Southern District of Texas

HOUSTON – A 51-year-old woman has pleaded guilty in a wire fraud embezzlement scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

For approximately 26 years, Sonia Yvonne Rodriguez worked as an office manager for a local heating, ventilating and air-conditioning company.

As part of her plea, Rodriguez admitted to embezzling $938,387.26 in business funds allocated for federal tax payments from 2015 to 2020. Rodriguez would key payments into the company’s accounting software for tax payments and subsequently clear out the payments from the check register upon making the payments into her personal bank account.

U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett accepted the plea and has set sentencing for Nov. 21. At that time, Rodriguez faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

She was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

The Secret Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sherin Daniel and James Hu prosecuted the case.

HOUSTON – A 21-year-old man has been sentenced to federal prison for sex trafficking of a 16-year-old girl for commercial sex, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Antonio Dario Osorio-Avelar aka Pressure pleaded guilty April 18, 2023.

U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks Jr. has now ordered Osorio-Avelar to serve 375 months in federal prison. In handing down the prison term, the court heard additional information about his significant criminal history. He also gave a different minor victim to a criminal associate. The court also heard testimony from the victim who, with grace and strength, detailed how Osorio-Avelar’s actions destroyed her familial relationships. In imposing the sentence, Judge Hanks noted although Osorio-Avelar attempted to claim immaturity, he still knew what he was doing and manipulated people and lost. Additionally, Judge Hanks noted Osorio-Avelar was a danger to those around him, and his actions will affect every relationship the victim has and will have.  

Osorio-Avelar will also serve 15 years on supervised release following completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. Restitution will be determined at a later date.

“Osorio-Avelar claimed immaturity caused him to force a 16-year-old to walk the Blade, a notorious area known for prostitution. There is a difference between immaturity and evil, and Osorio-Avelar is evil,” said Hamdani. “Those like Osorio-Avelar who take what they want by means of force or intimidation will never acquiesce to societal norms. Judge Hanks' 30-year sentence protects society’s most vulnerable from predators like Osario-Avelar.”

“With today’s sentence we have removed a dangerous predator from the community who used physical and sexual abuse, threats of violence and psychological manipulation to groom and control a minor victim and force her to engage in commercial sex for his own profit,” said Special Agent in Charge Mark Dawson of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “The unspeakable atrocities that he committed to break her down and control every aspect of her life are truly abhorrent, but unfortunately are all too common among human traffickers. HSI remains committed to continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue the vile human trafficking organizations preying on our most vulnerable populations and to help connect victims with the trauma-informed services that they need to recover from their nightmare.”

Osorio-Avelar trafficked a 16-year-old minor female for commercial sex during January 2023, with barely any clothes on in freezing temperatures. After recruiting her in Dallas, he brought her and another adult female he controlled to Houston to engage in commercial sex.

Osorio-Avelar manipulated the minor victim, provided her with a phone to track her and frequently brandished a firearm in her presence.

Throughout the time the minor victim was with him, Osorio-Avelar supplied her with drugs and condoms. He directed when she ate, slept and worked. He also set a daily quota of $500 for her and coerced her into walking the “track” and appearing in online ads for commercial sex.

When he was not causing her to engage in commercial sex, Osorio-Avelar was having violent sex with her himself, knowing she was just 16 years old. He also had the minor victim record videos of herself engaging in sex acts and sell them. Osorio-Avelar took all proceeds.

He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

HSI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Houston Police Department, Texas Juvenile Justice Department - Office of Inspector General as part of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA). Established in 2004, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Houston formed HTRA to combine resources with federal, state and local enforcement agencies and prosecutors as well as non-governmental service organizations to target human traffickers while providing necessary services to those that the traffickers victimized. Since its inception, HTRA has been recognized as both a national and international model in identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking and prosecuting those engaged in trafficking offenses.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherri L. Zack prosecuted the case.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A federal jury has returned a guilty verdict against a Cuban national residing in Odessa for unlawfully transporting undocumented individuals, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

The jury deliberated for less than an hour before finding Mario Enrique Nerey-Valdivia, 50, guilty following a one-day trial.

The jury heard that Nerey-Valdivia drove a tractor-trailer to the Border Patrol Checkpoint near Falfurrias. During an immigration inspection, law enforcement noticed an individual trying to hide in the bed compartment of the tractor. 

Upon further inspection, authorities discovered five undocumented people on the bunk beds covered with blankets.  

At trial, the defense attempted to convince the jury he had no knowledge of the individuals inside the cab of his truck. They did not believe those claims and found him guilty as charged.

U.S. District Judge David S. Morales presided over the trial and set sentencing for Nov. 6. At that time, Nerey-Valdivia faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

He was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.

Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Lamont and Ashley Martin prosecuted the case.

HOUSTON – A 23-year-old Houston resident has been sentenced for committing numerous gunpoint robberies of Houston banks, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Malik Johnson pleaded guilty Feb. 23.

U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein has now ordered Johnson to serve 78 months in federal prison for the robberies and 168 months for brandishing of a firearm which will run consecutive for a total prison sentence of 246 months. Johnson must also serve five years of supervised release following his imprisonment. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Johnson’s conduct was not an aberration but instead violent conduct one after another by a serial bank robber.

On June 29, and Sept. 6, 2022, Johnson entered First Convenience Bank on Mykawa Road and First National Bank on 43rd St., respectively. In each instance, he displayed a black pistol, handed the tellers a note demanding money and to do so in seconds. He threated harm if they did not comply. Once he received the money, he exited the bank, leaving behind the notes.

The on Oct. 12, 2022, Johnson approached a teller at the Woodforest National Bank on Rice Ave. and once again handed her a similar threatening note. During this robbery, the teller froze, prompting Johnson to display a semi-automatic pistol. The teller eventually gave him cash from the drawer, but Johnson began to demand more money from the neighboring teller. After receiving additional cash, he left the bank. During the robbery, Johnson wore a black Chicago White Sox baseball cap with the nae “Leek” printed on the side.

Law enforcement received information that the bank robber, who was dubbed the “Big Shades Bandit,” was Johnson. His Instagram account also indicated a connection to the name “leek.” Authorities believed Johnson strongly resembled the suspect in the bank robberies. Johnson also had a registered vehicle matching the vehicle seen in surveillance videos at the banks.  

Law enforcement executed a search warrant at Johnson’s residence and found the clothing worn during the robberies and a semi-automatic pistol.

Johnson later admitted to all the bank robberies and using the semi-automatic pistol.

At the time of his arrest, Johnson wore the black Chicago White Sox hat with “Leek” embroidered on the side.

He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill Stotts prosecuted the case.

HOUSTON – A 44-year-old Cypress resident has entered a guilty plea to aiding and abetting engaging in the business of dealing in firearms without a license, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Nicah Anderson was a federal firearms licensee and former majority owner and operator of NE Guns.

Between December 2022 and March 2023, an individual arranged the purchases of at least 41 firearms from NE Guns. However, that person never personally purchased the guns, but instead had straw purchasers actually obtain the guns. The individual then carried the guns out of NE Guns and quickly resold them. Anderson knew about the resales prior to the arrangement of the purchases.

Some of the firearms included Barret .50 caliber, military-grade sniper rifles; FN SCAR 17S, .308 caliber rifles and 9 millimeter pistols. These guns are known weapons of choice for Mexican drug cartels.

Law enforcement executed a search warrant at NE Guns July 19, 2023. Among other things, they seized 266 firearms, 138,940 rounds of ammunition, seven silencers and NE Guns’ business records. The investigation found that between October 2022 and August 2023, NE Guns received $115,000 from purchases suspected straw purchasers had made.

“Weapons of war, including a .50 caliber gun, walked out of Nicah Anderson’s gun store in the arms of straw purchasers, and he knew it,” said Hamdani. “Investigations such as these stop illegal firearms trafficking at the source. Because of gun violence in large cities like Houston, there is absolutely no place or patience for gun dealers like Anderson who seek to profit from illegal straw purchases.”

“This investigation is a clear illustration of the importance of investigating illegal firearms trafficking,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael Weddel of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). “Firearms trafficking is a direct contributor to the gun violence that we fight every day. This defendant chose profit over helping to maintain the safety of the general public and will be held accountable for those repeated decisions.”

U.S. District Judge Keith Ellison accepted the plea and set sentencing for Oct. 24. As part of his plea agreement, Anderson is expected to serve a two-year prison sentence. Anderson was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.

ATF conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kate Suh and John Ganz prosecuted the case.

HOUSTON – A 35-year-old Houston postal worker has pleaded guilty to opening mail and stealing money and gift cards, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Laura Aguirre was employed as a postal clerk responsible for processing mail for delivery from Jan. 31 - Feb. 6, 2023.

The investigation revealed Aguirre had opened some of the mail entrusted with her and stole cash and gift cards totaling at least $2,500. She was terminated and charged with theft of mail as a postal employee.

U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein Jr. accepted the plea and set sentencing for Nov. 1. At that time, Aguirre faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

She was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

The U.S. Postal Service-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Chu is prosecuting the case.

McALLEN, Texas – A 23-year-old man has been sentenced for attempting to coerce and entice a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Israel Ruiz pleaded guilty March 29.

Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now sentenced Ruiz to 210 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court heard information regarding Ruiz’s methods of manipulation and extortion used against minor children to share photographs constituting child pornography. In handing down the prison terms, Judge Crane noted the danger this offense poses to the community. Ruiz must also serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Ruiz will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.

From January to February 2020, Ruiz used Instagram to solicit explicit images from children as young as nine.

The investigation revealed he used several tactics to obtain the pornographic materials including contacting the minor victims via the social media platform. He also intimidated the minors through threats to post other nude images of them or their friends online if additional images were not given to him.

He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The FBI conducted the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cahal P. McColgan and Alexa D. Parcell prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources link on that page.

HOUSTON – A 50-year-old resident of Houston has been sentenced following his conviction of attempted possession with intent to distribute heroin and money laundering, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

A federal jury deliberated for eight hours following a four-day trial before convicting Mohammed “Alex” Ahmed Kassem Feb. 27.

U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal has now ordered Kassem to serve 121 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard arguments about the amount of drugs and money that Kassem transported. In handing down the sentence, the court recognized the unusual nature of the case given Kassem’s reliance on public authority to excuse his conduct and Kassem’s own testimony. 

“The sentence reflects the serious nature of the crime by someone sworn to be a public servant,” said Hamdani. “Kassem was willing to use his badge for his own financial gain. This was an important statement to corrupt law enforcement that you will be prosecuted if you go outside the bounds of the law and abuse your position of trust.”

Kassem is a former investigator with the Waller County District Attorney’s (DA) Office. At the trial, the jury heard how he escorted sham heroin and cartel drug money across state lines. He drove from Louisiana to Houston and Houston to San Antonio in his marked police vehicle on three separate occasions for which he was paid a total of $31,000.

At the time of the trial, testimony further revealed Kassem hid money in his bulletproof vest and disguised the sham heroin in an evidence bag to avoid detection.

During the trial, audio and video recordings were presented of each transaction and related text messages. The jury also saw bank records of cash deposits made to Kassem’s personal account after each payment.

Kassem took the stand in his own defense claiming he had authority to commit these crimes. Kassem also maintained that he received implicit approval from the Waller County DA to conduct undercover investigations as part of his role at the DA’s Office. However, the jury heard testimony from his former employer which refuted those statements. The jury ultimately did not believe those claims and found him guilty.

Kassem will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carolyn Ferko and Heather Winter prosecuted the case.

HOUSTON – A 25-year-old Houston-area man has been sentenced for committing a three-day robbery spree in 2021 which took place just months after his release from prison for another robbery conviction, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Quantez Whiteside pleaded guilty Feb. 20.

U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt has now ordered Whiteside to serve 72 months in federal prison for three counts of interfering with commerce by robbery and a consecutive 168 months for two counts of using, carrying and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. The sentences will run consecutively. He also received another 18 months for committing these crimes while on federal supervised release for a prior robbery conviction to be served consecutively. His total 258-month-term of imprisonment will be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that committing robberies is not an appropriate way to provide for one’s family.

“As this spree progressed, the robber got sloppy and left his cell number, which essentially served as breadcrumbs leading investigators right to him,” said Hamdani. “Evidently, previously serving two years in federal prison was not enough to deter him from committing these crimes. With today’s sentence, he will have ample opportunity to reflect on his actions and the detrimental impact they had on the victims.”

During the spree, Whiteside unlawfully and forcibly took cellphones and U.S. currency from inside three different Houston-area Metro by T-Mobile (formerly Metro PCS) stores.

Just six months earlier, Whiteside had been released from federal prison after serving a two-year sentence for his role in robbing a Domino’s Pizza delivery driver in 2018.

On Jan. 25, 2021, Whiteside robbed a Metro by T-Mobile store on West Bellfort Road. He pointed a gun at employees, instructed them to get on the ground and verbally threatened to kill them if they did not comply. He left the store with approximately 30 stolen cellphones plus cash.

Then, on Jan. 27 that same year, Whiteside entered a Metro by T-Mobile store on Bissonnet Street, pointed a handgun at employees and forced them to put phones in a pink backpack he brought with him. 

Just 30 minutes later, Whiteside entered another Metro by T-Mobile store on Beechnut Street telling an employee he wanted to purchase a phone. He provided his cell number. The employee entered this information into a computer before Whiteside fled with stolen goods. 

The phone number was linked to Whiteside’s registered customer account which led investigators to Whiteside’s residence where they found cell phones, firearms and the pink backpack.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Houston Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie Wirsing prosecuted the case.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 27-year-old Pharr resident has been sentenced for conspiracy to transport undocumented aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Anthony Lenard Williams pleaded guilty April 28, 2023.

U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has now ordered Williams to serve 96 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court found that while on bond, Williams continued to coordinate the smuggling of undocumented aliens. Williams was ultimately found responsible for smuggling at least 560 undocumented aliens – only accounting for those authorities have apprehended. The court also heard that the actual number is likely in the thousands. Some of the loads of undocumented aliens included as many 115 people in the back of a tractor-trailer, at times including unaccompanied minors. In one smuggling attempt, some of the people had to be treated for severe dehydration because of the dangerous way they were transported.

Beginning in summer 2021, authorities began investigating an organization responsible for smuggling thousands of undocumented aliens in tractor-trailers. Through the course of that investigation, law enforcement identified Miguel Angel Hernandez and Williams as coordinators. 

Hernandez, 26, Donna, was previously sentenced to 108 months for his role in the organization but is believed to have held a a higher position of leadership than Williams.

Previously released on bond, Williams was taken into custody following the sentencing where he will remain pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara J. De Peña prosecuted the case.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 22-year-old Corpus Christi man has been sentenced for the robbery and shooting at a Stripes convenience store, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Jose Valdez pleaded guilty April 29.

U.S. District Judge David S. Morales has now ordered Valdez to serve 51 months in federal prison for the robbery as well as a consecutive 120 months for the shooting. His total 171-month sentence will be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional testimony from the victim of the shooting, who testified about lingering effects of his injury more than a year later. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that the crimes Valdez committed were some of the most serious crimes the federal court considers.

“The Stripes store is a Corpus Christi original, a place patrons can find gas, a quick snack and a clerk’s welcoming words. No one, however, should ever have to find themselves at the wrong end of a violent criminal’s gun, turning those patrons into victims,” said Hamdani. “Today’ s sentence represents how multiple lives were put at risk only because they happened to cross paths with Jose Valdez and his gun at a local Stripes.”

On June 29, 2023, Valdez approached a Stripes convenience store on Port Street in Corpus Christi at approximately 6:40 a.m. carrying a handgun into the store. Valdez entered, pointed the gun at the clerk and demanded money from the cash register. At the same time, three customers entered the store and observed the robbery taking place.

Valdez ordered them to leave. As they were exiting the store, he shot one of the men in the leg. All three men exited with the two uninjured men taking the third to the hospital for treatment. Valdez turned back to the clerk and demanded she empty all the registers in the store. Valdez took the money, ran out of the store, got into a silver car and drove away.

Law enforcement had ongoing investigations on other aggravated robberies in Corpus Christi and identified Valdez from the Stripes surveillance footage.

He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case along with assistance from the Corpus Christi Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Martin prosecuted the case.

HOUSTON – A 43-year-old man has been sentenced for submitting fake and fraudulent Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan application documents and collecting the money for personal use, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Zain Khan pleaded guilty April 10.

U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal has now ordered Khan to serve 48 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional testimony that described how Khan almost immediately lost the money he stole in various stock trading maneuvers. Khan was further ordered to pay $1 million in restitution to the SBA. In handing down the sentence, Judge Rosenthal noted the severity of Khan’s criminal activity at a time when the country was suffering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In or around April 2021, Khan created a fictitious temporary workforce business and payroll documents to qualify for program funds. Khan then converted the program funds for personal use to be invested in stock trading.  

The federal government created the PPP under the CARES Act to protect jobs during the 2020 pandemic. The PPP allows entities to apply for low-interest private loans to pay for payroll and certain other related costs. 

The scheme caused a loss of more than $1 million.

Khan was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Craig M. Feazel and Thomas Carter prosecuted the case.

HOUSTON – A 32-year-old man has been ordered to federal prison for receipt and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Cody Wayne Burke pleaded guilty April 15.

U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal has now sentenced Burke to 180 months for both convictions to be served concurrently. At the hearing, the court heard additional information about the vast collection of child pornography discovered on electronic devices seized during a March 2022 search.

Burke will be ordered to pay restitution in an amount to be determined at a later date to identified victims and must serve rest of his life on supervised release following the completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Burke will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.

Burke came to the attention of law enforcement based on a cybertip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. An IP address appeared to be uploading child pornography to cloud storage servers. The investigation led to Burke and his residence in Houston.

Law enforcement executed a search warrant and seized electronic devices to include cellphones. Further analysis ultimately revealed Burke possessed a total of 850 images depicting child pornography. His collection included prepubescent minors, bondage and bestiality involving minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.

He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S Bureau of Prisons facility in the near future.  

The FBI conducted the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sherin Daniel is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources link on that page.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 47-year-old Corpus Christi man has been sentenced for distributing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Jonathan Follis pleaded guilty Feb. 5.

U.S. District Judge David S. Morales has now ordered Follis to serve 228 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court heard additional information including conversations Follis had with others detailing sexual assaults he committed in the past, including his family members. The court was also provided with numerous impact letters from the victims of the child pornography materials. In handing down the prison terms, the court noted the “horrendous” conduct demonstrated an illness that Follis will be dealing with for the rest of his life. Follis was further ordered to pay $75,000 in restitution to the victims and will serve eight years on supervised release following completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Follis will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.

The investigation into Follis began when authorities discovered he was participating in chat rooms involving discussions of child pornography. Follis conducted the majority of these conversations using a cellular phone kept in his office at work.

Law enforcement later conducted a search at that office where they discovered a phone hidden under his keyboard. Follis admitted to using the phone to distribute child pornography.

Law enforcement conducted a forensic analysis of the phone. It confirmed Follis had been engaging in chat rooms discussing child pornography utilizing the username “frickenwierdo.” In addition to those rooms, Follis participated in distributing child pornography in private chats.

The investigation further revealed Follis distributed a video of child pornography April 5, 2023, approximately one month before law enforcement executed the search warrant leading to his arrest.

Follis will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance of the Corpus Christi Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children task force.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patrick Overman and John Marck prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources link on that page.

LAREDO, Texas – A 28-year-old man has pleaded guilty to possessing a machinegun, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

On March 12, law enforcement attempted to stop a truck for a traffic infraction with Francisco Isaias Rodriguez riding as a passenger. He exited the vehicle seconds before the stop and began to flee. He was told to stop but he continued on foot.

During the subsequent chase, Rodriguez resisted arrest, ignored commands from authorities and threw a small bag he carried around his shoulder over a fence and into a backyard.

Authorities later recovered the bag and found a Glock 9-millimeter pistol equipped with a machinegun conversion device, commonly known as a “switch.”

The switch altered the firearm’s function to shoot more than one round with a single pull of the trigger, making the firearm a fully-automatic weapon. The bag also contained one Glock pistol magazine with 14 rounds of ammunition, one Kriss extended pistol magazine containing 40 rounds, a pair of black latex gloves, one red and black plastic glove and a black balaclava ski mask.

After his arrest, law enforcement searched the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record for any records pertaining to a registered machinegun, short-barreled rifle or any other weapon under Rodriguez’s name. There were none.  

As part of his guilty plea, Rodriguez admitted to knowing federal law prohibits him from possessing the machinegun.

U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Rodriguez faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

He will remain in custody pending that hearing.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Laredo Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Bajew is prosecuting the case.

This case is being prosecuted as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF is the largest anti-crime task force in the country. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.

HOUSTON – A 30-year-old man will have to submit to monitoring following his conviction related to his attempt to circumvent a needed and required screening process for those charged with protecting National Science Foundation (NSF) facilities in Antarctica, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Brandon Mikula pleaded guilty April 23.

At his sentencing hearing, the court heard how Mikula’s conduct was intended to circumvent the medical screening process the NSF imposes upon anyone joining the agency’s mission in Antarctica. The court heard that by submitting false documents and providing false medical information during the screening, Mikula was attempting to undermine a process that aims to protect the lives of the individuals working at the NSF bases in Antarctica - and any rescuers that might be needed for a medical emergency. 

“Antarctica is the highest, driest and coldest continent on earth. Average winter temperatures at dip below -75 degrees Fahrenheit. Medical evacuations from NSF’s Antarctica facilities, in those harsh conditions, could take days or weeks in the winter," said Hamdani. "As a firefighter at the Antarctic Fire Department, Mikula would have been responsible for the daily safety of those occupying NSF’s stations. While Mr. Mikula’s misconduct may at first blush seem minor, his misconduct had the potential to end in tragedy for him and for others. That’s why my office will work with agency partners like the NSF to ensure that any efforts to circumvent their requirements or deceive the public will result in accountability.”

The screening process is designed to ensure applicants are medically and psychologically fit to endure the extreme conditions of life in Antarctica. Proper evaluations are necessary and important given the extreme risks of any rescue operation. Under optimal conditions, a medical evacuation could take several days or even a week - and only if a vessel is in the vicinity. Winter evacuations are high-risk events that may take weeks and may, depending on conditions, be impossible. 

“It is imperative that federal contractors are fully qualified to perform critical functions, especially in Antarctica’s extremely remote and harsh environment.” said Allison Lerner, NSF Inspector General. The NSF - Office of Inspector General (OIG) is committed to vigorously pursuing oversight of the U.S. Antarctic Program, and I commend the U.S. Attorney’s Office for its strong support in this effort.” 

The NSF’s - Office of Polar Programs supports Arctic and Antarctic science through grants to research across the United States and by providing polar facilities and operational support. Among other things, NSF operates McMurdo Station, Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station and Palmer Station in Antarctica. 

In 2022, an NSF contractor had hired Brandon Mikula, Mexico, Missouri, to work as a firefighter at the U.S. Antarctic Program’s Antarctic Fire Department. The Antarctic Fire Department is responsible for all emergency responses for the Antarctic Program, including fire, rescue, emergency medical services, hazmat and other emergency situations. All buildings on the Antarctic bases are considered critical, and the loss of a single structure could effectively shut down a significant portion of station operations. 

As a result, NSF required contractors like Mikula to undergo a rigorous medical screening process. Mikula also had to submit a physician’s evaluation and other materials to staff at the UTMB-Galveston staff. Mikula provided false information on required NSF forms and hid, among other things, certain medical conditions and medications. 

On Aug. 2, 2022, UTMB and NSF staff determined Mikula was not physically qualified to travel to Antarctica.

Subsequently, in an effort to reverse this determination, Mikula submitted false information. Among other things, Mikula faxed a letter to the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB)  from his primary care physician claiming he was medically fit; however, he had forged the letter. He also submitted other false documents and sent harassing emails to UTMB and NSF officials in efforts to reverse their determination. Ultimately, investigators identified that documents Mikula had submitted were forgeries.  

U.S. District Judge Jeffrey V. Brown has now ordered Mikula to serve one year of probation, during which time he will need to submit to monitoring and other conditions. 

NSF-OIG conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Gray is prosecuting the case.

LAREDO, Texas – A 32-year-old Laredo man has pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

The investigation began in January when law enforcement learned Raul Garcia Jr. aka Rule was selling drugs in the Laredo area. Over the next two months, investigators continued to receive information Garcia was selling narcotics, and possibly out of his home.

In March, law enforcement obtained a warrant to search Garcia’s home. During the search, authorities located heroin packaged for street sale. A month later, law enforcement obtained a second search warrant and again found heroin. Similar to drugs recovered during the March search, they noted the heroin found in April was also packaged for street sale.

As part of his guilty plea, Garcia admitted to possessing the drugs located and seized throughout the investigation.

U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Garcia faces up to 40 years in federal prison and a possible $5 million maximum fine.

Garcia will remain in custody pending that hearing.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Laredo Police Department’s Narcotics Division conducted the investigation with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations and Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Bajew and Leslie Cortez are prosecuting the case.

This case is being prosecuted as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF is the largest anti-crime task force in the country. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 41-year-old Corpus Christi resident has been taken into federal custody for alleged embezzlement from a local labor union, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Authorities have arrested Robert Cirilo. He is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jason B. Libby at 9:45 a.m. Aug. 6.

According to the indictment returned July 31, Cirilo was the president of the United Steelworkers Local 13-1647 in Corpus Christi. While serving in that role, he allegedly used a union debit card to make approximately 430 unauthorized personal purchases and ATM cash withdrawals.

The indictment charges Cirilo with 13 counts of wire fraud and one count of embezzlement from a labor organization.

If convicted, Cirilo faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine on each of the wire fraud counts. He also faces up to five years and up to a $10,000 fine upon conviction of embezzlement.

The FBI and Department of Labor’s Office of Labor Management Standards conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tyler Foster and John Marck are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

LAREDO, Texas – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment against a 31-year-old former resident of Laredo for conspiracy to distribute fentanyl which caused the death of another, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Authorities have arrested Rene Antonio Melendez in Appleton, Wisconsin. He will make his initial appearance before a U.S. magistrate judge in the Eastern District of Wisconsin, after which authorities will transport him to Laredo for all subsequent proceedings.

The three-count indictment, returned July 9, alleges Melendez conspired with other people to distribute fentanyl, a schedule II controlled substance, to another individual March 11, 2023. That person subsequently died after using the drug, according to the charges.

The indictment also charges Melendez with one count of distributing fentanyl that resulted in death as well as one count of possession with the intent to distribute fentanyl.

If convicted, Melendez faces up life in federal prison as well as a possible $1 million maximum fine.

Melendez is the third federal indictment in Laredo in the last year charging someone with distributing fentanyl resulting in death. There others were in August 2023 and December 2023.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol, Laredo Police Department and Webb County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Bajew and Leslie Cortez are prosecuting the case.

This case is being prosecuted as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF is the largest anti-crime task force in the country. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.

More information on the dangers of fentanyl can be found on the DEA’s website. #OnePillCanKill

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

McALLEN, Texas – A 27-year-old resident of Alamo has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing two rifles, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

The investigation began after law enforcement learned narcotics would be in the home of Hector Tellez-Hernandez. On April 5, they conducted a search. At that time, they found two rifles and body armor in a bedroom as well as 16 grams of cocaine.

Tellez-Hernandez admitted ownership. However, as a previously convicted felon of alien smuggling, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition per federal law.

Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane will impose sentencing Oct. 16, at which time Tellez-Hernandez faces up to 15 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Alamo Police Department conducted the joint investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan is prosecuting the case as part of the joint federal, state and local Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. In May 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced a new effort to reduce violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. Integral to that effort was the reinvigoration of PSN, a two-decade old, evidence-based and community-oriented program focused on reducing violent crime. The updated PSN approach, outlined in the department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime is guided by four key principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.

HOUSTON – A criminal information has been filed against a 39-year-old Houstonian on a charge of wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Brett Michael Detamore is set to make his initial appearance in federal court Aug. 12 at 2 p.m.

According to the information, Detamore operated as a custom home builder under Detamore Development LLC. The charges allege he fraudulently obtained at least $1.5 million for his personal use by misusing funds intended for the construction of private residences.

Detamore allegedly submitted false and fraudulent invoices to banks holding construction loans for single-family residences he had been contracted to build. The false invoices caused the banks to send funds to bank accounts Detamore controlled, according to the allegations. Detamore then allegedly used the funds for his personal benefit.

The charges include a notice of forfeiture for any funds or property obtained as a result of the scheme.

If convicted, Detamore faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine as well as full restitution to the victim home owners.

The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the West University Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen Lansden and Suzanne Elmilady are prosecuting the case. 

A criminal information is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

HOUSTON – The Justice Department has announced its findings that the Texas Juvenile Justice Department (TJJD) is violating the U.S. Constitution, as well as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

“Children are committed to TJJD facilities to receive treatment and rehabilitation so that they may return to their communities as law-abiding, productive citizens,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Our investigation showed that, far from achieving those objectives, TJJD engaged in a pattern of abuse, deprivation of essential services and disability-related discrimination that seriously harms children and undermines their rehabilitation. State officials have an obligation to keep these children safe, to teach them, to provide them necessary health services and to treat them fairly, without discrimination. The Justice Department is committed to protecting the rights of vulnerable children in juvenile facilities. We look forward to working with state officials to remedy these violations, institute needed reform and improve outcomes for Texas children.”

The department’s report details findings from a comprehensive investigation of five TJJD youth facilities, including the Evins Regional Juvenile Center, Gainesville State School, Giddings State School, McClennan County State Juvenile Correctional Facility and Ron Jackson State Juvenile Correctional Complex. The report concludes that:

• TJJD routinely violates the constitutional rights of children in all five facilities by:
  • Exposing them to excessive force and prolonged isolation;
  • Failing to protect children from sexual abuse; and
  • Failing to provide adequate mental health services.
  •  
• TJJD violates the IDEA by failing to provide special education and related services to children with disabilities.

• TJJD discriminates against children with disabilities in violation of the ADA by:
  • Not providing reasonable modifications necessary to permit their participation in programming required for release and
  • Denying them an equal opportunity to benefit from education.

These violations of the Constitution and federal law place children at substantial risk of serious physical and psychological harm and impede successful outcomes for children.

“The conditions in the facilities are unacceptable,” said U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani for the Southern District of Texas. “Our investigation found that children in these facilities face sexual abuse by staff and other children. Tragically, this is not the first investigation into allegations of sexual abuse at TJJD facilities. Since the early 2000s, other investigations by Texas state agencies and the Texas Rangers substantiated sexual abuse allegations of the children at TJJD facilities, yet this horrifying problem persists. Working with Texas’s other U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, the Civil Rights Division and the State of Texas, my office hopes to provide protections to the vulnerable and help right wrongs that have existed for far too long.”  

“My office was proud to partner with the Civil Rights Division and with other U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in our state on this thorough investigation of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “The children in these facilities are uniquely vulnerable to harm and abuse, which hinders their prospects for rehabilitation. They deserve to be protected from harm, to receive adequate mental health care and to receive special education services and reasonable modifications that will give them a chance at productive lives in the community, outside of the walls of these institutions.”

“According to our report, TJJD falls short of creating an environment that fosters rehabilitation,” said U.S. Attorney Leigha Simonton for the Northern District of Texas. “Instead, some of its personnel engage in the use of excessive force and subject children to prolonged isolation, both of which are damaging. Texans know that this is not how we rehabilitate our children. We look forward to working with the State and TJJD to eliminate these issues going forward. Together, I am confident that we can implement practices that result in a better rehabilitative environment at the TJJD and ensure a pathway for children in their care to grow, heal and reach their full potential.”

“States that receive federal funds to help educate children with disabilities are required to use those funds appropriately for the benefit of these children,” said U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs for the Eastern District of Texas. “Systematically failing to evaluate children suspected of having disabilities inevitably deprives these children of the special education these funds were meant to provide. Texas received funds under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, but failed to meet their obligation to ensure that children with disabilities would receive adequate education according to their special needs, among other things. Without appropriate services, children with disabilities in Texas juvenile corrections facilities cannot access the general education curriculum, preventing meaningful rehabilitation and progress. We look forward to working with Texas to rectify the issues we identified in our investigation so that these children, through meeting their educational needs, may have a better chance to succeed when they return to our communities.”

The Justice Department launched its investigation of TJJD’s juvenile justice facilities in October 2021, under the Civil Rights of Institutionalized Persons Act and the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, which authorize the department to address a pattern or practice of deprivation of constitutional and federal rights of children confined to state or local government-run correctional facilities. 

The Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section and the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in Texas investigated the case.

For more information about the Civil Rights Division and the Special Litigation Section, please visit www.justice.gov/crt/special-litigation-section. You can also report civil rights violations to the section by completing the complaint form available at https://civilrights.justice.gov.

To provide information related to the department’s investigation of TJJD’s facilities, please call 1-866-432-0438 or by email at TX.Juveniles@usdoj.gov.  

Spanish translation forthcoming. (La traducción al español estará disponible próximamente.)

McALLEN, Texas – Four men involved in a large-scale smuggling conspiracy have been sentenced for “inhumanely” transporting individuals into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Mission residents Diego Flores, 29, Gerardo Villarreal, 34, and Gilberto Rios, 35, all previously pleaded guilty along with Antonio Cuevas-Lozano, 46, Mexico, to conspiracy to transport or harbor undocumented individuals within the United States. Villarreal also admitted to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Diego Flores to serve 156 months in federal prison. Villarreal received 120 months for the smuggling conspiracy and 70 months for the firearms conviction to be served concurrently, along with 24 months on a supervised release violation to be served consecutively for a total 144-month sentence. Rios and Cuevas-Lozano were sentenced to 63 and 30 months, respectively. Flores, Rios and Villarreal must also serve three years of supervised release, while Cuevos-Lozano is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment.

At the hearing, the court heard how the organization moved thousands of undocumented aliens in groups of at least 70 by placing them inside containers and drilling them closed from the outside, loading them onto trailers and transporting them on the highway in the hot Texas climate. Diego Flores acted in a leadership capacity within the smuggling organization and had a prior smuggling conviction. The court also considered how the organization utilized multiple firearms to threaten the individuals. Judge Crane noted the complete disregard for the safety of the undocumented people the organization exhibited, expressing that the means and methods of transportation were “inhumane.”

“Human smugglers ply their trade preying on the vulnerable,” said Hamdani. “These smugglers cramped dozens of migrants into wooden crates and then bolted those crates shut, leaving the migrants to the mercy of South Texas’s brutal heat. Such conduct was not just predatory; it also demonstrated a total disregard for the value of human life. Today’s sentences reflect how my office will not rest until we disrupt and dismantle the deadly human smuggling operations that cause so much sorrow along the Southwest border.”

Beginning in April 2022, Diego Flores hired “hot shot” drivers to transport various containers, including wooden boxes, sheds and hay bales on flat-bed trailers further north. If ever intercepted at the Falfurrias Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint, the drivers would minimize culpability on those within the smuggling organization as the drivers were unaware of what they were transporting.

On April 26, 2022, law enforcement intercepted a load of 40 undocumented individuals within wooden boxes. Authorities also found 69 people in compartments in the roofs of two sheds strapped onto flat-bed trailers July 19, 2023. Another interception occurred Aug. 18, 2023, when law enforcement located a load of 28 undocumented aliens hidden in a compartment surrounded by hay bales. Authorities also discovered 36 more hidden within wooden crates loaded on a trailer 11 days later. Then, on Sept. 1, 2023, law enforcement found eight people hidden in a compartment underneath a trailer, between it and the road.

On each occasion, authorities spoke to those recovered and uncovered the large-scale smuggling organization.

Those in the conspiracy utilized a ranch property in Mission to build the compartments in which to transport undocumented individuals. On every occasion, the conspirators instructed the aliens to get inside and drilled the containers closed, offering them no means of escape. The conspirators then drove the trailer loaded with containers to meet the “hot shot” driver who would further transport the trailer north. Authorities executed a search warrant on Sept. 5, 2023, on the ranch property and recovered three firearms.

Once in custody, law enforcement discovered Villarreal had a pistol in his possession. As a convicted felon, federal law prohibits him from possessing firearms or ammunition.

On Feb. 1, Noe Vasquez received 144 months in federal prison as part of this conspiracy. At that time, the court heard testimony of how the smuggling organization moved approximately 3000 non-U.S. citizens and used firearms to control them. 

All will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

BP conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Devin V. Walker prosecuted the case. 

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 29-year-old Mexican national has been sentenced for possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Juan Manuel Garza-Fuentes pleaded guilty Feb. 6.

U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera has now ordered Garza-Fuentes to serve 78 months in federal prison. Garza was further ordered to serve 35 years of supervised release following the completion of his prison term, during which time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Garza-Fuentes was further ordered to pay $13,000 in restitution and a $3,000 special assessment. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.

The investigation began in July 2023 after Garza-Fuentes attempted to make entry into the United States through the Brownsville and Matamoros Port of Entry. Authorities conducted a forensic analysis of Garza-Fuentes’ cell phone and discovered 255 videos and 170 images of child pornography.

Garza-Fuentes will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Ana C. Cano prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 51-year-old Alamo resident has been sentenced for possession with intent to distribute $4 million worth of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Olga Lydia Segundo pleaded guilty April 15.

U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzalez Ramos has now ordered Segundo to serve 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release.

On Jan. 13, Segundo arrived at the Falfurrias Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint driving a white 2010 Chevrolet Silverado. Law enforcement proceeded to ask questions about her trip and Segundo gave answers that did not make sense. Segundo stated she was going to Austin at one point, then to Houston for a job interview but could not remember the name of the company or where the job interview was happening. 

During this time, there were freezing temperatures in South Texas, and authorities noticed Segundo did not have any cold-weather clothes or clothes for a job interview.

Segundo gave law enforcement consent to search the vehicle. An x-ray scan showed anomalies in all four tires of the vehicle. Authorities discovered they were lined with welded metal casings that serve as aftermarket compartments.

After drilling through the casings, law enforcement found 24 bundles of cocaine wrapped in cellophane weighing 48 kilograms with an estimated street value of over $4 million.

Segundo will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and BP conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Griffith prosecuted the case.

McALLEN, Texas – Three Starr County residents have been sentenced for their roles in a bribery scheme involving the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Rio Grande City residents Roberto Rodriguez, 52, Daniel Diaz, 68, and Jose Sandoval, 71, each pleaded guilty May 17.

Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now imposed a 16-month term of imprisonment for Rodriguez, while Diaz and Sandoval received 8 and 6 months in federal prison, respectively. Each must also serve three years of supervised release following their sentences. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence of the dollar amount of the contracts awarded to each contractor including $1,107,228 to Diaz and $709,854 to Sandoval. In handing down the prison terms, Judge Crane noted that he hoped it served as an example to the community not to get involved in corrupt practices.

“The people of the United States have the right to expect the utmost integrity from those electing to do business with the United States,” said Hamdani. “Diaz and Sandoval failed in that duty when they chose to bribe a federal official in order to obtain federal contracts. Rodriguez betrayed his oath of office when he chose to accept payments from those contractors in order to influence who would be awarded these contracts.”

At the time of his plea, Rodriguez admitted to accepting U.S. currency for referring applicants for the USDA Rural Development 504 Single Family Housing Repair Grant and Loan program to contractors Diaz and Sandoval in order for each of them to receive money under the program.

Rodriguez also admitted he was a loan specialist responsible for approving the loans. Diaz and Sandoval both admitted they gave money to Rodriguez to receive work under the program.

Each were permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The Department of Justice Office of Inspector General, USDA, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigations with the assistance of local task force officers. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia Cook Profit and Alexa Parcell prosecuted the cases.

McALLEN, Texas – Two non-U.S. citizens have been ordered to federal prison for their roles in a conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and a related scheme to transport aliens within the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani along with Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp of the FBI's San Antonio Field Office.

Luis Enrique Moctezuma-Acosta, 37, and Scarlett Fuentes-Gavarrette, 34, pleaded guilty in March to laundering over $2 million in monetary instruments and conspiracy to transport illegal aliens. Both are Mexican nationals who illegally resided in Mission.

Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered the couple to serve 240 months in federal prison. Not U.S. citizens, they are expected to face removal proceedings following their sentences.

At the hearing, the court heard recordings of undocumented aliens held against their will and begging their families to pay smugglers for their release. Evidence further revealed the organization proudly boasted about using their trucking business as a front, which not only facilitated the alien smuggling but also enabled the laundering of $2.9 million.

The court also considered the lavish lifestyle the co-conspirators led, all while exploiting individuals who were seeking a better life. The organization had referred to them as “products” and abandoned some in the harsh conditions of the brush without food or water, resulting in the death of one.

In handing down the sentence, the court noted his concurrence that this is one of the largest alien smuggling take downs this district has seen in recent history.

“With today's sentencing, we send a clear and powerful message to all criminal organizations involved in human smuggling and money laundering,” said Hamdani. “From the rural areas of Central America to the bustling streets of Boston, Massachusetts, no criminal organization is beyond the relentless reach of the Department of Justice. The lengthy sentences handed down today are a testament to our unwavering determination to dismantle these ruthless networks and bring their leaders to justice. Let this serve as a stark warning: those who exploit vulnerable individuals for profit will face the full force of the law. We will not rest until every corner of these criminal enterprises is exposed and dismantled, ensuring the safety and dignity of our communities.”

“This case started as a money laundering investigation at a business. FBI agents did a phenomenal job following the evidence to uncover a much larger conspiracy involving human smuggling,” said Tapp of the FBI's San Antonio Field Office. "I want to thank our partners at the Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, the Texas Department of Insurance and the McAllen Police Department for their assistance with this case and their continued partnership in keeping our south Texas communities safe.”

The conspiracy involved a sophisticated network of alien smugglers across the United States utilizing commercial airplanes, tractor-trailers and various other smuggling methods.

An investigation began in November 2019 and revealed the LEMA smuggling organization brought 2,459 undocumented migrants from the Southwest border regions further into the northern parts of the United States. The network spanned from Honduras to as far north as Boston, Massachusetts, with a heavy emphasis on smuggling Brazilian nationals.

On March 9, 2023, authorities executed multiple search warrants at Fuentes-Gavarrette and Moctezuma-Acosta’s properties, at which time they seized over $1.5 million in cash. The locations included their residence and a purported car dealership they operated as a front business. Throughout the investigation, law enforcement also seized approximately $2.69 million in assets and several luxury vehicles, such as a 2023 Escalade, 2021 Ford Shelby Truck, jewelry and several pieces of real property.

Both will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of task force officers from Border Patrol, Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Department of Insurance and McAllen Police Department. The Texas Attorney General's Office also provided assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric D. Flores prosecuted the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Foster assisted with forfeiture proceedings.

McALLEN, Texas – A former sheriff’s office jailer has pleaded guilty for his role in the straw purchasing of a firearm receiver on behalf of a Mexican national, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Gonzalo Everardo Gonzalez, 32, Roma, admitted to making false statements during the purchase of a firearm.

On June 13, 2023, in connection with an acquisition of a firearm receiver, Gonzalez falsely stated on a form associated with the purchase that he was the true purchaser of the receiver. The investigation revealed this statement was false.

In fact, Gonzalez purchased a firearm receiver on behalf of a Mexican national who intended to smuggle it into Mexico. 

At the time he made the false statement, Gonzalez was a jailer with the Starr County Sheriff’s Office.

Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane will impose sentencing October 8. At that time, Gonzalez faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

He will remain on bond pending his sentencing.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the joint investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan is prosecuting the case. 

HOUSTON – A tax preparer has admitted to aiding or assisting in the preparation of a false 2017 income tax return, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. 

As part of his plea, Christopher J. Guevara admitted that from at least 2018 to 2020, he owned and operated Chris Tax Service in Houston. He admitted to often placing false Schedule A deductions, residential energy credits, and Schedule C businesses on the returns he prepared, generating larger refunds to which his clients were not entitled. He also admitted to making money through preparation fees he would make money by charging preparation fees.   

Guevara admitted to placing $26,857 in false business losses that were listed on the 2017 Schedule C. As a result, the tax loss to the United States on that return was approximately $13,390. 

Guevara took responsibility for $123,458 in losses to the IRS and has agreed to pay that amount in restitution. 

U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett will impose sentencing Oct. 31. At that time, Guevara faces up to three years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. 

He was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.

IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Gray is prosecuting the case.

HOUSTON – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging an Indian national with selling and shipping tens of thousands of dollars in counterfeit oncology pharmaceuticals into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

According to court documents, Sanjay Kumar, 43, of Bihar, India, and his co-conspirators allegedly arranged for the sale and shipment of fake, counterfeit versions of oncology pharmaceuticals - including Keytruda - to individuals in the United States.

Genuine Keytruda is a cancer immunotherapy that is approved in the United States for 19 different indications, including to treat certain types of melanoma, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, gastric cancer, cervical cancer and breast cancer. Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, formerly known as Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., has the exclusive right to authorize the manufacture of Keytruda for introduction into interstate commerce.

Kumar was arrested June 26 in Houston after traveling to the United States to conduct further negotiations aimed at expanding his business selling fake Keytruda in the U.S. market.

Kumar is charged with one count of conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit drugs and four counts of trafficking in counterfeit drugs. If convicted, he faces a up to 20 years in prison on each count as well as a possible $2 million fine.  

Homeland Security Investigations and Food and Drug Administration conducted the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Hileman is prosecuting the case along with Trial Attorneys Jeff Pearlman and Bryce Rosenbower of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section.  

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

A federal grand jury in Houston returned an indictment today charging an Indian national with selling and shipping tens of thousands of dollars’ worth of counterfeit oncology pharmaceuticals into the United States.  

According to court documents, Sanjay Kumar, 43, of Bihar, India, and his co-conspirators allegedly arranged for the sale and shipment of fake, counterfeit versions of oncology pharmaceuticals—including Keytruda—to individuals in the United States. Genuine Keytruda is a cancer immunotherapy that is approved in the United States for 19 different indications, including to treat certain types of melanoma, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, gastric cancer, cervical cancer, and breast cancer. Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, formerly known as Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp., has the exclusive right to authorize the manufacture of Keytruda for introduction into interstate commerce.

Kumar was arrested on June 26 in Houston after traveling to the United States to conduct further negotiations aimed at expanding his business selling fake Keytruda in the U.S. market.

Kumar is charged with one count of conspiracy to traffic in counterfeit drugs and four counts of trafficking in counterfeit drugs. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Alamdar Hamdani for the Southern District of Texas; Special Agent in Charge Mark Dawson of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Houston; and Special Agent in Charge Charles Grinstead of the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) Office of Criminal Investigations, Kansas City Field Office made the announcement.

HSI and the FDA investigated the case.

Trial Attorneys Jeff Pearlman and Bryce Rosenbower of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Hileman for the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

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

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 22-year-old Corpus Christi man has been ordered to federal prison for delivery of fentanyl resulting in death, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Ricardo Julyan Kross Rios aka Kross pleaded guilty July 26, 2023.

U.S. District Judge David S. Morales has now ordered Kross to serve 180 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by four years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence detailing the death of the 20-year-old male victim, found deceased on a living room sofa. He had fallen asleep there next to his girlfriend after a party. When she awoke the next morning, he was cold to the touch and not breathing. She immediately called 911 but paramedics were unable to resuscitate him. In handing down the sentence, Judge Morales noted that the circumstances of the case were tragic and that the loss of a life deserves a significant sentence.

“Falling asleep on a living room sofa should not become a death sentence, especially for a 20-year old beginning his journey into adulthood,” said Hamdani. “Fentanyl-laced pills disguised as something else are killing our kids, and it’s the mission of my office to hold everyone accountable - from the companies that supply the raw materials to the cartels that make the pills to the dealers that place them in the hands of America’s youth. Those like Rios should take note, if your pill kills, we will not rest until justice is done.”

On Dec. 10, 2022, authorities responded to a reported drug overdose in Corpus Christi and discovered a non-responsive individual pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy later determined the cause of death was acute fentanyl toxicity. 

The investigation led to the discovery that the victim had purchased pills from Rios who delivered them Dec. 9, 2022, to the parking lot adjacent to an apartment where a party was occurring. The victim consumed them during that event. 

Witnesses described the pills as “press made” hydrocodone pills which may have contained fentanyl. 

On Jan. 17, 2023, law enforcement encountered Rios at a residence in Corpus Christi in possession of a plastic bag containing “pressed” pills as well as some additional loose powder and partial pills. Laboratory analysis later confirmed the pills and powder in the plastic bag did contain fentanyl. 

Rios will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The Drug Enforcement Administration led the cooperative law enforcement effort targeting fentanyl with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations, Jim Wells County Sheriff’s Office and police departments in Corpus Christi, Aransas Pass and Mathis. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. Thorpe Jr. prosecuted the case. 

HOUSTON – Two mental health care providers in the South Texas area have agreed to pay $1,083,000 to resolve False Claims Act (FCA) allegations regarding the submission of claims to Medicare, TRICARE and Medicaid that non-physician personnel rendered, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

From 2017 through 2020, Texas Behavioral Health PLLC (TBH) and United Psychiatry Institute LLC (UPI) allegedly engaged in a pattern and practice of falsely billing Medicare Part B.

According to the allegations, TBH and UPI would submit claims for mental health services that physicians had not rendered or not directly supervised as Medicare regulations require. Some services occurred on dates when the physicians were traveling outside of the United States and thus unable to provide the services. Others allegedly occurred at times when it was not logistically possible for the physicians to have rendered them or directly supervised the services themselves due to the sheer volume of patients at multiple office locations located in and around the Houston area.

Certain non-physician practitioners can provide mental health services but must have their own benefit categories and must bill the government programs directly using their own provider numbers. This did not happen in this case, according to the allegations. As a result of the alleged improper billing, Medicare, TRICARE and Medicaid reimbursed TBH and UPI at the higher physician rate. 

“For a system to provide affordable mental health services, it’s important for healthcare providers to give accurate information about who is providing the services - not  supply misinformation in an attempt to fleece that system,” said Hamdani. “My office will continue to hold healthcare providers accountable when they get reimbursed at a higher rate due to alleged improper or fraudulent billing practices.”

“As evidenced by recent settlements and indictments, healthcare fraud and abuse of our federally funded healthcare system is rampant,” said Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams of the FBI Houston Field Office. “Too many providers are taking advantage of the mental health crisis and patient beneficiaries to bilk the system for millions of dollars. Ultimately, we all pay the price for their deceit in the form of higher premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. We encourage anyone who has information about healthcare fraud to please speak up and report it to the FBI.”

“Our federal health care system relies on the fundamental principle that providers bill correctly and adhere to the rules. Taxpayers who fund these programs deserve nothing less,” said Special Agent in Charge Jason E. Meadows of the Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General (DHHS-OIG). “We will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners and prosecutors to ensure that those who submit false claims to Medicare are held accountable and that the Medicare trust fund is restored.”

The settlement stems from a qui tam or whistleblower complaint filed under the FCA, which permits a party to file an action on behalf of the United States and receive a portion of any recover. The qui tam case is United States ex rel. Gonzalez v. Texas Behavioral Health PLLC et al. The whistleblower will receive 17% of the proceeds from the settlement.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas and FBI conducted the investigation with assistance from DHHS – OIG and Texas Attorney General’s Office – Civil Medicaid Fraud Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Melissa Green handled the matter.  

HOUSTON – A total of 53 Houston-area residents have been indicted for participating in wire fraud schemes related to the use of falsified documents to obtain bail bonds for individuals charged with criminal offenses, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani. 

Of those charged, 50 are now in custody, some of whom will make their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina A. Bryan at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. July 25. 

The remaining three are considered fugitives and warrants remain outstanding for their arrests – Tawana Jones, 44, Houston; Pamela Yoder, 60, Detroit, Michigan; and Amir Khan, 60, Pakistan. Anyone with information about their whereabouts is asked to contact the Houston FBI at 713-693-5000.

According to the indictment, returned July 16 and unsealed upon the arrests, employees of AABLE Bonds, a bail bonds company located in Houston, conspired with others to falsify and obtain falsified co-signer financial reports. This was allegedly done to qualify individuals charged with criminal offenses who would not otherwise qualify for what was necessary to meet the terms of their bond. 

“An integral part of the criminal justice system, as old as the system itself, is the bail bond - a device that allows defendants temporary release while awaiting trial by guaranteeing future court appearances,” said Hamdani. “Honesty in the underwriting of those bail bonds is essential to ensuring compliance and protecting the community. However, this indictment alleges employees of AABLE Bonds and many others conspired to violate that trust. Today’s arrests and charges are the culmination of a multi-year, multi-agency and multi-jurisdictional effort to help protect the integrity of the bail bond system in Harris County.”

“This investigation exposing alleged fraud within the bail bond industry is the first of its kind and the result of a 24-month long FBI Houston-led operation into a colossal bail bond scheme operating out of Harris County,” said FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams. “By allegedly falsifying financial reports related to bail bonds, the accused individuals secured their release back onto the streets of our community through an illicit revolving door within the bond system.”

“Utilizing the bail bond system in a fraudulent manner to allow the release of criminals is unacceptable. We are proud to have joined with our local, state and federal partners in getting these individuals off the streets,” said Acting Houston Police Chief Larry J. Satterwhite.

“Our crime analysts proactively launched this investigation to target violent offenders and those that exploit our system. These actions undermine the legal process and pose a threat to public safety. We are committed to working diligently with our partners to root out corruption and ensure that those who engage in such fraudulent activities are held accountable,” said Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. “Our priority remains the safety and security of Harris County residents, and we will continue to take action against those who seek to be involved in criminal activity.”

The indictment alleges 11 individuals are charged in Harris County with criminal offenses who subsequently obtained bonds based on falsified documents.

Employees of AABLE Bonds, including Mary Brown, 29, and Oscar Wattell, 34, both of Houston, allegedly recruited straw co-signers to represent they were working at companies or had earned incomes. The co-conspirators allegedly falsified this information on financial reports since the co-signers did not work at the companies or earn represented incomes.

Co-conspirators allegedly emailed or submitted the falsified co-signer financial reports via electronic communications. According to the indictment, the government and insurance agencies rely on these financial reports to enter into third-party agreements, known as surety bonds.

Out of 53 co-conspirators, all but one face charges in connection to alleged conspiracies to commit wire fraud.

The CEO of AABLE Bonds and an agent of Financial Casualty & Surety - Sheba Muharib, 58, Missouri City, is charged with allegedly affecting persons engaged in the business of insurance. Muharib allegedly knew Wattell had a criminal felony conviction involving dishonesty while engaging in the business of insurance.

If convicted, each face up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine for the wire fraud and conspiracy to commit wire fraud charges. Muharib could receive up to five years in prison and a $250,000 possible fine upon his conviction.

The FBI, Houston Police Department and Harris County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation with the assistance of Texas Department of Public Safety and U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Day and Colton Turner are prosecuting the case. 

HOUSTON - A 48-year-old Chinese national has been indicted for his part in a conspiracy involving the importation of what is believed to be the largest amount of fentanyl precursors found in the Southern District of Texas and one of the largest in the country, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Minsu Fang aka Fernando is expected to make an appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga in Laredo July 23 at 11 a.m. Authorities originally arrested Fang in New York City, New York, June 19 on an arrest warrant based out of Laredo.

“We charged this defendant for importing enough fentanyl precursor chemicals from China to kill millions of Americans,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat the United States has ever faced, and the Justice Department is committed to breaking apart every link in the global fentanyl supply chain.”

“My office is focused on disrupting and dismantling the transnational criminal organizations flooding the United States with fentanyl, a drug that is killing our children,” said Hamdani. “Fang allegedly imported over 2,000 kilograms of raw materials from China destined for various places in Mexico used in the manufacture of fentanyl. This historic seizure represents a multi-agency collaboration that prevented the production of millions upon millions of deadly doses of fentanyl-laced pills.”

“To end the deadliest drug threat the United States has ever faced, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) starts where the harm begins – with the Chinese chemical companies and the individuals that are selling chemicals to those who make and sell the fentanyl that is killing Americans. This work led DEA to Minsu Fang, who is charged with selling more than 2,000 kilograms of fentanyl precursors. This marks one of DEA’s largest seizures of fentanyl chemicals to date in the United States,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “The DEA is laser-focused on saving American lives by disrupting the entire global fentanyl supply chain that is responsible for flooding our communities with fentanyl. By disrupting Fang’s operations, DEA and our partners saved countless lives in the United States.

A federal grand jury charged Minsu Fang aka Fernando July 17 in a four-count indictment under seal with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance for purpose of unlawful importation, conspiracy to import a controlled substance and conspiracy to export a controlled substance.

“Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) plays a pivotal role in disrupting the supply of illicit opioids at every point in the drug supply chain: internationally, at our nation’s borders, and in communities throughout the United States,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee, HSI San Antonio. “The partnerships in this investigation were key to securing this indictment. The threat imposed by fentanyl dictates that agencies not only deconflict and coordinate, but to also collaborate. This investigation and prosecution are the perfect example of collaboration across agencies and throughout the country.”

The now unsealed charges allege Fang and his associates shipped over 2,000 kilograms of fentanyl precursor chemicals from China into the United States and on to Mexico in approximately 100 separate shipments between August and October 2023. Fang and his co-conspirators were able to avoid law enforcement interdiction of the shipments by declaring them to have a de minimis value, less than $800, and commingling the boxes containing the precursor chemicals with similarly low valued import items, according to the charges.

As a result, each of the shipments were allegedly admitted into the United States without a detailed inspection of the individual contents. Once in the United States, Fang, through co-conspirators, shipped the chemicals into Mexico, according to the charges.

If convicted, Fang faces up to life on each count of conviction as well as a $10 million fine.

The DEA and HSI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard D. Hanes and Heather Rae Winter are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

#OnePillCanKill

A Chinese national was indicted for his part in a conspiracy involving the importation of what is believed to be the largest amount of fentanyl precursors found in the Southern District of Texas and one of the largest in the country.

Minsu Fang, 48, also known as Fernando, was charged in a four-count indictment with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance for purpose of unlawful importation, conspiracy to import a controlled substance, and conspiracy to export a controlled substance.

“We charged this defendant for importing enough fentanyl precursor chemicals from China to kill millions of Americans,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat the United States has ever faced, and the Justice Department is committed to breaking apart every link in the global fentanyl supply chain.”

“To end the deadliest drug threat the United States has ever faced, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) starts where the harm begins – with the Chinese chemical companies and the individuals that are selling chemicals to those who make and sell the fentanyl that is killing Americans. This work led DEA to Minsu Fang, who is charged with selling more than 2,000 kilograms of fentanyl precursors. This marks one of DEA’s largest seizures of fentanyl chemicals to date in the United States,” said DEA Administrator Anne Milgram. “The DEA is laser-focused on saving American lives by disrupting the entire global fentanyl supply chain that is responsible for flooding our communities with fentanyl. By disrupting Fang’s operations, DEA and our partners saved countless lives in the United States.”

“My office is focused on disrupting and dismantling the transnational criminal organizations flooding the United States with fentanyl, a drug that is killing our children,” said U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani for the Southern District of Texas. “Fang allegedly imported over 2,000 kilograms of raw materials from China destined for various places in Mexico used in the manufacture of fentanyl. This historic seizure represents a multi-agency collaboration that prevented the production of millions upon millions of deadly doses of fentanyl-laced pills.”

“Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) plays a pivotal role in disrupting the supply of illicit opioids at every point in the drug supply chain: internationally, at our nation’s borders, and in communities throughout the United States,” said Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee of HSI San Antonio. “The partnerships in this investigation were key to securing this indictment. The threat imposed by fentanyl dictates that agencies not only deconflict and coordinate, but to also collaborate. This investigation and prosecution are the perfect example of collaboration across agencies and throughout the country.”

The now unsealed charges allege Fang and his associates shipped over 2,000 kilograms of fentanyl precursor chemicals from China into the United States and on to Mexico in approximately 100 separate shipments between August and October 2023. Fang and his co-conspirators were able to avoid law enforcement interdiction of the shipments by declaring them to have a de minimis value, less than $800, and commingling the boxes containing the precursor chemicals with similarly low valued import items, according to the charges.

As a result, each of the shipments were allegedly admitted into the United States without a detailed inspection of the individual contents. Once in the United States, Fang, through co-conspirators, shipped the chemicals into Mexico, according to the charges.

If convicted, Fang faces a maximum penalty of life in prison on each count, as well as a $10 million fine. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The DEA and HSI investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard D. Hanes and Heather Rae Winter for the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

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

HOUSTON – The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Southwest Key Programs Inc., a Texas-based nonprofit that provides housing to unaccompanied children who are encountered at the southern land border of the United States.

The lawsuit alleges Southwest Key, through its employees, has engaged in a pattern or practice of sexual abuse and harassment of unaccompanied children in Southwest Key shelters in violation of the Fair Housing Act. 

“In search of the American Dream, children often endure perilous journeys on their migration north to the southern border. The sexual harassment alleged in the complaint would destroy any child’s sense of safety turning what was an American Dream into a nightmare,” said U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani of the SDTX. “We look forward to working together with the Civil Rights Division (CRD) and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas (WDTX) to provide justice for the victims who allegedly suffered harm in Southwest Key’s shelters.”

“Sexual harassment of children in residential shelters, where a child should be safe and secure, is abusive, dehumanizing and unlawful,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s CRD. “Sexual abuse of children is a crisis that we can’t ignore or turn a blind eye to. This lawsuit seeks relief for children who have been abused and harmed, and meaningful reforms to ensure no child in these shelters is ever subjected to sexual abuse again.” 

“Every child has the right to feel safe and secure in their dwelling, including in shelter care,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the WDTX. “This lawsuit seeks to provide a pathway for justice and healing for these children, who are among the most vulnerable in our society.”

“Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of sexual abuse, sexual harassment, inappropriate sexual behavior and discrimination,” said DHHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “The Department of Justice’s (DOJ) complaint against Southwest Key raises serious pattern or practice concerns. DHHS will continue to work with DOJ and oversight agencies to hold its care-giving programs like Southwest Key accountable. And we will continue to closely evaluate our assignment of children into care-giving programs to ensure the safety and well-being of every child in DHHS custody.” 

Southwest Key operates 29 shelters that provide temporary housing for unaccompanied children in Texas, Arizona and California, and is the largest housing provider for unaccompanied children in the United States. Southwest Key receives grants from the DHHS Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to provide housing and other care for unaccompanied children at these shelters. Unaccompanied children are minors who enter the United States without parents or other legal guardians and without lawful immigration status in the United States. The shelters are the children’s homes until they are reunited with their immediate families or placed with a relative or other vetted sponsor while their immigration cases proceed.

The lawsuit, filed yesterday in the U.S. District Court for the WDTX, alleges that, from 2015 through at least 2023, multiple Southwest Key employees subjected children in their care to severe or pervasive sexual harassment that has included, among other things, sexual contact and inappropriate touching, solicitation of sex acts, solicitation of nude photos, entreaties for inappropriate relationships and sexual comments. The complaint further alleges that Southwest Key took insufficient action to prevent sexual harassment of the children in its care, failed to consistently follow federal requirements for preventing, detecting and reporting abuse including sexual harassment, failed to take appropriate or sufficient action to protect the children in its care and discouraged children from disclosing sexual harassment in violation of federal requirements, despite ORR having issued multiple corrective actions to Southwest Key.

The department’s lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate children the alleged harassment children harmed, a civil penalty to vindicate the public interest and a court order barring future discrimination and requiring Southwest Key to take appropriate steps to prevent such harassment in the future.

Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment or abuse at Southwest Key shelters or who have other information that may be relevant to this case, may contact the Justice Department’s housing discrimination tip line at 1-833-591-0291. For Spanish dial “2,” then dial “2” for sexual harassment cases and dial “3” for the Southwest Key lawsuit mailbox. For English dial “1,” then dial “2” for sexual harassment cases and dial “9” for the Southwest Key lawsuit mailbox. Individuals can also email the Justice Department. 

The CRD leads the Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative in coordination with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country. The initiative seeks to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by people who have control over housing. Since launching the initiative in October 2017, the department has filed 43 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered over $17 million for victims of such harassment.

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available here.

The Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against Southwest Key Programs Inc. (Southwest Key), a Texas-based nonprofit that provides housing to unaccompanied children who are encountered at the southern land border of the United States. The lawsuit alleges that Southwest Key, through its employees, has engaged in a pattern or practice of sexual abuse and harassment of unaccompanied children in Southwest Key shelters in violation of the Fair Housing Act.

“Sexual harassment of children in residential shelters, where a child should be safe and secure, is abusive, dehumanizing and unlawful,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Sexual abuse of children is a crisis that we can’t ignore or turn a blind eye to. This lawsuit seeks relief for children who have been abused and harmed, and meaningful reforms to ensure no child in these shelters is ever subjected to sexual abuse again.”  

“HHS has a zero-tolerance policy for all forms of sexual abuse, sexual harassment, inappropriate sexual behavior, and discrimination,” said U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra. “The U.S. Department of Justice’s complaint against Southwest Key raises serious pattern or practice concerns. HHS will continue to work with the Justice Department and oversight agencies to hold its care-giving programs like Southwest Key accountable. And we will continue to closely evaluate our assignment of children into care-giving programs to ensure the safety and well-being of every child in HHS custody.”

“Every child has the right to feel safe and secure in their dwelling, including in shelter care,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “This lawsuit seeks to provide a pathway for justice and healing for these children, who are among the most vulnerable in our society.”

“In search of the American Dream, children often endure perilous journeys on their migration north to the southern border,” said U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani for the Southern District of Texas. “The sexual harassment alleged in the complaint would destroy any child’s sense of safety, turning what was an American Dream into a nightmare. We look forward to working together with the Civil Rights Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas to provide justice for the victims who allegedly suffered harm in Southwest Key’s shelters.”

Southwest Key operates 29 shelters that provide temporary housing for unaccompanied children in Texas, Arizona and California, and is the largest housing provider for unaccompanied children in the United States. Southwest Key receives grants from the HHS Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) to provide housing and other care for unaccompanied children at these shelters. Unaccompanied children are minors who enter the United States without parents or other legal guardians and without lawful immigration status in the United States. The shelters are the children’s homes until they are reunited with their immediate families or placed with a relative or other vetted sponsor while their immigration cases proceed.

The lawsuit, filed yesterday in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, alleges that, from 2015 through at least 2023, multiple Southwest Key employees subjected children in their care to severe or pervasive sexual harassment that has included, among other things, sexual contact and inappropriate touching, solicitation of sex acts, solicitation of nude photos, entreaties for inappropriate relationships and sexual comments. The complaint further alleges that Southwest Key took insufficient action to prevent sexual harassment of the children in its care, failed to consistently follow federal requirements for preventing, detecting and reporting abuse including sexual harassment, failed to take appropriate or sufficient action to protect the children in its care and discouraged children from disclosing sexual harassment in violation of federal requirements, despite ORR having issued multiple corrective actions to Southwest Key.

The department’s lawsuit seeks monetary damages to compensate the children harmed by the alleged harassment, a civil penalty to vindicate the public interest and a court order barring future discrimination and requiring Southwest Key to take appropriate steps to prevent such harassment in the future.

Individuals who believe that they may have been victims of sexual harassment or abuse at Southwest Key shelters or who have other information that may be relevant to this case, may contact the Justice Department’s housing discrimination tip line at 1-833-591-0291. For Spanish dial “2”; then dial “2” for sexual harassment cases; and dial “3” for the Southwest Key lawsuit mailbox. For English dial “1”; then dial “2” for sexual harassment cases; and dial “9” for the Southwest Key lawsuit mailbox.  Individuals can also email the Justice Department at southwest.key@usdoj.gov or report through our online portal at civilrights.justice.gov/link/southwestkey.

The Justice Department’s Sexual Harassment in Housing Initiative is led by the Civil Rights Division, in coordination with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country. The initiative seeks to address and raise awareness about sexual harassment by people who have control over housing. Since launching the initiative in October 2017, the department has filed 43 lawsuits alleging sexual harassment in housing and recovered over $17 million for victims of such harassment.

The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability and familial status. More information about the Civil Rights Division and the laws it enforces is available at www.justice.gov/crt.

El Departamento de Justicia ha entablado una demanda (solo en inglés) contra Southwest Key Programs Inc. (Southwest Key), una organización sin ánimo de lucro con sede en Texas que proporciona viviendas a niños no acompañados que se encuentran en la frontera terrestre sur de los Estados Unidos. La demanda alega que Southwest Key, a través de sus empleados, ha incurrido en un patrón o una práctica de abuso sexual y acoso de niños no acompañados en refugios de Southwest Key, en contra de la ley de Vivienda Justa.

“El acoso sexual de niños en refugios residenciales, donde un niño debe estar seguro, es abusivo, deshumanizante e ilegal”, afirmó Kristen Clarke, la Fiscal General Auxiliar de la División de Derechos Civiles del Departamento de Justicia. “El abuso sexual de niños es una crisis que no podemos ignorar y al que no podemos hacer de la vista gorda. Esta demanda busca una compensación para niños que han sido abusados y perjudicados, así como reformas significativas para garantizar que ningún niño en estos refugios vuelva a ser víctima del abuso sexual”.

“El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de los Estados Unidos (HHS, por sus siglas en inglés) tiene una política de tolerancia cero para todos los tipos de abuso sexual, acoso sexual, conducta sexual impropia y discriminación”, dijo Xavier Becerra, Secretario del HHS. “La queja del Departamento de Justicia de los EE. UU. contra Southwest Key plantea inquietudes serias de patrón o práctica. HHS seguirá trabajando con el DOJ y las agencias supervisoras para hacer rendir cuentas a programas de provisión de cuidado como Southwest Key. Y seguiremos evaluando estrechamente nuestra asignación de niños a programas de provisión de cuidado para garantizar la seguridad y el bienestar de cada niño bajo la tutela del HHS”.

“Cada niño tiene derecho a sentirse seguro y protegido en su vivienda, incluso en el cuidado de un refugio”, declaró Jaime Esparza, el Fiscal Federal para el Distrito Oeste de Texas. “Esta demanda pretende proporcionar una vía para la justicia y el saneamiento de estos niños, que están entre los más vulnerables de nuestra sociedad”.

“Los niños, en busca del sueño americano, en muchos casos toleran viajes peligrosos durante su migración hacía el Norte, hacia la frontera sureña de los Estados Unidos”, comentó Alamdar S. Hamdani, el Fiscal Federal para el Distrito Sur de Texas. “El acoso sexual que se alega en la queja destrozaría la sensación de seguridad de cualquier niño, así convirtiendo a lo que antes era el sueño americano en una pesadilla. Estamos deseando colaborar con la División de Derechos Civiles y la Fiscalía Federal para el Distrito Oeste de Texas para hacer justicia para las víctimas que supuestamente fueron perjudicadas en los refugios de Southwest Key”.

Southwest Key opera 29 refugios que proporcionan una vivienda temporal a niños no acompañados en Texas, Arizona y California, y es el mayor proveedor de viviendas para niños no acompañados en los Estados Unidos. Southwest Key recibe subvenciones de la Oficina de Reubicación de Refugiados (ORR, por sus siglas en inglés) del HHS para proporcionar una vivienda y otros cuidados a los niños no acompañados en estos refugios. Los niños no acompañados son menores de edad que entran en los Estados Unidos sin padres u otros tutores legales y sin un estatus migratorio legal en los Estados Unidos. Los refugios son los hogares de los niños hasta que se reúnan con sus familias inmediatas o se los coloque con un familiar u otro patrocinador aprobado mientras se siga adelante con sus casos migratorios.

La demanda, que se presentó ayer ante el Tribunal Federal de Distrito para el Distrito Oeste de Texas, alega que, desde el 2015 hasta al menos el 2023, múltiples empleados de Southwest Key sometieron a los niños a su cuidado a acoso sexual grave o generalizado que ha incluido, entre otras cosas, contacto sexual y contacto inapropiado, la solicitud de actos sexuales, la solicitud de fotos de desnudos, súplicas para relaciones inapropiadas y comentarios sexuales. Más aún, la denuncia alega que Southwest Key no tomó suficientes medidas para prevenir el acoso sexual de los niños a su cuidado, no siguió sistemáticamente los requisitos federales para prevenir, detectar y declarar el abuso, lo que incluye el acoso sexual, no tomó las medidas adecuadas o suficientes para proteger a los niños a su cuidado y disuadió a los niños de divulgar el acoso sexual, en contra de los requisitos federales, a pesar de que ORR había emitido múltiples medidas correctivas a Southwest Key.

La demanda del Departamento busca daños monetarios para compensar a los niños perjudicados por el supuesto acoso, una sanción civil para vindicar el interés público y una orden judicial que prohíba la discriminación futura y que requiera que Southwest Key tome las medidas adecuadas para prevenir dicho acoso en el futuro.

Las personas que crean haber sido víctimas de acoso o abuso sexual en refugios de Southwest Key o que tienen otra información que puede ser relevante para este caso pueden comunicarse con la línea de consejos de discriminación de vivienda del Departamento de Justicia al 1-833-591-0291. Para español marque “2”; luego marque “2” para casos de acoso sexual; y marque “3” para el buzón de la demanda contra Southwest Key. Para inglés marque “1”; luego marque “2” para casos de acoso sexual; y marque “9” para el buzón de la demanda contra Southwest Key. También se puede enviar un correo electrónico al Departamento de Justicia a southwest.key@usdoj.gov o entregar un informe a través de nuestro portal en línea en civilrights.justice.gov/link/southwestkey.

La Iniciativa contra el acoso sexual en la vivienda, del Departamento de Justicia, está dirigida por la División de Derechos Civiles, en coordinación con las Fiscalías Federales por todo el país. La iniciativa busca abordar y crear conciencia (solo en inglés) sobre el acoso sexual por parte de personas que tienen control sobre la vivienda. Desde el lanzamiento de la iniciativa en octubre del 2017, el Departamento ha entablado 43 demandas que alegan acoso sexual en vivienda y ha recuperado más de $17 millones para las víctimas de dicho acoso.

La ley de Vivienda Justa prohíbe la discriminación en las viviendas por motivos de raza, color de piel, religión, origen nacional, sexo, discapacidad o situación familiar. Hay más información sobre la División de Derechos Civiles y las leyes que hace cumplir en su sitio web en https://www.justice.gov/es/crt.

McALLEN, Texas – A 47-year-old Pharr resident has been sentenced for his role in operating a drug stash house in north McAllen, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Ivan Garza pleaded guilty Dec. 20, 2023.

U.S. District Judge John D. Rainey has now ordered Garza to serve 87 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by four years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard arguments regarding the possession of firearms in connection to the protection of drugs and drug money. In handing down the sentence, Judge Rainey noted Garza was not merely present at a drug stash house.

On Feb. 23, 2021, law enforcement responded to gunfire at a residence located in a north McAllen neighborhood. Upon arrival at the scene, authorities determined armed masked men had pulled Garza out of a black Chevy SUV as he was leaving the residence. 

Law enforcement also learned that others at the residence opened fire from a balcony at the masked men as they fled the scene in Garza’s SUV.   

In response, authorities made contact with Garza and other individuals staying at the residence. Following a search warrant, authorities seized three handguns, bundles of money totaling $268,000 and four kilograms of cocaine. Video from the residence’s cameras revealed Garza and others moved several of the seized cocaine bundles just before the masked men struck.

The investigation also revealed the black Chevy SUV the masked men took from Garza contained cocaine.          

Garza will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The McAllen Police Department and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jesse Salazar prosecuted the case.

HOUSTON – A 32-year-old Beeville resident has been taken into custody for smuggling contraband into a federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Ashley Priscilla Garza made her initial appearance in federal court in Corpus Christi.

Garza is charged with receiving a bribe as a public official. According to the indictment, returned June 26, Garza was employed as a religious services assistant at Federal Correctional Institution Three Rivers. During her employment, she allegedly abused the access her position gave her to smuggle contraband to an inmate in 2022 and 2023 in exchange for payment. 

If convicted, Garza faces up to 15 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

The Department of Justice-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joel Dunn and Michael Chu are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law. 

McALLEN, Texas – Four individuals have been sentenced for harboring aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Abel Cavazos, 45, Mission; Rodrigo Acevedo, 24, and Darrel Palomares 24, all of Donna; and Jesus Valdez, 23, San Juan, pleaded guilty at varying times in early 2021.

Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Cavazos to serve a total of 63 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. Palomares and Valdez were each previously sentenced to 120 months in federal prison, while Acevedo received 87 months. 

At the hearings, the court heard additional evidence that described the inhumane conditions where these aliens were held and the ransoms demanded. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the brutal facts of the case.

On Dec. 3, 2020, law enforcement encountered five undocumented aliens who had been released after paying a ransom to smugglers. They reported others were being held hostage at a stash house in Donna. Authorities arrived at the property where they observed several individuals fleeing from the residence, including Valdez, Palomares and Acevedo whom law enforcement eventually placed under arrest.

Authorities located 17 other undocumented aliens at the stash house. Evidence revealed approximately 30 individuals were harbored at the property.

The investigation revealed Cavazos was the owner of the residence. He leased the property to Valdez who was in charge of the stash house operations. Valdez further recruited Acevedo and Palomares to participate in the scheme.

Upon further investigation, law enforcement discovered all four men would often carry pistols and AK-47 style rifles to intimidate the victims and assaulted both male and female undocumented aliens on multiple occasions. Multiple individuals also reported receiving death threats from the smugglers if their families did not pay their ransoms.

They held the undocumented aliens on the second floor of a barn with no air conditioning, running water or bathrooms. At the time of the arrests, evidence revealed Cavazos and the others had not fed the individuals in approximately four days. The property was unsanitary, crowded and filthy.

All four men will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection and San Juan Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jose A. Garcia prosecuted the case.

HOUSTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas (SDTX) hosted, for the first time in its history, a reentry simulation for law enforcement, lawyers and probation, non-profit agencies, city personnel and relevant community members to mimic the challenges people who leave prison often face when reintegrating into society, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

The event was held at the United Way of Greater Houston July 2 and was designed to provide a deeper appreciation for the complexity of reentry and a stronger commitment to support policies and programs that address these challenges.

The simulation placed participants in the shoes of someone recently released from prison. In the exercise, attendees were given a detailed profile and had to navigate daily tasks under constraints similar to those formerly incarcerated people face. They had to try to find employment, secure housing, attend probation meetings or access necessary services - all with limited time, financial resources and facing significant bureaucratic hurdles. 

A debrief and discussion about the criminal justice system and the complexities of reentry followed the simulation.

“This empathy, I hope, will lead to tomorrow’s second chances,” said Hamdani. 

When individuals leave prison, they face significant challenges that act as barriers to reintegration - securing employment, finding stable housing, accessing healthcare and mental health support, and reconnecting with family and community. Without proper support, the risk of recidivism increases dramatically.

However, effective reentry programs that provide holistic support aimed at addressing this myriad of challenges can make a difference. By offering job training, educational opportunities, substance abuse treatment, mental health services and housing assistance, these programs create a supportive framework for individuals to rebuild their lives. Research consistently demonstrates that communities with robust reentry initiatives see significant reductions in recidivism rates. This not only promotes community safety but also reduces the financial burden on the justice system and taxpayers.

The simulation provided an eye-opening opportunity to participants. Some expressed the understanding of the immense difficulties those reentering society often face. The experience of frustration, anxiety and the constant pressure to comply with numerous requirements while trying to rebuild a life provided insights that mere statistics and reports cannot convey.

The SDTX is committed to raising awareness about the importance of reentry and to supporting initiatives that promote successful reintegration into society.

“I hope by combining the strengths of effective reentry programs and the enlightening experience of reentry simulations, we can forge a justice system that not only reduces recidivism but also honors the humanity and potential of every individual,” said Hamdani. “Stakeholders who truly understand and empathize with the struggles of reentry can become powerful advocates for the necessary changes in policy and practice.”

Hamdani praised the work of Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Krystal Walker Noble, who organized and led the effort on behalf of the SDTX.

“The hurdles returning citizens face demonstrate how they continue to pay a debt to society long after completing a term of imprisonment,” said Noble. “By hosting this reentry simulation, the SDTX has encouraged community partners to join us in reducing recidivism throughout the district.”

For more information, please contact Noble at Krystal.Walker.Noble@usdoj.gov.

McALLEN, Texas – A 33-year-old Mexican citizen has been sentenced for receiving child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Orlando Diaz-Ramirez pleaded guilty Sept. 8, 2023, admitting he received 300 videos of child pornography from Israel Flores, 22, Los Fresnos.

Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now sentenced Diaz to 97 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court heard that Diaz had an additional eight GB of child pornography on his Dropbox account and that he was employed as a choir teacher at a local middle school at the time of the offense. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that by engaging in the receipt of this material, Diaz’ actions fed into the market for the production of child pornography and the possible victimization of future children.

Flores was also previously sentenced to 97 months in prison. Diaz and Flores must also pay $24,000 and $21,000, respectively, to known victims. Both men will also be ordered to register as sex offenders and must serve five years on supervised release, during which time they will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Not a U.S. citizen, Diaz is expected to face removal proceedings following his sentence.

In October 2020, authorities conducted an investigation identifying an individual uploading child pornography to a Dropbox account. They linked the associated IP address to a residence in Donna that belonged to Diaz.

In April 2021, authorities executed a federal search warrant at the location. At that time, he admitted to downloading child pornography through Kik and uploading it to his Dropbox account. He also stated he possessed a USB drive containing child pornography which he received from Flores.

Authorities then contacted Flores at his residence in Los Fresnos who admitted he provided the USB to Diaz. He had used his Kik account to access accounts in Mega, a cloud-based storage and file hosting service, to obtain the child pornography. Flores then downloaded the material onto the USB drive.

A review of the USB drive revealed 300 videos of child pornography including prepubescent minors under the age of 12 engaged in sexual acts with adults.

Diaz and Flores will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexa D. Parcell prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 46-year-old woman has been sentenced for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute liquid meth, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Elena Barrera pleaded guilty Nov. 7, 2023.

U.S. District Judge David S. Morales has now ordered Barrera to serve 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that described how Barrera had acted as a leader in the conspiracy by recruiting and paying another individual to receive meth for her. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the severity of the conduct and that Barrera had received at least six packages of narcotics.

The investigation into Barrera began in November 2020 when authorities learned of a parcel containing liquid meth that was being shipped from Mexico to Mathis. Law enforcement intercepted the package and found it contained approximately seven kilograms of liquid meth concealed within shampoo bottles. Authorities conducted a controlled delivery at the post office and Barrera picked up the package.

As part of her plea, Barrera admitted to using the mail to receive multiple other packages of narcotics and to recruiting others to retrieve packages of narcotics for her.

Barrera previously was ordered detained. Barrera will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Texas Department of Public Safety and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tyler Foster prosecuted the case.

GALVESTON, Texas - A 34-year-old Texas City resident has been sentenced for distributing and possessing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Anthony Joseph Kiamar pleaded guilty Nov. 20, 2023.

U.S. District Judge Jeffrey V. Brown has now ordered Kiamar to serve 180 and 120 months for the distribution and possession convictions, respectively. They will run concurrently for a total 180-month-term of imprisonment. At the hearing, the court also heard excerpts of a victim impact statement detailing the ongoing harm the dissemination of these child pornography images and videos caused. In handing down the prison terms, the court noted the seriousness of the crime and Kiamar’s history and characteristics. Kiamar was further ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution to a known victim and will serve 10 years on supervised release following completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Kiamar will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.

The investigation began after authorities discovered Kiamar had been distributing child pornography in 2019 using the Facebook Messenger platform. Prior to seizing his electronic devices, law enforcement also found he had engaged in an indecent assault against a minor victim. He was convicted of those offenses.

As part of the federal investigation, authorities conducted a forensic examination of his devices and uncovered 27 images and 44 videos of child pornography, some depicting all forms of sexual abuse of children. Several of the identified victims were as young as three.

Kiamar will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Houston Metro Police Department Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Lu prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched in May 2006 to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. U.S. Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section leads PSC, which marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children and identifies and rescues victims. For more information about PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 46-year-old Aransas Pass resident has been taken into federal custody for smuggling merchandise into the United States and illegal transfer of merchandise, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Jennifer Mayo turned herself in to authorities June 27. She is expected to make her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Julie Hampton at 9:45 a.m.

According to the indictment, returned May 22, it is illegal to import poultry into the United States from regions where pathogenic avian influenza or Newcastle disease exist in commercial poultry populations unless specific conditions are met.

However, the charges allege she smuggled merchandise into the United States contrary to law. From Aug. 1, 2023, to Sept. 15, 2023, Mayo allegedly imported and brought into the United States Dong Tao Chicken eggs.

She is also charged with illegal importation and transfer of merchandise. Mayo allegedly facilitated the transportation and concealment of merchandise imported contrary to law - Dong Tao chicken eggs and hatchlings.

The indictment also includes a notice of forfeiture for the chickens and eggs.

As part of the investigation, authorities seized the chickens mentioned in the indictment. Due to their health, they had to be euthanized and are being held pending further investigation and evaluation.

If convicted, Mayo faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

Department of Agriculture conducted the investigation with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Liesel Roscher is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

McALLEN, Texas – Two Starr County residents, one a former justice of the peace (JP), are now headed to federal prison for their roles in a drug-trafficking organization, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Roel Valadez Jr., 33, and Diego Alberto Reyes-Roiz, 43, both of Rio Grande City, pleaded guilty March 18 and March 25, respectively.

Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Reyes-Roiz to serve a total of 22 years in prison, while former JP Valadez must serve 21 months. Reyes-Roiz must also serve five years of supervised release following release from prison. Valadez will be on supervised release for three years.

In handing down the sentence, Judge Crane found Reyes-Roiz was the leader of a drug-trafficking organization that imported substantial quantities of drugs into the United States from Mexico which was then distributed throughout Texas. Reyes-Roiz was found responsible for the importation of approximately 43 kilograms of meth from Mexico into the United States in addition to large amounts of cocaine and marijuana.

The Court learned about how Valdez had been doing favors for Ignacio Garza - one of the heads of the drug trafficking organization. Garza had received information that authorities had stopped and apprehended one of his drug couriers. Valadez, a JP since 2018, made a series of phone calls to the Starr County jail to see if the courier had been booked, and if so, by whom and reached out to another Justice of the Peace to see if he could be released on his own recognizance.

“As an elected official in Starr County, a judge none the less, Valadez swore an oath to uphold the law,” said Hamdani. “However, he betrayed his oath of office and the citizens of Starr County when he abused his office to assist and protect a local drug-trafficking organization.”   

At the time of his plea, Valadez admitted he had possessed with intent to distribute less than 100 kilograms of marijuana. He also acknowledged he had used his JP position to assist another person in obtaining a low bond for one of his workers that law enforcement had detained.  

Reyes-Roiz will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Valadez was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender at a later date.

Garza, 53, Rio Grande City, also pleaded guilty and is set for sentencing Sept. 5. At that time, he faces up to life in federal prison as well as a possible $10 million fine. He remains in custody.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and IRS Criminal Investigations conducted the Organized Crime and Dug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigations with the assistance of local task force officers. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patricia Cook Profit and Ted Parran prosecuted the cases.

McALLEN, Texas – A 24-year-old resident of Reynosa, Mexico, has been sentenced for attempting to smuggle multiple firearms to Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Guadalupe Mendiola-Urbina pleaded guilty March 21, 2023.

Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Mendiola-Urbina to serve 38 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, Mendiola-Urbina is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment.

On May 18, 2022, Mendiola-Urbina entered the United States through the Hidalgo Port of Entry in a vehicle. He was found to be in possession of $4,000 at the time he entered. That same day, Mendiola-Urbina attempted to leave the United States and enter Mexico through the Hidalgo Port of Entry in the same vehicle.

Upon inspection, authorities discovered seven Glock pistols and eight firearm magazines concealed in his vehicle. Mendiola-Urbina admitted to hiding the firearms and magazines in the vehicle to take them to Mexico.

Mendiola-Urbina will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection conducted the joint investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Cahal P. McColgan prosecuted the case.

VICTORIA, Texas – A 38-year-old Sugar Land resident has been sentenced for conspiracy to possess with intent to deliver a synthetic cannabinoid and a separate charge for failure to appear, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Naveed Rasheed Shike pleaded guilty April 2.

U.S. District Judge John D. Rainey has now ordered Shike to serve 208 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a synthetic cannabinoid and another 54 months for failure to appear. The total 262-month prison term will be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, law enforcement presented testimony on the impact synthetic cannabinoids have on the local community, adverse effects of those substances and the imminent hazard the substances present to public safety. In handing down the sentence, the court noted and acknowledged the significant danger of synthetic cannabinoids as well as the large scale of the operation, specifically the volume of drugs Shike distributed and the significant number of affected individuals.

On Sept. 19, 2016, authorities conducted a traffic stop on U.S. Highway 77 south of Victoria. Law enforcement identified the driver as Henry Martinez and the front seat passenger as Shike.

During a search of the vehicle, authorities discovered over 1,400 retail packages of synthetic cannabinoids to be sold to and smoked. Shike admitted the synthetic cannabinoids were for delivery to individuals in Corpus Christi, and they were going to pick up $26,000. Shike admitted the “ledger” in the vehicle was from a prior trip and had done this several times.

Both Martinez and Shike were initially arrested and permitted release on bond.

On Oct. 2, 2019, Shike failed to appear at a scheduled court hearing before Judge Rainey, resulting in a warrant for his arrest. Authorities determined Shike had fled the United States to Karachi, Pakistani.

On Jan. 24, 2024, as part of Operation Lone Star, law enforcement engaged in a high-speed vehicle pursuit resulting in a bailout in Sullivan City. Authorities then tracked, located and arrested Shike. At the time of his arrest, Shike had been a fugitive for more than four years. 

Laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of the synthetic cannabinoid FUB-AMB. Experts determined that based on the chemical structure and the pharmacological effects, FUB-AMB is a controlled substance under the Controlled Substance Analog Enforcement Act.

Synthetic cannabinoids are chemical compounds that mimic THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. After application to carrier mediums such as plant material, these chemical compounds are put into rolling papers, pipes, vaporizers or otherwise taken orally. Synthetic cannabinoids are usually sold in small, foil or plastic bags containing dried leaves (resembling potpourri) and marketed as incense for the purpose of smoking. It is commonly sold and known as synthetic marijuana, fake weed, legal and popular brand names including Kush, Spice, K2, Klimaxx and many other names.

Martinez, 48, Rosenberg, pleaded guilty Jan. 9, 2018, and received a 24-month sentence followed by two years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute controlled substance analogs.

Shike has been and will remain in federal custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service and Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Watt prosecuted the case.