Northern District of Texas

A thirteen-time felon found guilty of a gun crime was sentenced Wednesday, November 8th to 17 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

Curtis Wayne Rodgers, 41, was indicted in August 2022 and pleaded guilty in June 2023 to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.  He was sentenced last Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Ada Brown.

Due to his multiple prior felony convictions, Mr. Rodgers was sentenced under the Armed Career Criminal Act, which raises the maximum penalty for offenders with three previous convictions for a violent felony or serious drug offense.

According to plea documents,  Mr. Rodgers was arrested in June 2022, after officers with the Irving Police Department identified him as a suspect in a possible burglary and aggravated assault in a neighborhood in Irving, Texas.

Witnesses told law enforcement that the suspect kicked in the door to a home and asked neighbors where the homeowner was. Mr. Rodgers then pointed a firearm at the neighbor and instructed him to go inside his home and not to call anyone.

Footage from the neighbor’s surveillance system showed Mr. Rodgers driving a black Ford F-150 away from the incident. Officers obtained a search warrant for Mr. Rodgers residence and vehicles and located the firearm used in the incident.

A query of Mr. Rodger’s criminal history revealed thirteen prior felony convictions, including over three violent crimes and/or serious drug offenses – all offenses that made it a federal crime for him to possess a firearm or ammunition.

The Irving Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Niedermair prosecuted the case

A Burleson man who apparently idolized the Columbine High School shooters and possessed a homemade bomb was sentenced today to 168 months in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

Noah Robert Calderon, 22, was charged via criminal complaint in April and indicted in May. He pleaded guilty in July to one count of possession of an unregistered firearm and one count of receipt of child pornography and was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Reed C. O’Connor, who also ordered him to 30 years of supervised release.

“There is no greater example of the Justice Department’s, and our U.S. Attorney’s Office’s, commitment to protecting the public—including protecting the children in our community—than our efforts in this case,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton.  “We thank our law enforcement partners for working incredibly hard to take this potential bomber and child predator off the streets.  We stand committed to continuing to root out and prosecute such dangerous individuals in north Texas.”

“Today’s sentence is a shared success with the community who heeded the call to action to report suspicious activity when they saw suspicious activity. The information shared with law enforcement exhibited a distinctive pathway to further violence, that was ultimately thwarted by law enforcement and led to multiple federal charges,” said Dallas FBI Special Agent in Charge Chad Yarbrough. “The FBI will continue to aggressively pursue individuals that move beyond rhetoric into action as they threaten the safety of our communities. We continue to ask for the public’s assistance in reporting threatening behaviors, and will work closely with our partners for swift adjudication.”

The investigation began in October 2022, when the FBI received a tip about Mr. Calderon’s social media activity.

Court documents indicate that online, Mr. Calderon professed a fascination with high-profile mass shootings, particularly the 1999 massacre at Columbine High School. He posted numerous images of himself in tactical-style vests posing with AR-15-style rifles and shared Columbine-themed memes along with images of homemade explosives.

In March 2023, the FBI received another tip that Mr. Calderon had detonated a homemade bomb in his residential neighborhood.

In plea papers, he admitted that he had purchased explosive precursors online. He also admitted that he stored 659.2 grams of explosive powder, along with a lighter, cannon fuse, cardboard tubing, a glass jar marked “frag” that contained metal ball bearings, lead, a funnel, and measuring spoons, in his garage.

A subsequent search of his Google account revealed queries related to the Columbine killers, the Charleston church shooter, “pipe bomb how to make,” “how to make propane bombs,” and “wear [sic] were the propane bombs in Columbine,” as well as searches of the names of several local public schools. 

In plea papers, Mr. Caldron specifically admitted to searching for bomb-making information.

A search of his phone revealed sexually explicit videos taken from a video chat between Mr. Calderon and a 13-year-old girl.

Also in plea papers, he admitted he was aware of the child’s age when he saved the videos.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office, the Burleson Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives’ Dallas Field Division conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney  Jay Weimer prosecuted the case with National Security Division Trial Attorneys Justin Sher and Jacob Warren.

An Abilene man and federal contractor with United States Probation and Pretrial Services Office (USPO) was sentenced today to 24 months in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

Jacob William Kinkade, 44, was charged via criminal information on June 20. He pleaded guilty to one count of false and fraudulent claims against the United States and was sentenced today to 24 months in prison by U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix, who also ordered him to pay $5,392 in restitution and a $6,000 fine.

According to plea documents, the investigation began in March 2023 when the Federal Bureau of Investigation received information that Mr. Kinkade was billing for individual therapy sessions, group therapy sessions, telephonic therapy sessions, and urinalysis collections that didn’t take place.

The investigation revealed several text messages between Kinkade and an individual, Witness 1, who was on supervised release with USPO. Witness 1 was provided counseling services by Kinkade Family Services (KFS), which is owned and operated by Mr. Kinkade. When text messages were compared to supervision records, multiple anomalies were discovered for services rendered that Mr. Kinkade billed to USPO.

When interviewed, Mr. Kinkade admitted that for the last three years, starting in 2020, he did not follow USPO’s reporting requirements and billed USPO for services not provided. KFS contract with USPO accounted for 80% of all KFS revenue.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Tusing prosecuted the case.

A fentanyl trafficker tied to the Carrollton and Flower Mound juvenile fentanyl overdose case pleaded guilty today to drug crimes, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

Luis Eduardo Navarrete, 21, was charged via criminal complaint in February and subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury on March 29, 2023. Navarrete and ten other defendants were charged after multiple students attending schools in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District overdosed after ingesting counterfeit M30 pills containing fentanyl. On Wednesday, Navarrete pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute a Schedule II controlled substance (fentanyl) and one count of distribution of a Schedule II controlled substance (fentanyl) to a person under 21 years of age before U.S. Magistrate Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez.

In related plea documents, codefendants admitted that Mr. Navarrete routinely dealt fentanyl-laced pills to juveniles from his Highland Drive residence in Carrollton, Texas.  In December 2022, Navarrete was on bond in a criminal case out of Dallas County, was ordered to home confinement and was fitted with an ankle monitor that tracked his location and movements. Navarrete relied upon his coconspirators to pick up quantities of the counterfeit round blue pills from a Dallas-based source of supply and deliver them to Navarrete’s residence in Carrollton. Mr. Navarrete stored the counterfeit pills near the front door of his residence and distributed the pills to customers who came by the house – including a network of juvenile dealers who dealt the pills to other minor students that attended R.L. Turner High School, Dewitt Perry Middle School, and Dan F. Long Middle School in Carrollton.  In December 2022, a thirteen year old Dewitt Perry Middle School student overdosed and died after ingesting a counterfeit M30 pill that contained fentanyl. In January 2023, a fourteen year old student at Dan F. Long Middle School overdosed and died after ingesting a counterfeit M30 pill. On February 1, 2023, a seventeen year old R.L. Turner High School student also overdosed and died after ingesting a counterfeit M30 pill. 

Mr. Navarrete now faces up to 40 years in federal prison for each count and $7 million in fines. He will be sentenced on February 21, 2024.

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Field Office and the Carrollton Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of School Resource Officers from the Carrollton – Farmer’s Branch Independent School District. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rick Calvert and Phelesa Guy are prosecuting the case.

An Estes Park, Colorado, man and former FBI Agent pleaded guilty today to structuring charges, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

Gregory Paul Trahan, 60, was charged via criminal information in October. He pleaded guilty today to one count of structuring transactions to evade reporting requirements before U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen.

Because Trahan worked as a Special Agent in the Houston FBI office, and presented cases to the Southern District of Texas U.S. Attorney’s office, the Southern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorneys were recused, and Northern District of Texas Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcus Busch was appointed as a Special Attorney to the Attorney General.

In plea papers, Trahan admits to structuring transactions to prevent his spouse at the time from knowing that he had money in undisclosed bank accounts and hiding cash to prevent those funds from becoming part of the resolution of the community estate during their divorce proceedings. Trahan withdrew several hundred thousand dollars from various bank accounts in amounts under the reporting requirements and made deposits, also under the reporting requirements, in other bank accounts. He also stashed money at family residences.

Mr. Trahan now faces up to 5 years in federal prison. His sentencing will be set at a later date.

The Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcus Busch is prosecuting the case.

A Dallas man who shot at an ATF agent in an apparent fit of road rage pleaded guilty Tuesday, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

Michael Fagan, 30, was charged via criminal complaint in April 2023 and was indicted in May 2023. He pleaded guilty to one count of assaulting a federal officer using a deadly or dangerous weapon before U.S. Magistrate Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez on Tuesday.

According to plea documents, on April 6, an ATF agent stopped at a red light at the intersection of Garland Road and Gaston Avenue in East Dallas observed the SUV’s driver, later identified as Mr. Fagan,  inside the vehicle yelling and flailing his arms. Thinking the driver might be experiencing an emergency, the agent rolled down his front passenger window and asked if the driver was okay.

Mr. Fagan opened his driver-side door and began yelling incoherently at the agent, who instructed Mr. Fagan to get back in his vehicle. Mr. Fagan re-entered his vehicle, leaned over the passenger seat, and turned around to face the agent holding a black semiautomatic pistol in his hand.

The agent ducked down below the dashboard, and heard a gun discharge. The agent drew his weapon and fired three shots, hitting Mr. Fagan once.

Mr. Fagan fled the scene and was later arrested after he was admitted to Baylor hospital.

Mr. Fagan now faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives’ Dallas Field Division, the Dallas Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Withers is prosecuting the case.

A Dallas area woman who allegedly purloined more than $40,000 from pandemic-era financial programs pleaded guilty today to theft of government property, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

Monica Moreno, 40, was indicted in November 2022. She plead guilty today to one count of theft to government property before U.S. Magistrate District Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez.

According to plea papers, Ms. Moreno applied for – and received – funds from three different pandemic relief programs, The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program, the Paycheck Protection Program, and the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance program, totaling approximately $44,757 in federal funds.

Ms. Moreno submitted an advance EIDL loan for her alleged business, JBP Financial.  In application paperwork, she lied about her criminal history, indicating that she had never been convicted of a criminal offense despite her 2015 conviction for aggravated identity theft, aiding and abetting, and conspiracy to defraud the united states, crimes for which she was sentenced to 48 months in prison. Ms. Moreno received $2,000 and used some of the funds for her personal benefit.

In addition, Ms. Moreno submitted applications for over a year that contained false information to each of the three disaster relief programs and received approximately $44,757 in federal funds.

Ms. Moreno now faces up to 10 years in federal prison.

The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration’s Gulf States Field Division, led by Special Agent in Charge Gary Smith, and the Department of Homeland Security Office of the Inspector General’s Dallas Field Office, led by Special Agent in Charge Michael Martin, conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Dallas Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nashonme Johnson is prosecuting the case with the help of Financial Auditor Sheila Powell.

Both the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the expanded Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program were authorized under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The PPP provided forgivable loans to small businesses to cover payroll, rent, and other certain expenses; EIDL provided quickly-issued, partially-forgivable loans to small business to cover operational expenses, including accounts payable,  as well as payroll, mortgages, and other bills. The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program, also authorized under the CARES Act, provided up to 39 weeks of expanded unemployment benefits for individuals impacted by COVID-19.

An Amarillo man who violently robbed a Family Dollar store pleaded guilty today to robbery and firearm charges, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

Shane Ray Bursie, 36, was indicted in March 2023. He pleaded guilty today to one count of affecting commerce by robbery and one count of discharging a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.

The investigation began in August 2021 when the FBI and Amarillo Police Department investigated a string of armed robberies that occurred in the Amarillo area. During the investigation, Bursie was identified as a primary suspect, including of a violent robbery that occurred on October 23, 2022.

Court documents indicate that Bursie, armed with a revolver, robbed an Amarillo Family Dollar store on October 23, 2022. Burise approached the store clerk, grabbed her and forced her behind the counter with another employee. He pointed the revolver at the employees and demanded them to open the safe. While the cash register was being opened a customer ran out the front door, and Bursie shot at the customer, he missed and struck the glass door. Bursie grabbed approximately $1,349 in cash from the register, threw the register drawer off the counter and ran out the front door. Prior to running out the door, Bursie told one of the employees he would be back to shoot them.

Mr. Bursie now faces up to 20 years in federal prison on the robbery count and 10 years to life on the firearm count. His sentencing will be set at a later date.

The case was brought under the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative, a program that surges federal and local law enforcement resources to communities’ most violent neighborhoods in order to root out offenders and build positive relationships with victims and witnesses.

The Federal Bureau of Investigations and the Amarillo Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Frausto is prosecuting the case.

A Mexican man who shot a police officer in Seminole, Texas was sentenced to 180 months in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

Jose Ramon Castillo-Lopez, 28, was charged via criminal complaint in October 2022 and indicted later that same month. He pleaded guilty in May 2023 to illegal alien in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, Mr. Castillo-Lopez, a Mexican national in the United States illegally, admitted he was pulled over by a Seminole Police Department officer for traffic violations on Oct. 1, 2022.

As the officer approached Mr. Castillo-Lopez’s vehicle, he began firing at the officer with a handgun. The officer was struck but moved to a defensive position and returned fire. Mr. Castillo-Lopez exited his vehicle and fled, dropping a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol as he did so.

The officer was able to radio in a description of the defendant, and he was apprehended a few blocks away shortly thereafter.

In an interview with law enforcement, Mr. Castillo-Lopez admitted he had been previously deported and was currently in the county illegally. He also admitted to firing the pistol, which he said he purchased from an unknown individual at a traffic light in Midland, Texas for $200.

The victim officer’s body armor prevented serious injury, and he returned to duty shortly thereafter.

Homeland Security Investigation’s Dallas Field Office and the Seminole Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives’ Dallas Field Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew McLeod prosecuted the case.

A top source of supply in the Carrollton juvenile fentanyl case – which has resulted in at least 14 juvenile overdoses, four of them fatal – pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

Julio Gonzales, Jr., 18, was charged via criminal complaint in July 2023 with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and was indicted in August 2023. He pleaded guilty today to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl before U.S. Magistrate Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez.

According to plea papers, Mr. Gonzales admitted to receiving and selling approximately 120,000 counterfeit M30 pills containing fentanyl to multiple customers including codefendants and at least one juvenile M30 dealer. Mr. Gonzales sold M30 pills individually and also sold customers “K Packs” which consisted of 1,000 pills at a time.

According to court documents, in February 2023, a 16-year-old dealer who delivered the fentanyl pills that killed a 14-year-old girl in December 2022 allegedly identified Mr. Gonzales, whom he called “J-Money,” as his supplier.  In text messages, the child discussed “J-Money” with codefendant Luis Eduardo Navarrete, one of the first dealers charged in the scheme. They identified “J-Money” as their “plug,” street parlance for a source of supply.

During a search of the residence used to store and sometimes distribute illegal drugs including counterfeit M30 pills, DEA agents found thousands of fentanyl-laced M-30 pills stuffed in the microwave, a partial kilogram of cocaine tucked in a plastic food storage container, bulk U.S. currency hidden in the closet, and numerous firearms, including a pistol equipped with an illegal Glock switch, littered throughout the home.

Mr. Gonzales is the eighth defendant charged in the wake of the Carrollton / Flower Mound juvenile overdose investigation to enter a guilty plea. Jason Xavier Villanueva, Magaly Cano, Robert Alexander Gaitan, Rafael Soliz, Jr., Adrian Martinez-Leon, Donovan Jude Andrews and Stephen Paul Brinson pleaded guilty earlier this year; Luis Eduardo Navarrete has been charged but not yet convicted. (All are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.)

Mr. Gonzales now faces up to 40 years in federal prison.

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Field Office, the Dallas Police Department’s SWAT team, and the Carrollton Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rick Calvert and Phelesa Guy are prosecuting the case.

A DeSoto man who drugged young girls and then forced them into commercial sex was sentenced today to Life in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

Anjum Zafar Mian, 42, was convicted in July 2023 following a two day trial of fifteen counts involving sex trafficking of adults and minors, as well as, sexual exploitation of children. He was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Reed C. O’Connor.

“With the declaration of a life sentence, HSI is yet again successful in removing a dangerous predator from the community,” said HSI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Lester R. Hayes Jr. “Investigating those who exploit children is one of our highest priorities. We will use every resource available in seeking prosecution of those who traumatize and victimize our most vulnerable."

“I am extremely proud of the men and women who worked diligently together in order to bring justice to each of the survivors,” said Arlington Police Chief Al Jones.

According to evidence presented at trial, Mr. Mian forced at least two young girls – ages 16 and 17 – to engage in commercial sex by intimating that he would harm their family if they did not comply.

He brought another 17 year old down from Oklahoma, would not allow her to go back home when she asked, and made her engage in commercial sex.

He also attempted to traffick an adult woman from Oklahoma, who called the police after he assaulted her.

The victims testified that Mr. Mian, who also went by the “AJ” and “Dre,” used explicit photos of them to advertise sexual services online. He communicated with customers via messaging apps, then plied the girls with drugs and alcohol, delivered them to customers, and demanded they turn all proceeds over to him.

Two of the victims testified that Mr. Mian raped them while they were unconscious.

The Arlington Police Department conducted the investigation in conjunction with Homeland Security Investigations’ Dallas Field Office and with the assistance of the Dallas Police Department, DeSoto Police Department, Fort Worth Police Department, and Texas Department of Public Safety. This was a North Texas Trafficking Task Force case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brandie Wade and Matthew Weybrecht prosecuted the case.

If you believe you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, call local law enforcement or the 24/7 confidential National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

A Lubbock man who was convicted at trial for enticement and attempted enticement of a minor was sentenced today to 240 months in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

Nicholas Dominique Bueno, 28, was convicted, following a bench trial in June 2023, of one count of enticement and attempted enticement of a minor.  In May 2023, Mr. Bueno pleaded guilty to three counts of transfer of obscene material to a minor. He was sentenced by U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix, who also order Mr. Bueno to 25 years of supervised release following imprisonment and ordered him to pay a $5,000 assessment to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act. 

According to court documents, Mr. Bueno was a teacher and coach at O’Donnell High School and “Jane Doe” was a 14 year-old student. In October 2022, a school administrator for O’Donnell High School notified the Lynn County Sheriff’s Office of allegations of an inappropriate relationship between a teacher and a student. An investigation revealed, between September 23, 2022 through October 18, 2022, Mr. Bueno and Jane Doe exchanged thousands of messages. On numerous occasions the messages were controlling, grooming, sexual and enticing in nature.

When interviewed, Mr. Bueno initially denied any communication with Jane Doe outside of school, however, as the interview progressed he admitted to using a second phone to communicate with Jane Doe and admitted he destroyed the phone after the relationship was discovered.

The Lynn County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Public Safety, and the Lubbock Police Department investigated the case with the full support and assistance of the O’Donnell Independent School District. Assistant U.S. Attorney Callie Woolam and Matt McLeod prosecuted the case.

Ronald Jones, 54, was sentenced Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade to 120 months in federal prison, an upward variance, for the robbery of Chase Bank located in Corsicana, announced U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton of the Northern District of Texas.

 Jones pleaded guilty in June 2023 to one count of Bank Robbery.          

According to evidence presented at sentencing, Jones, who was on state parole for a 2015 bank robbery conviction, entered Chase Bank located at 101 N. Beaton Street, Corsicana, Texas wearing a mask, presented a demand note which threatened that he had a gun, lifted his shirt as if he had a gun, and received $585 from the teller.

The Corsicana Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Robinson was in charge of the prosecution.

The drug dealer who sold the fentanyl that killed an Abilene man was sentenced today to 30 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

Elijah James Perez, 21, pleaded guilty in September 2023 to distribution and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl resulting in death or serious bodily injury. He was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix.

According to plea papers, Mr. Perez admitted that he sold fentanyl to a victim, identified in court documents as J.W., on Feb. 11, 2022.

The following day, J.W. was found nonresponsive in his bed. After 40 minutes of attempted resuscitation, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Witnesses told law enforcement they believed J.W. had ingested Percocet, but an autopsy found that J.W. died from the toxic effects of fentanyl.

According to plea papers, Mr. Perez admitted that approximately three days before J.W.’s death, Mr. Perez offered to sell him “5 percs.” Three days later, Mr. Perez met with J.W. outside his home around 10 p.m. to make the sale. The pills contained fentanyl.

Six minutes later, J.W. texted his girlfriend that he’d received some “percs” that were “hella strong.” Hours later, he was dead of an overdose.

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Field Office and the Abilene Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Tusing prosecuted the case.

Note: Illicitly produced, fentanyl-laced pills often look similar to legitimate prescription pills like Oxycontin or Percocet, but can pose significantly more danger. On the street, these pills are often referred to as “M30s” (a reference to the markings on some of the pills), “blues,” “perks,” “yerks,” “china girls,” or “TNT.” DEA research shows that six out of ten pills laced with fentanyl contain a potentially lethal dose. One pill can kill. For resources, visit https://www.dea.gov/onepill.

Ten alleged fentanyl traffickers were arrested in Amarillo, Texas on federal drug charges, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. One additional defendant who was already in state custody has also been charged federally.

During the bust, agents and officers also seized six firearms, hundreds of fake M-30 fentanyl pills and bulk US currency.   

The defendants were charged in a seven-count indictment unsealed today. Those charged include:

1. Gary Eugene Carlisle, charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl
2. Robert Tucker Witt, charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl
3. Rebecca Ann Schmitkons, charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl
4. Julian Gabriel Apodaca, charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl
5. Rachel Lynn Waddell, charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl
6. T Blue Bloomer, charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl
7. Michael David Winbigler, charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl
8. Lucas Paul Blanke, charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl
9. Elesaio Ben Guzman Maestas, charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl
10.  Katherine Valencia-Morales, charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl
11.  Kylie Nicole James, charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl

“We are tireless in our fight against fentanyl traffickers in the Northern District of Texas and are doing whatever we can to stem the flow of fentanyl into the Amarillo area,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton.  “Each person lost to fentanyl is one person too many.  I encourage all parents and guardians to talk with young people about the dangers of taking any pill they get off the street, as it very possibly contains a deadly amount of fentanyl.  We are all in this fight together to stop the selling and buying of this deadly drug.”

“Criminal organizations are continuing to flood communities with fentanyl at an alarming rate,” said Eduardo A. Chávez, Special Agent in Charge of DEA Dallas, which covers all operations in Amarillo.  “This week, DEA Amarillo worked with our area law enforcement partners to investigate those responsible for selling this poison throughout the region.  We will keep going.  We will not stop until all members of this criminal organization are held accountable for their actions and to make our neighborhoods safer.  The potential for an individual to be harmed by illicit fentanyl is greater today than at any other time in our history, as seven out of ten fake pills contain a potential lethal amount of illicit fentanyl.”

Amarillo Police Chief Martin Birkenfeld states, “We are very thankful for our federal law enforcement partners that work with us on a daily basis to make our city safer. Fentanyl is sickening and killing people in Amarillo and this is unacceptable. We will continue to hold drug dealers accountable and do everything in our power to bring justice to families who are victimized by these potential murderers.”

An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

If convicted, the defendants face up to 20 years on each count.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Amarillo Police Department’s Proactive Criminal Enforcement (PACE) Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Marie Bell is prosecuting the case. 

A Dallas man who committed an April 2022 drive-by-shooting was sentenced Monday, September 25, 2023 to 15 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

Alexandro Mauricio Campos, 27, pleaded guilty in March 2023 to two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was sentenced September 25, 2023 by U.S. District Judge David C. Godbey.  Campos is a violent felon, and a member of a violent street gang. 

According to court documents, on April 24, 2022 Mansfield Police Officers were dispatched to investigate reports of a drive-by shooting. Once on the scene, officers observed two vehicles riddled with bullets that was parked at the residence.  The residence was also shot, and bullets penetrated a child’s bedroom, the laundry room, and the garage.  Officers recovered numerous shell casings from the street.  An AK-47 firearm was used to shoot the vehicles and the house.  Campos’s ex-girlfriend and young child were in the house when it was shot, and Campos had sent his ex-girlfriend threatening text messages before the shooting.  A neighbor’s home security camera captured the shooting.   

During the investigation, officers learned one of the vehicles hit in the April 24th shooting (which belonged to Campos’s ex-girlfriend) had previously been shot by Mr. Campos. Officers observed bullet holes covered with black electrical tape and learned Mr. Campos was being investigated for the violent attack.

On April 27, 2022, the U.S. Marshal’s North Texas Fugitive Task Force arrested Campos. During the arrest, officers located a large black AK-47 style pistol on the driver’s floorboard where Mr. Campos was seated and a large box of ammunition for the weapon. Ballistic testing confirmed that this firearm was used in the April 24th drive-by shooting.  

According to the criminal complaint, Mr. Campos has a 2018 felony conviction for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon and received a 2-year prison sentence for the offense.  Campos, in fact, has a long history of violent behavior directed at women. 

Campos was also sentenced for possessing another AK-47 style pistol in Mesquite, Texas, in June 2021. 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives’ Dallas Field Division conducted the investigation with the assistance of the U.S. Marshal’s North Texas Fugitive Task Force, the Mansfield Police Department, and the Mesquite Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Gary Tromblay prosecuted the case.

Nine men accused of selling drugs and guns in Fort Worth have been federally charged, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

The defendants were charged in three separate criminal complaints with a variety of offenses, including conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and felon in possession of a firearm. During September, search warrants were executed and eight of the nine defendants were arrested in Fort Worth by ATF Agents and Fort Worth Police Department Officers.

Those charged include:

• Dewayne Thomas, aka “DJ”, charged with felon in possession of a firearm (Glock 10mm pistol)
• Anthony Williams, aka “Fresh,” charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance (fentanyl)
• Marvis Jones, aka “Twin,” charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance (fentanyl)
• Marquon McClain, aka “Flame,” charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance (fentanyl)
• Antwon Crosby, aka “Twon,” charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance (fentanyl)
• AJ Anderson Williams, Jr., charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance (fentanyl)
• Regina McDowell, aka “Lil Reg,” charged with felon in possession of a firearm (Canik 9mm pistol)

According to the complaints, a series of ATF confidential informants, often accompanied by undercover agents, made undercover gun and drug purchases from the defendants.

Across more than a dozen transactions in June and July, confidential informants allegedly purchased more than 94 grams of fentanyl pills, more than 57 grams of methamphetamine, and nine firearms, including one privately made firearm, or “ghost gun.”

Most of the transactions were completed in convenience store and fast food parking lots, motels, or smoke shops.  On at least two occasions,  defendants, who said they were suspicious of police vehicles in the area, met an informant in one location and then allegedly led him to another location to complete the purchase.

Criminal complaints are merely allegations of wrongdoing, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

If convicted, the defendants face up to twenty years in federal prison.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives’ Dallas Field Division conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Fort Worth Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Levi Thomas is prosecuting all three cases.

A retired San Angelo Police Officer was sentenced to a term of 420 months imprisonment and a lifetime of supervised release for possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

Ricky Lynn Keeling, 62, was indicted in March 2023 and pleaded guilty in May 2023 to three counts of possession of child pornography involving a prepubescent minor.  Mr. Keeling was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix, who also ordered him to pay a $15,000 assessment for the Justice for Victim’s of Trafficking Act, and a $51,000 assessment for the Amy, Vicky, and Andy Child Pornography Victim Assistance Act. 

“Crimes involving child pornography are some of the most serious that the Department of Justice prosecutes,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton.  “For a former law enforcement officer to possess child pornography is more than shocking—it is despicable.  Our office will not let such crimes against children happen without repercussion.”

“We swear an oath to protect and serve and the sentence imposed today will ensure the community that no matter who you are, you will be held accountable for your actions,” said HSI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Lester R. Hayes Jr. “HSI Dallas will never relent in our pursuit to protect children from predators.”

"The gravity of this situation cannot be overstated and our agency's commitment to the safety of our community remains unwavering. Crimes perpetrated against children are of the most serious in nature and cannot be tolerated.  As soon as we became aware of these disturbing allegations against retired San Angelo Police Officer Rick Keeling, we immediately referred the matter to the Tom Green County Sherriff's Office and the Department of Homeland Security for investigation,” said San Angelo Police Chief Frank Carter

According to plea documents, Mr. Keeling’s roommate inadvertently discovered child pornography on Mr. Keeling’s computer.  The roommate reported the discovery to law enforcement and an investigation began. Mr. Keeling admitted to officers that he searched for prepubescent material up to three times a week and had been looking at child pornography since 2005.  

Homeland Security Investigations’ San Angelo Field Office and the Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office, conducted the investigation, with support from the San Angelo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Callie Woolam prosecuted the case.

A Dumas, Texas man was sentenced Tuesday to 20 years in prison for Transportation of Child Pornography, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

Landon Joseph Garcia, 39, pleaded guilty in April 2023 to one count of transportation of child pornography. He was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk, who also ordered him to pay $46,500 in restitution. 

“Those who create, view and distribute child sexual abuse materials reinforce a cycle of victimization and trauma each time the content is shared,” said Lester R. Hayes, Jr., Special Agent in Charge HSI Dallas. “Prosecuting the predators that traffic these images is truly a collaborative effort and we are grateful for the support we share with our law enforcement partners.”

According to court documents, in June 2022, Texas Department of Public Safety received information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that an online Kik user was transporting child pornography. Law enforcement later determined that Mr. Garcia was associated with the Kik account.

In July 2022, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Mr. Garcia’s residence and located Mr. Garcia in a restroom deleting child pornography images from his cell phone. Mr. Garcia later admitted to using his cell phone to view, download and transport child pornography for over ten years. The cell phone contained 1,620 video files containing child pornography.

The Texas Department of Public Safety and Homeland Security Investigations’ Amarillo Field Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Frausto of the Northern District of Texas prosecuted the case. 

An Irving man pleaded guilty today to submitting fraudulent insurance claims for COVID-19 testing, resulting in a more than $7 million loss to insurers, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

Terrance Barnard, 40, was indicted in December. He pleaded guilty today to Conspiracy to Commit Health Care Fraud and Aggravated Identity Theft and Aiding and Abetting Aggravated Identity Theft before U.S. Magistrate Judge Irma Carrillo Ramirez.

According to plea papers, Mr. Barnard admitted that he and his coconspirators accessed private patient information – including names, dates of birth, and insurance subscriber numbers – through various clinics where Barnard worked as a contract lab technician.  Mr. Barnard admitted that on some occasions, he took photographs of patient information and stored the images on “burner” phones, and on other occasions, he and a coconspirator accessed the clinics’ confidential electronic medical records to obtain large amounts of patient information at once. 

They then used the patient information to submit claims to insurance providers – including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, United Healthcare, Aetna, Humana, and Molina Health Care – for COVID-19 testing that was never performed. (The patients had not requested COVID-19 testing, nor were they aware their information was being used to submit claims.)

Mr. Barnard admitted that the “labs” at which the coconspirators claimed the testing occurred, including TC Diagnostics, ME Diagnostics, and PHR Diagnostics, were, in fact, shell entities that never operated as labs.  Collectively, these three entities submitted approximately $30 million in claims and were paid more than $7 million in reimbursements for fake testing.

Mr. Barnard now faces up to seven years in federal prison. According to the terms of his plea agreement, he has agreed to a $7.29 million forfeiture money judgment and will forfeit a number of items seized during the investigation, including $2.5 million in funds from numerous bank accounts, two residences, six vehicles, and six luxury watches.

Also charged in the scheme are Connie Jo Clampitt, 52, William Paul Gray, 50, and Don Hogg, 37. Clampitt, Hogg and Gray have each pled guilty and are scheduled to be sentenced in November 2023.

The Dallas Regional Office of the United States Department of Labor – Employee Benefits Security Administration,  the Dallas Office of the Department of Labor – Office of Inspector General, the Texas Department of Insurance Fraud Unit's Fort Worth Field Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Dallas Field Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Renee Hunter is prosecuting the case; Assistant U.S. Attorney Dimitri Rocha is handling the forfeiture.

For more information about the Justice Department’s response to wrongdoing connected to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit  https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

A Texas entity that manages and operates dermatology practices, surgical centers, and pathology laboratories across the United States has agreed to pay the United States $8.9 million to resolve allegations, which were self-reported, of potential violations of the Physician Self-Referral Law (the Stark Law) and the Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS), announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.  The United States contends that these potential violations resulted in liability under the False Claims Act.

Per the terms of a civil settlement executed on September 12, 2023, Oliver Street Dermatology Management LLC will pay the government $8,892,079.72 – including $5,928,053.15 in restitution—within 10 days of the settlement. The settlement credits Oliver Street for its self-disclosure and collaboration with government investigators. The self-reported conduct was unknown to the United States at the time of the self-disclosure, and was specific as to the nature of the potentially problematic transactions, the personnel involved, and the potential financial impact on the Government.

According to the settlement agreement, from January 2013 to July 2018, Oliver Street – doing business as U.S. Dermatology Partners (USDP) -- acquired numerous dermatology practices across the United States.

In September 2021, the company voluntarily self-disclosed to the Department of Justice that it had discovered credible evidence suggesting that former senior managers had offered (or agreed) to increase the purchase price of 11 acquired dermatology practices in exchange for an agreement by the provider at the practice to refer services to USDP-affiliated entities following the acquisition.  Claims for certain of those referred services were later submitted to Medicare for payment.

The United States contends that this conduct violated the AKS and the Stark Law, and resulted in the submission of false claims for payment to Medicare.  The AKS prohibits offering or paying remuneration to induce the referral of items or services covered by Medicare and other federally funded healthcare programs.  The Stark Law prohibits healthcare entities from billing for certain services referred by physicians with whom the entity has a financial relationship, unless that relationship satisfies one of the law’s statutory or regulatory exceptions.  Both the AKS and the Stark Law are intended to ensure that medical judgments are not compromised by improper financial inducements.

“Decisions about where medical specimens are analyzed should be made with the best interests of patients, not providers, in mind,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. “We applaud this company for self-reporting its potential violations and cooperating with government investigators, allowing us to reach a swift settlement.”

This resolution is the result of a coordinated effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services’ Office of Inspector General.  This matter was handled by Civil Chief Kenneth Coffin.

The claims resolved by the settlement are allegations only; there has been no determination of liability.

###

For more information, please contact NDTX Public Affairs Officer Erin Dooley at 214-659-8707 or erin.dooley@usdoj.gov.

The father of a 15-year-old accused of fatally shooting a classmate at Lamar High School was sentenced Thursday to more than six years in federal prison for a gun crime, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

John Edward Porter, 50, was charged in March and pleaded guilty in May to being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Mark Pittman to 77 months in federal prison.

According to court documents, shortly after his son allegedly opened fire at Arlington’s Lamar High School on March 20, fatally shooting one student and injuring another, law enforcement executed a search warrant on Mr. Porter’s apartment.

Inside the home, agents found paperwork for a Mossberg, model 500, 12-gauge shotgun – the same gun recovered from the scene of the shooting. A trace revealed a relative of Mr. Porter had purchased the gun for him.

Inside Mr. Porter’s bedroom, agents also found a Smith & Wesson .357 gauge revolver, a Glock .40 caliber pistol, and a Smith & Wesson M&P .556 caliber rifle.

Mr. Porter, who had been convicted of first degree robbery and sexual battery in Louisiana in 1996 and was thus legally barred from possessing firearms, admitted to possessing all four guns, including the Mossberg.

Records indicated that Mr. Porter had attempted to purchase guns from licensed firearm dealers in 2014 and 2020, but was denied after the background check flagged his prior felony convictions.  

The accused shooter has been charged by the state with murder and aggravated assault. He remains innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives Dallas Field Division and the Arlington Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Gatto prosecuted the case.

A group of straw purchasers who allegedly bought more than 100 firearms later trafficked to Mexico has been federally charged, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

Seven individuals were charged via criminal complaint with conspiracy to make false statements to licensed firearm dealers in connection with the acquisition of firearms. Defendants Mario Lara, 28, Oralia Carrizales, 41, Geovanny Garcia, 31, and Darryl Fox, 29, were arrested last week; defendants Gavino Trujillo, 28, and Guadalupe Corona, 29, were arrested Tuesday morning. One defendant remains at large.

“In June, I met with Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco and five border state U.S. Attorneys to discuss Operation Southbound, the Justice Department’s signature initiative to disrupt the flow of guns across the U.S. / Mexico border. This case represents our district’s commitment to hold accountable anyone involved in smuggling guns into Mexico,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. “All too often, guns trafficked across our southern border fall into the hands of cartel bosses and other bad actors who threaten law enforcement and the people they serve. We will not rest until we dismantle those trafficking networks.”

“There is no doubt that the arrest of these seven individuals will lead to a safer Mexico. Their behavior was adding to the bloodshed and carnage that have plagued our neighbors for so long. We have all seen the movies and evening newscasts on the violence. This is how it starts.” stated ATF Dallas Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II. “The people involved in the trafficking of weapons live amongst you and me. If you suspect someone of illegally running guns, please contact ATF.”

According to court documents, the defendants allegedly purchased guns from federally licensed firearms dealers on behalf of Jose Carlos Rivas-Chiarez, 29, who disassembled the firearms, concealed them inside plastic and towels, and smuggled them to Mexico, either concealed inside tires or through the mail.

Mr. Rivas and his girlfriend, Ana Francisco-Sotelo, 28, were previously charged and pleaded guilty in October 2022 to making false statements during the purchase of a firearm. Mr. Rivas also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Mr. Rivas and Ms. Domingo were sentenced this spring to a combined 32 years in federal prison.

According to court documents, a search of Mr. Rivas’ residence turned up more than 150 empty firearm boxes. Records showed that many of the missing firearms – including FN SCAR rifles, AR-15 style rifles, Glock pistols, and a stolen silencer –  had been purchased by the defendants.

In an interview following the search of his home, Mr. Rivas admitted to law enforcement that, as a Mexican citizen unlawfully present in the U.S., “I’m not legal, to be honest, to be buying a gun.” He further admitted that he directed multiple people to purchase firearms on his behalf.

Confronted with text messages between him and at least one of the defendants discussing the pricing and delivery of “toys,” Mr. Rivas admitted that “toys” was a code word for firearms.

Surveillance video recovered from one of the stores revealed that on at least one occasion, Mr. Rivas accompanied a straw purchaser to the gun store to inspect the firearm before the purchase.

A complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. Mario Lara, Gavino Trujillo, Oralia Carrizales, Geovanny Garcia, Darryl Fox, and Guadalupe Corona are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

If convicted, they face up to 10 years in federal prison.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives’ Dallas Field Division conducted the investigation with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigation’s Dallas Field Office and the Arlington Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Levi Thomas is prosecuting the case.

A Dallas man who sex trafficked multiple young women was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

Demetrius Lewaun Byrd, 39, who called himself “Staxx Diego,” pleaded guilty in March 2022 to sex trafficking through force, fraud, and coercion. He was sentenced last Thursday by U.S. District Judge Sam A. Lindsay.

“HSI will spare no resource in ensuring that those who exploit children face justice for their egregious crimes,” said Lester R. Hayes Jr., Special Agent in Charge HSI Dallas. “We remain dedicated to protecting the children of our communities.”

According to plea papers, Mr. Byrd admitted that he trafficked one 17-year old girl and two 18-year old girls between 2016 and 2018.  

Testimony at the hearing revealed that Mr. Byrd used social media platforms to recruit 17- and 18-year old girls to work with him in the commercial sex trade, often coercing them by pretending they would be his girlfriend. Mr. Byrd also used social media and text messages to shame and manipulate the women if they tried to leave him.

He told one victim that he wanted to date her, then drove up to Oklahoma and drove her back to Texas. During the trip, Mr. Byrd stopped the car at a hotel, handed her a room key, and told her to go into the room, take the money, and do whatever the man inside wanted. Shocked and terrified, the girl complied. Mr. Byrd kept the money.

For the next six months, Mr. Byrd posted commercial sex ads for the girl online, forced her into sex with customers, and pocketed the proceeds. When she told him she wanted to leave, he punched her in the face and pinned her against a fence. When she did manage to escape, he staged his own suicide to pressure her to return.

Homeland Security Investigations’ Dallas Field Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Myria Boehm prosecuted the case with the help of former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rebekah Ricketts, Melanie Smith, and Cara Foos Pierce.

An Amarillo drug dealer with an arsenal of 76 firearms and 54 Glock switches was indicted on federal drug and gun charges, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. 

Gabriel Michael Rendon, 28, was charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of machineguns, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and felon in possession of a firearm. His wife, 26-year-old Jane Marie Burgess, was charged with false statement during the purchase of a firearm. 

“Glock switches – inch-long devices that convert regular firearms into machineguns capable of a terrifyingly swift rate of fire – are proliferating rapidly in North Texas,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. “An armed drug trafficker is always bad news; a drug trafficker armed with a switch is exponentially more dangerous. We cannot and will not allow these devices to take over our streets.”

“Citizens of Amarillo can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Mr. Rendon no longer terrorizes the streets of their city. Illegal firearms and illicit drugs are never a good combination, especially when those guns are possessed by a prohibited person. Together with the United States Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners, we will continue to pursue the worst of the worst lawbreakers living amongst us in our communities,” stated ATF Dallas Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II.

According to the indictment, Mr. Rendon allegedly possessed 76 firearms, including 43 pistols, 23 rifles, four shotguns, and four revolvers, in furtherance of his drug trafficking business. Due to an Arkansas state court conviction for possession of a controlled substance with purpose to deliver, he was legally barred from handling  firearms. 

Mr. Rendon also allegedly possessed at least 54 Glock switches, dangerous devices that convert regular semi-automatic pistols into machineguns capable of continuous fire with a single depression of the trigger. (Glock switches are classified as machineguns under federal law. Unlike semiautomatic firearms, machineguns – weapons that can fire more than one round, without manual reloading, by single function of the trigger – are generally unlawful for non-licensed civilians under the National Firearms Act.) 

Ms. Burgess allegedly bought guns for her husband, lying on ATF Form 4473 by indicating that she was the actual buyer when she actually intended to hand them over to Mr. Rendon.  

According to court documents, during a search of Mr. Rendon’s residence on July 26, 2023, Ms. Burgess allegedly told law enforcement that Mr. Rendon was armed at all times when at the home. 

An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. 

If convicted on all counts, Mr. Rendon faces up to life in federal prison; Ms. Burgess faces up to 10 years in prison. 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives’ Dallas Field Division – Amarillo Resident Agency, the Amarillo Police Department, and the Randall County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Pinkham is prosecuting the case. 

A Fort Worth man who allegedly shot through the door of a local home, hitting an 82-year-old woman in the chest, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

Jonathan R. Howard, 35, was charged in March and pleaded guilty in May to being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was sentenced Friday by U.S. District Judge Reed C. O’Connor.

According to court documents, law enforcement responded to a shooting at a home in Fort Worth at 9:40 p.m. on Feb. 23. The 82-year-old victim had already been transported to the hospital. 

Officers discovered cartridge casings in the backyard of Mr. Howard’s residence, which was across the alley from the victim’s property. 

The following day, officers searched Mr. Howard’s home and car and located three firearms: a Jimenez Arms 9mm pistol, a Glock 9mm pistol, and a Taurus 9mm pistol. Due to his multiple prior felony convictions, including forgery in 2011 and manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance in 2019, Mr. Howard was legally barred from possessing firearms.  

Mr. Howard has also been charged by the state with aggravated assault in connection with the shooting. Those charges remain pending; he is considered innocent in that case until proven guilty.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives’ Dallas Field Division – Fort Worth Resident Agency and the Fort Worth Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Smith prosecuted the case.

A Lubbock man who defrauded pandemic-era financial programs out nearly $4 million was sentenced today to 15 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

Andrew Travis Johnson, 59, pleaded guilty in March to three counts of bank fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft, and one count of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from unlawful activity.  He was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix, who ordered him to pay $4.15 million in restitution and to forfeit numerous assets, including multiple luxury cars.

According to plea papers, Mr. Johnson admitted that he fraudulently applied for and obtained 27 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans totaling almost $4 million.

He admitted he applied for loans on behalf of three entities: an actual business that provided contract speech and occupational therapy services, an actual nonprofit that organized community fundraisers for individuals with intellectual limitations, and a fictitious entity that never provided goods or services of any kind and had no employees.  

In the business’s application, Mr. Johnson falsely claimed the company paid 49 employees an average of $441,667 per month and provided a fabricated IRS Form 940 that indicated it paid its employees more than $5.1 million in calendar year 2019. In actuality, the company employed about 10 individuals on an ad hoc basis and paid less than $100,000 in wages in 2019. Nevertheless, based on his application, the business qualified for a $1.1 million PPP loan, which it re-drew the following year, for a total of $2.2 million.  

In the nonprofit’s application, he falsely claimed the organization employed 33 individuals (in actuality, it employed fewer than five), and in the application submitted on behalf of the fictitious entity, he falsely claimed the company employed 24 individuals (in actuality, the company did not exist). For each entity, he provided fabricated lists of employees, some of which did not exist and others of which were clients of the rehabilitation company, along with fabricated IRS forms. Nevertheless, he qualified for a $326,770 loan for the entity and a $523,00 loan for the nonprofit.  He redrew a loan for the non-existent entity the following year for a total of $653,540.     

Each entity sought – and received – forgiveness on the principal and interest on each of the small business PPP loans. Yet very little, if any, of the money was used for payroll or business expenses. Instead, Mr. Johnson and a woman with whom he had a relationship, 50-year-old Hope Leticia Hastey, spent nearly $3.5 million on home renovations, vacations, clothing, cosmetic surgery, college tuition, cars, wedding expenses, and equipment for an unrelated business venture.   

In addition to the small business loans, Mr. Johnson also fraudulently obtained $436,524.80 in first and second draw loans for 11 purported independent contractors, several of whom were related to him or Ms. Hastey.

At least four of the recipients were unaware that Mr. Johnson had used their identifying information to obtain the loans, nor did they ever receive any proceeds of the loans. Mr. Johnson opened bank accounts under the victim’s names, transferred to loan proceeds into the accounts, and obtained debit cards for each account; he and Ms. Hastey used the debit cards to spend the loan monies.

Mr. Johnsons and others sought – and received – forgiveness on the principal and interest on each of the independent contractor loans, which ranged from roughly $15,000 to nearly $24,000 each.

At Thursday’s sentencing hearing, prosecutors said that he used his elderly mother’s and elderly aunt’s identifying information and forged their signatures on loan documents. The women never received any of the money.  Mr. Johnson also used the identifying information and forged the signature of L.G., a resident of Plainview, to obtain two loans.

Ms. Hastey has been charged with misprison (concealment) of Mr. Johnson’s felonies and is set to enter a plea on Aug. 30. She remains innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office and IRS – Criminal Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Internal Revenue Service and Homeland Security Investigations.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ann Howey prosecuted the case with assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorneys Beverly Chapman, Saurabh Sharad,  and John de la Garza.

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) was authorized under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The PPP provided forgivable loans to small businesses to cover payroll, rent, and other certain business expenses; the program ended in May 2021.

Concerned citizens who suspect waste, fraud, or abuse of financial-era pandemic programs, including the PPP, or who suspect violations of pandemic-related legislation can report it to the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) at https://www.pandemicoversight.gov/contact/about-hotline.

A fentanyl trafficker responsible for distributing thousands of pills across north Texas was sentenced today to more than eight years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

Stephen Paul Brinson, aka “Steve-O,” 18, was charged in March and pleaded guilty in May to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a Schedule II controlled substance (fentanyl). He was sentenced Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade to 100 months in prison.  

In plea papers, Mr. Brinson admitted he dealt fentanyl-laced pills out of a home in Flower Mound.

He used an Instagram account to facilitate the sale of the round blue pills, which were imprinted “M/30” to resemble legitimate 30mg oxycodone pills.

According to court documents, Mr. Brinson acted as the source of supply for fentanyl to Donovan Jude Andrews, the Carrollton dealer who allegedly capitalized on the arrest of Luis Navarrete and Magaly Cano to advertise his pill business. (Mr. Andrews is allegedly tied to at least one juvenile fentanyl overdose – that of a 14-year-old girl who paid her dealer through CashApp; Mr. Navarrete and Ms. Cano, along with their supplier, Jason Villanueva, are allegedly tied to more than ten others.)

During a search of Mr. Brinson’s residence, law enforcement recovered approximately 1,800 fentanyl pills along with cocaine, marijuana, and two firearms.

In plea papers, he admitted that at the time of the search, he was armed and en route to deliver an M/30 pill to a customer in Flower Mound.

Mr. Brinson was the second defendant charged in the wake of the Carrollton / Flower Mound juvenile overdoses to enter a guilty plea. Magaly Cano, 29, pleaded guilty earlier this month. To date, a total of nine defendants have been charged, five of whom have pleaded guilty. (All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.)

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Field Division and the Carrollton Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of School Resource Officers from the Carrollton – Farmer’s Branch Independent School District and the Lewisville Independent School District. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Phelesa Guy and Rick Calvert are prosecuting the case.

Note: Illicitly produced, fentanyl-laced pills often look similar to legitimate prescription pills like Oxycontin or Percocet, but can pose significantly more danger. On the street, these pills are often referred to as “M30s” (a reference to the markings on some of the pills), “blues,” “perks,” “yerks,” “china girls,” or “TNT.” DEA research shows that six out of ten pills laced with fentanyl contain a potentially lethal dose. One pill can kill. For resources, visit https://www.dea.gov/onepill.

A law firm controller pleaded guilty Tuesday to inflating her payroll amount by $1.48 million over the course of just three years,  announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

Christiane Kathleen Irwin, 44, was indicted in March 2022. She pleaded guilty to wire fraud before U.S. Magistrate Judge Toliver.

According to court documents, Ms. Irwin, who worked for a law firm and was responsible for submitting payroll each week, falsely inflated her salary, which was set at approximately $140,000 annually.

In accordance with her fraudulent payroll submission, the firm’s payroll vendor transferred her purported pay from the firm’s bank account into her bank account every two weeks.

Over the course of three years, from 2019 to 2021, Ms. Irwin took home $1.48 million in fraudulently obtained funds.

She now faces up to 20  years in federal prison. Her sentencing date is slated for Jan. 3, 2024. Irwin has agreed that the loss amount to the firm for restitution is over $1.48 million.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nashonme Johnson and Jenna Rudoff are prosecuting the case with the help of Financial Auditor Sheila Powell.

A Dallas man who scammed the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program out of more than $2.3 million was sentenced yesterday to a year and a half in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

Michael Anthony Munson, the 47-year-old founder of the Heloise Munson Foundation, was indicted in August 2018 and pleaded guilty in July 2022 to summer food service program fraud. He was sentenced Monday by U.S. District Judge Ada Brown, who is expected to order restitution later this week. 

Mr. Munson was charged, convicted, and sentenced under 42 U.S.C. § 1761(o)(1),  a statute Congress enacted in 1977 to address fraud in the Summer Food Service Program, a U.S. Department of Agriculture initiative that provides free meals to children in low-income areas when school is not in session.

According to plea papers, Mr. Munson admitted that over the course of seven years, from 2008 to 2014, he knowingly inflated meal counts for summer food sites his foundation serviced and even provided false meal counts for sites it did not actually service. 

He further admitted that in response to an inquiry into the legitimacy of these claims, he paid an individual $75,000 who fabricated invoices from a fictitious company, Janus Wholesale Food, Inc., indicating that the foundation had purchased enough food, milk, and juice to provide the number of meals it claimed to have provided. 

In October 2013, he testified under oath at an administrative hearing that the Heloise Munson Foundation had purchased food from Janus. He also submitted a fabricated affidavit from the purported Director of Sales for Janus, falsely stating that Janus sold food, milk, and juice to the foundation.

According to court documents, Mr. Munson claimed to have provided more than 2.4 million meals to needy children. In reality, he provided fewer than 1 million meals, pocketing fraudulently-obtained reimbursements for more than 1.4 million meals that were never provided.  

The U.S. Department of Agriculture - Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Douglas Brasher prosecuted the case.

A retired FBI agent who convinced a Granbury woman she was on “secret probation” and conned her out of more than $700,000 was convicted at trial of eight federal crimes, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton announced today. His coconspirator who also carried out the “secret probation” scheme was convicted as well.       

William Roy Stone, Jr., 64, was indicted in May 2021. After 12 days of trial and just 4 hours of deliberation, a jury convicted him of  one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, five counts of wire fraud, one count of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from unlawful activity, and one count of false impersonation of a federal officer.  Coconspirator Joseph Eventino DeLeon, 64, was indicted in December 2021. The jury convicted him of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

“Mr. Stone used his imposing status as a former FBI special agent to manipulate, intimidate, and steal from his victim,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. “Federal agents should be pillars of integrity. When they fail to meet that standard, we will not hesitate to hold them accountable to the fullest extent of the law.” 

According to evidence presented at trial, Mr. Stone convinced his victim, C.T., that she was under “secret probation” for federal drug crimes in “Judge Anderson’s court in Austin, Texas.”

He and Mr. DeLeon told the victim that the fictious federal judge had appointed the two of them to administer the conditions of her six year “secret probation”. They required her to text them written reports of her daily activities, and to compensate them for their supervisory services, as well as any expenses they incurred. Copies of the multiple six figure checks she wrote them were admitted into evidence at trial. Over the course of eleven months, C.T. gave Mr. Stone more than $700,000 and Mr. DeLeon more than $50,000.

Mr. Stone and Mr. DeLeon insisted that C.T. was prohibited from disclosing her probation status to anyone, and would risk imprisonment and loss of her children if she did not comply with the terms of her probation.

In recorded phone calls introduced into evidence at trial, when C.T. began to question the situation, Mr. Stone assured her everything he’d done was “legit.”  

C.T.: What I’m saying is, all of that stuff was to compensate you for all the stuff that you did for me, you know. 
STONE: Okay, then.  Okay.  We don’t need to discuss that anymore.  It’s over.  It’s done.
C.T.: Well, I’m just trying to let you know that I feel like that’s a huge order.  I mean, I feel like I could have got, like, the best attorney in, like, the world for $100,000.
STONE: Well, you know what, we can’t change the past, now can we?
…

 C.T.: I’m not stupid, Bill. I may have been, you know, blinded because I thought that somebody in your position wouldn’t ever do what you did to me.
STONE: I never did anything.
C.T.: You took advantage of me based upon who you were in society.
C.T.: I even looked up Judge Anderson in Austin and the Anderson that pulls up... There’s not one, Bill. There is not one. There is not a Judge Anderson in Austin.
STONE: Bye.

In order to further convince her the probation was real, the defendants monitored her cell phone communications, conducted physical surveillance of her, stated they had discussed C.T.’s probation with a psychiatrist, enlisted another person to impersonate the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration “Intelligence Center” in a message inquiring about C.T., and even placed spoof calls between Mr. Stone, C.T., and the fictitious Judge Anderson.

They urged her to distance herself from her family, claiming her family members wanted to take her inheritance away from her, and persuaded her to transfer her inherited assets out of a trust and into an account under her own name. At one point, they allegedly claimed Judge Anderson would discharge C.T.’s probation if C.T. agreed to marry Mr. Stone. Mr. DeLeon even carried a weapon in C.T.’s home while purportedly providing “protective services” for her. 

Mr. Stone now faces up to 158 total years in federal prison. Mr. DeLeon faces up to 20 years in prison.

The Texas Rangers and the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Mr. Stone retired from the Federal Bureau of Investigation in October 2015.  The Bureau provided valuable assistance during the trial. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jenna Rudoff, Donna Strittmatter Max, and Marcus Busch are prosecuting the case with the support of Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Katherine Miller and Appellate Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Pryor; Assistant U.S. Attorney Dimitri Rocha is handling the forfeiture. U.S. District Judge Ada Brown presided over trial.

A Texas man who suggested a “mass shooting of poll workers” and threatened two Maricopa County officials and their children was sentenced yesterday to three and a half years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

Frederick Francis Goltz, 52, pleaded guilty in April to interstate threatening communications. He was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix, who ordered three years of supervised release following the defendant’s prison term.

“Election workers perform a duty sacred to the body politic. Setting aside their personal political leanings, they help voters of all political persuasions cast their ballots – a ritual vital to the functioning of American democracy. County attorneys perform a similarly vital role in responding to legal challenges in court. Threats against either are unconscionable,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. “This particular defendant repeatedly advocated violence against not only these men, but against their children as well. The Justice Department will not stand by as bad actors threaten members of law enforcement or election officials.”

"Our Democracy demands equal access and unencumbered participation.  I am in awe of the dedicated workers and public servants that fulfill their duties to ensure that all of our voices can be heard above the noise created by repugnant threats intended to incite fear and physical harm,” said Dallas FBI Special Agent in Charge Chad Yarbrough. “This noise has no functional place in our society, and the FBI will continue to protect the American people from threats of violence and find justice for victims."

According to court documents, Mr. Goltz threatened several individuals in Arizona – including a Maricopa County Attorney’s Office lawyer and a Maricopa County elections official – on the far-right-wing social media platforms Patriots.win and Gab.com.

In plea papers, Mr. Goltz admitted that on Nov. 21, 2022, he posted the lawyer’s name, purported home address, and purported telephone number on social media along with the sardonic comment, “It would be a shame if someone got to [sic] this children. There are some crazies out there. This kind of info shouldn’t be readily available on the internet.”  On the same date, in response to another post referring to other Maricopa County officials, Mr. Goltz said, “Someone needs to get these people AND their children. The children are the most important message to send.”

Just two days later, according to court records, Mr. Goltz responded to a post about the elections official with the comment, “He’s got a WIFE that is a lawyer, too. We need to find out her name and where she works. I don’t think he has kids, but I’m not 100% on that.” When another user commented that kids should be “off limits,” Mr. Goltz responded by saying, “NOTHING is off limits. It’s people like you that are supposedly with us, who don’t have the stomach to do what it takes to get our country back.”

An FBI investigation into Mr. Goltz’s other social media activity revealed a long history of threatening statements against a variety of targets, including government officials, law enforcement officers, and others:

For example, according to court records, on Nov. 13, 2022, Mr. Goltz advocated for "a mass shooting of poll workers and election officials” in precincts he believed had “suspect” results.

A few weeks later, he said he was “willing to take lives” in order to protect against what he called a “tyrannical government.”

According to court records, Mr. Goltz repeatedly emphasized that “children are not off limits,” and said that going after children is important because “it sends a message… people will pay the price for ‘sins of the father.’ Dead children burn into the memories of people.”  He also discussed the potential use of concealed firearms.

At Thursday’s sentencing hearing, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office lawyer testified that he, his wife, and his four children were assigned round-the-clock protection and issued body armor in response to the threat.

The elections official, in a statement read aloud by the prosecutor, said the case went far beyond the two men Mr. Goltz specifically targeted online:

“While I am the person directly threatened in this case, the impact of such threats is felt by a much larger community: the thousands of committed election workers who operate our democratic processes,” the elections official, identified as S.R., said in his victim impact statement. “When threats are made against any election workers, the impact reverberates through the whole community. It creates an atmosphere of fear and apprehension. If those who step forward to serve their community – typically an older demographic – are concerned about intimidation or threats, it could discourage them from participating in future election cycles. This potential chilling effect not only threatens the robust functioning of our electoral processes, but it also strikes at the heart of our democracy itself.”

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office – Lubbock Resident Agency conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Haag prosecuted the case with the assistance of National Security Division Trial Attorney Michael Dittoe and Criminal Division Attorney Robert Heberle.

Eleven alleged methamphetamine traffickers in Levelland, Texas have been federally charged with drug and gun crimes, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

The majority of the defendants charged in the indictment unsealed today were apprehended on Friday. During the arrest operation, one defendant barricaded himself in the attic for roughly two hours but was successfully extricated by an FBI SWAT team. No one was injured. They made their initial appearances before U.S. District Judge D. Gordon Bryant, Jr.

The indictment unsealed today represents the second round of charges in a wide-ranging meth investigation that has netted 29 defendants to date, including 18 defendants charged in November 2022, all of whom subsequently entered guilty pleas. 

Those charged in the most recent indictments include:

• David Vicente Martinez, aka Flaco: charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine
• Sedric Lashawn King: charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine
• Daniel Hernandez Martinez: charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, convicted felon in possession of a firearm (Keltec .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol and Phoenix Arms .22 caliber pistol)
• Omarre Edwards Joyce: charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine
• Daniel Abram Garza: charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine
• Andrea Jane Mora: charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine
• Miguel Silva, Jr.: charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
• Dlanee Jordan Alexander: charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine
• Calvin Lee Gonzales: charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine
• Jesus Perez Puertas: charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine
• Danny Bautista: charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, convicted felon in possession of firearms (Ruger 9mm semi-automatic pistol, Ruger .22 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and Winchester .22 caliber rifle)

A number of these defendants have violent criminal histories, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, assault causing bodily injury, assault of a public servant, burglary, theft, and possession of controlled substances.

Those charged in the first round of indictments include:

• Bobby Joe Gonzales: plead (pled or pleaded throughout) guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; sentenced to 240 months in federal prison
• Rance Devin Jordan: plead guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; sentenced to 84 months in federal prison
• Michael Salazar: plead guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; sentenced to 97 months in federal prison
• Timothy John Perez: plead guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; sentenced to 90 months in federal prison
• Judy Cirilo Qualls: plead guilty to convicted felon in possession of a firearm; sentenced to 37 months in federal prison
• Anthony Raven Ruiz, aka Acid: plead guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; sentenced to 87 months in federal prison
• Jose Angel Marquez: plead guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; sentenced to 57 months in federal prison
• Juan Luis Quezada: plead guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; sentencing set for Aug. 3
• Ernest Michael Chavez: plead guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; sentenced to 131 months in federal prison
• Jennifer Dianne Clem: plead guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; sentenced to 110 months in federal prison
• Jason Wade Grant: plead guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; sentenced to 240 months in federal prison
• Ruben Soliz Guajardo: plead guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; sentenced to 90 months in federal prison
• Gilberto Guajardo: plead guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; sentenced to 108 months in federal prison
• Santiago Vizcarra, Jr., aka Quick: plead guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; sentenced to 78 months in federal prison
• Gerry Wayne Varner: plead guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; sentenced to 240 months in federal prison
• John Vester Gilliam: pled guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; sentenced to 100 months in federal prison
• Hollye Raychelle Patton: pled guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; sentenced to 168 months in federal prison
• Heather Rochelle Patton: pled guilty to distribution and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; sentenced to 180 months in federal prison

An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

If convicted, some of the defendants face up to life in federal prison.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office – Lubbock Resident Agency conducted the investigation with the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives’ Dallas Field Division, the Hockley County Sheriff’s Office, the Levelland Police Department, and the Cochran County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Redd is prosecuting the case.

Fifteen people were arrested in a large-scale gun and drug bust Thursday, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton announced today.

During the operation – which involved more than 200 officers and agents from FBI Dallas, the Dallas Police Department, the Dallas Sheriff’s Office, and other local agencies – law enforcement seized more than 540 grams of cocaine, more than 1,100 grams of methamphetamine, more than 150 grams of alprazolam, and more than 7 grams of fentanyl, along with nine firearms and over $10,000 in cash.

The defendants were charged in a 16-count indictment with a variety of gun and drug crimes, including possession with intent to distribute cocaine and felon in possession of firearms. They began making their initial appearances in federal court Friday morning before U.S. Magistrate Judge  Irma Carrillo Ramirez.

“Prosecuting these worst-of-the-worst offenders not only holds them accountable for past wrongs, but it also prevents them from committing future crimes. It makes our streets safer, and our communities sleep more soundly at night,” U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton said at an FBI press conference Friday morning. “An operation like this takes commitment – commitment of time, commitment of resources, and above all, psychological commitment – knowingly risking one’s own personal safety to ensure the security of the community… This case was almost exactly two years in the making. After yesterday, we’re confident it was worth the effort.”

"It's not our goal to just put individuals in jail for a few days, but to build cases that cut into the capabilities of these gangs and criminal enterprises, putting the most violent offenders and facilitators behind bars for as long as we possibly can," said FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Dallas Field Office Chad Yarbrough said at the press conference.”

Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia said, “I want to thank the FBI Dallas Field Office, the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas, and the other state and local agencies for their partnerships in this two year-long investigation. It takes all of us to fight and prevent crime and criminal activity. Violent crime continues to trend downward in the city of Dallas and not by accident. It is because of the hard work of the men and women of our agencies, along with our community and city leaders that we see the needle trending down. We are committed to making our neighborhoods safer.”

Those charged include:

• Alicia Slaughter: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute cocaine
• Courtney Smith: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute cocaine
• Edward Williams, aka “Lil ‘E:” conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, convicted felon in possession of a firearm
• Xavier Barnes: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute cocaine
• Jordan Davis: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute cocaine
• Ladarius Holly: convicted felon in possession of a firearm
• Quentavis Zikeiy Hawkins, aka “Luddy:” conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute cocaine
• Lucis Lugo: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute cocaine
• Sebastian Medlock, aka “Blue:” convicted felon in possession of a firearm
• Dmarcus Quartez Roderick Moton, aka “Little Cheese:” conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of an unregistered firearm (Glock switch)
• Christopher Samuel: convicted felon in possession of a firearm
• Perry Taylor: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute cocaine
• Anthony Joe Womack: convicted felon in possession of a firearm
• Davonia Hart: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance
• Brandon Bedford: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, convicted felon in possession of a firearm

Many of the defendants arrested Friday had extensive criminal histories, including assault, aggravated robbery, arson, deadly conduct with a firearm, and manufacture and delivery of controlled substances. Many were allegedly armed, including one who allegedly carried a Glock switch, a dangerous device that converts a regular semi-automatic weapon into a machinegun capable of continuous fire with a  single depression of the trigger.

An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

If convicted, some face as many as 40 years in federal prison.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office, the Dallas Police Department, and the Dallas Sheriff’s Office conducted the operation with the assistance of the Irving Police Department, the Carrollton Police Department, and the Texas Department of Criminal Justice’s Office of Inspector General, which contributed officers to the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Kull is prosecuting the case.

A top source of supply in the Carrollton juvenile fentanyl case – which has resulted in at least 14 juvenile overdoses, four of them fatal – has been federally charged, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

Julio Gonzales, Jr., 18, was charged via criminal complaint on July 14 with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. He was arrested at his residence on Thursday and made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Renee Harris Toliver on Friday morning.

His roommate, 19-year-old Adrian Martinez-Leon, was also arrested Thursday and subsequently charged via criminal complaint with drug conspiracy. He, too, made his initial appearance before Magistrate Judge Toliver on Friday. 

During a search of their residence, DEA agents found thousands of fentanyl-laced M-30 pills stuffed in the microwave, a partial kilogram of cocaine tucked in a plastic food storage container, bulk U.S. currency hidden in the closet, and numerous firearms, including a pistol equipped with an illegal Glock switch, littered throughout the home.

“Another domino has fallen in the Carrollton juvenile fentanyl overdose saga,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. “Rest assured, the Justice Department will not stop until their entire fentanyl trafficking infrastructure has been dismantled. Our kids’ futures are too important to allow this to continue. “

“These arrests demonstrate the continued resolve of DEA Dallas to investigate this organization to the fullest extent possible,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Eduardo A. Chávez.  “Local street dealers, transporters, bulk suppliers, and anyone in between should know DEA Dallas is still committed to holding everyone in this organization, and others like it, accountable for selling fentanyl to our communities.”

According to the complaint, in February 2023, a 16-year-old dealer who delivered the fentanyl pills that killed a 14-year-old girl in December 2022 allegedly identified Mr. Gonzales, whom he called “J-Money,” as his supplier.  In text messages, the child discussed “J-Money” with Eduardo Navarrete, one of the first dealers charged in the scheme. They identified “J-Money” as their “plug,” street parlance for a source of supply.

At least four other cooperating defendants also allegedly identified “J-Money” as their source of supply and tied him to an address in Dallas’ Oak Cliff neighborhood. Three of the cooperating defendants immediately identified a photograph of Mr. Gonzales as the man they knew as “J-Money.” One admitted to agents that the thousands of pills sold during a DEA controlled purchase operation were sourced by Mr. Gonzales. Instagram messages between Mr. Gonzales and the defendants negotiating pill prices and quantities corroborated these accounts.

In June 2023, agents surveilling Mr. Gonzales observed him allegedly conduct a hand-to-hand drug transaction with a subject who then ducked into a nearby alleyway, crushed the pills, and smoked them.  They also observed his roommate, Mr. Martinez-Leon, allegedly conduct a hand-to-hand transaction with a subject outside their front door.  

Mr. Gonzales and Mr. Martinez-Leon are the ninth and tenth defendants charged in the wake of the Carrollton overdoses, which have claimed the lives of four middle and high school students to date. To date, five have pleaded guilty.

A complaint is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

If convicted, Mr. Gonzales and Mr. Martinez-Leon will face up to 40 years in federal prison.

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Field Office, the Dallas Police Department’s SWAT team, and the Carrollton Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rick Calvert and Phelesa Guy are prosecuting the case.

Note: Illicitly produced, fentanyl-laced pills often look similar to legitimate prescription pills like Oxycontin or Percocet, but can pose significantly more danger. On the street, these pills are often referred to as “M30s” (a reference to the markings on some of the pills), “blues,” “perks,” “yerks,” “china girls,” or “TNT.” DEA research shows that six out of ten pills laced with fentanyl contain a potentially lethal dose. One pill can kill. For resources, visit https://www.dea.gov/onepill.

Twenty people were apprehended in a large-scale drug enforcement operation Wednesday, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

The defendants were charged in 14 separate indictments with a total of 37 counts, including distribution of fentanyl, distribution of methamphetamine, and felon in possession of a firearm. Seven people charged in the scheme remain fugitives.

Those apprehended include:

• Erik Hans Grosstueck: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl
• Brian Jacob Miller: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl
• Alexander Erik Pierce: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, distribution of fentanyl
• Matthew Ryan Chandler: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl
• Loddy Max Montoya: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl
• Trey Matthew Parrish: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, distribution of fentanyl
• Kevontae Jalil Hawthorne: felon in possession of a firearm (one rifle)
• Daniel Anthony Moreno: felon in possession of a firearm (one semi-automatic handgun)
• Glen Donnell Nall, Jr.: possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (one pistol)
• Ethan Tyler Nieto: felon in possession of a firearm (one pistol)
• Martin Rosalez III, aka Wedo: felon in possession of a firearm (one semi-automatic handgun)
• Roberto Salinas, Jr.: felon in possession of a firearm (one semi-automatic handgun)
• Tevin Terelle Carrington: felon in possession of a firearm (one pistol)
• Steven Paul Echols: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
• Rachel Michelle Melendez: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (one pistol)
• Nicolas Blake Pereida: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (one 9mm pistol), distribution of fentanyl
• Brent Reed Angelle: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime (two pistols and one shotgun), possession with intent to distribute fentanyl 
• Alexus Michelle Grubelnik: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, distribution of fentanyl
• Beatrice Eunice Gutierrez: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl
• Ronny Paul Spuriel: distribution of methamphetamine

Seven people charged in the scheme remain fugitives.

A number of the defendants charged in the scheme are tied to Lubbock’s Project Safe Neighborhood zone, a high-crime hotspot where federal, state, and local law enforcement leaders collaborate to reduce violence and increase community safety. Many have extensive criminal histories, including child sexual assault, aggravated assault, burglary, fraud, manufacture and delivery of controlled substances, and unlawful carrying of firearms. 

An indictment is merely an allegation of wrongdoing, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

If convicted, some face up to life in federal prison.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives’ Dallas Field Division – Lubbock Resident Agency, the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Field Division – Lubbock Resident Agency, the United States Marshal Service, the Caprock HIDTA (High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area) Task Force, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Lubbock Police Department, the Lubbock County Sherriff’s Office, and the Texas Anti-Gang Task Force conducted the investigation and arrest operation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Long is prosecuting the drug conspiracy; AUSAs Jeff Haag, Ann Howey, Callie Woolam, and Matt McLeod are prosecuting the gun cases with the assistance of AUSAs Ryan Redd and Stephan Rancourt, the Lubbock Branch Office’s Project Safe Neighborhood Coordinators.

A physician’s assistant who allegedly injected amniotic fluid into patients’ joints in a dubious attempt at pain management has been charged with healthcare fraud, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

Ray Anthony Shoulders, a 36-year-old physician’s assistant at a Fort Worth pain management clinic, was indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit healthcare fraud and eleven counts of healthcare fraud. He made his initial appearance Wednesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jeffrey Cureton.

“This defendant allegedly claimed that amniotic fluid – a product that has never been approved to treat pain – would alleviate his patients’ suffering. He allegedly told patients that the treatment was covered by Medicare, kindling false hopes. To add insult to injury, he allegedly scammed Medicare out of more than half a million dollars,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. “The Northern District of Texas has always been tenacious in its fight against healthcare fraud, and this case is no exception. Medical professionals cannot be allowed to bill insurers for unreliable, unapproved, unreimbursable treatments.”

“The conduct alleged in this indictment put patients at risk,” said Jason E. Meadows, Special Agent in Charge at the Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG). "Protecting the safety of Medicare patients is crucial, and HHS-OIG is committed to ensuring that taxpayer dollars are not used for unapproved, potentially dangerous medical treatments."

According to the indictment, Mr. Shoulders and others allegedly submitted $788,000 in fraudulent claims and received more than $614,000 in reimbursements from Medicare for injecting amniotic fluid – the liquid that surrounds a growing fetus during gestation – into patients’ connective tissue in an off-label attempt to relieve joint pain.

Certain amniotic products have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for wound care, but not for pain management. (In fact, the FDA has issued repeated consumer alerts warning that biologics like amniotic fluid “have not been approved for the treatment of any orthopedic condition, such as osteoarthritis, tendonitis, disc disease, tennis elbow, back pain, hip pain, knee pain, neck pain, or shoulder pain,” nor for “chronic pain or fatigue.”) Because amniotic products have not been approved to treat pain, Medicare considers amniotic injections administered to treat pain medically unnecessary and does not reimburse for them. They do reimburse for some – but not all – amniotic injections administered to reduce inflammation of damaged tissue, as in a wound.

Mr. Shoulders primarily used “Cell Genuity,” an amniotic product for which Medicare would not reimburse, neither for wound care nor for pain. Initially, because the product was not covered by insurance, Mr. Shoulders allegedly asked patients to pay out of pocket more than $800 per injection. Due to the high cost and questionable efficacy, however, many patients refused.

In August 2020, Mr. Shoulders allegedly found an amniotic product, “Fluid Flow,” for which Medicare would reimburse for wound care. He spoke with a sales rep about Fluid Flow reimbursement rates and billing requirements but did not purchase any Fluid Flow, which was significantly more expensive than Cell Genuity

Instead, he allegedly continued to inject Cell Genuity into patients but billed the shots to Medicare under Fluid Flow’s unique code, Q4206. Because they were told insurance would cover the cost of the injections, more patients consented to the procedure.

Under the scheme, the pain clinic allegedly profited around $1,200 per cc of Cell Genuity they injected. (Had the clinic used Fluid Flow, they would have made only around $400 per cc.) From August to October 2020, the clinic submitted more than 100 bills for Fluid Flow to Medicare and received around $400,000 in reimbursements. Mr. Shoulders then received a cut of those reimbursements totaling over $200,00.   

The indictment further charges that, in November 2020, in an attempt to avoid detection, Mr. Shoulders suddenly halted the alleged scheme after he became concerned that a sudden increase in the volume of billings might attract the attention of investigators. With no repercussions over the ensuing 10 months, Mr. Shoulders allegedly re-engaged in the scheme in October 2021 and continued through December 2021.

In mid-October, he allegedly purchased 10ccs of Fluid Flow for $20,000 – the only recorded purchase of Fluid Flow by the clinic. He continued to purchase significant quantities of Cell Genuity. Despite purchasing only 10 ccs of Fluid Flow, Mr. Shoulders billed Medicare for approximately 394 ccs of Fluid Flow in the subsequent months.

An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. Like all defendants, Mr. Shoulders is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

If convicted on all counts, he faces up to 120 years in federal prison – 10 years per count.

The Department of Health & Human Services’ Office of Inspector General (HHS - OIG) conducted the investigation with the help of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney P.J. Meitl prosecuted the case.

An Amarillo man who set off a bomb in his backyard, stashed a suicide vest in his alleyway, and privately plotted to blow up a local high school was sentenced today to more than 11 years in federal prison on a weapons of mass destruction (WMD) charge, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

Erfan Salmanzadeh, a 34-year-old naturalized citizen of the U.S. born in Iran, was charged via criminal complaint in July 2021 and indicted the following month. He pleaded guilty in December 2022 to use and attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction and was sentenced today to 135 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Matthew J. Kacsmaryk.

“This defendant stashed a highly volatile substance inside his home, putting his whole neighborhood at risk. Moreover, he apparently contemplated using it to inflict violence on a local school,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. “The Justice Department is always alert for this type of threat.  We urge the community to partner with us by reporting suspicious behavior to law enforcement so that we can swiftly address any potential danger.” 

“The FBI would like to thank the Amarillo Police Department, the North Texas Joint Terrorism Taskforce, Homeland Security Investigations, the Texas Department of Public Safety, Randall County Sheriff’s Office, and the Amarillo Fire Department for partnering with us on this investigation,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Chad Yarbrough. “Today’s sentence holds the defendant accountable for possessing a device with the potential to cause significant damage and harm innocent people. Intervention from concerned neighbors allowed us to move quickly and prevent a violent attack. We ask that the public continue to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to law enforcement.”

According to plea papers, Mr. Salmanzadeh admitted to law enforcement that he used homemade triacetone triperoxide (TATP) to blow up an Xbox in his back yard on July 26, 2021. At the time, he claimed he wanted to see how much damage such an explosion would cause.

He further admitted that after law enforcement arrived at the home to investigate the explosion – which was reported by neighbors who heard the blast – he flushed a gallon-sized jar of TATP powder down the toilet and concealed a suicide vest and a nail bomb in a dumpster in his alleyway.

According to plea papers, bomb technicians collected residual TATP – an extremely unstable explosive that reacts violently to friction and shock – from the defendant’s porcelain toilet bowl. They also discovered TATP residue on a white PVC pipe hidden in his bedroom closet. Officers recovered the suicide vest,  which contained several sewn pockets filled with red cylindrical taped tubes labeled “dynamite,” and nail bomb from the dumpster. 

Law enforcement later reviewed his electronic devices, including a video Mr. Salmanzadeh recorded on July 22, 2021, threatening to blow up a local high school.

“We are going to blast the school,” he said in Farsi, before displaying the nail bomb filled with shrapnel, the suicide vest filled with pipes labeled dynamite, a suitcase filled with container labeled explosives, and a backpack filled with bottles labeled explosives to the camera.

Officers uncovered several other videos showing Mr. Salmanzadeh conducting test explosions and several journals that contained notes and formulas related to the production of explosives.

In plea papers, Mr. Salmanzadeh admitted he used the internet to conduct all the research he needed to construct TATP and WMD. He also admitted he used the internet to purchase a plane ticket to California on July 28, 2021, to avoid detection by law enforcement after a bombing.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office and the Amarillo Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of the North Texas Joint Terrorism Taskforce, Homeland Security Investigations, the Texas Department of Public Safety, Randall County Sheriff’s Office, and the Amarillo Fire Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey Haag and Josh Frausto prosecuted the case with assistance provided by the National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section.

A Snyder, Texas man who recorded himself sexually abusing a 5-year-old child was sentenced yesterday to 20 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

Shemar Cameron Green, 20, was indicted in December 2022 and pleaded guilty in March 2023 to transportation of child pornography. He was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge James Wesley Hendrix, who also ordered the defendant to register as a sex offender and to pay $17,500 in restitution to identifiable child pornography victims.

According to plea papers, Mr. Green admitted he sent sexually explicit images of himself to multiple minors, received nude photographs from minors, and produced a video of himself molesting a 5-year-old.

He further admitted that he regularly viewed pornographic images of children under age 10, and uploaded several sexually explicit images of prepubescent children from his computer to his social media accounts.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children relayed a cyber tip from a social media company that housed Mr. Green’s account to law enforcement, prompting the investigation.

The Snyder Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office – Lubbock Resident Agency conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Callie Woolam prosecuted the case.

A Burleson man who apparently idolized the Columbine High School shooters pleaded guilty today to possessing a homemade bomb, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

Noah Robert Calderon, 22, was charged via criminal complaint in April and indicted in May. He pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of possession of an unregistered firearm and one count of receipt of child pornography.

“This defendant’s obsession with mass shooters put him squarely on the Justice Department’s radar. When he violated the law, we took immediate action, potentially thwarting an act of violence,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. “The discovery of one crime, possession of an unregistered firearm, led to the discovery of another, possession of child pornography. We are proud to hold him accountable for both. ”

“The collaborative work by the FBI and our law enforcement partners led to today’s outcome which holds Mr. Calderon accountable for creating and possessing a homemade bomb and for possessing explicit videos of a child,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Chad Yarbrough. “The FBI is committed to protecting the communities we serve from violent acts and the exploitation of innocent children.  We ask the public to remain alert and to continue reporting suspicious or threatening behavior to law enforcement.”

The investigation began in October 2022, when the FBI received a tip about Mr. Calderon’s social media activity.

Court documents indicate that online, Mr. Calderon professed a fascination with high-profile mass shootings, particularly the 1999 massacre at Columbine High School. He posted numerous images of himself in tactical-style vests posing with AR-15-style rifles and shared Columbine-themed memes along with images of homemade explosives.

In March 2023, the FBI received another tip that Mr. Calderon had detonated a homemade bomb in his residential neighborhood.

In plea papers, he admitted that he had purchased explosive precursors online. He also admitted that he stored 659.2 grams of explosive powder, along with a lighter, cannon fuse, cardboard tubing, a glass jar marked “frag” that contained metal ball bearings, lead, a funnel, and measuring spoons, in his garage.

A subsequent search of his Google account revealed queries related to the Columbine killers, the Charleston church shooter, “pipe bomb how to make,” “how to make propane bombs,” and “wear [sic] were the propane bombs in Columbine,” as well as searches of the names of several local public schools.  

In plea papers, Mr. Caldron specifically admitted to searching for bomb-making information.

A search of his phone revealed sexually explicit videos taken from a video chat between Mr. Calderon and a 13-year-old girl.

Also in plea papers, he admitted he was aware of the child’s age when he saved the videos.

Mr. Calderon now faces up to 30 years in federal prison – up to 10 years on the firearm count plus between five and 20 years on the child pornography count. His sentencing is set for Friday, Nov. 3 at 9 a.m.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office, the Burleson Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, & Explosives’ Dallas Field Division conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney  Jay Weimer is prosecuting the case with National Security Division Trial Attorneys Justin Sher and Jacob Warren.

A former Dallas County Sheriff’s Office supervisor who embezzled more than $250,000 from the jail’s inmate property fund was sentenced today to almost three years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

Umeka Treymane Myers, 50, was charged via criminal information on April 28. She pleaded guilty to theft from a program receiving federal funds in June 2022 and was sentenced Monday to 33 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge David Godbey, who also ordered her to pay $429,640.66 in restitution.

"For three years, Ms. Myers callously took advantage of a program receiving federal funds to support her personal bank account. Further, as a supervisor in a government role, she also selfishly risked damaging the credibility of hard-working civil servants that support our county infrastructure," said Dallas FBI Special Agent in Charge Chad Yarbrough. "I commend our colleagues at Dallas County for their full cooperation in rooting out greed and corruption in programs that are funded by taxpayer monies."

According to plea papers, Ms. Myers worked as a supervisor at the Lew Sterrett Justice Center’s inmate property vault, which refunds inmates’ commissary account balances upon their release.

When an inmate’s account contains more than $30, property vault employees give them the balance on debit cards generated by software from the Keef Group.

If an employee makes an error processing a debit card, the software generates an error message, which only a lead clerk or supervisor (such as Myers), can clear.

After overriding a debit card error, however, Ms. Myers used released inmates’ book-in numbers to create new and duplicate debit cards, then entered the same amount from the card issued to the released inmate on to the newly created card.

Between 2018 and 2021, she fraudulently issued dozens of debit cards, which she used in Texas, Louisiana, Nevada, Maryland, and New York. (Her spending was confirmed by Winstar, Choctaw, and Margaritaville casino records, Southwest Airlines records, Bank of America ATM surveillance footage, and personal bank records.)

Ms. Myers has been ordered to report to prison on Monday, Sept. 11.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office conducted the investigation with the full cooperation of the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Marcus Busch prosecuted the case

A convicted child sex offender was sentenced today to 40 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

Jonathan Fitzpatrick Koen, 49, was indicted in December 2022 and went to trial in March 2023. A jury found him guilty of four counts of sexual exploitation of a child and one count of attempted obstruction of an official proceeding. He was sentenced Friday by U.S. District Judge Reed C. O’Connor, who ordered the defendant be subject to a lifetime of supervision following his incarceration.

“Children should never be subjected to such appalling abuse. HSI will do everything in our power to continue to remove these predators from our communities,” said HSI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Lester R. Hayes Jr. “This defendant’s lengthy sentence and lifetime of supervised release reflects the severity of his criminal offenses. HSI along with our law enforcement partners remain vigilant in the protection of our nation’s most vulnerable. ” 

According to evidence presented at trial, Mr. Koen recorded himself sexually assaulting a high-school-aged victim. 

Once the sexually explicit images and videos were discovered, Mr. Koen picked up the minor victim from her home and drove here through the United States and across the Canadian border before he was apprehended by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Mr. Koen also attempted to change his victim’s trial testimony in order to obtain an acquittal. He attempted to get the victim to testify that it was someone else who produced the videos and images he was charged with recording. 

Ultimately, the victim was consistent in her testimony, which was consistent with the evidence showing that Mr. Koen sexually assaulted the victim and recorded the videos and images found on his cellphone.

Homeland Security Investigations’ Dallas Field Office and the Fort Worth Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandie Wade and Levi Thomas prosecuted the case.

The former fiancé of a Rowlett man who shot and stabbed his ex-girlfriend to death in 2020 has been charged with helping to orchestrate the brutal slaying, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

Holly Ann Elkins, the 32-year-old ex-fiancée of Andrew Charles Beard, was indicted last month on three charges: conspiracy to stalk, stalking using a dangerous weapon resulting in serious bodily injury and death, and brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. She was arrested on Thursday in Miami and made her initial appearance in Miami on Friday afternoon.

According to the indictment, Ms. Elkins allegedly helped plot the Oct. 2, 2020 killing of Andrew Beard’s ex-girlfriend, 24-year-old Alyssa Ann Burkett, with whom Mr. Beard shared a child.

(Mr. Beard has already pleaded guilty to cyberstalking using a dangerous weapon resulting in death and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence and has begun serving his 43-year sentence.)

The indictment alleges that in the summer of 2020, Ms. Elkins and Mr. Beard purchased a GPS tracking device and surreptitiously installed it on Ms. Burkett’s vehicle.

On July 25, 2020, Ms. Elkins allegedly phoned the police using a fake name and falsely reported she observed Ms. Burkett’s car driving dangerously. Less than a month later, she allegedly falsely reported that Ms. Burkett’s mother had assaulted her in Ms. Burkett’s presence.

On Sept. 2, Ms. Elkins and Mr. Beard allegedly planted illegal drugs and a pistol with an obliterated serial number in the trunk of Ms. Burkett’s vehicle in order to have her arrested.  Later that day, Ms. Elkins allegedly texted Mr. Beard a photo of Ms. Burkett’s license plate number so that he could provide it to police in a false report that Ms. Burkett was selling drugs out of the car. Mr. Beard then phoned police using a fake name and reported that Ms. Burkett was selling drugs to men at the apartment complex where she worked. He provided the license plate number on the photo Ms. Elkins sent.

On Sept. 13, Ms. Elkins and Mr. Beard allegedly purchased a van to carry out a planned attack on Ms. Burkett.

On Sept. 14, Ms. Elkins purchased makeup for Mr. Beard’s disguise.

On Sept. 19, the pair allegedly purchased .410 shotgun shells and a Camillus knife.

On Oct. 2, 2020, Mr. Beard, disguised as a Black man, shot Ms. Burkett in the head while she sat behind the wheel of her car in her work parking lot. As she staggered out of the car, Mr. Beard grabbed her and stabbed her 13 times. She died in the parking lot as he raced away from the scene.

During the murder, Ms. Elkins allegedly remained at Mr. Beard’s home with Ms. Burkett’s child in an attempt to establish an alibi. A few days later, in an interview with law enforcement, Ms. Elkins falsely claimed Mr. Beard was home at the time of the murder.

An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. Ms. Elkins is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

If convicted, she faces up to two consecutive life sentences in federal prison.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Dallas Field Office, the Carrollton Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives’ Dallas Field Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gary Tromblay and Andrew Briggs are prosecuting the case.

A drug trafficker arrested following a disturbing domestic violence altercation was sentenced Thursday to more than 27 years in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

Carlos Carrasquillo, 21, was charged via criminal complaint in April and indicted the following month. He pleaded guilty in December 2022 to possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Ada Brown to 327 months behind bars.

According to court documents, in February 2022, law enforcement was tipped off that Mr. Carrasquillo was advertising the sale of narcotics, firearms, and firearm conversion devices, including Glock switches, via Instagram.

Two months later, on April 16, officers were summoned to a Grand Prairie Gas Station to respond to a domestic dispute between Mr. Carrasquillo and his girlfriend.

When an officer attempted to speak to Mr. Carrasquillo, he fled the scene, dropping a black bag containing more than 1,000 grams of fentanyl and 600 grams of cocaine.  

Severely injured, his girlfriend was transported to the hospital. She told officers that Mr. Carrasquillo broke into her apartment, physically assaulted her, and stuffed her into the trunk of her own vehicle. He crashed the car near the Trinity River, pulled her from the trunk, and forced her towards a wooded area, punching, kicking, and stabbing her with a knife en route.

He was arrested ten days later at his apartment, where he attempted to break out of the officer’s grip.

At Thursday’s sentencing hearing, prosecutors introduced evidence showing that Mr. Carrasquillo attempted to obstruct the investigation into both his drug and firearms dealing and into the assault of his girlfriend. In his first call from jail, he instructed his sister to delete content from his Instagram account and to reach out to his girlfriend to dissuade her from participating in the prosecution.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives’ Dallas Field Division, the Dallas Police Department, and the Grand Prairie Police Department, conducted the investigation with the help of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Briggs prosecuted the case.

A drug distributor who was selling fentanyl-laced counterfeit M30 pills to a Carrollton middle schooler shortly before her fatal overdose pleaded guilty today to a federal drug crime, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

Rafael Soliz, Jr., 23, was indicted in March. He pleaded guilty Thursday to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl before U.S. Magistrate Judge Renee Harris Toliver.

“My heart aches for the victim in this case – a promising young girl who’d barely entered her teens. The defendant not only sold her fentanyl but also taught her how to ingest it. In essence, he encouraged a mere child to snort a terrifyingly potent, highly addictive drug – and then urged her to cover for him with law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. “The Northern District of Texas is pulling out all the stops to rid the streets of dealers and keep fentanyl out of the hands of our kids. Our community cannot endure much more of this.”

“Anyone selling fentanyl to children will find themselves becoming a top priority for the Drug Enforcement Administration,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Eduardo A. Chávez. “The DEA will continue to focus our resources on stopping this deadly threat from reaching and causing more harm to our next generation.”

“We will never stop fighting to protect our community from this dangerous drug. I’m proud of the men and women of the Carrollton Police Department, who are working tirelessly to rid the community of this poison. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family,” said Carrollton Police Chief Roberto Arredondo.

According to plea papers, Mr. Soliz admitted he sold fentanyl to both street-level dealers and directly to users, including children.  

Mr. Soliz used an Instagram account to communicate with both adult and minor customers interested in purchasing counterfeit M30 pills containing fentanyl.  On Nov. 30, Mr. Soliz responded via Instagram messenger to a 13-year-old girl who asked him if she could buy “percs.”  Soliz agreed and delivered the pills to her residence. He then advised her how to snort them.

A few days later, upon discovering that the child, a student at Dewitt Perry Middle School, was just 13, he expressed dismay at her age but agreed to continue selling to her if she would “keep it on the down low” and deny he was her dealer if she ever got caught. On December 9, 2022, he advised her to “delete our chat” and instead use Instagram Vanish Mode.

Two days later, the child was found dead in her Carrollton bedroom. An autopsy revealed she’d died from a toxic combination of fentanyl and cough medicine.

In his plea papers, Mr. Soliz stipulated that he personally distributed approximately 1,500 fentanyl pills to adults and juveniles, including the 13 year-old victim.  He stated he dealt hundreds of pills directly to Luis Eduardo Navarrete, one of the first traffickers charged in the wake of the Carrollton juvenile fentanyl overdoses.

Mr. Soliz is the fifth defendant charged in the wake of the Carrollton / Flower Mound juvenile overdose investigation to enter a guilty plea. Jason Xavier Villanueva, Magaly Cano, Donovan Jude Andrews and Stephen Paul Brinson pleaded guilty earlier this year; three other defendants, including Mr. Navarrete, have been charged but not yet convicted. (All are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.)

Mr. Soliz now faces up to 40 years in federal prison. Under the terms of his plea agreement, he may be called upon to testify in court.

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Field Division and the Carrollton Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Carrollton - Farmer’s Branch Independent School District. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rick Calvert and Phelesa Guy are prosecuting the case.

Note: Illicitly produced, fentanyl-laced pills often look similar to legitimate prescription pills like Oxycontin or Percocet, but can pose significantly more danger. On the street, these pills are often referred to as “M30s” (a reference to the markings on some of the pills), “blues,” “perks,” “yerks,” “china girls,” or “TNT.” DEA research shows that six out of ten pills laced with fentanyl contain a potentially lethal dose. One pill can kill. For resources, visit https://www.dea.gov/onepill.

A major Dallas drug trafficker was sentenced yesterday to life in prison for trafficking methamphetamine out of his car dealership, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

In December 2021, after four days of trial, a federal jury convicted Marco Antonio Gonzalez, 45, of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, two counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District Judge Brantley Starr.

According to evidence presented at trial, Mr. Gonzalez, an associate of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) who called himself “Speedy,” dealt methamphetamine out of Hampton Motors, a car dealership he owned. He and several coconspirators stored large quantities of narcotics at the dealership and used proceeds of drug sales to purchase vehicles in order to disguise the source of the funds.

The defendants used homes in Dallas and DeSoto to serve as laboratories for the recrystallization of methamphetamine, and often carried firearms on those premises. Agents testified at trial that members of the cartel trafficked thousands of kilograms of methamphetamine this way.

During trial, prosecutors discovered that Mr. Gonzalez threatened to kill one of his co-conspirators, who was slated to testify against him. The threatened man went on to testify anyway, saying that Mr. Gonzalez used his dealership as a front for large-scale drug deals.  In another instance, Mr. Gonzalez attacked another inmate who Mr. Gonzales believed would be testifying during his trial.  And during trial, Mr. Gonzalez passed a note to federal agents that was believed to represent a threat against the agents.   

During sentencing, these facts were discussed at length and Judge Starr stated that the life sentence for Gonzales was based, in part, on these egregious acts.

Ten of his co-conspirators entered guilty pleas prior to trial.

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Field Division and the Dallas Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Garland Police Department and the Ellis County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys P.J. Meitl and John Kull prosecuted the case.

A Granbury man whose son reported him to law enforcement was sentenced to a term of life imprisonment plus 10 years for child sexual exploitation, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

In February, after three days of trial and just 45 minutes of deliberation, a federal jury found David Earl Boyd, 64, guilty of two counts of producing child pornography, one count of possession of child pornography, and one count of penalties for registered sex offenders. Mr. Boyd was sentenced Wednesday by U.S. District Judge Terry R. Means.

“This sentence ensures Mr. Boyd will never again exploit a little child,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton.  “I want to again thank Mr. Boyd’s son for reporting his father’s behavior to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. It cannot have been easy, but it likely prevented further harm. We hope the families of the children already victimized will rest a little easier knowing Mr. Boyd will remain behind bars for the rest of his life.”

“This defendant’s actions were exceptionally disturbing given the severity of the life-altering abuse these children experienced,” said HSI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Lester R. Hayes Jr. “HSI stands ready with our law enforcement partners to identify and investigate those who prey on the most precious members of our society, our children.”

According to evidence presented at trial, in the spring of 2022, Mr. Boyd, already a registered sex offender, took sexually explicit images of two young children, aged 6 and 3.

Mr. Boyd’s son discovered nude images of the children in his father’s trash folder. He took a screenshot of the trash gallery and submitted a report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which forwarded the tip to law enforcement.  

Shortly thereafter, officers arrested Mr. Boyd and seized his Samsung smartphone.

During an extraction of the phone, forensic examiners discovered thousands of child pornography images in a directory associated with an application designed to conceal images and videos. (Although Mr. Boyd had previously deleted the app, the directory retained the images and videos.)  

Previously, Mr. Boyd was convicted of possession of child pornography in Taylor County. In 2003, the state sentenced him to three years and required to register as a sex offender.

Homeland Security Investigations’ Dallas Field Office, the Hood County District Attorney’s Office, and the Dallas Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aisha Saleem prosecuted the case with the help of Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Lewis. U.S. District Judge Terry Means oversaw the trial.

Fourteen people who allegedly bilked the Paycheck Protection Program, a COVID-era financial program, and numerous financial institutions out of more than $53 million in loan proceeds have been federally charged, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. This case is the largest investigated by the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) Fraud Task Force to date. 

The defendants were arrested Tuesday and Wednesday in Texas, California, and Oklahoma by special agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Treasury Department’s Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery (SIGPR), and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of Inspector General (FDIC-OIG). 

“Defrauding the government is an affront to American taxpayers. Defrauding the government during a pandemic – at a time when millions of hardworking entrepreneurs struggled to make payroll and rent – is pouring salt in a wound,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. “These defendants allegedly conspired to steal tens of millions of dollars from the Paycheck Protection Program – funds which could have helped legitimate businesses pay their bills and keep their employees afloat. We are thankful to the officers and agents who meticulously investigated this case, especially the data scientists at the Pandemic Analytics Center of Excellence, whose sophisticated analysis ensures that those who abused the PPP will be brought to justice.”  

“These indictments charge another group of individuals with defrauding the taxpayers of millions of dollars as the group abused a federal program critical for struggling small businesses that were hit hard by the pandemic,” said Brian Miller, the Special Inspector General for Pandemic Recovery. “SIGPR is glad to have played a significant role teaming with other law enforcement agencies and the United States Attorney’s Office to hold these individuals accountable.”

“These individuals allegedly conspired to orchestrate multiple fraud schemes which exploited financial institutions and government programs, solely to enrich themselves,” said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge Chad Yarbrough. “We will continue to work with our partners to ensure that the American people do not fund the lifestyle of criminals with taxpayer dollars that were intended to protect the most susceptible from financial ruin and promote economic stabilization in a critical time of need.”

According to a series of indictments unsealed Wednesday, several of the charged defendants purportedly operated a group of affiliated recycling companies, including Mammoth Metal Recycling, Elephant Recycling, Gulf Coast Scrap, 4G Metals, 4G Plastics, 5G Metals, Level Eight, Sunshine Recycling, L.K. Industries, , NTC Industries, West Texas Equipment, and West Texas Scrap.

They allegedly submitted at least 29 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications that fraudulently inflated payroll expenses, doctoring bank statements and Internal Revenue Service tax forms to falsely reflect business income. They then routed PPP loan funds through a series of bank accounts to create a false paper trail of payroll expenses.

At least two of the defendants also allegedly submitted false applications to financial institutions on behalf of their purported recycling companies to fraudulently obtain, in the aggregate, millions of dollars in business loan proceeds.

And one defendant allegedly lied to the Federal Deposit Insurance Commission (FDIC) by stating that he did not know several of his other alleged coconspirators.

Those charged in the sixteen count-indictment filed last week include:

• Mihir Patel, Chief Financial Officer of Sunshine Recycling, and owner of Mammoth Group, R.A. Industries, and L.K. Industries: conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud and aiding and abetting, and conspiracy to commit money laundering
• Kinjal Patel, Controller at Sunshine Recycling:  conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud and aiding and abetting, and conspiracy to commit money laundering
• Prateek Desai, owner of West Texas Scrap:  conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud and aiding and abetting
• Wajahat Khan, aka Ray Khan, President and owner of Gulf Coast Scrap:  conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud and aiding and abetting, and conspiracy to commit money laundering
• Imran Khan, aka Ron Khan, Operations Director and owner of 4G Metals and West Texas Equipment: conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud and aiding and abetting
• Chirag Gandhi, aka Chris Gandhi, Controller of NTC Industries, and President and owner of 5G Metals and Sunshine Recycling:  conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud and aiding and abetting
• Bhavesh Patel, aka Bobby Patel, Chief Business Development Officer for Sunshine Recycling and owner of Level Eight and: conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud and aiding and abetting, and making a false statement to the FDIC
• Dharmesh Patel, aka Danny Patel, Co-President and co-owner of Elephant Recycling:  conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud and aiding and abetting
• Mitra Bhattarai, Co-President and co-owner of Elephant Recycling: conspiracy to commit bank fraud and bank fraud and aiding and abetting
• Bhargav Bhatt, aka Brad Bhatt, NTC Industries employee: conspiracy to commit bank fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering

Those charged in separate indictments include:

• Mrunal Desai: bank fraud and aiding and abetting
• Chintak Desai, President of Nanosoft Technologies: bank fraud and aiding and abetting
• Ambreen Khan: wire fraud
• Usha Chapain, aka Usha Sharma: bank fraud

An indictment is merely an allegation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

If convicted, the defendants face up to 30 years in federal prison for each count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, bank fraud and aiding and abetting, bank fraud, and making a false statement to the FDIC, 20 years for wire fraud, and 10 years for conspiracy to commit money laundering.

This case was investigated by a SIGPR special agent assigned to the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) Fraud Task Force, and special agents from the Dallas field offices of the FDIC OIG and FBI.  Assistant United States Attorney Fabio Leonardi is prosecuting the case. 

The PRAC was established to promote transparency and facilitate coordinated oversight of the federal government’s COVID-19 pandemic response. The PRAC’s 21 member Inspectors General identify major risks that cross program and agency boundaries to detect fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the more than $5 trillion in COVID-19 spending, including spending via the Paycheck Protection Program. This case was also supported by the PRAC’s Pandemic Analytics Center of Excellence, which applies the latest advances in analytic and forensic technologies to help OIGs and law enforcement pursue data-driven pandemic relief fraud investigations.

The Paycheck Protection Program was authorized under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, a federal law enacted on March 29, 2020, to provide emergency financial assistance to Americans suffering economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The PPP provided forgivable loans to small businesses to cover payroll, rent, and other certain business expenses; the program ended in May 2021. 

The United States Attorney’s Office – in partnership with ATF Dallas and the Dallas Police Department – today announced Operation Take Aim, a collaborative initiative designed to curb violent crime by federally prosecuting offenders most likely to harm the community when at large and by proactively engaging with these offenders to discourage them from committing further crimes and entering the federal system.

Building on the office’s already strong collaboration with ATF Dallas, the Dallas Police Department, and other state and local law enforcement partners, Operation Take Aim has two components. First, it complements law enforcement’s earlier efforts – which focused primarily on specific locations – by zeroing in on the most dangerous repeat offenders with violent criminal histories and prosecuting their crimes federally.  

Second, it involves holding deterrence programs called “Reentry Nights” for individuals in the state criminal justice system. Reentry Night programming encourages these offenders to pursue an education or other productive life path and deters them from committing more crimes.  Take Aim also bolsters federal involvement in initiatives like the Dallas Police Department’s Focused Deterrence sessions, which seek to provide support services to a specific set of offenders identified by data as most likely to reoffend.

The United States Attorney’s Office has already ramped up coordination with Dallas Police and ATF to vet each violent crime case within the jurisdiction’s borders and determine which should be prosecuted federally. (Federal charges carry significantly stiffer sentences on some crimes than state charges do, and there is no possibility of parole.)

Because the coordination involves constant collaboration between federal prosecutors and other state and local agencies, the office is devoting even more prosecutors to handling these cases.

Operation Take Aim builds on Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia’s focused deterrence program, an initiative funded in part by a Justice Department grant that endeavors to change the behavior of high-risk offenders through a combination of deterrence, incapacitation (arrest), and community involvement.  

“Given a foothold, violent crime rips through communities. Our neighbors turn into casualties. Talk to any violent crime survivor and they’ll tell you: Their blood pressure never quite returns to normal. Once you’ve been victimized, life always feels precarious, no matter where you go,” U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton said at a press conference at the Earle Cabell Federal Building Monday morning.

“If we believe someone presents a heightened risk of continued violence, we will take their case federally,” Ms. Simonton said. “When you commit a violent crime, all of us are on the case. And together, we have the manpower, the technology, and the expertise to apprehend you, prosecute you, and put you behind bars.”

“It takes all of us to fight and prevent crime and criminal activity,” Chief Garcia said. “It doesn't matter if offenders commit acts of violence themselves, with a gang, a crew, a posse, or who they hang out with. We have made it our business to learn about individuals causing violence in Dallas. Re-offending is not an option, and we will not let violent activity become the status quo in Dallas.”

“Every one of these cases causes trauma. We are committed to putting these people in jail. ATF has doubled down here in Dallas,” said ATF Dallas Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Boshek. “Nowhere in the country is there the support and the cooperation amongst federal prosecutors, state prosecutors, police departments, and the feds like there is here in north Texas. We’re committed to helping make Dallas and north Texas safer.”

Of particular interest to Take Aim officers, agents, and prosecutors are gun crimes, including prohibited person in possession of a firearm, unlicensed dealing, straw purchasing, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.

At Monday’s press conference, Ms. Simonton, the district’s chief federal law enforcement officer, announced that the Northern District of Texas is on track to convict substantially more firearm offenders than in previous years. (The district, which has historically convicted around 400 firearm offenders each year, consistently ranks among the top five districts in the nation for gun-crime cases filed. The district’s gun crime conviction rate stands at 97 percent – four percentage points higher than the national average.)

One such case is U.S. v Suttles. Javier Dominque Suttles, 26, had already plead guilty in the state system to two robberies and been placed on deferred adjudication and community supervision. During his time under supervision, he allegedly committed three armed robberies over the course of just five days. Each time, he brandished a handgun with an extended magazine and menaced store employees. During one incident, Mr. Suttles – apparently frustrated that there wasn’t more cash on the premises -- allegedly ordered an employee into the bathroom and forced the employee to strip naked.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas charged Mr. Suttles with two federal crimes: Interference with commerce by robbery and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. A federal judge immediately ordered him detained pending trial. Mr. Suttles is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law; if convicted, however, he faces up to 27 years in federal prison.  

In addition to prosecuting gun crimes and building up deterrence programs, federal agents and prosecutors will be taking part in community initiatives including those endorsed by Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson’s Summer of Safety program.

Operation Take Aim comports with United State Attorney General Merrick Garland’s directive to U.S. Attorneys to prioritize combatting gun violence and other violent crime.

Two distributors who supplied the fentanyl that killed a 15-year-old girl in Carrollton last week have been federally charged, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton.

The victim, is the fourth child to die of a fentanyl overdose in the area since September 2022.  

Lizbeth Prieto, 19, also known as Lizbeth Escamilla, and Christian Lopez, 24, were charged via criminal complaint with conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances. Ms. Prieto made her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Irma Ramirez on Friday; Mr. Lopez, who is currently in state custody, will have his initial appearance in the coming days.

“Four young lives, lost in an instant. Four families, heartbroken,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton. “Fentanyl continues to creep its insidious way through the teenage population, and no kid is immune. The Justice Department will continue to take traffickers off the streets. But our efforts alone are not enough. As soon as one trafficker is put behind bars, another rises up to take his place. Parents, teachers, and friends: Please, educate your kids on the dangers of counterfeit pills. Unless prescribed by a doctor, no pill is safe. Even tablets that appear to be prescription painkillers or other types of medications may well be laced with a deadly dose of fentanyl.”  

“This is well beyond a ‘Carrollton’ problem.  This is a you and me problem as it affects us all.  This is a problem that we must join all facets of our community to educate, treat, prevent, and enforce the law to help those struggling and hold responsible those who deal drugs to the fullest extent of the law,” said Eduardo A. Chávez, Special Agent in Charge of DEA Dallas.  “Just one pill can change so many lives forever.  We will never stop seeking justice.”

“I am deeply saddened by the loss of life. Our hearts and prayers go out to the victim’s family. We continue to work tirelessly to make it difficult for drug dealers to operate in our city by arresting them, and bringing them to justice. We will continue to do all we can to keep this poison out of our city,” said Carrollton Police Chief Roberto Arredondo.

According to the complaint, Mr. Lopez supplied fentanyl pills to Ms. Prieto, who provided them to the victim, a 15-year-old student at Newman Smith High School in Carrollton identified in court documents as “J.G.,”

Family members called 911 when they found the J.G. unresponsive, face down on her bed on Tuesday, June 13. She was transported to the hospital and pronounced deceased shortly thereafter.

Knowing the death was likely fentanyl-related, the family gave law enforcement consent to search J.G.’s bedroom and her cell phone. Inside her room, agents found ten counterfeit Percocet pills inscribed M/30, which later tested positive for fentanyl. On her Instagram, they found communications between the girl and Ms. Prieto from approximately 24 hours before the death.

In messages, Ms. Prieto allegedly offered to sell J.G. 13 fentanyl pills for $100 dollars, confirmed she could pay with cash, and asked for her address. A short while later, Ms. Prieto allegedly advised J.G. that she was pulling up to the home to deliver the pills.  An undercover officer immediately reached out to Ms. Prieto and asked to purchase M/30 fentanyl pills.

The next day, Ms. Prieto allegedly arranged to meet the undercover officer. Prior to the transaction, law enforcement observed Ms. Prieto get into Mr. Lopez’s car. She then exited the car, met with the officer, and handed over several pills. In return, the officer gave her marked bills. Shortly after the transaction, she got back into Mr. Lopez’s car.

Law enforcement pulled Mr. Lopez after he departed and found five out of the six marked bills in his possession. He allegedly admitted he had supplied Ms. Prieto with the counterfeit pills she gave the undercover, which tested positive for fentanyl.

Ms. Prieto allegedly admitted that Mr. Lopez was her supplier, and confessed that she sold J.G. a dozen M/30 pills. She said she did know J.G.’s exact age, but knew that she was young.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation of wrongdoing, not evidence. Both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

If convicted, they each face up to 20  years in federal prison.

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Dallas Field Division and the Carrollton Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rick Calvert and Phelesa Guy are prosecuting the case.

Note: Illicitly produced, fentanyl-laced pills often look similar to legitimate prescription pills like Oxycontin or Percocet, but can pose significantly more danger. On the street, these pills are often referred to as “M30s” (a reference to the markings on some of the pills), “blues,” “perks,” “yerks,” “china girls,” or “TNT.” DEA research shows that six out of ten pills laced with fentanyl contain a potentially lethal dose. One pill can kill. For resources, visit https://www.dea.gov/onepill.