the message to others that this office will not tolerate such outrageous abuses of power,” stated U.S. Attorney Bash.
“Today's sentence sends a strong message to those who would defraud and harm others for their own personal gain,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Combs. “As an elected official, this individual took advantage of his position and power to personally enrich himself at the expense of those who trusted him. It is imperative that all individuals, but especially those who hold elected office, do so with honesty and integrity. The public can have confidence that the defendant is being held accountable for the crimes of which he has been convicted.”
“Today's sentencing of former Texas Senator Carlos Uresti exemplifies IRS Criminal Investigation’s intense focus on rooting out corruption.” said IRS-CI Acting Special Agent in Charge Goss. “No matter what your profession, it is unacceptable to help yourself to other people’s money and violate their trust. Honest taxpayers have been reassured today that no one is above the law.”
In February, a jury found Uresti and FourWinds Logistics, Inc., (FourWinds) consultant Gary L. Cain, guilty on all charges for their roles in a Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors out of millions of dollars. Charges against Uresti included one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, five substantive counts of wire fraud, two counts of securities fraud, one count of engaging in monetary transactions with property derived from specified unlawful activity, and one count of being an unregistered securities broker. Charges against Cain included one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering and seven counts of engaging in monetary transactions with property derived from specified unlawful activity. Prior to jury selection, former FourWinds Chief Executive Officer Stanley P. Bates pleaded guilty to eight separate federal charges including securities fraud and money laundering.
Evidence presented during trial revealed that from February 2014 to December 2015, the defendants developed an investment Ponzi scheme to buy and sell hydraulic fracturing (fracking) sand for oil production. Evidence showed that the defendants made false statements and representations while soliciting investors in FourWinds. Collected funds were then used to pay earlier investors and for personal expenses including gifts, travel, luxury automobiles, controlled substances, and to hire prostitutes.
Evidence also showed that Uresti recruited investors under false pretenses by lying about investing his own money in FourWinds as well as failing to disclose his receipt of a commission and a percentage of the profits resulting from investments in FourWinds. Evidence also revealed that Uresti was not registered as a broker with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Evidence and testimony also revealed that Uresti, Cain and Bates engaged in money laundering with the proceeds of wire fraud.
Cain and Bates remain on bond pending sentencing. Cain is scheduled to be sentenced tomorrow at 1:30pm in front of Judge Ezra. Bates is scheduled to be sentenced at 1:30pm on August 6, 2018, in front of Judge Ezra. For each fraud related charge, the defendants face up to 20 years in federal prison upon conviction. For each money laundering charge, the defendants face up to ten years in federal prison upon conviction.
Uresti remains on bond awaiting a second federal trial on unrelated charges. Uresti and Vernon C. Farthing, III, of Lubbock, TX, are charged by a federal grand jury indictment with one count of conspiracy to commit bribery and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. The indictment alleges that from January 2006 to September 2016, the defendants conspired with others to pay and accept bribes in order to secure a Reeves County Correctional Center medical services contract for Farthing’s company. The indictment specifically alleges that Farthing paid Uresti $10,000 a month as a marketing consultant and that approximately half of that sum was then given to a Reeves County official for his support and vote to award the contract to Farthing’s company. Upon conviction of the charges contained in this indictment, Uresti and Farthing face up to five years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit bribery and up to 20 years in federal prison for conspiracy to commit money laundering. Jury selection is scheduled for October 22, 2018, in San Antonio before Judge Ezra.
The FBI’s Public Corruption Task Force is conducting this investigation. The Task Force is comprised of investigators from the FBI, IRS-CI, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Peace Corps-Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Joseph E. Blackwell, William R. Harris, Mark Roomberg, Erica Giese and Sean O’Connell are prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
Dove Springs Gangstas Member Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Racketeering Offenses Resulting in MurderRead the Press Release
In Austin today, a federal judge sentenced Brian Aguayo, a member of the Dove Springs Gangstas (aka “DSG”), to ten years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for racketeering charges associated with the kidnapping and murder of Darian Longoria in December 2015, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division, and Austin Police Chief Brian Manley.
Last November, Aguayo pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping in aid of racketeering and one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping in aid of racketeering. By pleading guilty, Aguayo admitted to membership in a criminal enterprise that engaged in acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, robbery and narcotics distribution primarily in and around Austin. Aguayo also admitted that he and others kidnapped 16-year-old Darian Longoria on or about December 7, 2015, in furtherance of their criminal enterprise. During the kidnapping, they shot and killed Longoria. On January 3, 2016, Longoria’s body was discovered along Onion Creek.
To date, eight individuals have been sentenced in connection with the investigation into this criminal enterprise. Sentences handed down previously include: Richard Ortega—30 years imprisonment; Orlando Arroyo (aka “Orly”)—20 years imprisonment; Jorge Avliez-Mondragon (aka “Bunny”, “Conejo”) —42 months imprisonment; Norma Luis-Frias—12 months imprisonment; Jacob Guzman—30 months imprisonment; Leslie Mendez-Munoz—21 months imprisonment; and Kathia Gomez—one year probation. In addition to the prison terms, United States District Judge Sam Sparks ordered that Aguayo, Ortega and Arroyo pay, jointly and severally, $10,551.73 restitution to the Estate of Darian Longoria for funeral expenses.
The FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the Austin Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Matt Harding and Dan Guess prosecuted this case on behalf of the Government. The FBI Safe Streets Task Force is comprised of investigators from the Austin Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety and Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO).
Businessman Charged with Stealing Thousands of Dollars from San Antonio Cash Network ATMsRead the Press Release
In San Antonio this morning, FBI agents arrested 54-year-old Joseph Vasquez, a principal of San Antonio Cash Network, for allegedly stealing over $145,000 from his company’s ATMs, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division.
A federal grand jury indictment returned yesterday charges the defendant with four counts of embezzlement. The indictment alleges that in October and November 2016, Vasquez removed cash without authorization from four different San Antonio Cash Network ATMs.
The indictment also seeks a monetary judgment in this case in the amount of $1,084,600, which represents with the value of the proceeds obtained from the defendant’s overall scheme. Each charge calls for up to 30 years in federal prison and up to a $1,000,000 fine upon conviction.
The FBI and the Texas Department of Public Safety investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney William R. Harris is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Kansas Man Sentenced to 40 Years in Federal Prison on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
In San Antonio today, a federal judge sentenced 48–year–old Edward Eugene Lowe, Jr., to 40 years in federal prison on child pornography charges, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division.
United States District Judge Xavier Rodriguez also ordered that Lowe pay $10,000 restitution to his victim.
On March 15, 2018, Lowe pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of production of child pornography. By pleading guilty, Lowe admitted that on June 25, 2010, he sent images of child pornography to a minor male victim. Lowe further admitted that on July 11, 2010, he persuaded the minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct.
FBI agents were alerted after images of the minor were discovered on the minor’s iPad. Further investigation revealed that the minor was communicating with the defendant. Lowe, who at the time resided at a state hospital in Kansas after being committed as a sexual offender, had paid individuals to smuggle cellular phones into the hospital so that he could communicate with underage males and solicit images of child pornography.
On October 4, 2011, FBI agents executed a search warrant and seized Lowe’s phone. A forensics review of the phone revealed sexually explicit images and email communications between Lowe and the minor since May 2010.
The FBI’s San Antonio Child Exploitation Task Force investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Tracy Thompson prosecuted this case on behalf of the Government.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Federal Criminal Complaint Filed Against Driver and Four Others Involved in Dimmit County Crash that Resulted in Deaths of Five Illegal AliensRead the Press Release
In Del Rio today, federal authorities charged five (5) individuals, including 20–year-old Jorge Luis Monsivais, Jr., of Eagle Pass, TX, for their roles in a smuggling scheme that resulted in the deaths of five (5) illegal aliens, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash, U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden, U.S. Border Patrol Del Rio Sector Chief Patrol Agent Felix Chavez and Dimmit County Sheriff Marion Boyd.
A federal complaint charges the defendants with transporting illegal aliens and conspiracy to transport and harbor illegal aliens resulting in serious bodily injury and death. Upon conviction, the offense is punishable by life imprisonment or death, a $250,000 fine, and five years of supervised release.
On June 17, 2018, U.S. Border Patrol agents initiated immigration inspections on three vehicles—a 2013 Tahoe, a 2007 Suburban, and a 2008 Tahoe—traveling in a convoy on FM 2644 between El Indio, TX and Carrizo Springs, TX.
According to the criminal complaint, the 2013 Tahoe yielded while the other two led Border Patrol agents and Dimmit County Sheriff’s deputies on high speed chases. While traveling east bound on Highway 85, Monsivais, the driver of the 2007 Suburban, crashed as he entered the town of Big Wells, TX. According to the complaint, Monsivais was traveling with 13 suspected illegal aliens—including one juvenile—at the time of the crash. Four of them died at the scene. Nine were transported to a hospital for medical care. One died on the way to the hospital. One was released to the custody of the U.S. Border Patrol after receiving medical attention. Seven remain hospitalized, including the juvenile.
The criminal complaint alleges that the driver of the 2008 Tahoe evaded law enforcement before purposefully coming to a stop. Several people absconded from the vehicle. U.S. Border Patrol agents detained the driver, a 17-year-old juvenile, and captured ten (10) suspected illegal aliens in the area.
In addition to Monsivais, the criminal complaint charges the driver of the 2013 Tahoe, 55-year-old Mexican citizen Marcial Gomez Santana; and occupants, 45-year-old Mexican citizen Mariela Reyna; Marcial’s son, 21-year-old Rudy Gomez of Hockley, TX; and, Marcial’s daughter, 19-year-old Johana Gomez of Houston, TX, as conspirators in the smuggling venture. All five charged in the federal criminal complaint remain in custody.
Of the 23 illegal aliens involved in this scheme, 21 are Mexican nationals and two (2) are Honduran nationals. At this time, six (6) of the 23 illegal aliens are being held on federal complaints as material witnesses. This investigation continues. No other federal charges have been filed. The juvenile driver is in the custody of Dimmit County authorities.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is leading this investigation together with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Border Patrol—Del Rio Sector and the Dimmit County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Paul Harle is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
A criminal complaint is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Alleged Sinaloa Cartel Member Extradited to the United States from Mexico for Funneling Massive Amounts of Marijuana and Cocaine into the United StatesRead the Press Release
An alleged Sinaloa Cartel member is in federal custody, following his extradition from Mexico to the United States yesterday afternoon. He is expected to make his initial appearance later today in federal court in El Paso.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney John F. Bash for the Western District of Texas; Special Agent in Charge Kyle W. Williamson of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), El Paso Division; Special Agent in Charge Emmerson Buie, Jr., of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), El Paso Division; and, Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek, II, of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Dallas Division.
Arturo Shows Urquidi aka “Chous”, age 47, is charged in an April 2012 indictment returned by a federal grand jury in El Paso. Urquidi is charged with one count of conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering activity (RICO conspiracy), one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana, one count of conspiracy to import into the United States five kilograms or more of cocaine and 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering offenses and one count of conspiracy to possess firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes.
“The Sinaloa Cartel has smuggled multi-ton quantities of cocaine and heroin into our country for decades, using intimidation, violence and murder to build and protect their criminal empire,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Williamson. “The extradition of Urquidi exemplifies the will of the international law enforcement collaboration to target, disrupt and dismantle the powerful Mexican cartels.”
“The extradition of Urquidi demonstrates that when we work together with our law enforcement partners both here and in Mexico, we can bring Sinaloa Cartel leadership and its core members to justice,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Buie.
“ATF remains committed to partnerships that combat violent crime and firearms trafficking,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Boshek. “Working together to dismantle criminal organizations improves public safety and increases social and economic stability.”
Urquidi was one of two dozen alleged high-ranking Sinaloa Cartel leaders, including Joaquin Guzman Loera aka “El Chapo” and Ismael Zambada Garcia aka “Mayo”, indicted on federal racketeering charges in April 2012. According to the indictment, Urquidi was responsible for the unloading and loading of cocaine, drug proceeds and firearms in Sinaloa Cartel warehouses in Juarez.
Last week, co-defendant Mario De La O Lopez, a former Chihuahua, Mexico state police officer, was sentenced to 324 months in federal prison in connection with the investigation into this criminal enterprise. Three defendants--Gabino Salas-Valenciano, Jesus Rodrigo Fierro-Ramirez and Emigdio Martinez, Jr.--have died since the indictment was returned in 2012. Twenty (20) defendants, including Urquidi, remain under indictment. Trial is scheduled for November 2018. Upon conviction, Urquidi faces up to life in federal prison.
This investigation resulted in the seizure of hundreds of kilograms of cocaine, thousands of pounds of marijuana in cities throughout the United States. Law enforcement also took possession of millions of dollars in drug proceeds which were destined to be returned to the Cartel in Mexico. Agents and Officers likewise seized hundreds of weapons and thousands of rounds of ammunition intended to be smuggled into Mexico to assist the Cartel’s battle to take control of Juarez and the local drug trafficking corridors.
The charges in the indictment are merely allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
The DEA, FBI, and ATF together with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), U.S. Marshals Service, El Paso Police Department, El Paso Sheriff’s Office, and the Texas Department of Public Safety investigated this case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in the extradition. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys of the Western District of Texas.
Former Chihuahua, Mexico State Police Officer Sentenced to Prison on Federal Racketeering ChargeRead the Press Release
In El Paso, a federal judge on Tuesday sentenced 55-year-old former Chihuahua, Mexico State Police Officer Mario De La O Lopez (aka “Flaco”) to 324 months in federal prison for his role in Sinaloa Cartel narcotics distribution operations. In addition to the prison term, United States District Judge Frank Montalvo also ordered that the defendant pay a $1,000 fine.
That announcement was made by United States Attorney John F. Bash; Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Kyle W. Williamson, El Paso Division; Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Emmerson Buie, Jr., El Paso Division; and, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek, II, Dallas Division.
On June 15, 2017, Lopez pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organization statute (RICO). By pleading guilty, Lopez admitted to participating in the criminal enterprise from 2005 through 2009 by safeguarding and repackaging cocaine, weapons and bulk cash shipments.
“The sentencing of Mario De La O Lopez is yet another strike against the powerful and violent drug trafficking organizations whose reach stretches across international borders and directly threatens our communities in the United States”, stated DEA El Paso Division Special Agent in Charge Kyle W. Williamson. “We will continue to work together with our law enforcement partners on both sides of the border to pursue those who threaten our communities through the smuggling and distribution of illegal and dangerous drugs.”
“This sentencing is a result of the ongoing partnership and collaboration between the FBI, DEA and international partners to bring to justice members of the Sinaloa Cartel,” said FBI Special Agent Emmerson Buie, Jr. “This effort not only exemplifies our commitment to prevent drug war violence and criminal activity from poisoning the communities of El Paso and our sister city, Ciudad Juarez, but it also sends a clear message that we will relentlessly pursue and prosecute the leaders and members of these violent drug enterprises.”
“When agencies work in concert, criminals cannot victimize residents and communities in the United States then hide behind shifting geographic jurisdictions,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek, II. “Leveraging partnerships between ATF and federal, state and local agencies in the pursuit of firearms and narcotics traffickers that fuel underground markets and violent crime ensures the most-appropriate prosecution and maximum sanctions for the public we serve.”
Lopez was one of 24 high ranking Sinaloa Cartel leaders, including Joaquin Guzman Loera (aka “El Chapo”) and Ismael Zambada Garcia (aka “Mayo”), indicted on federal racketeering charges in April 2012. To date, only De La O Lopez has pleaded guilty to federal charges in connection with the investigation into this criminal enterprise. Three defendants--Gabino Salas-Valenciano, Jesus Rodrigo Fierro-Ramirez and Emigdio Martinez, Jr.--have died since the indictment was returned in 2012. Twenty (20) other defendants remain under indictment. Trial is scheduled for November 2018.
This investigation resulted in the seizure of hundreds of kilograms of cocaine, thousands of pounds of marijuana in cities throughout the United States. Law Enforcement also took possession of millions of dollars in drug proceeds which were destined to be returned to the Cartel in Mexico. Agent and Officers likewise seized hundreds of weapons and thousands of rounds of ammunition intended to be smuggled into Mexico to assist the Cartel’s battle to take control of Juarez and the local drug trafficking corridors.
The DEA, FBI, and ATF together with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement –Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI), United States Border Patrol, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), United States Marshals Service, El Paso Police Department, El Paso Sheriff’s Office, and the Texas Department of Public Safety investigated this case.
Lockhart Man Charged with Being a Convicted Felon in Possession of a FirearmRead the Press Release
Federal and state authorities arrested 54-year-old Robert Mikell Ussery in Lockhart, TX, today on a federal charge of convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski, Houston Division.
A federal complaint unsealed today alleges that on March 5, 2018, Ussery was knowingly in possession of a silver and black semi-automatic pistol after being convicted of a felony offense.
According to the complaint, on March 5, 2018, Ussery (aka “Side Thorn”), accompanied by his girlfriend (aka “Conspiracy Granny”), entered the property of the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, TX, and verbally harassed church members. The church was the scene of a mass shooting on November 5, 2017, where 26 people were killed. The defendant and his girlfriend claimed the incident was all a hoax, that no one died as a result of the shooting incident, and that “the people” will hang a member of the church for perpetrating the hoax.
Ussery and his girlfriend captured the confrontation on their personal video recording devices that they were holding or wearing. Those devices were seized by authorities.
Ussery’s criminal history includes a 1984 conviction for burglary of a vehicle in Brazoria County for which he received a four-year prison term in the Texas Department of Corrections.
This criminal complaint was the result of a joint investigation by ATF, Texas Department of Public Safety, Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Ussery remains in federal custody following his arrest. He is scheduled to have his initial appearance in San Antonio at 1:30pm on Thursday before United States Magistrate Judge Henry Bemporad. Upon conviction, Ussery faces up to ten years in federal prison. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Wannarka is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
It is important to note that a criminal complaint is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Jury Convicts Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Organization Leadership on All Federal ChargesRead the Press Release
In San Antonio today after a nearly three-month trial, a federal jury convicted the two highest ranking officers of the Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Organization (Bandidos)--National President Jeffrey Fay Pike and National Vice President Xavier Portillo--on federal racketeering and drug trafficking charges.
That announcement was made today by United States Attorney John F. Bash, Western District of Texas; Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Will Glaspy, Houston Division; Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division; Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw; Acting Austin Police Chief Brian Manley; San Antonio Police Chief William McManus; and, Atascosa County Sheriff David A. Soward.
“I am immensely proud of our prosecution team and our law-enforcement partners for this successful prosecution,” stated United States Attorney John F. Bash. “What this verdict shows more than anything is that the Department of Justice is fully capable of stripping away a veneer of legitimate activity to expose and punish underlying criminal conduct. Others should take note.”
Jurors convicted Pike, age 62 of Conroe, TX, and Portillo, age 58 of San Antonio, of (count 1) conspiracy to violate the Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organization (RICO) statute; (count 3) violent crimes in aid of racketeering (VICAR)--murder; (count 4) conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering; (count 5) one count of conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon; (counts 6 and 7) aiding and abetting assault with a dangerous weapon; (count 9) discharging a firearm during a violent crime; and, (count 12) interference with commerce by extortion. Jurors also convicted Portillo of (count 2) violent crimes in aid of racketeering (VICAR)--murder; (count 8) discharging a firearm during a crime of violence; (count 10) conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine and cocaine; (count 11) possession with intent to distribute cocaine; and, (count 13) felon in possession of a firearm.
Jurors found Pike and Portillo guilty of conspiring to conduct the affairs of a criminal organization through racketeering acts including directing, sanctioning, approving and permitting members of the Bandidos to commit murder, attempted murder, robbery, assault, intimidation, extortion and drug trafficking. Evidence during trial revealed that in 2006, Pike and Portillo ordered other Bandidos members to murder Anthony Benesh. At the time, Benesh was attempting to start a Texas Chapter of the Hell’s Angels Outlaw Motorcycle Organization in Austin. Members of the Bandidos warned Benesh to cease his activities and recruitment, which Benesh ignored. Several Bandidos members then murdered Benesh on March 18, 2006, outside an Austin restaurant to protect the power, reputation and territory of the Bandidos enterprise.
Jurors also found that Portillo and others killed Robert Lara in January 2002 in Atascosa County as payback for killing Bandidos member Javier Negrete. Negrete, a member of the same Bandidos chapter as Portillo, was killed outside a San Antonio bar in October 2001.
Jurors also found that Pike, Portillo and others conspired to murder and assault members and associates of the Cossacks Outlaw Motorcycle Organization (Cossacks). Testimony revealed that Portillo, with Pike’s approval, declared that the Bandidos were “at war” with the Cossacks. A number of violent acts were committed by the Bandidos around Texas in furtherance of this “war,” including in Fort Worth, Gordon, Odessa, Port Aransas, Crystal City and elsewhere.
Testimony also revealed that Portillo and other members of the Bandidos were engaged in trafficking methamphetamine and cocaine and maintained an agreement with the Texas Mexican Mafia wherein Bandidos members were not required to pay the 10-percent “dime” to the Texas Mexican Mafia in exchange for permission to traffic narcotics.
“The convictions of the Bandidos National President Jeffery Pike and National Vice President John Portillo make it clear that the DEA and the Justice Department will bring organized criminal enterprises, like the Bandidos, to justice,” said Will R. Glaspy, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration - Houston Division. “DEA, along with our law enforcement partners, remain committed to removing violent criminals and drugs traffickers from our communities.”
“The verdict rendered today is the result of the outstanding partnership between the FBI and all our law enforcement partners,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs. “This effort demonstrates our ongoing commitment to prevent gang violence and criminal activity from poisoning our communities. It also sends a clear message that we will relentlessly pursue and prosecute the leaders and members of these violent criminal enterprises.”
Pike, who previously had been on bond, was remanded into the custody of the United States Marshals Service following today’s verdict. Portillo remains in federal custody. The defendants face up to life in federal prison. Sentencing for Portillo is scheduled for 9:00am on September 24, 2018. Sentencing for Pike is scheduled for 9:00am on October 1, 2018. Both sentencings will be before Senior United States District Judge David A. Ezra in San Antonio. Criminal forfeiture in this case has yet to be determined. The Government is seeking the criminal forfeiture of Portillo’s residence, which according to the evidence presented during trial, was used extensively to carry out the criminal affairs of the organization including drug distribution.
“Today’s verdict is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our local, state and federal officers. The arrest and successful prosecution of these violent offenders involves cooperation and collaboration among the different agencies. We will continue to work together to ensure that our community is a safe community,” stated San Antonio Police Chief William McManus.
The FBI, DEA and Texas DPS investigated this case together with the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Austin Police Department, New Braunfels Police Department, Seguin Police Department, San Antonio Police Department, Bexar County Sheriff’s Department, Atascosa County Sheriff’s Department, Palo Pinto County Sheriff’s Department, Ector County Sheriff’s Department, and the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Eric Fuchs and John Gibson are prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
Former City Attorney and City Manager of Crystal City, TX, Sentenced to Federal Prison for Bribery and Kickback SchemeRead the Press Release
In Del Rio today, a federal judge sentenced the former City Attorney and City Manager of Crystal City, TX, to 420 months in federal prison for his role in a bribery and kickback scheme which decimated city coffers announced United States Attorney John F. Bash and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio.
In addition to the prison term, United States District Judge Alia Moses ordered that 56-year-old William James Jonas, III, pay $1,047,814.05 restitution to Crystal City and forfeit to the Government $17,291.73. Judge Moses also ordered that Jonas be placed on supervised release for a period of three years after completing his prison term.
“Today Judge Moses imposed a just sentence for Mr. Jonas’s staggering betrayal of the public trust—a betrayal that left Crystal City nearly insolvent. But this was surely not an isolated incident. My office is committed to rooting out public corruption throughout Central and West Texas,” stated United States Attorney John F. Bash.
On June 26, 2017, a federal jury convicted Jonas of one count of conspiracy to commit bribery involving federal programs, three substantive counts of bribery involving federal programs, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and theft of honest services, five substantive counts of wire fraud and theft of honest services, and four counts of wire fraud. Jurors also convicted former Crystal City Mayor Ricardo Lopez of one count of conspiracy to commit bribery involving federal programs, one substantive count of bribery involving federal programs, one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and theft of honest services and four substantive counts of wire fraud and theft of honest services. Both Jonas and Lopez were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following the guilty verdict.
Testimony provided during trial revealed that between May 2012 and February 2016, Jonas, Lopez, and other city officials used their official positions to enrich themselves by soliciting and accepting bribes from persons seeking to do business in Crystal City. Jonas and Lopez also used emails, texts and phone calls to carry out their scheme to defraud Crystal City and its citizens through bribery and the concealment of information.
Testimony further revealed that Jonas was involved in a wire fraud scheme in connection with a multi-million-dollar debt offering in December 2014, which was intended to pay for various improvements to the City’s infrastructure, including replacing the City’s water meters, certain heating and air conditioning equipment, and lighting. Under various documents relating to the debt offering, Crystal City agreed to place the $2.25 million generated by the sale of the certificates of obligation into separate accounts and to use those funds only for specified purposes. Instead, Jonas caused those monies to be deposited into the City’s General Fund in December 2014, where the funds were used to pay for Jonas’ salary and other unauthorized expenditures.
According to the indictment, the balance in the City’s General Fund after the deposit of the raised funds was $2,207,050.62. The balance in the City’s General Fund on or about October 31, 2015, was $2,199.95. On November 6, 2015 Crystal City still owed approximately $735,048.79 in payments to the company that performed the infrastructure improvements.
“We would like to thank the San Antonio Police Department who were full partners in this investigation. We also would like to thank the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Rangers for their assistance. This case reflects our commitment to the citizens of Crystal City to aggressively and relentlessly root out criminal corruption in our community,” said Christopher Combs, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Antonio Office. “Citizens deserve honest and faithful service from their public officials. Greed and self-interest have no place in public service. Officials who betray the public and violate their oath of office will be thoroughly investigated and exposed. In this effort one of our most important partners is the public, and we encourage honest citizens to report suspicious activity to the FBI at 210-225-6741.”
Today, Judge Moses also sentenced businessman Ngoc Tri Nguyen to 17 months incarceration (time served) for his role in the fraudulent scheme. Judge Moses also ordered that Nguyen be placed on supervised release for a period of three years and that he forfeit to the Government $4,803. Judge Moses also ordered Nguyen to pay $6,000 restitution as well as a $40,000 money judgment. In May 2016, Nguyen pleaded guilty to a federal programs bribery charge admitting that he paid $6,000 in bribes in exchange for various official acts from his co-defendants. Nguyen has remained in custody since January 2017.
Lopez faces up to five years in federal prison for the conspiracy to commit bribery charge, up to ten years in federal prison for each bribery related charge, and up to 20 years in federal prison for each wire fraud related charge. Three other individuals—former Mayor Pro-Tem Rogelio Mata, former City Councilman Roel Mata and former City Councilman Gilbert Urrabazo—have pleaded guilty to a federal programs bribery charge and face up to ten years in federal prison and up to a $250,000 fine. Sentencing for all four former city officials is scheduled for June 11, 2018, in Del Rio before Judge Moses.
The FBI conducted this investigation with the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigative Division, the Texas Rangers and the San Antonio Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney William R. Harris is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
Former San Antonio Attorney Todd Prins Sentenced to Federal Prison for $2.4 Million Wire Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
In San Antonio today, a federal judge sentenced former San Antonio lawyer Todd Prins to six years in federal prison for a $2.4 Million fraud scheme, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division.
In addition to the prison term, Senior United States District Judge David A. Ezra ordered that the 52-year-old Prins pay $2,975,264 restitution and be placed on supervised release for a period of three years after completing his prison term. Judge Ezra allowed Prins to remain on bond pending Bureau of Prisons facility designation. On June 28, 2017, Prins pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. By pleading guilty, Prins admitted that from August 16, 2013, to December 22, 2016, he defrauded multiple victims of their money by means of false and fraudulent pretenses, representations and promises.
“Ordinary Texans often put their trust in lawyers to help them navigate complex legal disputes. When a lawyer abuses that trust for personal gain, it undermines the integrity of our legal system. The misconduct in this case was simply outrageous, and the six-year sentence was amply deserved,” stated United States Attorney Bash.
According to court records, Prins led clients to believe that a lawsuit Prins filed on their behalf was successful, resulting in a judgment in their favor. To convince his clients, Prins fraudulently created forged court rulings, opinions and orders, purportedly issued by various state and federal courts bearing the signatures of the respective judges. Those courts included Bexar County District Court, the Texas Fourth Court of Appeals, the Texas Supreme Court, United States District Court for the Western District of Texas, and the United States Courts of Appeals for the Fifth and Seventh Circuits.
Furthermore, Prins caused an entity which had purchased real estate in a foreclosure sale conducted by Prins’ law firm to wire transfer approximately $2,400,000 to Prins’ law firm’s trust account. Rather than maintaining those funds in his trust account for proper distribution, Prins caused approximately $2,000,000 of that money to be wire transferred to another bank account he controlled. During October and November 2016, Prins misappropriated and converted to his own use approximately $800,000 of the $2,400,000. Prins, having improperly transferred the $2,000,000 from his trust account to his other account, falsely told a principal of his client-seller that the purchaser’s $2,400,000 was still in his trust account. To support that false claim, Prins fraudulently created and sent by e-mails and text messages what appeared to be screen shots of the trust account showing the balance in the trust account to be in excess of $3,000,000. In fact, the true balance of the trust account was less than $1,000, having been $2,041.17 prior to the receipt of the $2,400,000.
The FBI conducted this investigation. Assistant United States Attorney William R. Harris prosecuted this case on behalf of the Government.
Midland Man Sentenced to 30 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
In Midland, United States District Judge David Counts sentenced 27-year-old Kenneth James Barfield yesterday to 30 years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash; Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Kyle Williamson; and, Midland Interim Police Chief Seth Herman.
On January 10, 2018, Barfield pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to court records, Barfield was responsible for distributing more than 12 kilograms of methamphetamine throughout the Permian Basin from April 2017 to November 2017.
Barfield has remained in custody since being arrested by Midland Police on November 17, 2017.
The Midland Police Department together with the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted this investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Brandi Young prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.
Dove Springs Gangstas Member Sentenced to Federal Prison for Racketeering Offenses Resulting in MurderRead the Press Release
In Austin, a federal judge sentenced 22-year-old member of the Dove Springs Gangstas (aka “DSG”) member Richard Ortega to 30 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for racketeering charges associated with the kidnapping and murder of Darian Longoria in December 2015 announced United States Attorney John F. Bash, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division, and Austin Police Chief Brian Manley.
“Today is one more step on the long road to justice for Darian Longoria. My office is committed to achieving the Attorney General’s goal of stamping out gang violence,” stated United States Attorney John F. Bash.
On January 22, 2018, Ortega pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping in aid of racketeering, one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping in aid of racketeering and one count of possession/use/carrying a firearm in relation to a crime of violence resulting in murder. By pleading guilty, Ortega admitted to membership in a criminal enterprise that engaged in acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, robbery and narcotics distribution primarily in and around Austin. Ortega also admitted that he and others kidnapped 16-year-old Darian Longoria on or about December 7, 2015, in furtherance of their criminal enterprise. During the kidnapping, they shot and killed Longoria. On January 3, 2016, Longoria’s body was discovered along Onion Creek.
To date, eight individuals have pleaded guilty to federal charges in connection with the investigation into this criminal enterprise. Ortega is the seventh defendant in this case to be sentenced. Other sentences handed down include: Orlando Arroyo (aka “Orly”)-20 years imprisonment; Jorge Avliez-Mondragon (aka “Bunny”, “Conejo”)--42 months imprisonment; Norma Luis-Frias--12 months imprisonment; Jacob Guzman--30 months imprisonment; Leslie Mendez-Munoz--21 months imprisonment; and Kathia Gomez—one year probation. In addition to the prison terms, United States District Judge Sam Sparks ordered that Ortega and Arroyo pay, jointly and severally, $10,551.73 restitution to the Estate of Darian Longoria for funeral expenses. Brian Aguayo, who pleaded guilty last November to one count of kidnapping in aid of racketeering and one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping in aid of racketeering, remains in federal custody awaiting sentencing. Aguayo, who is set for sentencing on June 22, 2018, faces up to life in federal prison.
“The tragic murder of 16-year-old Darian Longoria illustrates the horrific impact gang violence and drug trafficking have on our families and communities,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs. “Today, the leader of this violent criminal enterprise responsible for this act faced the consequences of his actions. The FBI, through the Violent Gang Safe Streets Task Force initiative, which includes our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, are committed to fighting for justice for all victims of gang and drug violence.”
The FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the Austin Police Department investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Matt Harding and Dan Guess are prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government. The FBI Safe Streets Task Force is comprised of investigators from the Austin Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety and Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO).
Attorney General Sessions and U.S. Attorney Bash Recognize Law Enforcement Service and Sacrifice During National Police WeekRead the Press Release
Attorney General Jeff Sessions and United States Attorney for the Western District of Texas John F. Bash recognized the service and sacrifice of federal, state, local, and tribal police officers on the occasion of National Police Week, and commented on the FBI's 2017 Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted report.
“During National Police Week, we pause to reflect on the final sacrifice made by so many men and women who quite literally devoted their lives to keeping us all safe. Many of these senseless and infuriating homicides do not receive the same level of media coverage as when an officer, justifiably or not, takes a life. That is perhaps understandable. But I hope that those who in good faith call for policing reform bear in mind the tremendous risk that an officer takes every time he or she makes a traffic stop, or patrols a dangerous neighborhood, or intervenes in a domestic altercation, or attempts to apprehend a fugitive. The memories of our fallen brothers and sisters in blue should weigh heavily whenever we must decide whether an officer acted reasonably in using force in a tense situation clouded by uncertainty and mistrust and the risk of sudden violence,” stated United States Attorney John F. Bash.
In the past year, six law enforcement officers have died in the line of duty in the Western District of Texas. They include:
- Round Rock Police Officer Charles Whites – Officer Whites passed away on April 27, 2018, from injuries sustained after being struck by a vehicle on February 25, 2018. At the time, Whites was directing traffic on Interstate 35 near East Bowman Road where a pedestrian had been struck and killed. White suffered broken ribs, a collapsed lung and bleeding in his brain.
- San Marcos Police Officer Kenneth Copeland – Officer Copeland died on December 4, 2017, after he was fatally shot by a suspect while executing a warrant at a residence in San Marcos, TX.
- Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Damon Allen – Trooper Allen died on November 23, 2017. Trooper Allen was conducting a traffic stop on Interstate 45 near Fairfield, TX, at approximately 4:00pm. The driver allegedly shot Trooper Allen in the back with a rifle as Trooper Allen walked back to his vehicle. Trooper Allen died at the scene.
- Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Tom Nipper – Trooper Nipper died on November 4, 2017. Trooper Nipper was conducting a traffic stop on the southbound shoulder of Interstate 35 in Temple, TX, at approximately 3 p.m. when his patrol car was struck from behind by a Chevrolet pickup truck. Trooper Nipper was transported to local hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
- San Antonio Police Officer Miguel Moreno, III – Officer Moreno died on June 30, 2017. The nine-year veteran of SAPD succumbed to injuries sustained during an altercation with a suspect the day before. Officer Moreno was shot in the head by an individual whom he had pulled over in the 200 block of West Evergreen Street near downtown.
- United States Border Patrol Agent Rogelio Martinez – Border Patrol Agent Rogelio Martinez died on November 19, 2017, from injuries sustained while on duty near Interstate 10 east of Van Horn, TX, the day before.
“One officer death is too many,” Attorney General Sessions said. “While we are inexpressibly grateful to have had a decrease in the number of officers killed in the line-of-duty last year, the number is still far too high. At the Department of Justice, we honor the memories of the fallen and we pray for their families. We are also following President Trump's Executive Orders to back the women and men in blue, to enhance law enforcement safety, and to reduce violent crime in America. Those priorities will help keep every American safe, including those who risk their lives for us. As always, we have their backs and they have our thanks.”According to statistics collected by the FBI, 93 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents in 2017 – a 21 percent decrease from 2016 when 118 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents.
Additionally, in 2017 there were 46 law enforcement officers killed in line-of-duty incidents as a result of felonious acts – this is a 30 percent decrease from 2016, when 66 law enforcement officers were killed in line-of-duty incidents as a result of felonious acts.
For the full comprehensive data tables about these incidents and brief narratives describing the fatal attacks and selected assaults resulting in injury, please see the 2017 edition of Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted report, released today.
In October 1962, Congress passed and President Kennedy signed a joint resolution declaring May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day to honor law enforcement officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. The resolution also created National Police Week as an annual tribute to law enforcement service and sacrifice.
During Police Week, which is observed from Sunday, May 13 to Saturday, May 19, 2018, our nation celebrates the contributions of police officers from around the country, recognizing their hard work, dedication, loyalty and commitment in keeping our communities safe.
The names of all 93 fallen officers nationwide will be formally dedicated on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, DC, during the 30th Annual Candlelight Vigil on the evening of May 13, 2018. So that people across the country can experience this unique and powerful ceremony, the vigil will be livestreamed beginning at 8:00 p.m. EDT on May 13th. To register for this free online event, visit www.LawMemorial.org/webcast.
The Candlelight Vigil is one of many commemorative events taking place in the nation’s capital during National Police Week 2018. For more information about other National Police Week events, please visit www.policeweek.org. To access the FBI's 2017 Law Enforcement Officers Killed and Assaulted report, please visit www.fbi.gov.
U.S. Attorney John F. Bash Announces Additional Supervisory Staff ChangesRead the Press Release
Today, United States Attorney John F. Bash announced changes to his supervisory staff within the District.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg Sofer is now the Chief of the Criminal Division. Sofer has been an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Austin Division of the Western District of Texas since 2007. He has handled, among other types of cases, terrorism, public corruption, violent crime, white collar, espionage, and export-control matters. Most recently, Sofer led the successful prosecution of Chimene Onyeri for the attempted murder of Judge Julie Kocurek. Before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Sofer worked at the Department of Justice in Washington, DC. There, he last served as the Director of the National Gang Targeting Enforcement Coordination Center (GangTECC), where he supervised senior agents from six federal law enforcement agencies in targeting our nation’s most dangerous gangs. Prior to accepting that position, he served as the first ever Director of the Office of Justice for Victims of Overseas Terrorism. That office is responsible for, among other things, monitoring the investigation and prosecution of terrorist incidents overseas in which Americans are killed and injured. Before being named Director, Sofer was an attorney in the Justice Department’s Counterterrorism Section. In that position, he was responsible for investigating and prosecuting a wide variety of terrorism cases, many of which focused on the murder of American citizens overseas. Sofer traveled extensively in pursuit of these cases and has worked with foreign law-enforcement and intelligence authorities in several countries. Sofer has also lectured around the world on issues relating to the confluence of the collection of classified information / intelligence and the criminal prosecution of terrorism cases. Before joining the Department of Justice, Sofer was an Assistant District Attorney in the New York County District Attorney’s Office for over eleven years. While serving as a Deputy Chief, Sofer supervised and prosecuted complex violent gang cases. Before that, Sofer prosecuted hundreds of cases ranging from murder to white collar offenses. Sofer is a graduate of Rutgers University and the New York University School of Law.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michelle Fernald is now the Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division. Fernald, who served as Deputy Chief of the Austin office for the past six years, began her service in the Western District of Texas in 1996 after leaving her positions as a state prosecutor and a Senior Assistant Attorney General for the State of Arkansas. In those roles she served in the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Unit and later in the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Since becoming a federal prosecutor, Fernald has prosecuted a variety of offenses, including in the areas of violent crime, narcotics, immigration, financial fraud, firearms, money laundering, and immigration enforcement. In 2014, Fernald was named as a “Winning Woman” by Texas Lawyer for her role in the prosecution of members and associates of the Los Zetas Cartel for money laundering through the American Quarter Horse Industry, an honor only given every three years to 19 women across the state. Fernald graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1987 and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 1991.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Erica Giese is now the Chief of the Financial Litigation Unit (FLU). Prior to joining the District, Giese served as a prosecutor for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. In 2006, she began her federal service as a prosecutor in the Del Rio Division of the Western District of Texas, where she prosecuted a variety of cases involving immigration, narcotics, public corruption, gangs and organized crime (RICO), violent crime, child pornography, civil-rights violations, fraud, firearm-trafficking offenses, human smuggling, juvenile offenses, and Indian Country crime. In 2012, she was promoted to Chief of the Del Rio Division and later became the Chief of the San Antonio Division. In 2014, Giese received the Executive Office of U.S. Attorneys Director’s Award for Superior Performance in recognition of her handling of a firearms-trafficking case that resulted in the prosecution of over fifty defendants and the seizure of approximately seventy firearms and thousands of rounds of ammunition before they could be smuggled into Mexico. In 2017, Giese joined the Civil Division’s Affirmative Civil Enforcement section. Giese is a 2002 graduate of St. Mary’s University School of Law, a 1999 graduate of Texas State University, and a 1996 graduate of The University of Texas at Austin.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John Gibson is now the Chief of the San Antonio Division. Gibson began his service with the Western District of Texas in 2003 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Border Interdiction Group in El Paso, where he prosecuted immigration and drug-trafficking crimes on the southwest border. He then joined the Organized Crime Drug Trafficking Task Force (OCDETF), prosecuting high-level drug-cartel and transnational-gang members for eleven years and ultimately being promoted to Chief of the OCDETF Unit in El Paso. Before becoming a federal prosecutor, Gibson was an assistant district attorney for the 34th District Attorney’s Office and an attorney for the Texas Department of Public Safety. He has been awarded the Attorney General’s Distinguished Service Award and the Director’s Award for Superior Performance as a Criminal Assistant U.S. Attorney, and he is a three-time recipient of the James H. DeAtley Award for exceptional trial work. Gibson graduated from the University of Texas School of Law in 1995 and Sul Ross State University in 1992.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Guess is now the Chief of the Austin Division. Guess began his service with the Western District of Texas in January 2011 in the Austin Division. Before joining the office, Guess served as the Lead OCDETF attorney and Deputy Criminal Chief for Major Crimes in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas. Guess began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, where he was responsible for appellate, misdemeanor, felony, and specialized-crime matters. In addition to his accomplishments as a prosecutor, Guess served on active duty in the U.S. Air Force from 1987 to 1991 and as a reservist from 1991 to 1999, ultimately attaining the rank of Major. Guess graduated from Georgetown University with a Bachelor of Science Foreign Service degree in 1986 and from the University of Texas School of Law in 1994.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Grant Sparks is now the Deputy Chief of the Austin Division. Sparks has been a prosecutor since 1995 and an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Austin Division of the Western District of Texas since 2007. Before joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Sparks was an Assistant Attorney General assigned the Cyber Crimes Unit in the Texas Attorney General’s Office, where he also served as Unit Commander of the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. Sparks also served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for both the Western and Eastern Districts of Texas for several years prosecuting computer-related crimes. Earlier in his career, Sparks was a prosecutor in Williamson County, TX, a briefing attorney to the Honorable Bill White of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, and a field representative to U.S. Representative Frank Lucas of Oklahoma. Sparks received his B.A. from the University of Oklahoma and his J.D. from The George Washington University Law School.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jody Gilzene is now the Deputy Chief of the Del Rio Division. Gilzene previously served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney within the Del Rio Division, where she prosecuted a variety of offenses, including in the areas of drug importation, illegal-alien transportation, and immigration-document fraud. Gilzene began her federal service in 2008, when she left her position as an Assistant Prosecutor in Eaton County Michigan to join the U.S. Air Force as a Judge Advocate General. During her active-duty service, Gilzene served as a military prosecutor, a military defense attorney, the Chief of General Law, and a civil-litigation counsel. Gilzene also deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, where she served as Chief of Military Justice and Deputy Staff Judge Advocate. After an honorable discharge from active duty, Gilzene worked as an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Austin, where she defended various city departments in personnel actions. Gilzene graduated Western Michigan University Cooley Law School in 2007 and the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2003, where she was also a member of the Women’s Division I basketball team.
In addition to the foregoing supervisory changes, U.S. Attorney Bash has selected Assistant U.S. Attorney Margaret Leachman to serve as Senior Litigation Counsel. Leachman previously served as Chief of the Criminal Division. In her new role, Leachman will focus on the office’s discovery and disclosure obligations and will work on prosecutions and other matters of particular significance.
Bash previously promoted Ashley Hoff to First Assistant U.S. Attorney and Kristy Callahan to Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney.
“I have selected this team of supervisors from an outstanding pool of prosecutors and civil attorneys in the Western District of Texas,” stated U.S. Attorney Bash. “I look forward to working with this team and our other supervisors to enhance the safety and security of the people of Central and West Texas. I am especially grateful to Margaret Leachman, one of the hardest-working attorneys you will ever meet, for her continued service in the district as a Senior Litigation Counsel. Her guidance has been invaluable to me.”
Two Foreign Nationals Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Austin-Based Multi-Million Dollar S.I.R.F. SchemeRead the Press Release
In Austin today, a federal judge sentenced two foreign nationals formerly living in Austin to federal prison in connection with a multi-million dollar Austin-based Stolen Identity Refund Fraud (SIRF) scheme announced United States Attorney John F. Bash; Acting Special Agent in Charge Andy Tsui, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); Inspector in Charge Adrian Gonzalez, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Houston Division; and, Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), San Antonio Division.
United States District Judge Lee Yeakel sentenced 36-year-old Ibrahim Alu and 40-year-old George Ismail to eight years and seven years in federal prison, respectively. Judge Yeakel also ordered them to pay joint and several restitution in the amount of $1,358,489.
In January 2018, both defendants pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit fraud. According to court records, Alu and Ismail entered the United States claiming to be Sudanese citizens escaping persecution and requested asylum. Neither defendant had any documents establishing who they were or where they were from. Both claims were eventually denied by DHS because these claims were false. Both defendants could not be deported back to Sudan, since they were not from Sudan, so they remained in the U.S. and were given permission to work. However, the investigation revealed that both defendants gave false names to U.S. authorities and were in fact citizens of Nigeria.
Both Alu and Ismail used their time in the United States to participate in a fraudulent scheme to steal the identity of hundreds of U.S. citizens and exploit those identities for financial gain by filing fraudulent tax returns and by opening credit cards in the names of the victims. They also laundered the proceeds of other fraudulent activity in furtherance of the conspiracy. The intended loss of the fraud conspiracy was approximately $3.9 million dollars.
Among the ways that the conspiracy illegally acquired Personal Identification Information (PII) of U.S. victims was through operating cleaning services in the Austin area, cleaning offices, and then looting those offices for PII. Among the locations the conspiracy victimized were medical facilities, where patient files were stolen, and the ARC Pooled Trust of Greater Austin, which helps to provide financial security services to people with developmental and physical disabilities.
Authorities are still looking to arrest Nigerian national co-defendants Dele Akanbi (aka “SK”), age 44, and George Najomo, age 54.
Agents from the IRS-CI, USPIS and HSI conducted this investigation along with assistance from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)--Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO). Assistant United States Attorneys Michael C. Galdo, Gregg N. Sofer and Elizabeth Cottingham are prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. Akanbi and Najomo are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Houston Man Convicted of Racketeering Schemes that Involved the Attempted Capital Murder of State District Court Judge Julie KocurekRead the Press Release
In Austin today, a federal jury convicted 30-year-old Chimene Hamilton Onyeri on federal charges related to his leadership role in carrying out fraud and racketeering schemes that involved the attempted capital murder of State District Court Judge Julie Kocurek in November of 2015.
That announcement was made by United States Attorney John F. Bash; Travis County District Attorney Margaret Moore; FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs; Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Acting Special Agent in Charge Andy Tsui; Austin Police Chief Brian Manley; and, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Inspector in Charge Adrian Gonzalez, Houston Division.
“Today’s verdict vindicates the integrity of our judicial system and achieves justice for Judge Kocurek. I thank the jury for their conscientious service over a long trial,” stated United States Attorney John F. Bash.
Jurors convicted Onyeri of one count of conspiracy to violate the Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organization (RICO) statute, one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, two counts of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, seven counts of aggravated identity theft, and six counts of witness tampering.
Evidence presented during trial revealed that from January 2012 to November 2015, Onyeri, 28-year-old Marcellus Antoine Burgin of Cypress, TX, and 26-year-old Rasul Kareem Scott of Marrero, LA, all conspired to commit various fraudulent schemes for financial gain in Austin, Houston, the state of Louisiana and surrounding areas. Schemes included converting stolen debit card numbers obtained from skimming devices into cash, and Stolen Identity Refund Fraud (SIRF), through the use of the U.S. Mail. Their racketeering enterprise involved mail fraud, bribery of a public official, wire fraud, document fraud, access device fraud, money laundering and attempted murder.
According to testimony, when the existence of the criminal enterprise was threatened, Onyeri responded with violence. On the night of November 6, 2015, Onyeri attempted to murder State District Court Judge Julie Kocurek, whom Onyeri believed was going to sentence him to prison, by shooting Judge Kocurek while she sat in her car outside her home in Austin. As a result of the incident, Kocurek suffered serious bodily injury from multiple gunshots and resulting shrapnel.
Testimony also revealed that in September 2016, Onyeri attempted to contact six witnesses by smuggling a note out of the Travis County Jail and corruptly persuade them not to talk about Onyeri’s criminal activities to investigators in this case.
“The law enforcement response to this evil has been truly exemplary. The investigation was tireless and meticulous. And the United States Attorney and the Travis County District Attorney jointly delivered the resources necessary to achieve this successful prosecution,” stated Travis County District Attorney Margaret Moore.
“Today’s verdict should send a clear message to those who threaten, injure or kill members of the judiciary – you will not escape the consequences of your actions. Justice will be served and you will be held accountable,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs. “It was an honor and privilege to work with Austin Police Department, and our law enforcement partners, to bring justice for a brave jurist and dedicated public servant whose life was changed forever by the defendant’s brazen and violent actions.”
“Chimene Onyeri’s criminal organization perpetuated elaborate fraud schemes driven by his insatiable greed. This trial has shown Onyeri’s blatant disregard for human life by the attempted murder of a State District Court Judge,” said Andy Tsui, Acting IRS Special Agent in Charge of the San Antonio field office. “This conviction demonstrates IRS Criminal Investigation’s commitment in supporting our law enforcement partners in holding criminal organizations accountable for their actions.”
“This investigation was an excellent example of a partnership between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies working together to successfully prosecute numerous violations of federal statutes. I commend the hard work and countless hours put forth by all of the law enforcement agencies involved, which resulted in justice for the victims,” stated USPIS Inspector in Charge Adrian Gonzalez.
“I am grateful to our local, state and federal partners for bringing closure to this case,” said Police Chief Brian Manley. “The strong partnerships we have with our partnering agencies were crucial to this investigation. I’d like to thank the Austin Police Department’s Homicide and Homicide Cold Case Unit for their tireless work and dedication seeking justice for Judge Julie Kocurek and the Kocurek family whose lives will always be impacted by this senseless act.”
“I’m glad to see justice prevail against Onyeri and congratulate federal and state prosecutors on a job well done. I wish Judge Kocurek nothing but the best as she moves forward and continues to heal. It was the Travis County Sheriff’s Office’s honor to provide security to her and her family and to participate in the multi-agency efforts that investigated and prosecuted this case,” stated Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez.
Burgin and Scott both entered guilty pleas prior to jury selection. Burgin and Scott each pleaded guilty to the RICO conspiracy charge. Both remain in federal custody awaiting sentencing which has yet to be scheduled. Onyeri, who also remains in federal custody, is scheduled for sentencing at 9:00am on August 17, 2018, in Austin before United States District Judge Lee Yeakel.
This FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, United States Secret Service, Austin Police Department and the Travis County District Attorney’s Office investigated this case. The 14th Judicial District Attorney’s Office in (Calcasieu Parish) Lake Charles, Louisiana; Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office; United States Attorney’s Offices for the Southern District of Texas and the Eastern District of Louisiana; the United States Marshals Service; Travis County Sheriff’s Office; and, the Houston Police Department provided valuable assistance during this investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gregg N. Sofer and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Dayna L. Blazey of the Travis County District Attorney’s Office are prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
Hombre De Houston Condenado De Esqumas De Raqueterismo Incluso De Intentar El Asesinato De La Juez Julie Kocurek De La Corte Distrito Del EstadoRead the Press Release
Hoy en Austin, el tribunal de jurados federal condenaron a Chimene Hamilton Onyeri, 30 años, de cargos federales por su dirección en las esquemas de fraude y requeterismo incluso de intentar el asesinato de la Juez Julie Kocurek en noviembre de 2015.
Fue anunciado por el Abogado de los Estados Unidos John F. Bash, Margaret Moore, Abogada de la Oficina del Abogado del Condado de Travis; Christopher Combs, Agente Especial en Cargo de la Oficina de Investigaciones Federales (FBI por sus siglas en inglés); Andy Tsui, Interismo Agente Especial en Cargo del Servicio Interno de Impuestos – Investigaciones Criminales (IRS-CI, por sus siglas en inglés); Jefe de Policía Brian Manley; y Adrian Gonzalez, Inspector en Carga del Servicio de Inspección Postal de los Estados Unidos (USPIS, por sus siglas en inglés), División de Houston.
“La decisión de hoy es vindicación a la integridad del sistema judicial y lleva a cabo justicia para Juez Kocurek. Le doy gracias al tribunal por su servicio concienzudo durante el juicio,” dijo el Abogado de los Estados Unidos John F. Bash.
El tribunal de jurados condenaron Onyeri de un cargo de conspiración de violación del estatuo Requeterismo Influenciada de Organización Corrupto (RICO por sus siglas en inglés), un cargo de conspiración de cometer fraude por correspondencia; dos cargos de conspiración de cometer fraude por transmisión electrónico, siete cargos de robo de identidad agravada, y seis cargos de corromper testigos.
Evidencia presentada durante el juicio reveló que durante enero 2012 hasta noviembre 2015, Onyeri, Arcellus Antoine Burgin (Burgin), 28 años de Cypress, Tejas, y Rasul Kareem Scott (Scott), 26 años de Marrero, Louisiana, todos conspiraron para cometir varias esquemas fraudulentas para ganancias financieras en Austin, Houston, el estado de Louisiana y las áreas cercanas. Las esquemas incluyeron convertiendo números de tarjetas de débido robadas obtenidos por un aparato para obtener información electrónica (skimming device en inglés) a efectivo, y Fraude por Reembolso de Identidad Robada (SIRF por sus siglas en inglés) por medio de correo del Servicio Postal de los Estados Unidos. Su raqueterismo envolvió fraude por correo, soborno de un oficial público, fraude por transmisión electrónico, fraude de documentos, fraude por aparato para obtener información electrónica, lavado de dinero, y atentar asesinato.
Durante el testimonio se descubrió que cuando la empresa criminal fue conminada, Onyeri respondió con violencia. La noche del 5° de noviembre, 2015, Onyeri atentó de asesinar la Juez de la Corte Distrito del Estado Julie Kocurek, quien Onyeri opinaba que lo iba condenar a prisión, y disparó mientras la Juez estaba sentada en su coche fuera de su casa en Austin. Resultó que Kocurek sufrió lesiones corporales serios por medio de los disparos múltipos y la mentralla que resultó.
El testimonio también resultó que en septiembre 2016, Onyeri atentó de contactar seis testigos por medio de contrabandear una nota fuera de la cárcel del Condado de Travis y corruptamente inducir los de no hablar con los investigadores sobre las actas criminales de Onyeri en éste caso.
“La reacción de los autoridades de la ley a éste malvado a sido ejemplar. La investigación fue infatigable y meticuloso. El Abogado de los Estados Unidos y la Abogada del Condado de Travis juntamente despacharon los recursos necesarios para obtener el enjuiciamiento exitoso,” dijo Margaret Moore la Abogada del Condado de Travis.
“La decisión de hoy debe de mandar un mensaje claro a los que amenazan, dañan o quitan la vida de los miembros del tribunal – no escaparan la consecuencias de sus acciones. Justicia se servirá y va ser responsable,” dijo Christopher Combes, Agente Especial en Cargo del FBI. “Fue un honor y privilegio de trabajar con el Departamento de Policía de Austin, y nuestros socios autoridades de ley, para obtener justicia para una jurista valiente quien ha dedicado su vida a servir el público cual vida fue cambiada por las acciones violentas y descaradas de parte del Demandado.”
“La organización criminal del Chinene Onyeri comitió esquemas de fraude por razón de su codicia insaciable. Éste juicio expone el desprecio de vida del Demandado por atentar de asesinar un Juez de la Corte del Distrito. La condena es demostrativa del compromiso del IRS-CI de apoyar nuestros socios de las agencias de leyes en hacer responsable las organizaciones criminales por sus acciones,” dijo Andy Tsui, Interismo Agente Especial en Cargo de la Oficina de San Antonio.
“Ésta investigación es un ejemplo excelente de la asociación de las agencias de leyes local, del estado, y federal trabajando juntos para enjuiciar varias violaciones de estatuas federales. Encomiendo el trabajo duro y las horas trabajadas por todas las agencias cual resultó justicia para los víctimas,” dijo Adrian Gonzalez, Inspector en Cargo de USPIS.
“Le agradezco nuestros socios local, del estado y federal de llevar a cabo a éste caso. La asociación que tenemos con nuestros socios fue crucial a la investigación. Me gustaría dar las gracias al Grupo de Homicidio y Casos Sin Resolución del Departamento de Policía de Austin por su trabajo y dedicación para obtener justicia para la Juez Julie Kocurek y la familia Kocurek quienes vidas siempre han cambiado por éste acto insensatez,” dijo El Jefe de Policía Brian Manley.
“Estoy argullosa ver justicia contra Onyeri y les felicito los fiscales federales y del estado en un trabajo buen hecho. Le deseo a Juez Kocurek todo lo mejor mientras continua recobrar su salud. La Oficina del Alguacil de Policía del Condado de Travis tuvo el honor de proveerle seguridad y también a su familia y participó con los esfuerzos de las agencias para investigar y enjuiciar éste caso,” dijo la Alguacil Sally Hernandez.
Burgin y Scott se declararon culpable antes de la selección del tribunal de jurados. Burgin y Scott se declararon culpable del cargo de conspiración RICO. Los dos permanecen en custodia federal mientas esperan su audencia para recibir su condena, cual no se ha citada. Ohneri, permanece en custodia federal. Su audencia para recibir su condena frente el Juez Lee Yeakel en Austin está citada para las 9:00 de la mañana el 17 de agosto, 2018.
Las agencias que investigaron éste caso: Oficina de Investigaciones Federales (FBI, por sus siglas en inglés), Servicio de Inspección Postal de los Estados Unidos (USPIS, por sus siglas en inglés), Servicio Secreto de los Estados Unidos (SS, por sus siglas en inglés), el Departamento de Policía de Austin (APD, por sus siglas en inglés) y la Oficina del Abogado del Contado de Travis (DA, por sus siglas en inglés). Las agencias que asistieron durante la investigación: La Oficina del Abogado de Lake Charles, Louisiana, La Oficina del Condado de Fort Bend, La Oficina del Abogado de los Estados Unidos del Distrito Sur de Tejas y del Distrito Este de Louisiana; el Servicio de la Guardia de los Estados Unidos (USMS, por sus siglas en inglés), el Alguacil del Condado de Travis (TCSO, por sus siglas en inglés); y el Departamento de Policía de Houston (HPD, por sus iniciales en inglés). Abogado Asistente de los Estados Unidos Gregg Sofer y Abogada Asistente Especial de los Estados Unidos Dayna L. Blaze de la Oficina del Abogado del Condado de Travis son los fiscales de parte del gobierno.
James Matthew Bradley, Jr., Sentenced to Life in Federal Prison for Transporting Illegal Aliens Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
In San Antonio today, Senior United States District Judge David A. Ezra sentenced 61–year–old Louisville, KY, truck driver James Matthew Bradley, Jr., to life in federal prison without parole for his role in an illegal alien smuggling operation that resulted in ten deaths, announced Attorney General Jeff Sessions, United States Attorney John F. Bash and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden.
Judge Ezra also ordered that Bradley forfeit to the Government his tractor-trailer rig, plus approximately $5,600 in U.S. currency and a .38 caliber pistol recovered from inside the cab.
“Smuggling illegal aliens into this country disregards both our laws and their safety,” Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. “The defendant's actions in this case led to the agonizing deaths of 10 people. Were it not for his actions, they might still be alive today. This case is a reminder of why the Trump administration and this Department of Justice have renewed our commitment to enforcing our criminal immigration laws and why we are going to continue to work to secure our borders. I want to thank the fabulous Assistant U.S. Attorneys who prosecuted this case, Christina Playton and Matthew Lathrop, as well as our partners with ICE, HSI, CBP, the San Antonio Police and Fire Departments and the Bexar County Sheriff's Office for helping us achieve justice. This tragic case is yet another reminder that Congress must end the incentives that encourage illegal immigration and alien smuggling in the first place.”
After sentencing United States Attorney John F. Bash said, “I am gratified that the court imposed an appropriate punishment for this horrific crime. Through this prosecution, we have sent two unmistakable messages: first, that alien smuggling is a dangerous offense with real victims; and second, that DOJ will seek justice for all victims of crime, no matter their legal status.”
“But I have a further message for those employers who knowingly hire unauthorized immigrants by the dozens, in blatant violation of federal law: You are creating the economic incentive for precisely the sort of deadly exploitation of vulnerable people that occurred in this case. And we will be looking very hard at how our system of criminal justice can eliminate that incentive.”
On October 16, 2017, Bradley pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport aliens resulting in death and one count of transporting aliens resulting in death. By pleading guilty, Bradley admitted that on July 23, 2017, he conspired to transport and did transport illegal aliens in the United States for financial gain; to further their illegal entry into this country; with reckless disregard that they entered this country illegally; and, which resulted in the death of ten illegal aliens.
According to court records, which Bradley admitted were factually correct, San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) officers responded to a call at the Wal-Mart store located at 8538 Interstate 35 in San Antonio shortly after midnight on Sunday, July 23, 2017. An officer encountered a tractor-trailer behind the store, finding a number of people standing and lying in the rear of the trailer, and the driver, Bradley, in the cab. At the scene, law enforcement officers discovered 39 illegal aliens. Of the 39 illegal aliens found at the scene ten (10) died, eight (8) died in the trailer and two (2) died later in area hospitals. There were four juveniles, aged 14-17 years old, within the group of aliens in Bradley’s trailer who were unaccompanied by an adult.
Court records further state that the illegal aliens estimated the trailer contained between 70 and 180 to 200 people during transport. They also described differing fees for being transported.
“Today’s sentencing of James Matthew Bradley, Jr., brings some closure to a truly horrific and unnecessary tragedy that involved exploiting human cargo for pure greed,” said Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden, HSI San Antonio. “Not only were ten lives lost, but many more were injured as a result of Bradley’s participation in this illegal scheme. HSI continues to aggressively target and dismantle transnational criminal organizations that profit from the suffering of individuals. On a daily basis, criminal networks conspire to smuggle, transport and harbor individuals for financial gain at the expense of others.”
On March 8, 2018, Bradley’s co-defendant, 47–year–old Pedro Silva Segura, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport aliens resulting in death. Those charges stem from a superseding federal grand jury indictment handed down on September 20, 2017. Silva, a Mexican citizen residing in Laredo, TX, remains in federal custody pending sentencing scheduled for June 29, 2018. He faces up to life in federal prison.
The U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) lead this investigation together with ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), the San Antonio Police Department and the San Antonio Fire Department, with assistance from the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office and the U. S. Customs and Border Protection’s Border Patrol. Assistant United States Attorneys Christina Playton and Matthew Lathrop are prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
James Matthew Bradley, Jr., Condenado A La Pena De Cadena Perpetua En Prision Federal Por Transportar Contrabando Humano Resultando En MuerteRead the Press Release
Hoy en San Antonio, el Mayor Juez David A. Ezra condenó al conductor del camion de carga James Matthew Bradley, Jr., 61 años de Louisville, Kentucky, a la pena de cadena perpetua sin posibilidad de libertad condicional por su participación de transportar inmigrantes indocumentados que resultó en la muerte de 10 personas, anunció el Abogado General Jeff Sessions, el Abogado de los Estados Unidos John F. Bash, y Agente Especial en Cargo del Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE, por sus siglas en inglés) y la Oficina de Investigaciones de Seguridad Nacional (HSI, por sus siglas en inglés) Shane Folden.
Mayor Juez Ezra también ordenó la pérdida del remolque, efectivo de aproximadamente $5,600 y la pistola de .38 recuperada en la cabina.
“Transportar contrabando humano dentro éste país es una indiferencia a nuestras leyes y la seguridad de los inmigrantes,” dijo el Abogado General Jeff Sessions. “Las acciones del demandado en éste caso resultó en la muerte de 10 personas. Sin sus acciones, podrían estar vivos hoy. Éste caso es la razón por cual la administración de Trump y éste Departamento de Justicia hemos renovado nuestro compromiso de la aplicación de las leyes criminales de inmigración y vamos a continuar el trabajo de la seguridad la frontera. Quiero dar las gracias a los fabulosos Asistentes Abogados de los Estados Unidos que enjuiciaron éste caso, Christina Playton y Matthew Lathrop, y también les agradezco a nuestros socios con ICE, HSI, la Oficina de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza de los Estados Unidos (CBP, por sus siglas en inglés) el Departamento de Policía de San Antonio (SAPD por sus siglas en ingles), el Departamento de Bomberos de San Antonio (SAFD por sus siglas en inglés) y el Alguacil de Policía del Condado de Bexar (BCSO por sus siglas en inglés) por ayudarnos lograr justicia. Éste caso trágico es otro recordatorio que el Congreso en el primer lugar tienen que terminar los incentivos que alentan la inmigración ilegal y la transportación de contrabando humano.”
Después de la condena el Abogado de los Estados Unidos John F. Bash dijo, “Estoy gratificado que la corte impuso un castigo apropiado por éste crimen horrendo. Durante el enjuiciamiento hemos mandado dos mensajes inequívocos: primero, la transportación de contrabando humano es una ofensa peligrosa con victimas reales; y dos, el Departamento de Justicia buscará justicia para todos los victimas de crimen, sin considerar su estatus legal.”
“Pero tengo otro mensaje para los empleadores que alquilen inmigrantes indocumentados sin consideración de la violación de las leyes federales: Usted está creando los incentivos económicos para la explotación mortal de las personas vulnerables como las de éste caso. Vamos a determinar como nuestra sistema de justicia criminal puede eliminar ése incentivo.”
El 16 de octubre, 2017, Bradley se declaró culpable de un cargo de conspiración de transportar contrabando humano resultando en muerte y un cargo de transportar contrabando humano resultando en muerte. En declararse culpable, Bradley admitió que en el 23 de julio, 2017, el conspirió y transportó contrabando humano en los Estados Unidos para ganancia financiera; para adelantar su entrada ilegal dentro de éste país; con desprecio temerario que entraron al país ilegalmente; y cual resultó en la muerte de 10 personas.
Conforme con los archivos de la corte, quales Bradley admitió que son factualmente corectos, el Departamento de Policía de San Antonio (SAPD, por sus siglas en inglés) respondieron a la llamada del Wal-mart localizado en 8538 Carretera 35 después de medianoche el domingo, 23 de junio, 2017. El Oficial de Policía encontró el camion de carga detrás de la tienda, y encontó varias personas parados y acostados encima del camión de carga, y el conductor Bradley en el cabina. Los oficiales descubrieron 39 inmigrantes indocumentados. De los 39 inmigrantes indocumentados, 10 fallecieron, ocho fallecieron en el remolque y dos fallecieron en hospitales localizados en San Antonio. En en grupo transportados por Bradley, cuatro eran jóvenes de menor de edad desde 14 – 17 años sin compañeros adultos.
Los archivos de la corte establecen que el remolque conteniba dentro de 70 inmigrantes indocumentatos, y desde 180 – 200 personas durante el transporte. Los archivos proveen las recompensas variables para ser transportado.
“La condena de hoy de James Matthew Bradley, Jr. cierra la tragedia horrífica e innecesaria que involucró la explotación de la transportación de contrabando humano solamente por codicia pura,” dijo el Agente Especial en Cargo de HSI San Antonio Shane Folden. “No solamente se perdieron 10 vidas, más fueron heridos por resulto de la participación en la esquema ilegal de Bradley. HSI continua de agresivamente enforcar y desmantelar organizaciones criminales transnacionales que lucran del sufrimiento de individuos. Diariamente grupos criminales conspiran para hacer contrabando, transportar, y encubrir individuos para ganancias financieras a la riesga de otros.”
El 8 de marzo, 2018, Pedro Silva Segura, de 47 años y codemandado de Bradley se declaró culpable de un cargo de conspiración de transportar contrabando humano resultando en muerte. Esos cargos resultaron de la denuncia supercediendo del gran jurado de acusación del 20 de septiembre, 2017. Silva, un ciudadano de México, residiendo en Laredo, Tejas, permanece en custodia federal mientras espera su audencia para recibir su condena el 29 de junio, 2018. Se enfrenta la pena de cadena perpetua en la prisión federal.
Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE) y la Oficina de Investigaciones de Seguridad Nacional (HSI) junto con la Oficina de Detención y Deportación (ICE ERO por sus siglas en ingles), el Departamento de Policía de San Antonio (SAPD por sus siglas en ingles), el Departamento de Bomberos de San Antonio (SAFD por sus siglas en ingles) con asistencia del Alguacil de Policía del Condado de Bexar (BCSO por sus siglas en ingles) y la Oficina de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza de los Estados Unidos (CBP, por sus siglas en ingles) ayudaron con la investigación. Christina Playton y Matthew Lathrope son los abogados fiscales de parte del gobierno.
Round Rock Man Faces Federal Counterfeiting ChargesRead the Press Release
Authorities in Austin today arrested 58-year-old Steve Kim on federal counterfeiting charges, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash, and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden, San Antonio.
A federal grand jury indictment returned this week charges Kim with one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States and one count of trafficking in counterfeit goods. According to the indictment, from January 2010 until June 2, 2017, Kim knowingly sold more than $325,000 worth of counterfeit sports apparel on eBay. A vast majority of the items was acquired in China and shipped to his home in Round Rock. Those items included National Basketball Association (NBA), Major League Baseball (MLB), National Football League (NFL), and National Hockey League (NHL) jerseys and hats.
On June 2, 2017, federal and state authorities executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence and seized more than 2,300 items bearing counterfeit markings to include NBA, MLB, NFL, NHL, Reebok, Louis Vuitton, New Era and others. Suggested retail value of the seized items exceeds $189,000.
Upon conviction, Kim faces up to five years in federal prison on the conspiracy charge and up to ten years in federal prison on the counterfeit goods charge.
HSI Austin, with assistance from the Austin Police Department and the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Galdo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
After Stand-Off Authorities in San Antonio Arrest Robbery CrewRead the Press Release
In San Antonio this morning, authorities arrested four individuals for their alleged role in the robbery of a San Antonio pawn shop yesterday, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Fred J. Milanowski, Houston Division; and, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus.
A federal criminal complaint and supporting affidavit filed in federal court today charges those arrested this morning--40-year-old Daniel Ray Rodriguez, 22-year-old Daniel Ray Rodriguez, Jr., 24-year-old Xavier Noel Musquiz and 36–year-old Cesar Rodriguez—and 22-year-old Martin Ramirez Hernandez with one count of Robbery Affecting Interstate Commerce. The complaint alleges that on April 12, 2018, the defendants robbed a Cash America Pawn in San Antonio at gun point. The defendants stole approximately 30 firearms, several hundred pieces of jewelry, and an undetermined amount of United States currency.
Overnight, San Antonio Police officers and ATF agents set up surveillance of a residence in San Antonio. The five men were believed to be inside the house. Over the course of the stand-off, four of the five suspects were arrested. Law enforcement is still looking for Hernandez. If anyone has information on where Hernandez is, please call the San Antonio Police Department or 911.
All four arrested this morning remain in federal custody.
Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Wannarka is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
It is important to note that a criminal complaint is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
Two Austin Area Men and an Arizona Machine Gun Manufacturer Charged in Connection with Firearms Smuggling SchemeRead the Press Release
In Austin today, federal charges were filed against two Austin area residents and an Arizona machinegun manufacturer in connection with a firearms smuggling scheme that involved machine guns and assault weapons, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Fred J. Milanowski, Houston Division; Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden; and, United States Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Inspector in Charge Adrian Gonzalez, Houston Division.
A two–count Information charges 28–year-old Tyler Carlson of Austin, 69-year-old Michael Fox of Georgetown, TX, and 62–year-old Tracy Garwood of Scottsdale, AZ, with one count of conspiracy to violate multiple federal laws, including possessing and transferring unregistered machineguns and unlawfully exporting firearms to Mexico. Additionally, Carlson is charged with one substantive count of possession of an unregistered machinegun.
“We need to vigorously enforce the firearm laws that are on the books, and these charges are part of that mission,” stated United States Attorney John F. Bash.
According to the Information, Carlson worked with others to acquire and unlawfully smuggle 200 firearms, including .50 caliber rifles, and hundreds of thousands of rounds of ammunition to Mexico.
Additionally, according to the Information, Carlson worked with Michael Fox, a former law enforcement officer and federal firearms licensee, to illegally acquire multiple M-134G Minigun machineguns. The M-134G is a six-barrel rotary machine gun that can fire between 2,000 and 6,000 rounds of ammunition per minute. Fox then contacted Garwood, owner of Garwood Industries in Scottsdale, who agreed to help with the construction and supply Fox with M-134G parts.
Garwood submitted false paperwork to the ATF claiming he had destroyed multiple M-134G rotor housings—a key component of the M-134G that must be serialized and registered with the ATF. Instead, according to the Information, Garwood unlawfully transferred possession of those rotor housings to Fox.
On February 8, 2017, authorities recovered three M134G rotor housings while executing a search warrant at Fox’s residence in Georgetown, Texas. Two of the rotor housings were ones that Garwood told ATF were destroyed.
The Information also states that prior to the search warrant, Fox successfully built multiple M-134G machineguns, unlawfully transferred them to Carlson, who in turn transferred them to an unnamed person. That person successfully smuggled M-134G machineguns to Mexico.
“Firearms trafficking is a priority for ATF because of the increased potential for those guns to be acquired by the criminal element,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski.
“By arresting weapons smugglers, law enforcement cuts the supply of firearms to the drug cartels, who fuel violence and pose a threat to citizens on both sides of the border,” said Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden, HSI San Antonio.
“The Postal Inspection Service is committed to protecting the financial systems of the Postal Service by investigating money laundering activities involving the misuse of Postal Service products and money orders to facilitate criminal activity. We remain steadfast in our resolve to seek justice to the end and defend the nation’s mail service from illegal use. This goal is achieved through collaborative investigative efforts with other law enforcement agencies,” stated USPIS Inspector in Charge Adrian Gonzalez
Upon conviction, Carlson faces up to 10 years on the substantive unlawful possession of a machinegun charge, and each defendant faces up to five years in federal prison on the conspiracy charge. No further court dates are scheduled at this time.
The ATF, HSI, USPIS are conducting this investigation. The U.S. Marshal Service assisted with the deportation of Carlson from Mexico. The Southern District of Texas and the District of Arizona provided assistance during this investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Galdo is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
An Information is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Doctor Del Área De El Paso Denunciado De Cargos Federales De DrogasRead the Press Release
El Abogado de los Estados Unidos John F. Bash junto con Steve A. Borak, Interino Agente Especial en Cargo de la Administración para el Control de Drogas (DEA por sus siglas en inglés) de la División de El Paso anunciaron un doctor loacalizado en El Paso fue denunciado de cargos federales de traficante de drogas.
La semana pasada, el gran jurado de acusación regresó con la denuncia de 12 cargos contra el Dr. Thomas Glenn Easter, II y su codemandada Elizabeth Lightfoot, también de El Paso, con dos cargos de conspiración de distribución de Xanax y otras substancias controladas fuera de la capacidad de la práctica profesional. El Dr. Easter fue denunciado con 10 cargos adicionales de distribución de Xanax y otras substancias controladas fuera de la capacidad de la práctica profesional. Autoridades alegan que el Dr. Easter, con asistencia de la Sra. Lightfoot, fue responsable de dispensar prescripciones numerosas de varias medicamentos en cambio de favores.
“El abuso de prescripciones se ha aumentado agresivamente en la comunidad,” dijo el Abogado de los Estados Unidos John F. Bash. “Vamos a tomar medias enérgicas sobre los médicos licenciados que violan la ley – y sus obligaciones profesionales – en dispensar substancias controladas ilegalmente.”
Si se condenan, cada demandado/a puede recibir a lo máximo cinco años en la prisión federal. Los dos demandados están libre bajo una fianza.
“Dr. Thomas Glenn Easter, II, y su codemandada Elizabeth Lightfoot contribuyeron al epidémico de la distribución de substancias controladas que plaga nuestra sociedad,” dijo el Interino Agente Especial en Cargo Steve Borak. “Su comportamiento puso vidas al riesgo y no será tolerada. La DEA, junto con nuestros socios, continuaremos de seguir los que buscan perpetuar y lucrarse de la diversión de las drogas recetadas.”
La División de Diversión Táctico de la Administración para el Control de Drogas en El Paso, junto con el Departamento de Seguridad Pública de Tejas, conducieron ésta investigación. Michael Rose Whyte es el abogado fiscal de parte del gobierno.
Una denuncia simplemente es un cargo y no debería ser considerada como evidencia de culpabilidad. Los demandados son inocentes hasta comprobados culpables antes un tribunal.
El Paso Area Doctor Indicted on Federal Drug ChargesRead the Press Release
In El Paso, a local physician faces federal drug trafficking charges, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Acting Special Agent in Charge Steve A. Borak, El Paso Division.
A twelve–count federal grand jury indictment returned last week charges 66–year-old Dr. Thomas Glenn Easter, II, and his co-defendant, 28-year-old Elizabeth Lightfoot of El Paso, with two counts of conspiracy to distribute Xanax and other controlled substances outside the scope of professional practice. Dr. Easter is charged with an additional ten counts of distributing Xanax and other controlled substances outside the scope of professional practice. Authorities allege that Dr. Easter, with assistance from Ms. Lightfoot, was responsible for doling out numerous prescriptions involving a variety of medications in exchange for favors.
“Prescription drug abuse has become increasingly prevalent in the community,” stated United States Attorney John F. Bash. “We are going to crack down hard on licensed medical professionals who violate federal law — not to mention their professional obligations — in illegally dispensing controlled substances.”
Upon conviction, each defendant faces up to five years in federal prison. Both defendants are currently out on bond.
“Dr. Thomas Glenn Easter, II, and his co-defendant Elizabeth Lightfoot contributed to the controlled substance abuse epidemic plaguing our society,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Steve Borak. “Their conduct put lives at risk and won’t be tolerated. DEA, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to pursue those who seek to perpetuate and profit from the diversion of prescription drugs.”
The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Tactical Diversion Squad in El Paso along with Texas Department of Public Safety conducted this investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Rose Whyte is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
An indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Federal Criminal Complaint Dismissed Against Mark Conditt in Connection with Austin Bombings InvestigationRead the Press Release
In Austin today, authorities dismissed a federal charge pending against Mark Conditt of Pflugerville, TX, in connection with a string of bombing incidents in the city of Austin and surrounding areas last month, stated Austin Police Chief Brian Manley, FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, ATF Special Agent in Charge Fred J. Milanowski, Travis County District Attorney Margaret Moore and United States Attorney John F. Bash, Western District of Texas.
A federal criminal complaint signed by U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Lane on March 20, 2018, charged Conditt with one count of unlawful possession and transfer of a destructive device. That complaint was signed, and an arrest warrant issued, just hours before Conditt detonated a destructive device as authorities were attempting to apprehend him in Round Rock, TX. Conditt died during the incident.
The Travis County Medical Examiner, in connection with the Round Rock Justice of the Peace Dain Johnson, has officially positively identified the deceased as Mark Conditt and released the remains to his family. The identification of Conditt was necessary before federal authorities could move to dismiss the criminal complaint.
This investigation continues as authorities are still reviewing evidence collected in this case, namely computer related information.
The Austin Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives are investigating this case. The Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Rangers, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the United States Marshals Service, the Round Rock Police Department, the Schertz Police Department, the Pflugerville Police Department, and the Cedar Park Police Department are providing valuable assistance in this investigation. The Travis County District Attorney’s Office and the Austin Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas have collaboratively provided legal support during the investigation of these incidents.
New Mexico Husband and Wife Plead Guilty to Federal Charges in Connection with Bank Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
In El Paso today, 39-year-old Michael Nedal Annabi and his wife, 34-year-old Perla Maldonado Annabi of Santa Teresa, NM, pleaded guilty to federal charges associated with a scheme to defraud multiple local banks and credit unions through applications for over $900,000 in personal loans and lines of credit, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Emmerson Buie, Jr.
Appearing before Senior United States District Judge David Briones, both defendants pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and one count of wire fraud. By pleading guilty, the defendants admitted to participating in a three-year scheme beginning in 2013 which defrauded 21 financial institutions nationwide. Throughout the scheme the defendants and others would obtain loans and lines of credit after providing the financial institutions with fraudulent personal and income information. Sentencing for the Michael and Perla Annabi is scheduled for July 13, 2018.
Yesterday, 25-year-old Jenzel Nash of El Paso; 26-year-old Terrance Yelder of El Paso; and, 30-year-old Miguel Munoz of Santa Teresa, all entered guilty pleas in connection with this investigation. Nash pleaded guilty to one count of aiding and abetting making a false statement on a loan/credit application. Yelder pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud. Munoz pleaded guilty to one count of making a false statement on a loan application. Sentencing for Yelder and Nash is scheduled for July 12, 2018. Sentencing has yet to be scheduled for Munoz.
On March 14, 2018, 34-year-old Basem Elgelda of Petaluma, CA, pleaded guilty to three counts of making a false statement on a loan application. Elgelda is scheduled to be sentenced on June 6, 2018.
“These guilty pleas are a big win for the people of El Paso. The fraudulent actions of a few bad actors can make it much harder for our local financial institutions to serve the community," stated U.S Attorney John F. Bash.
Litigation is still pending against the remaining co-defendant in this case, 21-year-old Daniel Munoz of Santa Teresa. Munoz is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud and making a false on a loan application. Jury selection is currently set for June 4, 2018, in El Paso before Judge Briones.
All of the defendants remain on bond. Each defendant faces up to 30 years in federal prison upon final conviction.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the El Paso Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Rifian S. Newaz, Robert Almonte and Debra Kanof are prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
U.S. Attorney John F. Bash Announces Supervisory Staff ChangesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney John F. Bash has announced changes to his supervisory staff within the District.
Effective Monday, April 2, Ashley Hoff will serve as the First Assistant United States Attorney. Hoff, who currently serves as the City Chief overseeing the Austin Division, will supervise both the Criminal Division and the Civil Division. Hoff began her federal service in 2000, when she left her position as a prosecutor in the Harris County District Attorney’s Office to become a Special Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas. In that role, Hoff prosecuted federal firearms offenses as part of the Texas Exile program, which was established in partnership with the Texas Attorney General’s Office and the United States Department of Justice. Hoff became an Assistant United States Attorney in the Southern District of Texas in June 2001 and joined that office’s Counterterrorism Section after the September 11th attacks. In late 2003, Hoff began her service in the Austin Division of the Western District of Texas, where she prosecuted a variety of federal offenses in the areas of violent crime, narcotics, immigration enforcement, and financial fraud. She was twice recognized with the Western District of Texas James DeAtley Award for an exceptionally complex, difficult, or significant prosecution. Hoff was promoted to Chief of the Austin Division in 2012. Hoff graduated from Baylor University School of Law in 1994 and from Texas Christian University in 1991.
Also effective Monday, April 2, Kristy Callahan will serve as the Executive Assistant United States Attorney, a newly created position in the District. In that role, Callahan will supervise the Administrative Division, the Legal Support Division, and a new Asset Recovery Division, which will comprise the Asset Forfeiture Unit and the Financial Litigation Unit (FLU). Callahan began her service in the District in August 2008 as an Assistant United States Attorney assigned to handle border-fence condemnation cases and defensive civil litigation. In June 2012 she was promoted to Chief of the FLU, leading its mission to aggressively enforce criminal judgments by recovering losses sustained by victims of crime. In that role, Ms. Callahan has worked to restructure the FLU with the Nation’s largest caseload into a more productive and efficient team capable of enhancing criminal prosecutions. As a result of those efforts, earlier this year she received the Director’s Award for Excellence in Management from the Executive Office for United States Attorneys. She is a member of the national FLU Working Group and a regular instructor at the National Advocacy Center, which trains federal attorneys and support staff throughout the United States. Callahan graduated cum laude from the University of Mississippi Law School in 2003 and summa cum laude from the University of North Texas in 1996.
“Ashley Hoff and Kristy Callahan are brilliant and experienced attorneys. Critically, they each have thrived in leadership roles within the District and will bring exceptional management skills to their new positions,” stated United States Attorney Bash. “Ms. Hoff and Ms. Callahan will be essential to achieving my priorities in the District, including strengthening border security, slashing violent crime, and enhancing the integrity of our public institutions.”
Current First Assistant United States Attorney Richard Durbin will serve as a Senior Litigation Counsel for the District. In that role, he will mentor other attorneys and bring his vast experience and knowledge to bear on significant matters within the District. “Richard Durbin has an unrivaled record of distinguished service in the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” stated United States Attorney Bash. “He has humbly served the people of Central and West Texas for close to 40 years, including as United States Attorney, First Assistant United States Attorney, and Chief of the Criminal Division. He is quite simply a legend. I am grateful for his continued service to this District and the Department of Justice.”
Federal, State and Local Authorities Arrest 18 Individuals Today Based on Federal Drug Trafficking Indictment Returned in AustinRead the Press Release
This morning, federal, state and local authorities arrested 18 individuals without incident on federal drug charges stemming from a narcotics trafficking investigation announced United States Attorney John F. Bash; Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Will Glaspy, Houston Division; Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division; Acting IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Andy Tsui; Texas Department of Safety Director Steven McCraw; Austin Police Chief Brian Manley, Hays County Sheriff Gary Cutler; and, Cedar Park Police Chief Sean Mannix.
A federal grand jury indictment unsealed today charges those defendants, and ten other individuals who were already in custody prior to today, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Count one involves methamphetamine, count two involves cocaine and count three involves heroin. Count four of the indictment is a money laundering charge. A complete list of defendants is below.
During the course of the conspiracy, Luis Villagrana and Carlos Garcia-Duark, were leaders of the distribution cells operating in Austin, TX. Authorities allege that members of the organization utilized a local mechanic’s shop to unload, distribute, and ship drugs to sales and distribution points in Texas, Oklahoma, Georgia, Minnesota, Arkansas, Tennessee, and Mississippi.
During this investigation, law enforcement agents in several jurisdictions seized a combined total of approximately 148 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, some 56 gallons of liquid methamphetamine, 62 pounds of cocaine, 13 pounds of heroin, and $400,000 in U.S. currency.
Upon conviction, the defendants face sentences of between five and 40 years in federal prison or up to life in federal prison depending on the amount of controlled substances involved. Defendants face up to 20 years imprisonment upon conviction for money laundering.
The DEA Austin Resident Office, FBI Austin, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Texas Department of Public Safety, Austin Police Department, Hays County Sheriff’s Office, and Cedar Park Police Department investigated this case. Agencies providing assistance during this investigation include: Round Rock Police Department; Georgetown Police Department; Lakeway Police Department; Williamson County Sheriff’s Office; Travis County Sheriff’s Office; Rockwall Police Department; Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office; Travis County District Attorney’s Office; Bell County District Attorney’s Office; Williamson County District Attorney’s Office, Bastrop County District Attorney’s Office, DEA (McAllen, Milwaukee Field Office, Brownsville, Eagle Pass, Dallas Division, Houston Division and Houston SRT); FBI (McAllen); Homeland Security Investigations (Austin); U.S. Border Patrol (Del Rio Sector) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Assistant United States Attorneys Dan Guess and Matt Harding are prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
An indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
U.S. v. Luis Villagrana-Martinez, et al.
Case #: A18cr91Name Age Residence Count(s) Statutory Maximum Penalty
Luis Villagrana 32 Leander, TX 1 - 4 life imprisonment
Furqan Rashid Sunka 34 Austin, TX 2, 4 life imprisonment
Lauro Toledo 30 Austin 2 life imprisonment
**Blanca Davila-Puente 35 Mission 2, 4 life imprisonment
**Silvia Cerda-Gonzalez 49 Michoacán, MX 2, 3, 4 life imprisonment
**Daniel Hernandez 30 Austin 2, 4 life imprisonment
**Anthony Taylor 45 Pflugerville, TX 2 40 years imprisonment
**Victor Vargas-Osorio 25 Austin 2 40 years imprisonment
Juan Vasquez 69 Brownsville, TX 2 life imprisonment
Maria Del Pilar Barcenas 47 Brownsville 2 life imprisonment
Lauro Jaimes 32 Llano, TX 1 life imprisonment
**Rigoberto Vences Bautista 39 Austin 2 life imprisonment
Martin Benitez 38 Austin 2 life imprisonment
**Francisco Gonzalez 30 Mission 2 40 years imprisonment
Esperanza Gerardo 40 Mission 2 life imprisonment
Albert Villagrana 19 Leander 2, 4 life imprisonment
Jesus Ocampo 33 Austin 2, 4 40 years imprisonment
Mike Vertacnik 30 Austin 2 life imprisonment
**Marques Taylor Nunley 27 Austin 2 40 years imprisonment
Rebecca Anaya 26 Austin 2, 3 40 years imprisonment
Claudia Lara-Escalante 26 Houston, TX 4 20 years imprisonment
Leovigildo Martinez 27 Austin 2, 3 life imprisonment
Carlos Garcia-Duarte 40 Dale, TX 1, 2, 3 life imprisonment
**Arturo Juarez-Osorio 36 Austin 2 life imprisonment
**Eduardo Flores-Parra 27 Austin 1, 2 life imprisonment
Rafael Garcia-Duarte 27 Dale 1 life imprisonment
Jose DeJesus Gonzalez 27 Austin 1, 2 life imprisonment
Gerardo Arroyo 29 Pflugerville 2 40 years imprisonment** Already in custody prior to today
Former Val Verde County Commissioner Ramiro Ramon Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
In Del Rio today, a federal judge sentenced former Val Verde County Precinct 1 Commissioner Ramiro V. Ramon to 18 months in federal prison for underreporting his total income on three separate federal Income Tax Returns, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash, FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs and Acting IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Andy Tsui.
In addition to the prison term, United States District Judge Alia Moses ordered that Ramon pay $10,780 restitution to the Internal Revenue Service and be placed on supervised release for a period of one year after completing his prison term. Ramon remains on bond pending notification by the U.S. Bureau of Prison as to where to report to begin serving his prison term.
On April 27, 2017, Ramon pleaded guilty to three counts of false statements on Income Tax Returns. According to court records, since 2005, the defendant managed a Val Verde County real estate project called “the Ranch.” Between 2005 and 2012, Ramon accepted approximately $47,000 in payments from a San Antonio developer; approximately $10,500 from a group of New Braunfels business owners; and $5,000 from a California businessman, to manage the property. Ramon, admittedly, failed to report the total income he received from managing ‘The Ranch” on his electronically filed federal income tax returns for 2010, 2011 and 2012.
“Rooting out public corruption remains one of the IRS-CI’s highest priorities,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Andy Tsui, San Antonio Field Office. “Today’s sentencing of Ramiro Ramon further illustrates no public official gets a free pass to ignore the tax laws.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney William R. Harris prosecuted this case on behalf of the Government.
Federal Criminal Complaint and Arrest Warrant Filed Last Night Against Pflugerville, TX Man Prior to His Death After Discharging BombRead the Press Release
(Austin, TX) – Austin Police Chief Brian Manley, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Fred J. Milanowski, Travis County District Attorney Margaret Moore and United States Attorney for the Western District of Texas John F. Bash announced that a federal criminal complaint and an arrest warrant were filed last night against 23–year-old Mark Conditt of Pflugerville, TX, in connection with the recent series of bombings in Austin. Those filings occurred before Conditt detonated a destructive device early this morning as authorities were attempting to apprehend him in Round Rock, TX. Conditt died during the incident.
“Hundreds of federal, state and local law enforcement officers worked together to identify and locate Conditt. I was awed by their professionalism, collaborative spirit, and indefatigable commitment to protecting the public,” stated United States Attorney John F. Bash. “I send my deepest condolences to the families of Anthony Stephan House and Draylen Mason, and I pray for the recovery of the surviving victims of these monstrous crimes.”
The federal criminal complaint charged Conditt with one count of Unlawful Possession and Transfer of a Destructive Device. The complaint affidavit remains under seal at this time. The investigation continues at this time. Because it is possible that further destructive devices were planted or mailed, residents of Austin and surrounding areas should call 911 if they see any suspicious package, bag, or backpack, or any other item that looks out of place.
“I appreciate all the hard work of the men and women of the Austin Police Department and our Federal partners for their tireless work in restoring peace to our community,” said Austin Police Chief Brian Manley. “My thoughts and prayers continue to be with those victimized by these criminal acts committed.”
“I am grateful for the extraordinary leadership demonstrated by Chief Manley during this complex and challenging investigation. He inspired an amazing team of law enforcement professionals and prosecutors who worked together and with members of the public to restore peace in our community,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division.
“Thank you to the City of Austin and the surrounding communities for coming together and remaining vigilant over the past three weeks. By doing so, we were able to restore a sense of calm to the community,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Fred J. Milanowski, Houston Field Division.
The Austin Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives are investigating this case. The Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Rangers, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the United States Marshals Service, the Round Rock Police Department, the Schertz Police Department, the Pflugerville Police Department, and the Cedar Park Police Department are providing valuable assistance in this investigation. The Travis County District Attorney’s Office and the Austin Division of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas have collaboratively provided legal support during the investigation of these incidents.
Tribunal de Jurados Federal Condenan Mujer de El Paso en Caso de SecuestraciónRead the Press Release
El Abogado de los Estados Unidos John F. Bash junto con Emmerson Buie, Jr., Agente Especial en Cargo de la Oficina de Investigaciones Federales (FBI por sus siglas en inglés) anunciaron en El Paso que el tribunal de jurados federal condenaron Norma Juarez Taha (Taha), 36 años, de cargos federales en conexión con la secuestración de una mujer de El Paso de 20 años en febrero.
El tribunal de jurados federal condenaron Taha de un cargo de secuestración y un cargo de posesión de una arma de fuego durante crimen de violencia. Evidencia presentada durante la tribuna reveló que la Demandada, conocida a la víctima como Hermana Norma, fue a la casa de la víctima aproximadamente a las 3:30 de la mañana y la engañó fuera de la casa por medio de que su familia estaba en riesgo y las autoridades inmigratorias atentaban de deportarlos. Taha llevó la víctima a una residencia lejana en el este de El Paso pertenecida a la madre de la Taha. Llegando a la residencia la víctima vió que Taha estaba en posesión de una arma de fuego. Seguido, Taha situó la víctima en la camioneta de su madre y la inyectó con una mezcla de drogas. La madre de Taha cruzó la frontera y llevó la víctima a una residencia en Juarez. La madre de Taha la dejó en la residencia y nunca regresó. Dos personas llegaron a la residencia el 13 de febrero, 2017 a las 10:30 de la noche y transportaron la víctima a la Puerte de Entrada Paso del Norte. La víctima fue transportada a un hospital en El Paso, donde recibió asistencia médica.
Fue revelado durante de la investigación por los agentes de la FBI que Taha estaba de acuerdo de secuestrar la víctima porque su moda de vida era una vergüenza para la familia. Durante la busca de la camioneta y la residencia, los autoridades encontraron la arma de fuego y la medicina usada por Taha para inyectar la víctima durante la secuestración.
Taha puede recibir la pena de cadena perpetua por el cargo de secuestración y un mínimo de cinco años en prisión federal por el cargo de arma de fuego durante un crimen de violencia. Taha está bajo custodia federal. Su audiencia para recibir su condena está citada frente el Juez Frank Montalvo de El Paso el 22 de mayo, 2018.
El FBI investigaron éste caso. Patricia Acosta y Shane Wagman son las abogadas fiscales de parte del gobierno.
Federal Jury Convicts El Paso Woman in Kidnapping CaseRead the Press Release
In El Paso today, a federal jury convicted 36–year-old Norma Juarez Taha on federal charges in connection with the kidnapping of a 20-year-old female in El Paso in February 2017, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Emmerson Buie, Jr.
The jury convicted Taha on one count of kidnapping and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Evidence presented during trial revealed that on February 13, 2017, the defendant, known to her victim as Sister Norma, went into the victim’s house at approximately 3:30 A.M. and lured the victim out of the house by telling her that her family was in danger and that immigration authorities were attempting to deport them. The defendant drove the victim to a remote residence on the east side of El Paso that belonged to Taha’s mother. At the residence, the victim saw that Taha was in possession of a firearm. Subsequently, Taha placed the victim in her mother’s truck and injected her with a mixture of drugs. Taha’s mother then drove the victim across the border to a residence in Juarez. Taha and her mother left the victim at that residence and never returned. At approximately 10:30 P.M. on February 13, 2017, two individuals at the residence transported the victim to the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry. The victim was then transported to an El Paso hospital where she received medical attention.
Further investigation by FBI agents revealed that Taha agreed to kidnap the victim on the ground that her lifestyle brought embarrassment to her family. During a search of the defendant’s vehicle and residence, authorities discovered the firearm possessed by Taha, as well as the medication used by Taha to inject the victim during the kidnapping.
Taha faces up to life in federal prison on the kidnapping charge and a minimum of five years in federal prison on the firearms charge. She remains in federal custody pending sentencing scheduled for May 22, 2018, before United States District Judge Frank Montalvo in El Paso.
The FBI investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Patricia Acosta and Shane Wagman are prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
Authorities in Waco and California Arrest 15 Indicted on Federal Drug Trafficking ChargesRead the Press Release
Today, federal, state and local authorities arrested eleven individuals in connection with a crystal methamphetamine trafficking operation in the Waco area, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash; Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Will Glaspy, Houston Division; Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven McCraw; McLennan County Sheriff Parnell McNamara; and, Waco Police Chief Ryan Holt.
A federal grand jury this week returned two related indictments charging those individuals, as well as four individuals who were previously arrested, with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. The defendants include Darris Thompson, who was the ringleader of the trafficking operation. Below is a complete list of defendants.
The indictments allege that since at least October 2016, the defendants have been responsible for a crystal methamphetamine supply network based in Hesperia, California, and a methamphetamine distribution network based in Waco.
During this investigation, authorities seized over 26 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, over 330 pounds of marijuana, and approximately 1,000 tabs of Xanax.
Given the drug quantity charged, if the defendants are convicted they will be subject to significant sentencing ranges--between ten years and life in federal prison for some defendants, and between five years and 40 years for others. All but two of the defendants will remain in federal custody pending detention hearings anticipated for next week in Waco.
These indictments resulted from an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation conducted by the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division, the Waco Police Department, the Waco office of the DEA, and the United States Marshals Service. In addition, the Ft. Worth and Riverside offices of the DEA and the Riverside Sheriff’s Office provided valuable assistance with this investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Smith-Burris is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering operations, and those primarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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U.S. v. Thompson, et al. (W18cr093) defendants
Name Age Residence Statutory Max. Penalty
*Darris Kinita Thompson (aka “Piru”) 41 Waco, TX 10 years to life imprisonment
*Sedric Barshea Thompson 49 Waco 10 years to life imprisonment
*Meagan Anaise Keel 32 Waco 10 years to life imprisonment
*Christopher Derric Blount 46 Waco 5 – 40 years imprisonment
*Darrell Wayne Moore 50 Waco 5 – 40 years imprisonment
*Ulis Howard Alexander 27 Waco 10 years to life imprisonment
*Chelsea Laine Early Graves 30 Waco 5 – 40 years imprisonment
*Lamont Alexander Taylor 41 Waco 5 – 40 years imprisonment
*Ruby Clara Williams 55 Waco 5 – 40 years imprisonment
*Joe Angel Gayton 27 Waco 10 years to life imprisonment
*Johnny Perez, Jr. 38 Wichita Falls, TX 10 years to life imprisonmentU.S. v. Casillas, et al. (W18cr072) defendants
Name Age Residence Arrested Statutory Max. Penalty
*Johnny Casillas 36 Waco 2.28.18 10 years to life imprisonment
**Francisco Resendiz-Martinez 25 Hesperia, CA 3.1.18 10 years to life imprisonment
*Patricia Ferrer 53 Hesperia, CA 2.28.18 10 years to life imprisonment
**Veronica Barraza Real 40 Hesperia, CA 3.1.18 10 years to life imprisonment* Remains in federal custody
**Resendiz-Martinez and Real are currently on bond--$100,000 and $50,000, respectively.Andrews Electrician Sentenced to Federal Prison for False Billing Scheme and for Failing to File Tax ReturnsRead the Press Release
In Midland today, a federal judge sentenced Andrews County electrician Randall Varian Hanks to 97 months in federal prison for a false billing scheme that resulted in more than a $1.5 million loss to local businesses and for failing to file tax returns, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Emmerson Buie, Jr., El Paso Division, and Acting Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Special Agent in Charge Andy Tsui.
In addition to the prison term, United States District Judge David Counts ordered that Hanks pay $1,786,559.68 restitution and be placed on supervised release for a period of three years after completing his prison term. Judge Counts also ordered that Hanks forfeit to the Government his Andrews County residential property, agreeing that it was proceeds generated from the defendant’s fraudulent scheme. At the end of today’s sentencing hearing, Judge Counts remanded Hanks into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service to begin serving his prison term.
On November 9, 2017, a federal jury convicted the 46-year-old, who once owned and operated Sandhills Electric, Inc., of four counts of mail fraud and three counts of failure to file a tax return.
Evidence presented at trial revealed that from June 2013 to May 2016, Hanks, while working for two area oilfield services companies, generated fraudulent service tickets and invoices in excess of $1.5 million for parts and services that he fraudulently claimed to have provided to the two companies’ customers. Both oilfield service companies paid Hanks and then billed the respective customers for parts and services Hanks claimed to have provided.
Furthermore, testimony revealed that Hanks received more than the applicable threshold in personal income each year, yet failed to file income tax returns with the Internal Revenue Service for the calendar years 2013, 2014, and 2015, resulting in tax losses to the U.S. Government of nearly $500,000.
The FBI Oilfield Theft Task Force and IRS-CI agents investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Glenn Harwood prosecuted this case on behalf of the Government.
Pedro Silva Segura Se Declara Culpable De Conspiración De Transportar Contrabando Humano Resultando En MuerteRead the Press Release
El Abogado de los Estados Unidos John F. Bash junto con Shane Folden, Agente Especial en Cargo del Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE, por sus siglas en inglés) y la Oficina de Investigaciones de Seguridad Nacional (HSI, por sus siglas en inglés) anunciaron ésta tarde en San Antonio que Pedro Silva Segura, 47 años, puede recibir la pena de cadena perpetua despues de declararse culpable de ser participante en transportar contrabando humano donde 10 personas fallesieron el año pasado.
Presentandose antes del Juez Majistrado Henry Bemporad, Silva se declaró culpable de un cargo de conspiración de transportar contrabando de humanos resultando en muerte. En declararse culpable, Silva admitió que mantieniba una casa in Laredo, Tejas para guardar los inmigrantes indocumentados mientras esperaban su tranportación a su último destino en los E.E.U.U. Más, Silva declaró que aproximadamente cinco inmigrantes indocumentados se despedieron de la casa el 22 de junio, 2017, y fueron entregados al camión de carga conducido por James Matthew Bradley, Jr., 61 años, destinado a San Antonio.
Conforme con los archivos de la corte, quales Silva y Bradley admitieron que son factualmente corectos, el Departamento de Policía de San Antonio (SAPD, por sus siglas en inglés) respondieron a la llamada del Wal-mart localizado en 8538 Carretera 35 después de medianoche el domingo, 23 de junio, 2017. El Oficial de Policía encontró el camion de carga detrás de la tienda, y encontó varias personas parados y acostados encima del camión de carga, y el conductor Bradley en el cabina. Los oficiales descubrieron 39 inmigrantes indocumentados. De los 39 inmigrantes indocumentados, 10 fallecieron, ocho fallecieron en el remolque y dos fallecieron en hospitales localizados en San Antonio. En en grupo transportados por Bradley, cuatro eran jóvenes de menor de edad desde 14 – 17 años sin compañeros adultos. Los archivos de la corte establecen que el remolque conteniba dentro de 70 inmigrantes indocumentatos, y desde 180 – 200 personas durante el transporte. Los archivos proveen las recompensas variables para ser transportado.
En el 16 de octubre, 2017, Bradley se declaró culpable a los cargos federales en conexión con ésta investigación. Bradley permanece en custodia federal mientras espera su audencia frente el Mayor Juez David A. Ezra para recibir su condena el 26 de marzo, 2018. Bradley enfrenta la pena de cadena perpetua, y esta de acuerdo de pérdida del camión de carga, el remolque, aproximadamente $5,600 en efectivo y una pistola de .38 que fue recuperada de la cabina. Silva también está bajo custodia federal con su audencia para recibir su condena citado el 29 de junio, 2018.
Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas (ICE) y la Oficina de Investigaciones de Seguridad Nacional (HSI) junto con la Oficina de Detención y Deportación (ICE ERO por sus siglas en inglés), el Departamento de Policía de San Antonio (SAPD por sus siglas en ingles), el Departamento de Bomberos de San Antonio (SAFD por sus siglas en inglés) investigaron éste caso. El Alguacil de Policía del Condado de Bexar (BCSO por sus siglas en inglés) y la Oficina de Aduanas y Protección Fronteriza de los Estados Unidos (CBP, por sus siglas en inglés) ayudaron con la investigación. Christina Playton y Matthew Lathrope son los abogados fiscales de parte del gobierno.
Pedro Silva Segura Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Transport Undocumented Aliens Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
In San Antonio, 47–year-old Pedro Silva Segura faces up to life in federal prison after pleading guilty this afternoon to his role in an undocumented alien smuggling operation that resulted in ten deaths last year, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden.
Appearing before United States Magistrate Judge Henry Bemporad, Silva pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to transport undocumented aliens resulting in death. By pleading guilty, Silva admitted to operating a stash house in Laredo, TX, used as a holding area for undocumented aliens awaiting transportation to final destinations in the U.S. Silva further admitted that approximately five undocumented aliens left the stash house on the night of July 22, 2017, and were delivered to a truck driven by 61-year-old James Matthew Bradley, Jr., that was bound for San Antonio.
According to court records, which Silva and Bradley admitted in court were factually correct, San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) officers responded to a call at the Wal-Mart store located at 8538 Interstate 35 in San Antonio shortly after midnight on Sunday, July 23, 2017. An officer encountered a tractor-trailer behind the store, finding a number of people standing and lying in the rear of the trailer, and the driver, Bradley, in the cab. At the scene, law enforcement officers discovered 39 undocumented aliens. Of the 39 aliens found at the scene ten (10) died, eight (8) died in the trailer and two (2) died later in area hospitals. There were four juveniles, aged 14-17 years old, within the group of aliens in Bradley’s trailer who were unaccompanied by an adult. Court records further state that the undocumented aliens estimated the trailer contained between 70 and 180 to 200 people during transport. They also described differing fees for being transported.
On October 16, 2017, Bradley pleaded guilty to federal charges in connection with this investigation. He remains in federal custody awaiting sentencing scheduled for March 26, 2018, before Senior United States District Judge David A. Ezra. Bradley, who faces up to life in federal prison, also agreed to forfeit to the Government his tractor-trailer rig, plus approximately $5,600 in U.S. currency and a .38 caliber pistol recovered from inside the cab. Silva also remains in federal custody pending sentencing scheduled for June 29, 2018.
The U. S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated this case together with ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), the San Antonio Police Department and the San Antonio Fire Department. The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Border Patrol assisted in this investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Christina Playton and Matthew Lathrop are prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
San Antonio Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
In San Antonio today, a federal judge sentenced 24–year-old Paul Martinez to 12 years in federal prison for distributing child pornography, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division.
Senior United States District Judge David A. Ezra also ordered that Martinez pay $5,000 restitution to any identified victim and be placed under supervised release for a period of five years after completing his prison term.
Martinez pleaded guilty to the charge in October of last year. By pleading guilty, Martinez admitted he exchanged child pornography using the Internet in January 2016.
In September 2016, federal authorities executed a search warrant at the location where Martinez was residing and seized his desktop and laptop computers as well as his cellular telephone. A forensic examination of the computers and phone revealed numerous video and image files depicting prepubescent children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
The FBI investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Tracy Thompson prosecuted this case on behalf of the Government.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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.projectsafechildhood.gov.
San Antonio Man Sentenced to 45 Years in Federal Prison for Production of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
In San Antonio this afternoon, a federal judge sentenced 31-year-old Nicholas Andreas Gonzalez-Malven to 45 years in federal prison for production of child pornography, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division.
In addition to the prison term, Senior United States District Judge David A. Ezra ordered that Gonzalez pay a $3,000 fine and be placed on supervised release for ten years after completing his prison term.
On June 14, 2017, Gonzalez pleaded guilty to two counts of production of child pornography. According to court records, Gonzalez took photographs of a child on two separate occasions in 2016 that depicted sexually explicit conduct. FBI agents recovered the photographs from a phone seized during a separate investigation.
The FBI and the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office conducted this joint investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Thompson prosecuted this case on behalf of the Government.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, 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.projectsafechildhood.gov.
San Antonio Man Enters Guilty Plea to Federal Charge in Connection with Shooting of U.S. Mail CarrierRead the Press Release
In San Antonio this afternoon, 23–year-old Bradley Ahearn admitted to shooting a U.S. Mail carrier last year in Spring Branch, TX, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash; Inspector in Charge Adrian Gonzalez, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Houston Division; and, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus.
Appearing before United States Magistrate Judge Elizabeth S. Chestney, Ahearn pleaded guilty to a total of seven federal charges including aiding and abetting carjacking; aiding and abetting use of a firearm during a crime of violence; aiding and abetting robbery of U.S. Mail; and, four counts of aiding and abetting assault on a federal officer. He faces 20 years in federal prison.
By pleading guilty, Ahearn admitted that on February 11, 2017, he shot a female U.S. Mail carrier as she was delivering mail to a cluster of mailboxes in Spring Branch, TX, because the victim would not would not give him her cell phone. The victim is still recovering from the gunshot that pierced both of her legs. Ahearn left the scene in the victim’s pickup truck while it still contained the victim’s purse and personal effects as well as a considerable amount of U.S. Mail. According to court records, Ahearn’s co-defendant, 27-year-old Sarah Richford, followed Ahearn in a maroon/brown colored Toyota Venza as he left the scene.
Two days after the shooting, a U.S. Postal Inspector spotted the Toyota Venza at a restaurant near the location of the shooting. The Postal Inspector attempted to initiate an investigative stop, but was unsuccessful as Ahearn fired a handgun in the direction of the federal officer. Ahearn admitted to firing his weapon at the U.S. Postal Inspector and another federal agent during a subsequent 19-mile-long, high-speed pursuit. Ahearn and Richford managed to avoid capture.
According to court records, on February 14, 2017, employees of a local motel notified investigators of the presence of a large amount of U.S. Mail and a handgun case in one of the motel rooms. Much of the discovered mail, originating from locations across the country, was destined for addresses in the Spring Branch, TX area. That same day, not far from the motel, investigators recovered the abandoned Toyota Venza. From motel surveillance footage, investigators discovered Ahearn, Richford and 41-year-old Piper Lee leave the motel in Lee’s yellow Volkswagen and requested San Antonio police to initiate a stop of the vehicle. While failing to yield to SAPD officers, Ahearn began shooting at the police officers and another high-speed pursuit ensued. Ultimately, the defendants abandoned their vehicle inside a parking garage of a local mall and managed to elude capture by law enforcement.
On February 15, 2017, San Antonio police officers, acting on information provided to investigators, arrested Ahearn, Richford and Lee without incident in a parking lot of a different local motel. All three remain in custody.
Richford is scheduled to have a re-arraignment hearing tomorrow at 2:30pm before Judge Chestney in San Antonio. She faces federal charges of aiding and abetting carjacking; aiding and abetting use of a firearm during a crime of violence; aiding and abetting robbery of U.S. Mail; and, two counts of aiding and abetting assault on a federal officer.
Lee is charged with two counts of aiding and abetting the assault of a federal officer; one count of aiding and abetting use of a firearm during a crime of violence; and, one count of possession of stolen mail. He is currently set for jury selection on August 20, 2018, before Chief U.S. District Judge Orlando L. Garcia.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be evidence of guilt. A defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service together with the San Antonio Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Rangers, Comal County Sheriff’s Office, Bulverde Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, U.S. Marshals Service and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Bettina Richardson and Christina Playton are prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
Federal Jury in San Antonio Convicts Senator Carlos Uresti and FourWinds Logistics Consultant Gary L. Cain on All ChargesRead the Press Release
In San Antonio today, a federal jury convicted San Antonio attorney and District 19 Texas State Senator Carlos I. Uresti and his business partner, Gary L. Cain, on all charges for their roles in a Ponzi scheme that defrauded investors out of millions of dollars, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio.
Following a four-week-long trial, jurors convicted Uresti and Cain of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Jurors also convicted Uresti of five substantive counts of wire fraud, two counts of securities fraud, one count of engaging in monetary transactions with property derived from specified unlawful activity, and one count of being an unregistered securities broker. Jurors also convicted Cain of seven counts of engaging in monetary transactions with property derived from specified unlawful activity. Prior to jury selection, former FourWinds Logistics, Inc. (FourWinds) Chief Executive Officer Stanley P. Bates pleaded guilty to eight separate federal charges including securities fraud and money laundering.
“Today’s verdict powerfully reaffirms the core American belief in equal justice under law—a belief so important to our system of government that it is engraved on the front of the U.S. Supreme Court. No matter who you are, no matter your title or status or position in the community, you will be held accountable for your actions, particularly when you inflict harm on your fellow citizens. I could not be prouder of this Office’s prosecution team and our law-enforcement partners in achieving justice for the victims of the fraudulent investment scheme at the heart of this case,” stated United States Attorney John F. Bash.
“At the same time, this is in many ways a somber day for our community. A man who long held a position of public trust was found to have deceived those who placed their trust in him—for mere personal enrichment. So while I am deeply gratified that justice has been done in this case, I am concerned that the criminality revealed by today’s verdict could further erode the public’s faith in our democracy. For that reason, the public should know that this Office will relentlessly fight fraud and corruption by public officials,” Bash added.
Evidence presented during trial revealed that from February 2014 to December 2015, the defendants developed an investment Ponzi scheme to buy and sell hydraulic fracturing (fracking) sand for oil production. Evidence showed that the defendants made false statements and representations while soliciting investors in FourWinds. Collected funds were then used to pay earlier investors and for personal expenses including gifts, travel, luxury automobiles, controlled substances, and to hire prostitutes.
Evidence also showed that Uresti recruited investors under false pretenses by lying about investing his own money in FourWinds as well as failing to disclose his receipt of a commission and a percentage of the profits resulting from investments in FourWinds. Evidence also revealed that Uresti was not registered as a broker with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Evidence and testimony also revealed that Uresti and Cain engaged in money laundering with the proceeds of wire fraud.
For each fraud related charge, the defendants face up to 20 years in federal prison upon conviction. For each money laundering charge, the defendants face up to ten years in federal prison upon conviction. Uresti faces up to 20 years in federal prison upon conviction of being an unregistered securities broker. Uresti and Cain remain on bond pending sentencing scheduled for 1:00pm on June 25, 2018, before Senior U.S. District Judge David A. Ezra in San Antonio.
The FBI’s Public Corruption Task Force is conducting this investigation. The Task Force is comprised of investigators from the FBI, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Peace Corps-Office of Inspector General. Assistant United States Attorneys Joseph E. Blackwell, William R. Harris and Mark Roomberg are prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
Final Defendant in San Antonio-Based Synthetic Marijuana Distribution Ring Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
In San Antonio today, a federal judge sentenced 33-year-old Ashak Victor Nasief Wesa to 150 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for his role in a synthetic marijuana distribution scheme based in San Antonio, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division, and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Will Glaspy, Houston Division.
On October 31, 2017, Wesa, an Egyptian National who was residing in Houston at the time of the offense, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substance analogues. By pleading guilty, Wesa admitted that from March 2013 to June 2013, he and others comprised the San Antonio-based Jaffer Drug Trafficking Organization (Jaffer DTO) that was responsible for the production and distribution of synthetic marijuana and bath salts in San Antonio, Houston, Austin, and Dallas as well as Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Kansas City. During the course of the enterprise, the Jaffer DTO manufactured, caused to be manufactured, attempted to manufacture, distributed and possessed with intent to distribute over 40,000 pounds (or 18,500 kilograms) of synthetic cannabinoids.
In June 2017, Wesa was extradited from Germany to the Western District of Texas. He since has remained in federal custody.
Wesa is the last of 16 defendants to be convicted and sentenced in connection with this federal grand jury indictment. In April 2017, ringleader Muhammed Jaffer Ali was sentenced to 16 years in federal prison. Other sentences imposed ranged from five months incarceration to 150 months incarceration.
This prosecution resulted from the efforts of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the San Antonio Police Department together with the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Border Patrol, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Live Oak Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Mark Roomberg is prosecuting this case.
San Antonio Man Sentenced to 10 Years Imprisonment for Series of Bank RobberiesRead the Press Release
In San Antonio today, a federal judge sentenced 31–year-old David Lee Sartin to 121 months in federal prison for his role in five bank robberies and one attempted bank robbery during the summer of 2016, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio.
In addition to the prison term, United States District Judge Xavier Rodriguez ordered that Sartin pay $26,204 restitution and be placed on supervised release for a period of five years after completing his prison term.
According to the factual basis filed in this case, Sartin was responsible for robberies that occurred at: Comerica Bank in Helotes, TX, on July 21, 2016; Southwest Research Center Federal Credit Union in San Antonio on July 22, 2016; Chase Bank in San Antonio and Randolph-Brooks Federal Credit Union in Bulverde, TX, on July 29, 2016; Generations Federal Credit Union in San Antonio (*attempted) and Amegy Bank of Texas in San Antonio on August 8, 2016. During all of the robberies, Sartin wore an olive green/tan suit, a baseball hat, sunglasses and a unique silicone “old man” mask.
FBI agents arrested Sartin as he arrived at his residence following the Amegy Bank of Texas robbery on August 8, 2016. At the time of Sartin’s arrest, agents recovered the money stolen from Amegy Bank along with the demand note used and the clothing and mask worn by the defendant during the robbery.
On January 30, 2017, Sartin’s roommate and co-defendant, Jason Lynn Hathorn, was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for assisting Sartin in carrying out the bank robberies.
FBI agents investigated this case together with San Antonio, Helotes and Bulverde Police Departments. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Wannarka prosecuted this case on behalf of the Government.
Universal City (TX) Man Pleads Guilty to Threatening a U.S. OfficialRead the Press Release
In San Antonio this afternoon, a federal judge sentenced 59-year-old James Amos Headley of Universal City, TX, to one year confinement after Headley pleaded guilty to federal charges in relation to threatening the lives of a member of Congress and the member’s family, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio.
Appearing before U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez, Headley pleaded guilty to two counts of influencing a federal official by threat of murder. By pleading guilty, Headley admitted that on July 11, 2017, he left a message on the victim’s voicemail system in Washington, D.C. threatening to murder the member of Congress as well as the member’s family. Following his arrest, Headley told agents that he was upset with the victim’s position on different policies and decided to call and leave a message demonstrating his intent to impede and intimidate the member of Congress.
Following today’s guilty plea, Judge Rodriguez ordered that Headley be confined for one year—six months in federal custody followed by six months of home confinement—with credit for time served. Judge Rodriguez further ordered that Headley be placed on supervised release for a period of three years after completing his home confinement. Headley has remained in federal custody since his arrest on July 13, 2017.
FBI special agents investigated this case together with the U.S. Capitol Police. Assistant United States Attorney Bettina Richardson is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
Federal Grand Jury Indicts Round Rock Man in Connection with the Kidnapping of Two SistersRead the Press Release
In Austin today, a federal grand jury indicted 44-year-old Terry Allen Miles in connection with the kidnapping of two minors, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash, and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division.
The federal grand jury indictment charges Miles with two counts of kidnapping. According to court records, on or about December 30, 2017, Round Rock (TX) Police (RRPD) officers conducted a welfare check at the residence of Tonya Ellen Bates because she had not shown up for work that day as expected. The officers subsequently discovered Bates’s body inside the residence. Bates appeared to have suffered from blunt force trauma. Bates was the only individual at the residence at the time of the welfare check and Bates’s 2017 Hyundai Accent was missing. Further investigation revealed Bates had two minor daughters and a roommate named Terry Allen Miles who lived with Bates.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. on December 30, 2017, Miles’s mother received a text message from a phone that belonged to one of the daughters. RRPD officers obtained cell phone information on the children’s two phones. One of the phones was located in a heavily wooded area adjacent to a Wal-Mart store located in Round Rock. Surveillance video from the Wal-Mart showed what appeared to be Miles purchasing numerous camping-related items and then leaving the store in a vehicle appearing to match Bates’s vehicle. The vehicle and a cell phone belonging to one of the minors were subsequently traced heading to Colorado.
On January 3, 2018, deputies with the Las Animas County Sheriff’s Office arrested Miles during a traffic stop near La Vera, Colorado. The two minors, ages 7 and 14, were found safe in the vehicle Miles was driving.
Miles, who remains in federal custody, faces between 20 years and life in federal prison upon conviction. His arraignment has yet to be scheduled.
An indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendant is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Marshals Service – Lone Star Fugitive Task Force, and the Round Rock Police Department are conducting this investigation. The Texas Rangers; Central Texas Violent Crimes Task Force; Williamson County (TX) District Attorney’s Office; United States Attorney’s Office – District of Colorado; New Mexico State Police Department; Las Animas County (CO) Sheriff’s Office; Southern Colorado Safe Streets Task Force; Colorado State Patrol; Trinidad (CO) Police Department; Colorado Bureau of Investigations; Huerfano County (CO) Sheriff’s Office; Archuletta County (CO) Sheriff’s Office; Pagosa Springs (CO) Police Department; Rio Grande County (CO) Sheriff’s Office; Federal Bureau of Investigation in Colorado; Durango (CO) Police Department; La Plata County (CO) Sheriff’s Office; Child Protective Services in Texas and Colorado; and, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children are assisting in this investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Matthew Devlin is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
Two Austinites Sentenced to Federal Prison on Fraud and Tax ChargesRead the Press Release
In Austin today, a federal judge sentenced two Austinites to federal prison for defrauding Dell, Inc. and the Internal Revenue Service, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio, and IRS-Criminal Investigation Acting Special Agent in Charge Andy Tsui, San Antonio.
Senior United States District Judge Sam Sparks sentenced 50-year-old Kelly Burton Nunn and 55-year-old Bryan Dale Wallace to 40 months and 26 months in federal prison, respectively, followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Sparks also ordered that Nunn pay $10,888,122 restitution; Wallace, $849,000 restitution--jointly and severally with Nunn.
“Today’s sentencing is a reminder that the Department of Justice takes fraud against the business community very seriously,” stated United States Attorney John F. Bash. “Together with our law-enforcement partners, we will remain steadfast in our efforts to protect the American economy from those who seek to profit from deception and dishonesty.”
In November 2017, Nunn pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of subscribing a false Income Tax Return. Wallace pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge.
According to court records, Kelly Nunn and Bryan Wallace conspired from January 2007 to August 2012 to defraud Nunn’s employer, Dell, Inc. (Dell), by charging Dell for services Dell did not receive or excessive amounts for services that Dell did receive. Nunn and Wallace submitted numerous fraudulent invoices under the business name of Bison Services (Bison) for computer-aided-design services related to management of Dell’s business locations. The defendants admitted that they caused Dell to pay Wallace millions of dollars to which Wallace was not entitled. Wallace subsequently paid over $1 million to Nunn during the course of their scheme.
“The defendants in this case carried out a lengthy scheme of fraud and deception for their own personal gain,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs. “The message today is clear - those who seek to line their pockets by defrauding others will be held accountable.”
On November 8, 2017, Kelly’s wife--47-year-old Tobie R. Nunn--pleaded guilty to the same tax charge as her husband. By pleading guilty, the Nunns admitted that in April 2011, they intentionally filed electronically a fraudulent 2010 Individual Income Tax Return with the IRS that substantially understated their actual income.
Tobie Nunn remains on bond pending sentencing scheduled for 9:00am on February 23, 2018, before Judge Sparks. She faces up to three years in federal prison.
FBI agents and IRS-Criminal Investigation agents investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Alan Buie is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.
Seven Sentenced in Money Laundering Scheme Involving Proceeds from Multiple Foreign Scams that Targeted U.S. VictimsRead the Press Release
In Austin today, a federal judge sentenced two Nigerian citizens and a Houston man to federal prison for their roles in a money laundering conspiracy that collected millions of dollars from victims located across the country, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash; Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), San Antonio; Acting Special Agent in Charge Andy Tsui, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI); and, Inspector in Charge Adrian Gonzalez, United States Postal Inspection Service, Houston Division.
United States District Judge Sam Sparks sentenced:
- Nathaniel Itimi, a 46-year-old native of Nigeria and current U.S. citizen residing in Houston, to 97 months in federal prison and ordered him to pay, jointly and severally, $1,672,805.51 restitution;
- Lewis Akpomofune, a 41-year-old citizen of Nigeria residing in Houston, to 108 months in federal prison and ordered him to pay, jointly and severally, $1,672,805.51 restitution; and,
- Michael Omoh Okiki, a 37-year-old citizen of Nigeria residing in Houston, to 57 months in federal prison and ordered him to pay, jointly and severally, $1,213,354.94 restitution.
“Today’s sentencing reflects the commitment of the Department of Justice to destroy the money-laundering networks that facilitate fraud against the most vulnerable Americans, such as the elderly,” stated United States Attorney John F. Bash.
Last year, all three defendants pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Four other individuals received federal prison terms in connection with this investigation. They are:
- Ayibatonye Bienzigha, a 23-year-old citizen of Nigeria residing in New Jersey, received 37 months in federal prison and was ordered to pay $51,307 restitution;
- Eghosa Obaretin, a 30-year-old citizen of Nigeria residing in Austin, received 40 months in federal prison and was ordered to pay $677,303.83 restitution and forfeit $222,000;
- Roland Imoe, a 37-year-old native of Nigeria and current U.S. citizen residing in Austin, ten months in federal prison and ordered to pay $25,632 restitution; and,
- Augustine Ikolo, a 41-year-old citizen of Nigeria residing in Austin, received 97 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $842,970 restitution.
Previously, Obaretin and Imoe pleaded guilty to one count of Passport Fraud; Bienzigha, to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering; and, Ikolo to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
In December 2017, co-defendant Ochuko Sylvester Eruotor, a 43-year-old resident of Canada and citizen of Nigeria, was extradited from Germany to the United States after being arrested with assistance from Interpol. Yesterday in Austin, Eruotor pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. He remains in federal custody awaiting sentencing. No sentencing date has been scheduled.
Court documents showed that this investigation targeted a money laundering network that laundered the proceeds of various fraud schemes perpetrated against U.S. victims by scammers based in Canada, Nigeria, and the United States. The schemes included: “grandson-in-jail” frauds over the phone targeting elderly victims; fake investment scams; business email compromise scams; Stolen Identity Refund Fraud (SIRF) tax filing scams; and, romance victim scams.
The money launderers opened bank accounts, sometimes using fraudulent passports in fake identities, or hired others to open bank accounts in order to facilitate their scheme. Those U.S.-based bank accounts would receive the fraudulently obtained funds from the victims. The U.S.-based conspirators quickly withdrew the money from the bank accounts with a portion of the fraud proceeds kept as a fee. Then the remainder of the funds were sent to Canada or Nigeria. To date, law enforcement has identified in excess of $3.5 million dollars of fraud proceeds from hundreds of victims laundered by the conspiracy.
“Today’s actions will not only bring a sense of justice to the victims in this case, but this significant investigation will also help increase awareness of this type of fraud,” said Shane Folden, Special Agent in Charge, HSI San Antonio. “To potential victims, we encourage you to be vigilant and if you feel like you are being scammed, please contact law enforcement to report the suspected scam before you make a payment. There are criminals who are always seeking to exploit the vulnerable in our communities for their own personal gain.”
“The defendants who perpetrated this scheme systematically defrauded innocent American citizens,” stated Andy Tsui, IRS Criminal Investigation, Acting Special Agent in Charge, San Antonio Field Office. “Protecting taxpayer money is a matter we take very seriously. IRS-Criminal Investigation will continue to vigorously pursue those who unjustly enrich themselves by creating elaborate money laundering schemes such as this one.”
Agents with HSI, IRS-CI, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service investigated this case. The United States Marshals Service provided assistance with Eruotor’s extradition. Assistant United States Attorney Michael C. Galdo prosecuted this case on behalf of the Government.
Two Servicemembers Sentenced to Federal Prison for Attempting to Have Sex with a MinorRead the Press Release
In San Antonio today, Senior U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth sentenced Mark Antonio Pazmino, a 30–year-old former U.S. Army member assigned to Joint Base San Antonio—National Security Agency (JBSA-NSA), to 121 months in federal prison followed by 20 years of supervised release for attempting to have sex with a minor announced United States Attorney John F. Bash.
On May 16, 2017, Pazmino pleaded guilty to one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. According to court records, in 2016, Pazmino responded to a personal ad from an individual whom he believed was a 14-year-old female residing on Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, TX (JBSA-Lackland). Pazmino stated multiple times through the chat conversation, as well as a recorded telephone conversation, that he wanted to engage in sexual activity with the minor female. Unbeknownst to Pazmino, the 14-year-old he was communicating with was actually an undercover agent with Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI). Federal agents arrested Pazmino on July 5, 2016, when he showed up at a pre-arranged meeting location on JBSA-Lackland. He has remained in federal custody since his arrest.
In a separate, but related matter, on January 24, 2018, Chief United States District Judge Orlando L. Garcia sentenced 28-year-old Mark Richard Hardin, an enlisted Navy member assigned to Joint Base San Antonio—Fort Sam Houston (JBSA-FSH), to 120 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. On October 12, 2017, the former U.S. Navy medical technician at San Antonio Military Medical Center (SAMMC) pleaded guilty to one count of attempted coercion and enticement of a minor. By pleading guilty, Hardin admitted that in February 2016, he began text messaging with an individual he believed was a 14-year-old female residing on JBSA-Lackland for the purposes of meeting and ultimately engaging in sexual intercourse with her. Unbeknownst to Hardin, the 14-year-old was an undercover AFOSI agent. On February 25, 2016, federal agents arrested Hardin on JBSA-Lackland. He has remained in federal custody since his arrest.
AFOSI, Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS) and FBI special agents conducted this investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Wannarka prosecuted both defendants on behalf of the Government.
These cases were 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 United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (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.
Mission, Texas Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Role in Drug Trafficking / Money Laundering ConspiracyRead the Press Release
In San Antonio yesterday afternoon, a federal judge sentenced 46–year-old Reymundo Villarreal-Arelis (aka “Mundo”) of Mission, TX, to 20 years imprisonment followed by five years of supervised release for his role in a drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracy occurring in South Texas, Central Texas and Oklahoma announced United States Attorney John F. Bash, Western District of Texas; United States Attorney Ryan K. Patrick, Southern District of Texas; Acting Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Andy Tsui, San Antonio Division; and, Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Will Glaspy, Houston Division.
On June 15, 2017, jurors convicted Villarreal-Arelis on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering. Jurors found that Villarreal-Arelis and others, including 12 relatives, conspired to (1) engage in financial transactions using proceeds derived from the importation, receipt, concealment, purchase, and/or selling cocaine; and (2) transport or transmit monetary instruments to locations outside of the United States in an effort to conceal the source, ownership and control of proceeds derived from unlawful activity.
Evidence presented at trial revealed that the defendant was a member of a significant Rio Grande Valley cocaine trafficking family known as “Los Piojos” led by brothers Gilberto Villarreal-Arelis, Reymundo Villarreal-Arelis, and Juan Villarreal-Arelis (aka ”Juando”) along with their nephew, Jose Luis Villarreal-Gonzalez (aka “Nune”). Beginning in 2000, this organization was responsible for the importation and distribution of thousands of kilograms of cocaine supplied by the Gulf Cartel and subsequently by Los Zetas. This organization maintained control over smuggling routes stretching from Guatemala to Diaz Ordaz, Mexico, across from McAllen, TX. Cocaine was smuggled into and kept in stash houses in McAllen before being transported to San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Oklahoma, North Carolina and Florida.
Testimony during trial revealed that cocaine sales generated millions of dollars for this organization, some of which was used to purchase more than 50 quarter horses. The defendants used the horse racing industry as one money laundering mechanism for their illegal proceeds.
During this investigation, authorities seized 280 kilograms of cocaine and between $15-20 million in assets attributed to the criminal activity of the defendants, including cash in various bank accounts, quarter horses, the Riverside Plaza shopping center in Mission, numerous residences and other real estate properties.
To date, 14 individuals and two companies have pleaded guilty to federal charges in connection with this investigation. Terms for 13 individuals previously sentenced range from probation to 216 months incarceration. Sergio Guadalupe Adame–Ochoa, Alan Land LP, and Alan Management LLC are scheduled to be sentenced on March 7, 2018. On March 19, 2018, three additional defendant companies--Edison Commerical, LP; Edison Investments, LLC; and Antequera Partners, LP—are scheduled for jury selection and trial on money laundering conspiracy charges. Defendant Gilberto Villarreal-Arelis (aka “Beto”, “Betito”) remains a fugitive.
This investigation was conducted by the IRS-Criminal Investigation Waco Treasury Task Force, which is comprised of the IRS-CI, the Irving Police Department, the Woodway Public Safety Department and the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office, together with the Drug Enforcement Administration’s McAllen, San Antonio and Houston field offices, the Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Marshals Service.
Illinois Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Robbing Two Texas BanksRead the Press Release
In El Paso yesterday afternoon, a federal judge sentenced 21-year-old Reiquon Gaines of Evanston, IL, to 30 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay a combined $15,853 in restitution for two bank robberies in the Western District of Texas, announced United States Attorney John F. Bash, FBI Special Agent in Charge Emmerson Buie, El Paso Division, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division.
On September 1, 2017, Gaines pleaded guilty to two counts of aiding and abetting bank robbery by force or violence. By pleading guilty, Gaines admitted to serving as the getaway driver following the robberies of the United Bank of El Paso Del Norte in El Paso on September 9, 2016, and the Texas Partners Federal Credit Union in Copperas Cove, TX, on November 15, 2016.
On July 17, 2017, a federal judge sentenced Gaines’s co-defendant, 21-year-old Shawn Anthony Williams of El Paso, to 21 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to conspiring to commit the El Paso bank robbery. Gaines’s other co-defendant, 23-year-old Jerrious Javonte Jackson of Killeen, TX, is currently in custody in Illinois facing federal charges in connection with two bank robberies in Illinois as well as the Copperas Cove bank robbery.
FBI special agents in El Paso and in Waco investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorneys Shane Wagman in El Paso and Greg Gloff in Waco prosecuted this case.