Southern District of Texas

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 28-year-old man has been ordered to prison following his conviction of possessing a firearm as a felon and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Manuel Moya pleaded guilty July 27.

Today, U.S. District Judge David S. Morales ordered Moya to serve 300 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release.

On April 22, authorities executed a search warrant at Moya’s residence, at which time they discovered approximately 11.2 kilograms of cocaine, 1.5 kilograms of meth, three kilograms of marijuana and over $120,000. They also found other controlled substances such as psilocybin mushrooms, crack cocaine, synthetic cannabinoid, THC oil/wax and MDMA. He was the only one present at the location. 

The value of the cocaine and meth retrieved exceeded $774,000 and $72,000, respectively.

Law enforcement also found a Century Arms Inc. pistol, Ruger rifle, two Taurus pistols, three Glock pistols, a JTS Group shotgun, body armor, high-capacity magazines and several rounds of ammunition. Two of the firearms contained chambered rounds. Moya took responsibility of the weapons and ammunition.

In addition, they discovered several ledgers that documented Moya’s controlled substance distribution activities and a notebook with instructions on how to make drugs. Other supplies were found in the search including glassware with residue of controlled substances, bags, equipment for vacuum sealing, weight scales, small sandwich bags, money counters and razor blades.

The investigation revealed Moya was a local gang member and a drug supplier to the Mexican Mafia. He distributed narcotics on both an individual and large-scale basis.

Moya has been previously convicted of possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of cocaine and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon. As such, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition per federal law.

He has been 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 Corpus Christi Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Parker Gochenour prosecuted the case.

HOUSTON – A 26-year-old man has been sent to federal prison following his role in a series of robberies in the Houston area, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Marco Ruelas pleaded guilty Aug. 9, 2021.

Today, U.S. District Judge Lynn Hughes ordered Ruelas to serve 234 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by four years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard Ruelas apologize to the court and the victims of his robberies and accepted responsibility for his crimes.

On Dec. 10, 2019, law enforcement responded to a robbery at a McDonalds on Westheimer Road in Houston. Witnesses reported that Ruelas rushed into the restaurant and pointed a shotgun at workers and bystanders. He said “I want the money, all the big bills or I will shoot all of y’all.”

Shortly after, he took cash from the registers and fled in a maroon sedan. Witnesses said they heard Ruelas fire shots in the parking lot as he fled.

Ruelas had a tattoo over his right eye which was later used to identify him. 

The investigation led to the connection of Ruelas to a previous robbery of a MetroPCS store that occurred Nov. 29, 2019, on Magnum Road in Houston. At that time, Ruelas produced a handgun and told an employee “give me everything and nothing is going to happen to you.” The employee told authorities Ruelas stole money and cell phones before running out of the store. Later, they described the tattoo over his eye. 

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

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

HOUSTON – The Department of Justice, law enforcement and community-based organizations assembled to further advance a nationwide initiative known as “United Against Hate,” announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.   

On Sept. 15, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland introduced the program to contest unlawful acts of hate. He selected the Southern District of Texas (SDTX) as one of the 16 cohorts to expand strategies on this initiative.

On Oct. 13, the U.S. Attorney’s Office (USAO) hosted a Community Organizations and Agency Forum which included academic professionals, community organizations representing groups most often targeted by hate crimes, community associations created to combat hate, law enforcement agencies and county, state and federal-level prosecution agencies.

“Hate crimes not only impact the individuals who are directly targeted, but there is community victimization,” said Lowery. “We must take a collaborative and proactive, versus reactive, approach in addressing hate speech and hate crimes in order to make our communities safer.”

The groups reviewed statistical data regarding hate crimes in and around the Houston metroplex and assessed past hate crimes investigations and prosecutions. 

An interactive panel including the Anti-Defamation League – Southwest Region, Boniuk Institute for Religious Tolerance – Rice University, Jewish Federation of Greater Houston, Montrose Center (an agency servicing the LGBTQ+ community) and USAO-SDTX welcomed audience members to participate in difficult conversations. They held in-depth discussions on issues such as lack of reporting by victims, cultural biases, sensitivity issues that may be exhibited when encountering hate crime victims, re-victimization, community awareness and training.

They further considered potential solutions to mitigate these issues including the development of a formal alliance with community partners to outline the process of educating the community, training law enforcement, increasing victim advocacy and prosecuting offenders. 

The forum is the beginning of a collaborative community effort to minimize hate crimes in the SDTX through extensive awareness campaigns, thorough investigations and vigorous prosecutions.

Additionally, attendees were provided information regarding the Department of Justice’s United Against Hate Crimes website for reporting hate crimes, resources and federal grant opportunities.

HOUSTON – Two individuals have been ordered to federal prison following their convictions of conspiracy to commit and committing health care fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

A federal jury convicted Francis Ekene, 71, Sugar Land, on all counts following a three-day trial.

Today, U.S. District Judge Sim Lake imposed a 120-month-term of imprisonment to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. In handing down the prison term, Judge Lake noted that despite his health issues, it was important for him to serve his punishment.  

Also convicted at trial was Alfred Olotin Alatan, 63, formerly of Houston and now residing in Fulshear. He was previously sentenced to 120 months in prison.

Alatan was the owner of Colony Home Health Services, while Ekene was the owner of Milten Medical Clinic, both businesses located in Houston.

At trial, the jury heard that Alatan paid recruiters to bring patient information to be billed for home health services regardless of whether they needed it or not. Beneficiaries testified in trial and admitted they did not need home health services at the time the health care service providers billed them.

Additional testimony revealed a doctor had signed off on plan of care forms at the Milton Clinic when patients were not actually under his care.

Previous employees Susana Bermudez and Rita Kpotie Smith also testified. Bermudez admitted she and Smith operated both clinics and that Alatan was the leader of the scheme. Both Alatan and Ekene would consult Bermudez and Smith who directed them and provided assistance in carrying out the scheme within both offices.

At trial, the defense attempted to convince the jury they were not involved in the daily operations and did not know the provided services were unnecessary and fraudulent.

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

Bermudez and Smith, both 55, and of Houston, previously pleaded guilty to their roles as co-conspirators in the scheme. Bermudez is currently serving 30 months in federal prison, while Smith is serving is serving a 60-month sentence.

The Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation with the assistance of the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tina Ansari and Grace Murphy prosecuted the case along with paralegal Judith Cardona. 

LAREDO, Texas – Two Mexican nationals and one Texas man who are associated with the Jalisco Cartel have been sent to federal prison following their convictions of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute eight kilograms of meth, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Gustavo Arocha, 47, Uriel Lopez, 45, both of Michoacan, Mexico, pleaded guilty Dec. 1, 2021, and Dec. 7, 2020, respectively. Juan Hinojosa, 49, Laredo, pleaded guilty Feb. 5, 2021.

Today, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana imposed a 240-month term of imprisonment for Arocha, while Sanchez and Hinojosa received 108 and 120 months, respectively. Not U.S. citizens, Arocha and Lopez are expected to face removal proceedings following their imprisonment.

At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence detailing how the traffickers also conspired to import an additional 27 kilograms of heroin and planned to bring 100 kilograms of cocaine into the country from Mexico. In handing down the prison terms, Judge Saldana noted the importation of illegal drugs brought pain and suffering to the community.

The investigation revealed that from May 4, 2018, to Oct. 28, 2019, Arocha, Lopez and Hinojosa conspired to import illegal drugs into the United States through Laredo. During the hearing, the court heard Arocha was the ringleader of the organization and was connected to a source of supply in Mexico with potential buyers in the United States.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Operation dubbed Dart Monkey with the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Laredo Police Department and Webb County Sheriff’s Office. 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, mutlti-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 Graciela Lindberg, Jennifer Day and Francisco J. Rodriguez prosecuted the case.

McALLEN, Texas – A 56-year-old man who illegally resided in Mission has been ordered to federal prison for his role in conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 32 kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Rogelio Alberto Velasco pleaded guilty June 3.

Today, U.S. District Judge Randy Crane sentenced Velasco to 70 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard evidence that Velasco received his law degree in 1995 and worked for the attorney general of the Republic in Mexico for nearly 30 years. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that Velasco was educated and knew the consequences of his actions yet still engaged in drug trafficking.  

On Jan. 27, Velasco provided a kilogram of cocaine to undercover authorities as a sample of the product he had available for purchase. The next day, undercover authorities again meet with Velasco to buy an additional two kilograms of cocaine. Law enforcement subsequently executed a search warrant at his residence in Mission that resulted in the discovery of an additional 29 kilograms of cocaine. Additional search warrants of Velasco’s telephones revealed he was in direct communication with the source of supply.  

The cocaine has an estimated street value of $800,000.

Velasco 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 conducted the investigation with the assistance of Hidalgo County Precinct 1 Constable’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Garcia prosecuted the case.

HOUSTON – A 43-year-old Waller County man has admitted to willfully injuring or committing depredation against property of the United States by ramming his truck and trailer into the signage entrance of the FBI, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

On May 11, Jesus Jaimes Merlan approached the Houston FBI visitor security facility in a truck. Upon his arrival, he sat in his vehicle, smoked a cigarette and stared forward. At that time, he requested to speak to an agent.

Security advised him that he would have to return in the morning. Merlan responded by yelling he could not wait. He then backed his truck up and rammed it forward into the FBI signage.

Authorities took him into custody immediately and conducted an interview. At that time, he appeared to be in mental distress. He said he rammed the signage because he felt as if he was not getting any help. Merlan also made several incoherent remarks about individuals chasing or stalking him, wishing to do him harm and/or take his belongings.

As part of his plea, Merlan admitted he purposefully caused damage in order to speak to someone at the FBI.

The labor costs estimated to repair the gate and signage is over $35,000.

U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal will impose sentencing Feb. 9, 2023. At that time, Merlan faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine.

He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

The Federal Protection Service conducted the investigation with the assistance of the FBI, Houston Police Department and General Services Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Porto is prosecuting the case.

LAREDO, Texas – Four men have been ordered to federal prison following their convictions of assault with a dangerous weapon, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Gilbert Arevalo, 26, Laredo, pleaded guilty Feb. 28, while Antonio Cristian-Martinez, 22, McAllen, Orlando Flores-Duke, 27, an undocumented alien residing in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, and Jamie Pecina, 25, Laredo, pleaded guilty March 28.

Today, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana imposed a 120-month term of imprisonment for Arevalo for the assault. He had already received 87 months for an unrelated case. The sentence imposed today was ordered to be served consecutively to 60 out of the 87 months in the unrelated case for a total 180-month-term of imprisonment.

Cristian-Martinez, Flores-Duke and Pecina were previously sentenced to total prison terms of 97, 161 and 141 months.

At the hearing today, the court heard from the victim’s family who described the lasting and damaging impact the group had on not just the victim, but the entire family. At the hearing, the family said their lives have been changed forever as a result of the assault. Judge Saldana noted the violent nature of the offense and the general lack of care or regard for the life of the victim. In handing down the sentence, Judge Saldana noted the egregiousness of the offense and lack of humanity. Judge Saldana said she will never forget the harm the caused to the victim and family.

The four men were in custody awaiting their sentences for various charges at the Rio Grande Processing Center in Laredo.

On Nov. 10, 2021, Arevalo, Pecina and Flores-Duke had a verbal altercation with a fellow inmate. Shortly after, Cristian-Martinez joined argument and they attacked the victim with punches and kicks to the head and body.

The group left the victim severely injured and unconscious on the ground. As a result of the attack, the victim is now in a vegetative state and requires around-the-clock medical care.

All four 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. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Anthony G. Brown and AUSA Matthew Isaac prosecuted the case.

HOUSTON ‐ A 23-year-old Pasadena man has admitted to firearm and drug trafficking offenses related to his role in the shooting of a Houston Police Department (HPD) officer, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer Lowery.   

Jimmy Caston Bryan pleaded guilty to possessing with intent to distribute meth and to carrying and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

As part of his plea, Bryan admitted that on May 4 he fired multiple shots at an HPD officer near 14300 Gulf Freeway.

Bryan previously trafficked narcotics in the Houston area, had possessed meth and was believed to be in the possession of multiple firearms. On May 4, authorities conducted a traffic stop, at which time two HPD officers approached Bryan’s truck and requested identifying information.

Bryan did not comply which led law enforcement to ask him to step out of the vehicle. As one officer opened Bryan’s door, Bryan quickly reached into his waistband and pulled out a semi-automatic handgun.

As part of his plea, Bryan also admitted he shot and struck the other HPD officer twice - once in the chest and once in the right hip.

Both officers returned gunfire and struck Bryan.

A search of Bryan’s vehicle revealed over 48 grams of meth, heroin, cocaine, MDMA, a digital scale and two additional handguns.   

Bryan faces up to 40 years for drug trafficking. He also faces up to life in prison for the firearm charge which must be served consecutively to the other prison term imposed. 

Sentencing is set for Feb. 9, 2023, before Chief U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal. Bryan will remain in custody pending that hearing.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, HPD, Texas Department of Public Safety and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Day is prosecuting the case.

HOUSTON – A Houston woman has been ordered to federal prison following her conviction of conspiracy to commit health care fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Kyhati Undavia pleaded guilty Oct. 12, 2021.

Today, U.S. District Judge Hanen ordered Undavia to serve 27 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court considered the $12 million dollar restitution she paid at the time of the sentencing. In handing down the sentence, Judge Hanen noted restitution goes a long way to show acceptance but you cannot buy your way out of prison.

At the time of her plea, Undavia admitted to submitting claims to federal health benefit programs such as TRICARE, Department of Labor Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (DOL-OWCP) and Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs (CHAMPVA) for compounded medication prescriptions. Undavia has a professional background as a pharmacist who controlled and operated Memorial Pharmacy.

From December 2012 to December of 2018, Undavia hired employees to market Memorial Pharmacy to physicians as a place to submit compounded drug prescriptions. Undavia paid kickbacks through the marketers to physicians in efforts to persuade them to write prescriptions and send them to Memorial on behalf of their patients.

Instead of providing pain medication prescriptions directly to the patients who could select a pharmacy of their choice, the bribed physicians sent the prescriptions directly to Memorial. In some instances, patients were never seen by an actual physician. Instead, physicians authorized prescriptions for beneficiaries that a marketer provided to them.

The marketer paid the physician an illegal kickback for the prescriptions or Undavia would directly pay them. Beneficiaries often received medicated creams that they did not need or want.    

Undavia received approximately $22 million from Tricare, DOL-OWCP and CHAMPVA for the prescriptions.

“Today’s sentencing is a testament to the dedication and determination of the investigative and legal teams,” said Special Agent in Charge Scott Pierce, U.S. Postal Service - Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG), Southern Area Field Office. “The Postal Service spends hundreds of millions of dollars annually on health care related costs and these monies are critical to those who legitimately require medical services. As in this case, our criminal investigators will diligently pursue any individual or organization intent on defrauding the Postal Service with an eye on both federal prosecution and returning lost monies to the affected program.”   

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

The Defense Criminal Investigative Services, DOL - Office of Inspector General (OIG), USOS-OIG, Veterans Affairs - OIG and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tina Ansari prosecuted the case.

HOUSTON – Three individuals have been charged for their roles in a multi-year fraud and money laundering conspiracy involving call centers, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Amirsinh Diwan, 42, Des Plaines, Illinois, is expected to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Yvonne Y. Ho at 1:30 p.m. today. Zaheen Rafikbhai Malvi, 28, Heber Springs, Arkansas, is expected to appear at 2 p.m.

Also charged is Sohil Usmangani Vahora, 37, also of Des Plaines. He is expected in Houston at a later date.

The 11-count indictment, returned Sept. 7, and unsealed upon their arrests Sept. 22, alleges that from January 2017 to August 2020, the individuals and other co-conspirators allegedly engaged in a criminal fraud conspiracy originating from call centers located in India.

The callers impersonated U.S. government officials and tricked victims into sending them money to safeguard their assets, avoid arrest or prevent their government benefits from being cut off, according to the charges.

Victims allegedly sent money in the form of gift cards by providing redemption codes over the phone and mailed cash in packages sent to FedEx and UPS pick-up locations. The indictment alleges co-conspirators, known as runners, liquidated victims’ gift cards at retail locations in the United States or used fake identification documents to pick up their packages containing cash at Walgreens locations.

They allegedly defrauded over $11 million from victims as a result of the conspiracy.

All three individuals are charged with conspiring to commit mail fraud, wire fraud and conspiring to commit money laundering. Vahora is also charged with seven counts of mail fraud, while Diwan and Malvi are charged with two and four counts of mail fraud, respectively.

If convicted, all three individuals face up to 20 years in federal prison.

The Social Security Administration – Office of Inspector General, Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations in Houston and Fayetteville, Arkansas and the FBI with the assistance of the Heber Springs Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Bauman and Kate Suh 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.

HOUSTON – A 47-year-old woman residing in Houston has been sent to prison following her conviction of mail fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.   

Noor Clements pleaded guilty Nov. 15, 2021.

Today, U.S. District Judge Lynn Hughes ordered Clements to serve 18 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. She is also required to pay $250,000 in restitution to her employer.

Clements worked in the Houston office of a California-based company as a chief financial officer and head of human resources from April 2016 to May 2018. In her role, she managed all accounting functions of the office including payroll and banking.

As part of her plea, she admitted to paying herself unearned vacation and overtime pay. She also made unauthorized payments with company funds to pay her student loans, credit card and personal vehicle bills. In addition, she used her company credit card towards personal expenses such as travel, income taxes, car repairs and tickets to sporting events and concerts.

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and IRS-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles J. Escher prosecuted the case.

HOUSTON – A federal jury in Houston has convicted a 65-year-old Houston resident for conspiracy to commit health care fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

The jury deliberated for approximately three hours before convicting Abudul Audu Azia Ozigi following a three-day trial

At trial, co-conspirator Margaret Arise testified that she owned numerous home health agencies in the Houston Area. She admitted she hired Ozigi to act in the role of a physician to see patients in their homes.

Ozigi did not have a license to practice medicine in the United States and was also not under the supervision of a physician when he treated patients.

Arise further testified Ozigi visited patients and qualified them for home health, when in fact, they did not need services. In addition, recruiters were paid to provide patient information to bill them for home health services regardless of whether they needed care.

Arise, 63, Missouri City, was previously convicted and is currently pending sentencing.

At trial, Ozigi attempted to convince the jury he had no knowledge of fraud and did not have the intent to defraud Medicare. He testified that he was merely seeing patients for Arise, despite not having any medical license in the United States and without being supervised by a physician.

The jury did not believe defense claims and found Ozigi guilty as charged.  

U.S. District Judge David Hittner presided over trial and will set sentenced at a later date. At that time, Ozigi faces up to 10 years in prison and a possible $250,000 fine.

Previously released on bond, Ozigi was taken into custody following the conviction today where he will remain pending that hearing.  

The Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General, Texas Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and Southwest UPIC Qlarant and the FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tina Ansari and Grace Murphy prosecuted the case with assistance from paralegal Judith Cardona.

LAREDO, Texas – A local man and Mexican national have been ordered to federal prison following their roles in a conspiracy to distribute 42.5 kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Frederico Hernandez, 29, Tamaulipas, Mexico, and Miguel Angel Cruz-Recio, 44, Laredo, pleaded guilty Oct. 2, 2019.

Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo handed Cruz-Recio a sentence of 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. Hernandez was previously sentenced to 40 months. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his incarceration. At the hearings, the court heard evidence including the high amount of drugs found. While imposing the sentences, Judge Marmolejo noted the seriousness of the crime.

At the time of their pleas, both men admitted that on June 7, 2019, they conducted a drug transaction involving 5.5 kilograms of cocaine at a Home Depot parking lot located in Laredo.

Hernandez had left the scene but authorities attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle Cruz-Recio was driving. That ultimately led to a brief police chase that ended as he crashed his vehicle into a telephone pole. He attempted to flee on foot, but was soon apprehended.

Authorities later discovered an additional 37 kilograms of cocaine and a handgun at Cruz-Recio’s residence. Law enforcement apprehended Hernandez as he attempted to apply for entry into Laredo from Mexico at the Gateway to the Americas Bridge.

Hernandez and Cruz-Recio have been and 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 conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Laredo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Harrison is prosecuting the case.

BROWNSVILLE, Texas - A 45-year-old San Benito resident has been sent to federal prison following his conviction of possession with intent to distribute liquid meth, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Pedro Rodriguez III pleaded guilty July 14.

Today, U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera ordered Rodriguez to serve 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Rodriguez’s extensive criminal history.

On Jan. 11, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on Rodriguez after he switched lanes without signaling. They soon discovered he had several pending state arrest warrants and took him into custody.

Authorities searched his vehicle and found approximately 253.2 kilograms of liquid meth hidden inside an auxiliary gas tank. Rodriguez admitted he knew the meth was inside the gas tank and had agreed to transport the narcotics from South Texas to Dallas.

Rodriguez 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 conducted the investigation with the assistance of the San Benito Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edgardo J. Rodriguez prosecuted the case.

McALLEN, Texas – Several men have pleaded guilty for their roles in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Mexican citizens Jose Bernardo Gonzalez-Gomez, 55, and Jose Santiago Luna-Duran, 45; Arlando Garcia-Garcia, 40, and Martin Vela-Alanis, 58, both legal  permanent residents of Edinburg; and Oscar Obed Manzanares, 21, and Martin Adrusbel Vela, 35, both of Edinburg, pleaded guilty today for their respective roles in a conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine.

On March 22, Manzanares traveled into the United States from Mexico in a GMC truck and parked it at a local business in McAllen. Luna-Duran then took the vehicle to a property in Edinburg.

There, authorities observed individuals exchange items between the GMC and a Ford pickup truck. Garcia-Garcia drove the Ford to a separate residence on a property where Vela and Vela-Alanis resided. Upon his arrival, he removed a large duffel bag from the truck. Gonzalez-Gomez was also present at that time.

Law enforcement executed a search warrant at the residence and recovered a duffel bag containing 15 bundles of a white powdery substance. They also found over $90,000 and a black and gold Colt Model 1911 pistol.

Luna-Duran returned to the business where authorities ultimately detained him as well as Manzanares. A search of the GMC vehicle resulted in an additional discovery of over $238,000 in bulk cash.

Laboratory analysis later confirmed the bundles tested positive for cocaine and had a weight of approximately 15 kilograms.

U.S. District Judge Ricardo H. Hinojosa will impose sentencing Dec. 15. At that time, each conspirator faces up to life in prison and a possible $10 million fine.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office and police departments in Hidalgo, Mission, McAllen, Alton, Pharr and Palmview. Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter I. Brostowin is prosecuting the case.

McALLEN, Texas – A 26-year-old man from Reynosa, Mexico, has been charged for receipt and possession of child pornography depicting prepubescent minors, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Today, a federal grand jury returned the two-count indictment against Ricardo Reyes-Garcia. He is expected to appear before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nadia S. Medrano in the near future.

According to the criminal complaint originally filed in the case, an investigation revealed Reyes-Garcia uploaded multiple files of child pornography into his Google account while in the United States. He allegedly downloaded approximately 200 videos depicting children between the ages of five and 13 and categorized them into a folder designated for child pornography.

If convicted, Reyes-Garcia faces up to 20 years in federal prison.  

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Devin V. Walker 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.

 

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 46-year-old resident of Montalba has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of conspiracy to transport non-U.S. citizens, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Othell Corneilous Brown pleaded guilty June 28.

Today, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña ordered Brown to serve 41 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional testimony that detailed Brown’s prior training as a truck driver and whether it assisted him in the smuggling attempt. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Brown was extremely lucky that nobody was injured or killed during the smuggling attempt as it would have resulted in a much higher sentence.

On April 29, Brown drove a tractor trailer into the Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint located on I-35. Soon after, a K-9 alerted to authorities to the presence of humans or narcotics who then referred the vehicle to secondary inspection. At that time, law enforcement had to use a metal grinder to unseal the doors and discovered 98 undocumented individuals inside the refrigerated trailer.

Brown admitted he had transported several loads of people for the same organizer on previous occasions.

He 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 BP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul A. Harrison prosecuted the case.

LAREDO, Texas – An 18-year-old man residing in Laredo has been indicted on charges of alien smuggling causing serious bodily injury, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Today, a federal grand jury returned the two-count indictment against Cesar Alberto Rodriguez. He is expected to appear for his arraignment before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the near future.

According to the criminal complaint originally filed in the case, on Sept. 13, Rodriguez drove a pickup truck carrying two residential air-conditioning units into the Hebbronville Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint. There, a K-9 allegedly alerted law enforcement to the presence of humans at the bed of the truck. They conducted an investigation and discovered undocumented individuals concealed inside the units, according to the charges.

At that time, the charges allege law enforcement asked Rodriguez for his identification. After handing them his Texas ID card, he allegedly put his truck into drive and sped away from the checkpoint.

The complaint alleges authorities found his vehicle in Bruni rolled over with debris scattered around it. At the scene, they found five injured undocumented individuals who were later transported to a hospital for treatment, according to the charges. One allegedly had to be air lifted to another location for further treatment. 

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

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of BP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul A. Harrison 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.

HOUSTON - The Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced the results of its efforts over the past year to protect older adults from fraud and exploitation.

During the past year, DOJ and its law enforcement partners tackled matters that ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. Substantial efforts were also made to return money to fraud victims. DOJ also announced it is expanding its Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force to amplify efforts to combat scams originating overseas.

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

“ ‘Respect your elders’ is one of the most fundamental principles we are taught,” said U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.” Sadly, however, all too often we see our most vulnerable senior citizens fall victim to fraud and/or abuse. From call center scams to theft, my office has worked diligently to hold such scammers accountable. We will continue these efforts as part of the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force with the hope we can preserve the dignity of our beloved aging community.”

From September 2021 to September 2022, DOJ personnel and its law enforcement partners pursued approximately 260 cases involving more than 600 defendants, both bringing new cases and advancing those previously charged. The matters DOJ tackled ranged from mass-marketing scams that impacted thousands of victims to bad actors scamming their neighbors. There were also substantial efforts over the last year to return money to fraud victims.

In the Southern District of Texas (SDTX) over the past year, federal grand juries returned indictments in 10 cases involving more than 15 defendants. Loss amounts totaled approximately $38 million from elderly victims throughout the district.

As part of its elder fraud efforts, the SDTX also engages in outreach to the community and industry to raise awareness about scams and exploitation and preventing victimization. For example, the SDTX conducted a podcast in conjunction with AARP and FBI in Spanish for elderly citizens in our communities. Additional Podcasts are planned this year.

DOJ also highlighted three other efforts: expansion of the Transnational Elder Fraud Task Force, success in returning money to victims and efforts to combat grandparent scams. 

DOJ announced that as part of its continuing efforts to protect older adults and bring perpetrators of fraud schemes to justice it is expanding the Transnational Elder Fraud Strike Force, adding 14 new U.S. Attorney’s Offices. Expansion of the Strike Force will help to coordinate DOJ’s ongoing efforts to combat largest and most harmful fraud schemes that target or disproportionately impact older adults.

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

Over the past year, DOJ also pursued cases against the perpetrators of “grandparent scams,” AKA “person-in-need scams.” These scams typically begin when a fraudster, often based overseas, contacts an older adult and poses as either a grandchild, other family member or someone calling on behalf of a family member. Call recipients are told their family member is in jeopardy and is urgently in need of money.

When recently sentencing one of eight perpetrators of a grandparent scam indicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a federal judge described such scams as “heartbreakingly evil.” DOJ is also working with government partners and others to raise awareness about these schemes.

Reporting from consumers about fraud and fraud attempts is critical to law enforcements efforts to investigate and prosecute schemes targeting older adults. If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 or 833-372-8311. The Office for Victims of Crime manages the DOJ hotline. Experienced professionals provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying next steps.

Case managers will identify appropriate reporting agencies, provide information to callers to assist them in reporting or connect them with agencies and provide resources and referrals on a case-by-case basis. The hotline is staffed seven days a week from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET. English, Spanish and other languages are available. More information about DOJ’s elder justice efforts can be found on the Department’s Elder Justice website.

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

McALLEN, Texas – A 35-year-old non-U.S. citizen illegally residing in Palmview has been ordered to federal prison for obtaining child pornography and being unlawfully present in the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Jose Ricardo Zamora-Ibarra pleaded guilty Dec. 14, 2021.

Today, U.S. District Judge Randy Crane ordered Zamora-Ibarra to serve a total of 180 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. Zamora-Ibarra was further ordered to pay $15,000 in restitution to known victims and must register as a sex offender.

At the time of his plea, Zamora-Ibarra admitted to downloading over 250 files of child pornography utilizing a peer-to-peer platform.

During the course of the investigation, authorities recovered Zamora-Ibarra’s laptop computer and an external hard drive. A forensic examination of the files determined the videos and images depicted prepubescent children engaged in sexually-explicit conduct. Zamora-Ibarra saved the child pornography onto his devices into created files named “preteen boy sex” and “preteen girl sex.”

Zamora-Ibarra was previously convicted of sexual assault of a child and subsequently removed from the United States. He then illegally re-entered the country without authorization.  

He 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 U.S. Marshals Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  

Assistant U.S. Attorney Devin V. Walker 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.

HOUSTON – A 39-year-old Richmond resident has been charged with fraudulently obtaining nearly $600,000 in financial aid funds at several Texas colleges and universities, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer Lowery.

Emmanuel Finnih is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Yvonne Y. Ho at 2 p.m. today.   

A federal grand jury returned the seven-count indictment Sept. 28. He was taken into custody Sept. 30.  

Beginning in or about 2017 through to present, Finnih allegedly aided and abetted or was aided and abetted by others in submitting false applications for financial aid. The charges allege he unlawfully obtained financial aid funds for over 30 alleged students at eight colleges and universities in Texas. 

Finnih used the personal identifiers of other individuals to prepare, submit and sign false and fraudulent financial aid applications and master promissory notes in their names, according to the indictment. Finnih allegedly utilized mailing addresses, telephone numbers and email accounts he controlled to ensure that the Department of Education and colleges would send any communications directly to him. The indictment alleges he then obtained the financial aid refunds via electronic transfer, check and prepaid debit cards sent either to mailing addresses or bank accounts he had designated.

The charges further allege that Finnih aided and abetted or was aided and abetted by others in the aggravated identity theft of two alleged students. According to the indictment, he or others were also fraudulently in possession of identity documents - temporary driver permits or identification cards - with the intent to unlawfully use or transfer those documents. 

Federal financial aid funds are intended to be used for educational purposes. However, the charges allege Finnih received the funds for his personal benefit.

The actual loss to the United States is alleged to be over $595,000. 

The indictment includes one count each of theft of government funds, student financial aid fraud and unlawful use or transfer of identity documents along with four counts of aggravated identity theft.

If convicted of theft of government funds, Finnih faces up to 10 years in federal prison, while the student financial aid fraud and unlawful use or transfer identity documents each carry a possible five-year prison term. In addition, each of the aggravated identity theft counts carries a sentence of two years which must be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed.

The Department of Education - Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation with assistance from the Lone Star College Police Department and U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shirin Hakimzadeh and Charles J. Escher 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.

HOUSTON - ­­The U.S. Department of Justice, together with numerous law enforcement partners, met today at Jack Yates High School in Houston to announce a new initiative that will surge law enforcement tools and resources to target gangs who are terrorizing communities in Houston.

“This new violent crime initiative, led by the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section (OCGS), will surge the tools and resources we use to investigate and prosecute violent crime nationally and apply those tools to gangs who are terrorizing communities here in Houston,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite  Jr., of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.

The new initiative will include federal prosecutors from OCGS, our nation’s foremost experts in charging federal racketeering (RICO) prosecutions, as well as dedicated investigative agents, analysts and forensic experts from the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Marshals Service, Houston Police Department (HPD) and the Harris County Sherriff’s Office (HCSO).

“Together we will employ a data-driven approach to strategically identify and prosecute the worst of the worst criminals and gang members who are responsible for a disproportionate amount of violent crime in underserved communities in Houston,” said Assistant Attorney General Polite.

The initiative will also include efforts to invest in prevention, intervention and reentry. Today the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs announced grant awards totaling $100 million to help communities across the U.S. reduce gun crime and other serious violence. Included in that announcement is a $2 million award to Harris County in Houston to provide funding to community and hospital-based violence interruption programs.

“If we work together to battle the problem, we can make a difference,” said U.S. Attorney Jennifer Lowery of the Southern District of Texas. “This is our community, too, and we want to do all we can to make sure everyone feels safe here in Houston.

As part of the announcement, Assistant Attorney General Polite and U.S. Attorney Lowery met with Yates students to hear directly from them about the violence and gang activity in their neighborhoods. They also met with various community and faith-based leaders and business owners in the Third Ward.

Joining Assistant Attorney General Polite and U.S. Attorney Lowery in the press conference today were Chief Troy Skinner of the HPD; Special Agent in Charge James Smith, FBI Houston Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski, ATF Houston, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, HCSO, and Associate Deputy Director Cornelia Sigworth, of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs.   

OCGS is leading the new violent crime initiative in coordination with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas and will include dedicated investigative agents, analysts and forensic experts from the FBI, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, HPD, HCSO as well as many other federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.  

HOUSTON – The U.S. Department of Justice, together with numerous law enforcement partners, met today at Jack Yates High School in Houston to announce a new initiative that will surge law enforcement tools and resources to target gangs who are terrorizing communities in Houston.

“This new violent crime initiative, led by the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section (OCGS), will surge the tools and resources we use to investigate and prosecute violent crime nationally and apply those tools to gangs who are terrorizing communities here in Houston,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.

The new initiative will include federal prosecutors from OCGS, our nation’s foremost experts in charging federal racketeering (RICO) prosecutions, as well as dedicated investigative agents, analysts and forensic experts from the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), U.S. Marshals Service, Houston Police Department (HPD), and the Harris County Sherriff’s Office (HCSO).

“Together we will employ a data-driven approach to strategically identify and prosecute the worst of the worst criminals and gang members who are responsible for a disproportionate amount of violent crime in underserved communities in Houston,” said Assistant Attorney General Polite.

The initiative will also include efforts to invest in prevention, intervention and reentry. Today the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs announced grant awards totaling $100 million to help communities across the U.S. reduce gun crime and other serious violence. Included in that announcement is a $2 million award to Harris County in Houston to provide funding to community and hospital-based violence interruption programs.

“If we work together to battle the problem, we can make a difference,” said U.S. Attorney Jennifer Lowery of the Southern District of Texas. "This is our community, too, and we want to do all we can to make sure everyone feels safe here in Houston.”

As part of the announcement, Assistant Attorney General Polite and U.S. Attorney Lowery met with Yates students to hear directly from them about the violence and gang activity in their neighborhoods. They also met with various community and faith-based leaders and business owners in the Third Ward.

Joining Assistant Attorney General Polite and U.S. Attorney Lowery in the press conference today were Chief Troy Skinner of the HPD; Special Agent in Charge James Smith, FBI Houston Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski, ATF Houston; Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, HCSO; and Associate Deputy Director Cornelia Sigworth of the Justice Department’s Office of Justice Programs.   

OCGS is leading the new violent crime initiative in coordination with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas and will include dedicated investigative agents, analysts and forensic experts from the FBI, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, HPD, HCSO as well as many other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. 

LAREDO, Texas – A 25-year-old U.S. citizen residing in Mexico has pleaded guilty to trafficking handguns into Mexico under the Stop Illegal Trafficking in Firearms Act, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Said Isaac Hernandez admitted to one count  of trafficking firearms and is the first person believed to be convicted under the new law.

The Stop Illegal Trafficking in Firearms Act is part of the broader Safer Communities Act, passed June 25.

On July 11, authorities apprehended Hernandez while he was traveling south on U.S. Interstate 35 towards the port of entry in Laredo. At the time of his arrest, they discovered 17 firearms hidden in his car.

Hernandez had been the subject of an investigation related to the purchasing of a large number of firearms and transporting them to Mexico. Between Jan. 21, 2020, and July 11, Hernandez purchased a total of 231 handguns in calibers of 9mm, .380 and .22. 

U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo accepted the plea and will set sentencing at a later date. At that time, Hernandez faces up to 15 years in federal prison. He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.

The Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Makens is prosecuting the case.

LAREDO, Texas – Two men have been ordered to federal prison following their convictions of kidnapping and holding four victims for ransom, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.   

Jesus Ochoa, 27, Laredo, pleaded guilty March 2, while Luis Armando Garcia, 29, a Mexican citizen illegally residing in Laredo, pleaded guilty Feb. 28.

Today, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana imposed a 186-month-term of imprisonment for Ochoa, while Garcia received 192 months. Garcia is expected to face removal proceedings following his sentence. At the hearing, the court heard from four victims who described what the two men put them through and the psychological impact the kidnapping had on them. In handing down the prison terms, Judge Saldana noted the violent nature of the offense and the defendants’ general lack of respect for the lives of others.

On Nov. 19, 2020, Ochoa and Garcia encountered four individuals who crossed the Rio Grande in Laredo and offered them a ride to San Antonio in exchange for payment.

They traveled to Garcia’s residence in Laredo, but actually told the group they were in San Antonio. They then forced all four individuals to call their family members and ask them to send $4,000 each for their release.

They held the group hostage at the residence for three days. During that time, they threatened each person with a firearm and repeatedly forced them to record videos and voice messages, make video calls, send text messages and call family members to beg for ransom money. On several occasions, Ochoa and Garcia directly spoke to the family members and told them if payment was not made, something would happen to the hostages. 

Ultimately, family members contacted authorities who were able to obtain the general location from where the phone calls originated.

After noticing law enforcement, Ochoa and Garcia loaded the group back into a vehicle and transported them to an industrial park in Laredo. They dropped off the group and said they would return at a later time.

The victims were able to borrow a phone from a nearby truck driver and called for help. Authorities found all four individuals and transported them to safety.

Both 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 the Laredo Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Makens prosecuted the case.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 55-year-old Corpus Christi resident has pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute meth, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

As part of his plea, Antonio Montes admitted to being involved in a conspiracy to distribute meth which spanned from March 1 to Oct. 22, 2021. He had agreed to receive packages of meth shipped from Arizona and would receive approximately $200 per box he accepted. 

The investigation began in September 2021. At that time, law enforcement had discovered Montes was receiving parcels containing meth from Phoenix, Arizona, to then be distributed in the Corpus Christi area.

On Oct. 21, 2021, authorities executed a search warrant at a co-conspirator’s residence. There, they found a box containing meth residue. The address written on that box was traced to the residence of Montes which had been delivered there Oct. 5, 2021.

Law enforcement later learned that UPS delivered three packages to Montes. Each contained five pounds of meth and hydroponic marijuana. The delivery service had left the packages on the porch.

U.S. District Judge David S. Morales will impose sentencing on Dec. 21. At that time, Montes faces up to life in prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.

He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Parker Gochenour is prosecuting the case.

HOUSTON – A 42-year-old man residing in Houston has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of conspiracy to distribute cocaine as a Darknet vendor, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Dennis Escobar aka Choppa pleaded guilty Dec. 22, 2021, to engaging in a conspiracy to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine.

Today, U.S. District Judge Sim Lake ordered Escobar to serve 150 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, Judge Lake noted Escobar’s criminal history and his role in the offense.

Escobar and others engaged in a large-scale conspiracy to distribute various narcotics including cocaine via Darknet marketplaces. Escobar and co-conspirators also used the U.S. Postal Service to send narcotics to buyers who paid the group using cryptocurrency.   

The investigation was the result of a law enforcement effort to identify individuals in the Houston area selling and distributing narcotics via DarkNet marketplaces.   

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service and Food and Drug Administration conducted the investigation with assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration and Houston Police Department.

The plea is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation dubbed Operation Be That Guy. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States. It uses 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. Attorney Jason Corley prosecuted the case.

McALLEN, Texas – A federal jury has convicted a 35-year-old U.S. citizen residing in Monterrey, Mexico, for his part in smuggling two kilograms of cocaine and six kilograms of meth, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

They deliberated for approximately 45 minutes following a four-day trial before returning a guilty verdict against Nestor Alan Garcia on all six counts as charged.

According to the testimony, Garcia attempted to enter the Hidalgo Port of Entry in a taxi on May 13. He claimed he was going to a party in McAllen and had a box of “pulparindo” candy, puppies and various meat products. Authorities referred Garcia to secondary inspection. There, a search of the box of candy revealed approximately 6.2 kilograms of meth and 2.08 kilograms of cocaine.  

Law enforcement testified Garcia had attempted to hide the narcotics in a box of candy and later lied when he claimed he did not know how the drugs had been placed in the box or came into his custody. He coordinated the smuggling of the narcotics with his mother for days ahead of the smuggling event at the Hidalgo Port of Entry.

The defense attempted to convince the jury Garcia had no knowledge of the drugs and was simply doing a favor for his mother. The jury did not believe those claims and found him guilty as charged.  

Sentencing has been set for Dec. 8 before U.S. District Judge Randy Crane. Garcia faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.  

He has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eliza Carmen Rodriguez and Lee Fry prosecuted the case.

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 30-year-old Brownsville man has been sent to federal prison following his conviction of transporting undocumented aliens within the United States for private financial gain, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Manuel Hernandez Jr. pleaded guilty April 13.

Today, U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera ordered Hernandez to serve 57 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard how surveillance video caught Hernandez racing past Garden Park Elementary at 96 mph in a red Chevy Tahoe just 30 minutes before school release.

Seconds later, additional surveillance video shows Hernandez crashing into another vehicle while Hernandez was seen fleeing on foot. The court heard additional testimony regarding the life threatening injuries the other driver sustained - a punctured lung, a damaged vocal cord, severe head trauma, four broken ribs, a broken clavicle, a broken scapula and broken teeth. The government also presented evidence detailing three separate occasions Hernandez admitted to smuggling illegal aliens. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Hernandez will be responsible for paying restitution.

The investigation began after law enforcement saw several individuals circumventing a port of entry and entering a nearby Chevrolet Tahoe. Hernandez was driving the vehicle when it departed from the area at nearly 100 m.p.h.

Hernandez was captured on surveillance video racing past an elementary school and crashing into another vehicle which resulted in the hospitalization of six people. He fled from the scene, but authorities later located him and took him into custody.

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

Border Patrol and the Brownsville Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Eyes prosecuted the case.

HOUSTON – A 56-year-old Prairie View woman has been indicted on charges of embezzlement from elderly customers, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Gloria Jean Hall She is expected to make her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan at 2 pm.

A federal grand jury returned the four-count indictment Sept. 15.

The charges allege Hall was the manager at Prairie View Federal Credit Union from February 2000 to August 2020. Beginning in 2010, she allegedly embezzled approximately $211,563 from elderly account holder funds. She created loans totaling nearly $791,000, withdrew the loans and cashed $76,772 in numerous unauthorized checks from accounts at the credit union for her own personal use and benefit, according to the indictment.

Hall allegedly fraudulently formed 58 nominee loans by creating fake share loans in the names of relatives and friends. She transferred money across the loans to make payments among them, according to the charges. She also allegedly created fake monthly loan statements and moved funds mainly from elderly credit union members into the accounts of her relatives and friends.

Hall is charged with three counts of embezzlement by a credit union employee and one count of making false entries in the financial records of the credit union. 

If convicted, Hall faces up to 30 years in prison and a possible $1 million maximum fine.

The credit union existed for approximately 85 years. It was one of the oldest continually operational federal credit unions established by a historically black college and university in the United States until its failure and merger with the Cy-Fair Federal Credit Union in early 2022.

The FBI – Bryan Resident Agency conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Quincy L. Ollison 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.

LAREDO, Texas – Five members of a drug trafficking organization have received significant sentences their convictions of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth and heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Felipe De Jesus Garcia, 31, Laredo, pleaded guilty Feb. 3, while Manuel Orozco-Ambriz, 48, also of Laredo, and Mexican national Erick Cuellar-Rodriguez, 31, each pleaded guilty Sept. 9, 2021. Cesar Juarez-Romero, 24, and Jose De Jesus Morales, 37, both Mexican nationals with no legal presence in the United States, pleaded guilty Oct. 4 and Dec. 10, 2021, respectively.

Today, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana imposed a 360-month term imprisonment for Orozco-Ambriz for the drug trafficking conviction as well as another 24 months for violating the terms of his supervised releases for a prior conviction. The sentences will be served concurrently for a total 30-year-prison term. The court ordered Cuellar-Rodriguez to serve 210 months in prison, while De Jesus Garcia and Juarez-Romero received 51 and 108 months in prison, respectively. Judge Saldana will sentence De Jesus Morales at a later date.

In handing down the sentences, the court noted the significant quantity of illegal drugs coming across the border and acknowledged the significant threat to the public and the court’s role in deterring others who would engage in similar conduct.   

In 2018, law enforcement initiated an investigation into a drug distribution network that was responsible for transporting narcotics concealed within car batteries from Mexico into the United States.

Orozco-Ambriz and Cuellar-Rodriguez coordinated the transportation and delivery of multiple car batteries containing meth across the border into Laredo. Law enforcement had identified Juarez-Romero, De Jesus Morales and De Jesus Garcia as they delivered the drug laden items.

As a result of the investigation, authorities seized approximately 44 kilograms of pure meth and one kilogram of heroin. 

The Drug Enforcement Administration and Customs and Border Protection conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation dubbed Operation Fox Hound with the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Webb County Sheriff’s Office, and La Salle County Sheriff’s Office. 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. Attorney Lance Watt prosecuted the case.

HOUSTON – A 47-year-old Colorado man has admitted to threatening a woman with releasing sexually-explicit images unless she moved with him across the country, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Moses Cano pleaded guilty to one count of stalking.

Cano and the victim dated for a brief amount of time. At the end of that relationship, Cano made threats to her if she did not agree to come to Colorado with him. The victim refused. In retaliation, he then sent sexually-explicit images of the victim to her place of employment and several of her friends.

As part of his plea, he admitted he took over her Facebook account and used it to send the images and other messages to her contacts. He also posted a sexually-explicit video of the victim to a well-known adult pornography site.

In distress, the victim contacted authorities.

Sentencing has been set for Nov. 30. At that time, Cano faces up to five years in federal prison and a $250,000 maximum possible fine. He has been and will remain in custody pending that hearing.

The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Matagorda County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherri L. Zack is prosecuting the case.

HOUSTON – A federal jury sitting in Houston has convicted a 61-year-old Dallas man for money laundering, conspiracy to commit and committing wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

The jury deliberated for half a day before convicting Clarence Roland III on all charges following a eight-day trial.

In 2009, Roland began working with co-conspirator Arlando Jacobs, 57, Oakland, California, in a deed fraud scheme to cancel and challenge mortgage loans held in the name of Jacobs or others. During this time, Roland frequently used the alias Joshua Stein, while Jacobs used Caleb Wright or Dexter Ponzey.

According to testimony, they solicited and received the help of other co-conspirators to establish over 11 business entities or shell companies and office spaces with mailing addresses in Houston, The Woodlands and Katy to carry out the scheme.

The jury heard that Roland and co-conspirators fraudulently acquired real property by manipulating and filing fraudulent deeds and other documents. Roland sold the properties and received profits from the sales. The original mortgage liens were not paid off and the mortgage holders were ultimately defrauded. Some title insurance companies were forced to pay buyer claims who had acquired the title when purchasing the real property Roland sold to them.

The co-conspirators fabricated a series of documents to falsely create the appearance of transferred ownership of real property to the shell companies. In order to do so, they signed documents claiming to represent one of the many entities in the transactions. The same names were used as signors on many documents and purported to represent different entities. They were also fraudulently notarized by using fake notary stamps.

The defense attempted to convince the jury the law allowed him to file fraudulent documents in the real property records to transfer title of houses on which there were mortgages so he could then sell them free of those mortgages. They did not believe those claims and found Roland guilty as charged.

Jacobs pleaded guilty in advance of trial in an unrelated fraud case in the Northern District of Texas and was sentenced to 51 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution of $7.6 million.

U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal presided over the trial and set sentencing for Jan. 25, 2023. At that time, Roland faces up to 30 years for conspiracy to commit wire fraud affecting a financial institution and 20 years for wire fraud. They also carry potential fines of up to $1 million. For money laundering, he faces another 10 years as well as a fine of $250,000.

Previously released on bond, Roland was taken into custody following the conviction today where he will remain pending sentencing.

The FBI, Federal Housing Finance Agency - Office of Inspector General (OIG) and Housing and Urban Development - OIG conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Braddock and John Wakefield are prosecuting the case.

GALVESTON, Texas – A 53-year-old local man has been ordered to prison following his conviction of receiving and possessing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Cedric Robert Cox pleaded guilty July 21, 2021.

Today, U.S. District Judge Jeffery Brown sentenced Cox to 84 months for each of the receiving and possessing convictions, respectively. They will run concurrently for a total 84-month term of imprisonment. Cox was further ordered to pay $9,000 in restitution to known victims 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. Cox will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. 

In 2016, authorities discovered Cox using peer-to-peer file sharing software to obtain child pornography images and videos. They executed a search warrant at his residence and seized numerous devices. Further examination revealed the devices contained 32 images and 62 videos containing child pornography as well as search terms indicative of a sexual interest in children. Some of the videos depict a pre-pubescent minor female with her genitals exposed and engaging in various sex acts. 

Cox 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, Webster Police Department and Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherri L. Zack 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 – Two former soldiers stationed at Fort Hood have been ordered to federal prison for conspiring to transport undocumented aliens within the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Emmanuel Oppongagyare, 22, pleaded guilty Aug. 11, 2021, while Ralph Gregory Saint-Joie, 19, pleaded guilty the following day.

Today, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña imposed a 21-month-term of imprisonment for Oppongagyare, while Saint-Joie received 13 months. Both must also serve three years of supervised release following their sentences. At the hearing, the court heard additional testimony from both men. Oppongagyare remarked that, “On June 13, I made one of the worst mistakes of my life,” while Saint-Joie stated he was ashamed of what he did. In handing down the prison terms, Judge Saldaña commented, “you made a horrible mistake and you’re going to get punished for it. You’re going to go to prison,” and that the defendants were “really vested in trying to make this successful.”

Saint-Joie has been identified as an active duty member of the U.S. Army while Oppongagyare is from the Pennsylvania National Guard. At the time of arrest, each noted they were stationed at Fort Hood.

On June 13, 2021, Oppongagyare and Saint-Joie attempted to go through the Border Patrol (BP) Checkpoint in Hebbronville wearing their army-issued uniforms. Upon inspection, authorities discovered two individuals hidden in the trunk who were determined to be in the country illegally. Authorities promptly took them and the soldiers into custody. At the time of arrest, both Oppongagyare and Saint-Joie were wearing their Army-issued uniforms.

At the time of his plea, Oppongagyare admitted a person he met through Saint-Joie recruited him to pick up the aliens from McAllen and drive them to San Antonio. They expected to be paid once they arrived the destination but did not know the exact amount.

The two Mexican nationals hidden in the vehicle admitted to paying Oppongagyare and Saint-Joie a fee in exchange for passage into the United States. They also identified Oppongagyare and Saint-Joie as the driver and the passenger, respectively, of that vehicle.

The investigation determined Isaiah Gore had hired them and instructed them to wear their uniforms to possibly avoid questioning. Authorities also identified Denerio Williams and Ivory Palmer as being involved in human smuggling. Gore, Williams and Palmer were also indicted, pleaded guilty and later sentenced before U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo.

Both Oppongagyare and Saint-Joie were 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 and Department of the Army – Criminal Investigations Division conducted the investigation with the assistance of BP conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian Bajew and Mark Hicks prosecuted the case.

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 28-year-old Austin resident and active duty Army National Guardsman has been sent to prison for possession with intent to distribute kilogram quantities of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Jonathan Zarazua pleaded guilty Jan. 13.

Today, U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. ordered Zarazua to serve 50 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Zarazua was responsible for trafficking numerous loads of illegal narcotics.

On Sept. 11, 2021, Jonathan Zarazua attempted to enter the United States through the Brownsville and Matamoros Bridge in Brownsville. He claimed he was returning after visiting his father in Mexico. At secondary inspection, an x-ray scan of his vehicle revealed anomalies and officers ultimately discovered 6.62 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a false compartment under the center console.

At the time of his arrest, Zarazua was an active duty Army National Guardsman employed as a Petroleum Supply Specialist. He also served on active duty with the United States Army from 2016 to 2020.

Zarazua admitted to smuggling the cocaine for individuals in Mexico and to having smuggled drugs into the United States on at least 30 other occasions. He further admitted he was specifically recruited because he could use his military status to facilitate crossing the border with illegal narcotics.

He 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 Edgardo J. Rodriguez prosecuted the case.

HOUSTON – A 43 year-old Houston rapper has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of conspiracy to distribute and distributing meth, cocaine and opioids, announced U.S. Attorney B. Lowery.

Jermaine West aka The Breadman pleaded guilty April 6 to 10 counts of drug trafficking in the Houston area.

Today, U.S. District Judge George Hanks ordered West to serve 280 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by six years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional argument that West had engaged in gang activity beyond his drug trafficking. In handing down the sentence, Judge Hanks noted that West “destroyed people’s lives.” The court further noted that “for 20 years [West] played a dangerous game,” and that he had “played the game and lost.”

West was part of the Hood Kat Music Group rap studio based in southeast Houston.

The investigation began in 2019 when law enforcement learned West was trafficking narcotics. The information regarding drug trafficking as well as West’s known position as an influential gang member in southeast Houston triggered the multi-agency investigation.

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

The FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Houston Police Department.

The plea is a result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation dubbed Operation Bullet Trap. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States. It uses 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. Attorney Jason Corley and Department of Justice Trial Attorney Devon Helfmeyer prosecuted the case.

LAREDO, Texas – A 28-year-old Houston woman has entered a guilty plea to conspiracy to import 40.5 kilograms of meth, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

As part of her plea, Evelyn Fabiola Ramirez admitted that on April 3, she attempted to enter the United States from Mexico driving an SUV at the Lincoln Juarez Bridge Port of Entry in Laredo. She was carrying several jugs which she claimed was aloe vera.

Authorities referred her to secondary inspection after it appeared someone had tampered with the lids and due to the unusual color of the liquid.

There, they opened one of the jugs and inspected the liquid. It tested positive for meth and weighed 40.5 kilograms.

Ramirez admitted someone hired her to move the drugs into the country. She was told to bring her children along for the ride to make the trip look legitimate. Ramirez was given $500 for expenses and traveled to Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, to pick up the narcotics. She believed she would be paid $3,000 to move the narcotics.

She actually thought she was transporting cocaine.

Ramirez has been in custody, but could be released upon posting bond. Sentencing will be det at a later date, at which time she faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul A. Harrison is prosecuting the case.

HOUSTON – A 46-year-old Texan has been ordered to prison following his conviction of wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Keith Anton Johnson pleaded guilty March 10.

Today, U.S. District Judge Lynn Hughes ordered Tran to serve 14 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court considered Johnson’s fraudulent statements on multiple official documents he used to secure $123,000 in Payroll Protection Loans. Specifically, he falsely claimed he was not currently under indictment for any other crime. In imposing the sentence, Judge Hughes noted that Johnson stole not just from the government, but the taxpaying citizens of the United States who made the emergency relief possible.   

At the time of his plea, Johnson admitted that in 2020, he lied on multiple documents while applying for a Payroll Protection Program (PPP) loan. At the time of his application, Johnson was under indictment in Harris County for theft over $300,000 in connection with construction fraud allegedly committed in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. Johnson would have been ineligible to receive PPP funds due to that indictment.   

Johnson applied for the fraudulently obtained PPP loan by claiming the loan was to be used for the employees of a bar and live music venue he owned in Bryan called Southerns. That venture failed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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

FBI and Harris County Precinct One Constable’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas H. Carter prosecuted the case.

VICTORIA, Texas – A 32-year-old Victoria man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of possession with intent to distribute approximately one kilogram of meth, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Daniel Berry pleaded guilty April 7.

Today, U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton ordered Berry to serve 144 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence of Berry’s extended criminal history and prior use of a firearm during the commission of crimes. Additionally, Berry has a history of discarding evidence during the commission of crimes. Berry also has multiple probation revocations and other pending state drug and firearm offenses.                

On Jan. 30, law enforcement observed Berry commit traffic violations while driving on Highway 59. They soon learned his vehicle was registered to a subject with an outstanding federal warrant and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. However, Berry failed to yield.

The vehicle eventually came to a stop, at which time Berry attempted to flee on foot while attempting to discard a backpack. Authorities were able to apprehend him, took him into custody and secured the bag. They noticed it had an odor of marijuana and ultimately found approximately 1001.8 grams of suspected meth, nearly one ounce of marijuana, 17.4 grams of suspected meth pills, a small amount of cocaine and a Ruger handgun with 25 rounds of ammunition.

Laboratory analysis later confirmed the substances were in fact 983 grams of 97% pure meth. Berry admitted to having knowledge of the drugs and gun and took ownership of the backpack. 

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.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Victoria County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Division and the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Parker Gochenour prosecuted the case.

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 51-year-old Mexican national who was head of Cartel del Golfo (CDG) from 2003 to 2012 has been ordered to prison and to pay millions for his role in conspiring to distribute cocaine and marijuana from Mexico into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Jorge Costilla-Sanchez pleaded guilty Sept. 26, 2017.

Today, U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. ordered Costilla-Sanchez to serve the rest of his life in federal prison. At the hearing, the court heard additional information detailing how Costilla-Sanchez profited $5 million from drug trafficking. He was ordered to pay a money judgment in that amount. In handing down the sentence, Judge Rodriguez noted Costilla-Sanchez’s extensive involvement in trafficking illegal drugs into the country. The court commented that during the 10 years Costilla-Sanchez was the head of the CDG, he lead a violent criminal organization, using guns and intimidation to maintain control of their illegal drug trafficking enterprise and resorting to violence and killing to maintain power.

“This was a long, but very important case to the district and especially our partners in Brownsville," said Lowery. "The life sentence speaks for itself. Justice has now been served.”

“Today’s sentencing is the culmination of years of relentless work by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and its partners targeting the Cartel del Gulfo,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee of HSI - San Antonio. “This investigation highlights HSI’s dedication to go after cartel members importing dangerous drugs into our communities. This sentence will send a resounding message that transnational criminal organizations are being continuously investigated and their leaders will be brought to justice.”

“High-ranking drug trafficking leaders like Costilla-Sanchez are not immune from facing stiff punishments,” said Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) - Houston Division. “Costilla-Sanchez brought poison to our communities, and our collaborative efforts with our local and federal partners brought him to prison. We will continue to aggressively go after any drug trafficking organization wanting to profit from our communities.”

“This sentencing sends a clear message that organized drug trafficking organizations and threats against law enforcement will not be tolerated,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Oliver E. Rich Jr. “The FBI continues to work alongside our partners to pursue and prosecute the leadership of drug trafficking cartels and dismantle their organizations. We thank the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) for their collective efforts to bring this high-level criminal to justice.”

Costilla-Sanchez aka El Cos, Doble X and Dos Equis became head of CDG after the arrest of former CDG leader Osiel Cardenas in 2003. Prior to joining the cartel, Costilla-Sanchez was a municipal police officer in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico.

He was arrested in 2012 in Mexico at the request of the United States and in 2015. Costilla-Sanchez also previously pleaded guilty to threatening two federal agents from the FBI and while he was being investigated for drug trafficking in 1999.

CDG is a Mexican transnational criminal organization operating in Tamaulipas, Mexico. During the time Costilla-Sanchez was the leader, he was responsible for importing over 10,000 kilograms of cocaine and 140,000 kilograms of marijuana to the United States.

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

HSI, DEA and FBI conducted the OCDETF operation with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service and IRS-Criminal Investigation.

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 Jody Young and Karen Betancourt prosecuted the case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Costilla-Sanchez to the United States.

HOUSTON – A 64-year-old Houston man has admitted to conspiring to commit mail fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Abraham Joseph pleaded guilty to engaging in the fraud scheme for 12 years.

Joseph was the owner of One Point Inc., a company located in Houston.

As part of his plea, he admitted that from 2007 to 2019, he engaged in a bribery and bid rigging fraud scheme to secure construction and maintenance work contracts from a local company with a manufacturing facility.

During that time, he submitted fake bids through the company’s facilities manager to make it appear OnePoint was the lowest. In return, Joseph paid $1.3 million in cash and other items of value in bribes.

Joseph further admitted he failed to disclose he was submitting falsified bids and paying kickbacks from the victim company’s funds. He also had the victim company’s facilities manager on company payroll.

The victim company would not have paid invoices from OnePoint had they known about the falsified bids or the kickback payments.                  

U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal will impose sentencing Jan. 18, 2023. At that time, Joseph faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

Joseph was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Belinda Beek is prosecuting the case.

HOUSTON – A 68-year-old Houston doctor has agreed to pay $240,000 to resolve allegations he wrongfully received government retirement benefit payments from the from the Office of Personnel Management’s (OPM) Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS), announced the Jennifer B. Lowery.

Dr. Henry Zaleski inappropriately spent funds intended for his mother.

From Jan. 26, 2007, to June 1, 2019, Zaleski received his deceased mother’s CSRS survivor annuity payments through a joint bank account he shared with her while she was alive. CSRS survivor annuity payments are made to the spouse of a former government employee and terminate upon the survivor annuitant’s death.

OPM was not informed of Zaleski’s mother’s death and continued to make deposits into the joint bank account. Zaleski spent the funds on personal expenses including maintenance and upkeep costs on his second home located in Florida.

These payments were made by mistake and caused Zaleski to be unjustly enriched.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office and OPM - Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura E. Collins handled the matter.

The claims resolved by this agreement are allegations only, and there has been no determination of liability.

HOUSTON – A man who evaded payment of his income taxes has been ordered to federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

David Felt pleaded guilty May 9.

Today, U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen ordered Felt to serve 18 months in federal prison. Judge Hanen also ordered Felt to pay $250,000 in restitution to the IRS.

According to the plea agreement filed in the record of the case, Felt admitted that he willfully evaded payment of income taxes he owed for 1986-87 and 1994-98. 

He further admitted he received over $4 million in income during 2004-14, none of which was paid towards the owed taxes. Felt falsely stated he had no significant assets or income and had no ownership in any businesses.

In addition, he also admitted he acted as a disbursing agent for a debtor in a bankruptcy case. He testified in 2017 that he would not pay insiders from the estate of the debtor while the debtor paid creditors. However, as part of his plea, he admitted he filed monthly accounting reports for the debtor in 2019 containing payments to insiders, including himself, from the estate of the debtor.

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

IRS - Criminal Investigation and the FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the U.S. Trustee's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Quincy L. Ollison and Charles J. Escher prosecuted the case.   

HOUSTON – Prosperity Bank has agreed to pay $18,673.50 to resolve allegations it improperly processed a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan on behalf of an ineligible customer, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery. 

Prosperity Bank is a regional bank with branches throughout Texas and Oklahoma. It is a subsidiary of Prosperity Bancshares Inc. 

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act authorized the issuance of PPP loans in order to provide relief to small businesses experiencing economic hardship during the pandemic. Those loans would be forgiven if certain conditions were met. 

Lenders like Prosperity Bank who originated PPP loans were entitled to receive a fixed fee from the Small Business Administration (SBA).That fee ranged from 1% to 5% depending on the size of the loan. 

In May 2020, Prosperity Bank approved and processed a $213,400 PPP loan for Woodlands Pain Institute PLLC. The PPP application included a question asking whether the applicant (or any individual owning more than 20% equity) is subject to an indictment, criminal information, arraignment or other means by which formal criminal charges are brought in any jurisdiction. 

Dr. Emad Bishai was the sole owner of Woodlands Pain Institute PLLC. However, at the time of the application, Bishai was facing criminal charges in Montgomery County arising from his practice of prescribing opioid medicines. When filling out the application, he checked the box marked “No” and initialed his name beneath the question.

At that time, Prosperity Bank employees knew Bishai was facing charges and was therefore ineligible to apply for the PPP loan. However, the bank processed the application anyway and falsely granted the money to Bishai. As a result, Prosperity Bank received a 5% processing fee of $10,670 to which it was not entitled.

Bishai entered into a $523,331 settlement in November 2021 to resolve his liability arising from fraudulent medical billing and his submission of the PPP loan application. He also repaid the PPP loan in full in 2022. 

The settlement announced today is believed to be the nation’s first settlement with a PPP lender pursuant to the False Claims Act. The settlement amount also reflects Prosperity Bank’s efforts to cooperate with the government’s investigation and provide relevant facts along with its implementation of additional compliance measures. 

The SBA’s Office of Litigation provided assistance. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brad Gray handled the matter.

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

The U.S. Department of Justice, along with its partners, today announced a significant enforcement operation that disrupted and dismantled a prolific human smuggling operation in Texas and across the Southern United States. The operation, a part of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA), included the arrest of eight alleged human smugglers whose indictment were unsealed today in the Southern District of Texas (SDTX).

“Over a year ago, we launched Joint Task Force Alpha to strengthen our efforts across government to dismantle the most dangerous human smuggling and trafficking networks,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “The charges announced today are just the latest example of these efforts’ success. The Justice Department will continue to bring our full resources to bear to combat the human smuggling and trafficking groups that endanger our communities, abuse and exploit migrants, and threaten our national security.”

Erminia Serrano Piedra aka Irma, and Boss Lady, 31, led the human smuggling operation. Other defendants include Kevin Daniel Nuber aka Captain, 41; Laura Nuber aka Barbie, 40; Lloyd Bexley, 51; Jeremy Dickens, 45; Katie Ann Garcia aka Guera, 39; Oliveria Piedra-Campuzana, 53; and Pedro Hairo Abrigo, 33. All were arrested in Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama pursuant to charges previously filed in the SDTX and unsealed today.

According to the indictment, they facilitated the unlawful transportation and movement of migrants within the United States in deplorable conditions for profit. The migrants were allegedly citizens of Mexico, Guatemala and Colombia. The migrants or their families allegedly paid members of the human smuggling organization to help them travel illegally to and within the United States.

According to the indictment, the criminal human smuggling organization allegedly used drivers to pick up migrants near the U.S.-Mexico border and transport them further into the interior of the United States. They allegedly often harbored the migrants at “stash houses” along the way in locations such as Laredo and Austin, Texas. Drivers allegedly used various methods to transport migrants, including by hiding them in suitcases placed in pickup trucks and cramming migrants in the back of tractor-trailers, covered beds of pickup trucks, repurposed water tankers or wooden crates strapped to flatbed trailers. The human smuggling organization allegedly used methods to transport migrants that placed their lives in danger as they were frequently held in contained spaces with little ventilation, no temperature control and in conditions that placed them at great risk. Drivers for the organization were allegedly paid as much as $2,500 for each migrant they unlawfully transported.

81 migrants in the back of a tractor trailer. Migrants trapped inside the bed cover of a pickup truck. Migrants inside a wooden crate.

The indictment also notices the criminal forfeiture of three properties as well as money judgments amounting to $2,299,152.40.

“This human smuggling organization operated on an enormous scale, placing a high value on financial profit, while putting migrants’ lives at great risk,” said Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “JTFA will continue to use all means necessary to pursue and dismantle criminal smuggling networks and protect the vulnerable populations they exploit.”

“Sadly, this case is an example of what we see in our district, too many times, especially in our border communities,” said U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery for the Southern District of Texas. “Our Laredo office works continuously with our valued partners to bring to justice those who allegedly put profits ahead of everything else. No amount of money should be a substitute for human life.”

“At DHS, countering human smuggling is a moral imperative, a law enforcement priority, and a necessity for our national security,” said Deputy Secretary John K. Tien of the Department of Homeland Security. “It is a central plank of our efforts to address irregular migration across the western hemisphere, and to hold transnational criminal organizations accountable for perpetrating vile and horrific crimes. We are unwavering in our commitment, and sending a strong message: if you manipulate and imperil and take advantage of struggling migrants, we are coming for you. This investigation is a perfect example of how we're bringing our agencies and components together to leverage the full force of the federal government to do just that.”

“Transnational criminal organizations often use sophisticated circumvention techniques to facilitate their smuggling and trafficking efforts,” said Acting Deputy Director PJ Lechleitner of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). “Special agents with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) employ a full range of law enforcement techniques and cross-border authorities to combat human smuggling by effectively eliminating profit incentives, seizing assets, and maintaining strong collaborative relationships with law enforcement partners across the country and world. Today should be a reminder that if you are going to engage in this type of criminal activity, your criminal network is not invisible. The members of the organization will be exposed, the network will be dismantled, and you will be brought to justice.”

“Human smugglers are criminals who do not care about human life,” said Deputy Commissioner Troy Miller of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). “They lie to make money, convincing vulnerable migrants to hand over what is often their life savings in exchange for empty promises to get to the United States. Smugglers regularly abandon migrants in the desert or mountains with no food or water, leaving them for dead. CBP strives to be flexible, adaptable, and to think outside the box when it comes to disrupting these criminal organizations and protecting migrants from harm.”

The indictments against these defendants were brought under JTFA. Attorney General Garland created JTFA in June 2021, in partnership with DHS, to strengthen the department’s overall efforts to combat the dangerous rise in human smuggling emanating from Central America and impacting our border communities. JTFA’s goal is to disrupt and dismantle those human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico, with a focus on networks that endanger, abuse or exploit migrants, present national security risks or engage in other types of transnational organized crime.

Since its creation, JTFA has successfully increased coordination and collaboration between the Justice Department, DHS, and other interagency law enforcement participants along with foreign law enforcement partners including El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Mexico; targeted those organizations who have the most impact on the United States; and coordinated significant smuggling indictments and extradition efforts in U.S. Attorneys’ Offices across the country. To date, JTFA’s work with its partners has resulted in criminal charges and over 100 domestic and international arrests against leaders, organizers and significant facilitators of human smuggling activities, several dozen convictions, significant prison sentences and substantial asset forfeiture.

JTFA is comprised of detailees from southwest border U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, including the Southern District of Texas, the Western District of Texas, the District of New Mexico, the District of Arizona, and the Southern District of California, and dedicated support for the program is also provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division that are part of JTFA – led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and supported by the Office of Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training (OPDAT), the Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section (NDDS), the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section (MLARS), the Office of Enforcement Operations (OEO), the Office of International Affairs (OIA), and the Organized Crime and Gang Section (OCGS). JTFA is made possible by substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners.

HSI Laredo, along with CBP’s U.S. Border Patrol Laredo Sector and DHS-OIG, led U.S. investigative efforts and received substantial assistance from HSI offices in Austin, San Antonio, and Corpus Christi, Texas; New Orleans, Louisiana; Gulfport, Mississippi; Mobile, Alabama; West Palm Beach, Florida; and its Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C.; along with CBP’s National Targeting Center; U.S. Marshals Service; ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations – Austin; Police Departments in Laredo, Kileen, and Round Rock, Texas, Wiggins, Missouri, and Bogalusa, Louisiana; Webb County, Texas, Constable’s Office; Webb County, Texas, District Attorney’s Office; Sheriff’s offices in Webb, Bastrop, and Caldwell County, Texas, and Harrison County, George County, and Stone County, Mississippi; Jefferson Parish and Washington Parish, Louisiana; and Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics; and the Louisiana State Police.

Trial Attorneys Erin Cox and Christian Levesque of the Justice Department’s Human Rights and Special Prosecution Section; Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Day for the Southern District of Texas and JTFA; Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Harrison for the Southern District of Texas; Trial Attorney Daria Andryushchenko and Financial Investigator Kelly O’Mara of the Justice Department’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section handled the case, with substantial assistance from the Justice Department’s Electronic Surveillance Unit of the Office of Enforcement Operations. 

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

HOUSTON – A 43-year-old registered sex offender has admitted to distributing and possessing child pornography in two separate federal cases, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Timothy Lee Tyler, pleaded guilty to distributing child pornography in 2020 and to possessing child pornography in both 2019 and 2020.

As part of his plea, Tyler admitted he was staying with friends in Conroe in September 2020. During that time, he started distributing child pornography from his cellphone on the Kik messenger app. When Tyler was arrested, his cellphone contained hundreds of images and videos depicting bestiality, bondage and sexual abuse of children. Tyler also admitted to possessing hundreds of child pornography files on a flash drive while residing in Milwaukee in June 2019.

U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen will impose sentence Dec. 19. At that time, Tyler faces up to 40 years on the distribution of child pornography charge and up to 20 years for each conviction of possessing child pornography. Additionally, each charge is punishable by a $250,000 fine and mandatory restitution.

Tyler, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, will remain in custody pending sentencing.

The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Montgomery County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force and Conroe Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Bauman and Sherri Zack are 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 27-year-old man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of illegal re-entry into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Edgar Yovani Bonilla-Flores pleaded guilty June 17.

Today, U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton ordered Bonilla-Flores to serve 16 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment.

At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that Bonilla-Flores had previously illegally entered the United States on April 8, 2014. He had also engaged in criminal conduct that resulted in a conviction for the aggravated felony offense of third degree sex offense in Montgomery County, Maryland. In that case, the court heard he had sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old female he had met over social media. Bonilla-Flores had also failed to register as a sex offender. He was ordered to be removed from the United States Dec. 20, 2021.

In handing down the sentence, the court noted the egregiousness surrounding the prior sex offense and also that the Bonilla-Flores returned to the United States unlawfully shortly after being removed.

On April 18, authorities found Bonilla-Flores in Falfurrias. He was not in possession of any immigration documents nor had filed a petition to remain legally in the United States. He admitted to being a citizen of El Salvador and that he entered the country illegally by crossing the Rio Grande River near Hidalgo April 9. Records revealed he was physically removed Feb. 11.

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

Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Parker Gochenour prosecuted the case.

HOUSTON – A 59-year-old Michigan resident has been sentenced to nearly 22 years in federal prison following his conviction of coercion and enticement of a minor, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Raymond Dale Carr Jr. pleaded guilty Jan. 27.    

Today, U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen ordered Carr to serve a total of 262 months in prison. He will also be on supervised release for 10 years following his sentence, during which he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Carr will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. In imposing the sentence, the court considered victim impact statements and heard how the victim’s family has been forever changed. The victim herself has made several suicide attempts. She and her family are devastated, according to arguments presented.

Carr met the 11-year-old minor female online. He cultivated a relationship with her and discussed traveling to Texas. Carr and the minor communicated via text message, social media and FaceTime video calls. In September 2020, Carr drove from Michigan to Texas and picked the minor up near her home. He took her to a local motel where he had sexual relations with her which included intercourse and oral sex.

Carr gave the minor a ring and suggested they were going to be married when she came of age. The investigation revealed images of their hands wearing matching rings. Carr even bragged to the victim that he told his children about her but not her age. He believed it might upset his daughter that the victim was younger than her. 

Carr knew the victim was under the age of 18 and would not be of age for quite some time.  Their communications referenced how much he loved her and how he imagined they had a future together.

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

FBI Houston conducted the investigation with the assistance of FBI-Detroit.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherri L. Zack 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.