Southern District of Texas

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – An 18 year-old Mexican man illegally residing in Brownsville has entered a plea of guilty to transporting illegal aliens within the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Christopher Rodriguez-Martinez admitted his guilty today.

On Dec. 7, 2021, authorities observed Rodriguez-Martinez and Guillermo Villasenor-Sanchez in a silver vehicle near the Los Fresnos canal. Soon after, they saw six individuals run from the canal and get into the vehicle.

Rodriguez-Martinez was the driver and fled the area at a high rate of speed. As law enforcement approached the vehicle, Rodriguez-Martinez lost control and made impact with the Border Patrol (BP) unit.

After the crash, the occupants of the vehicle attempted to run away. Authorities soon apprehended them.

Upon the arrests, authorities located a total of $30,000 in cash along with several cell phones in the vehicle.

Villasenor-Sanchez, 31, Matamoros, Mexico, had previously pleaded guilty and is set for sentencing May 4. Rodriguez-Martinez is set to be sentenced May 25.

At that time, each face up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

Both remain in custody pending their hearings.

Customs and Border Protection and Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ana C. Cano is prosecuting the case.

LAREDO, Texas – A 30-year-old Laredo resident has pleaded guilty to receiving and possessing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

The investigation began after authorities linked David De Los Santos to child exploitative materials in the internet.

Law enforcement conducted a search of his residence in Laredo and seized numerous digital devices. A forensic analysis revealed 832 image and video files depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. According to court documents, the files included children under the age of 5 and images involving elements of bondage or bestiality.

Today, he admitted to receiving and possessing pornographic images, but challenged the content of those items.

U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña will consider all factors and impose sentencing on a later date. At that time, De Los Santos faces a up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

He has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.  

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Laredo Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Petters 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.

VICTORIA, Texas – A 24-year-old Edinburg resident has entered a plea of guilty to conspiracy to transport of illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Viriam Lizeth Huerta-Garcia admitted she accepted monies from the family members of a now deceased Mexican citizen to get him into the United States.

On July 21, 2021, authorities learned that a smuggled undocumented non-citizen had been abandoned along the roadside during a smuggling attempt. A family member of the victim had reported smugglers told them that the male victim had become ill during the trip and provided the location where he was left behind.  

Law enforcement responded to the scene and discovered a Hispanic male laying down in a brushy area a short distance from the roadway. They pronounced him dead on the scene. The investigation revealed the victim was the same as the one the family member reported missing.     

The victim had recently left the country to assist his ailing mother but had been trying to return to the United States. He was last heard from July 18, 2021.

Huerta-Garcia admitted today that she accepted $3,600 from his family members as payment for smuggling him into the United States.

Sentencing has been set before Senior U.S. District Judge John Rainey May 26. At that time, Huerta-Garcia faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

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

Homeland Security Investigations and the Victoria County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patti Hubert Booth is prosecuting the case.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 49-year-old Falfurrias man has pleaded guilty to escaping from federal custody, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Juan Luis Cruz admitted he knowingly left federal custody without permission.

Cruz had previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to transport undocumented aliens. On Feb. 19. 2019, he was ordered to serve 40 months of imprisonment and three years of federal supervised release. He was transferred to a halfway house Sept. 1, 2021, to complete the sentence.  

Upon being transported to the halfway house in Corpus Christ, Cruz absconded by walking away from the facility without permission and did not return. Authorities located him Dec. 22.

U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos will impose sentencing June 8. At that time, Cruz faces up to five more years in federal prison.

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

U.S. Marshals Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Marck is prosecuting the case.

McALLEN, Texas – A 48-year-old Sullivan City man has admitted to threatening to cancel a contract if he did not receive increased monetary payments, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Oscar Salinas aka “Coach” pleaded guilty today.

As part of the plea, Salinas admitted he had an agreement with Jacinto Garza, CEO of L&G Engineering. Salinas was to receive payments through his company from L&G.

Further, La Joya Independent School District (LJISD) had an insurance contract with Ruth Villareal Insurance. Salinas learned Garza was politically supporting Everardo Villarreal, a candidate for Hidalgo County commissioner and Ruth Villareal’s husband.

Salinas threatened to terminate the contract with Ruth Villarreal Insurance if the agreement with Garza was not re-negotiated for additional monetary payments. Garza eventually terminated the payment arrangement with Salinas.

Salinas subsequently cast a vote to terminate LJISD’s contract with Ruth Villarreal Insurance.  

U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez accepted the plea and set sentencing for June 16. At that time, Salinas faces up to 20 years in federal prison.

He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Department of Agriculture, Texas Department of Insurance and McAllen Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Roberto Lopez Jr. is prosecuting the case.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 44-year-old Corpus Christi resident has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm as a felon and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Joe Adam Ramirez aka Lucky admitted that on Sept. 4, 2020, he was in possession of drugs and a gun.

Ramirez was a known fugitive. However, authorities were able to locate him at a hotel in Corpus Christi. They conducted surveillance and observed him exit the hotel, enter the passenger side of a truck and depart the location. Law enforcement performed a traffic stop, at which time Ramirez attempted to flee on foot, but he tripped and fell.  

At the time of the arrest, authorities discovered a loaded 9mm Taurus pistol, several bags of meth, Xanax and other prescription pills.

Ramirez knew he was aware of being a convicted felon and was not allowed to own a firearm. He said he ran because he did not want to go back to prison.

Ramirez has five prior felony convictions involving burglary of a vehicle, burglary of a habitation, theft from a person, aggravated robbery and possession of controlled substance. As such, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition at any time.

U.S. District Judge Nelva Ramos will impose sentencing June 8. At that time, Ramirez faces at least 15 years and up to life in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. He also faces faces a five-year mandatory consecutive jail term for possessing the firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Marshals Service conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Corpus Christi Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Marin and John Marck are prosecuting the case.

HOUSTON – A woman is headed to prison for falsely preparing tax returns following a prior order not to engage in that business, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Marcia Angella Johnson pleaded guilty Sept. 7, 2021.

Today, U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks Jr. sentenced her to a total of 15 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by one year of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional testimony that described how Johnson received probationary sentences in her three prior state criminal cases and yet continued to commit crimes. The court also heard testimony about Johnson’s 2011 case, which the United States elected to pursue civilly instead of criminally and which involved her submission of over 200 tax returns with a loss the government of over $1 million. In that case, a stipulated preliminary injunction and default judgment were issued against Johnson barring her from preparing tax returns. The tax credits she tried to obtain in that case were described in a filing as “so exaggerated that no reasonable person could conclude they were anything but deliberately fabricated.”    

At the time of her plea, Johnson admitted that since 2016, she had been preparing income tax returns for clients even though she had been prohibited from doing so. During this time, she prepared numerous false returns which claimed various false items on her clients’ behalf. These included false wages, salaries, tips and tax credits such as earned income credit, child tax credits and American opportunity credits.

As a result of her criminal acts, the United States suffered a loss of at least $54,545 in tax revenue, which Johnson was ordered to pay back as part of her sentence. Johnson herself admitted to pocketing between $13,000 and $15,000 after preparing tax returns each year from 2016 through 2019.

Johnson previously admitted to preparing or assisting to prepare approximately 200 false tax returns. In 2011, the court banned her from conducting a tax preparation business.

She 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 conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Laurence Goldman prosecuted the case.

GALVESTON, Texas – A 25-year-old local resident has been ordered to federal prison following his convictions of receipt and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Joshua Allen Kasper pleaded guilty Aug. 10, 2021.

Today, U.S. District Judge Jeffrey V. Brown ordered him to serve a total of 78 months in federal prison. Kasper was further ordered to pay $13,500 in restitution to the 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. Kasper will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.

In 2016, law enforcement learned of a Dropbox account that contained what was suspected to be child exploitation material. The investigation revealed that the account, which belonged to Kasper, was comprised of multiple folders that contained hundreds of images and videos meeting the federal definition of child pornography.

Authorities traced the account to an IP address registered to a residential address in Santa Fe. Kasper was living there.

Law enforcement executed a search warrant in August 2018 and seized Kasper’s cell phone, which was found to contain five photos and four images of child pornography. Several months prior to the search, Kasper had received the videos over the Kik messenger application on his phone.

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

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

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sherri Zack and Stephanie Bauman 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 PSC, please visit DOJ’s PSC page. For more information about internet safety education, please visit the resources tab on that page.

HOUSTON – A 45-year-old Colorado man has been charged with 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 was originally charged by criminal complaint. Today, the grand jury returned the indictment. He is is expected to appear for an arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew Edison in the near future.

The complaint alleges 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, according to the charges. The victim allegedly refused. In retaliation, according to the complaint, he then sent sexually explicit images of the victim to her place of employment and several of her friends. He took over her Facebook account and used it to send the images and other messages to her contacts, according to the charges. He also allegedly posted a sexually-explicit video of the victim to a well-known adult pornography site.

In distress, the victim contacted authorities.

If convicted, Cano faces up to five years in federal prison and a 250,000 maximum possible fine.  

Cano made his initial appearance Feb. 22, following the filing of the complaint. At that time, he was ordered to remain in custody pending further criminal proceedings.

The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of and Matagorda County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherri L. Zack 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 – Two men have pleaded guilty to kidnapping and holding victims for ransom for three days, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.   

Jesus Ochoa, 26, Laredo, pleaded guilty today, while Luis Armando Garcia, 29, a Mexican citizen illegally residing in Laredo, admitted his role in the scheme Monday, Feb. 28.

On Nov. 19, 2020, Ochoa and Garcia went to the banks of the Rio Grande in Laredo. There, they encountered a group of individuals who had just crossed the river and offered them a ride to San Antonio in exchange for payment.

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

For three days, Ocho and Garcia held the group hostage at the residence, threatening each person with a firearm. They repeatedly forced them to call family members and beg for ransom money. Held at gunpoint, the victims had to record videos and voice messages, make video calls and send text messages to family. On several occasions, Ochoa and Garcia spoke to the family members directly, telling them if payment was not made, something would happen to the hostages. 

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

Ochoa and Garcia saw law enforcement in the area and panicked. They 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 later.

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

U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo accepted the plea and will set sentencing at a later date. At that time, Ochoa and Garcia face up to life in prison.

They have been and will remain in custody pending that hearing. 

Homeland Security Investigations and Laredo Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Makens is prosecuting the case.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 34-year-old Mexican national has been ordered to federal prison following his convictions of illegal re-entry and felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Gabriel Rangel-Castro pleaded guilty Nov. 22, 2021.

Today, U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos ordered Rangel-Castro to serve 57 seven months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, the court noted he had prior convictions for possession of a controlled substance, assault causing bodily injury on a family member and three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. In handing down the sentence, Judge Ramos cited his multiple convictions, each involving the use of a firearm while unlawfully present in the United States. Judge Ramos also referenced the extensive number of times Rangel-Castro has been removed from the United States.  

On Sep. 20, 2021, law enforcement observed Rangel-Castro wearing a tactical fanny pack and carrying a knife while walking through a bush near Falfurrias. Authorities approached Rangel-Castro, at which time they found an HS Produkt Springfield Armory USA Pistol and nine rounds of .40 caliber ammunition in a magazine.

Rangel-Castro was twice previously removed from the United States as recently as June 2021. Due to his citizenship status and criminal record, Rangel-Castro is prohibited by federal law of possessing any firearm or ammunition.

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

U.S. Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney J. Parker Gochenour prosecuted the case.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 32-year-old McAllen resident has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of conspiring with the intent to distribute more than seven kilograms of meth, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Alberto Velasquez pleaded guilty Nov. 29, 2021.

Today, U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos ordered Velasquez to serve 180 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by 10 years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Velasquez had been previously convicted of conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute more than 105 kilograms of marijuana in 2009.

The conspiracy began in June 2020. Velasquez had purchased a Honda CRV and modified the vehicle by constructing a hidden compartment behind the front license plate to conceal the presence of narcotics. He and his co-conspirators later traveled to Mexico and loaded the vehicle with multiple kilograms of pure meth before importing it into the United States through the checkpoint located in Falfurrias.

However, in August 2020, a service canine alerted to Velasquez’s vehicle and authorities discovered more than seven kilograms of pure meth concealed within the hidden compartment.

Velasquez 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 assistance of BP. Assistant U.S. Attorney Roland Swanson prosecuted the case.  

Roland Swanson prosecuted the case.  

LAREDO, Texas – A 44-year-old Channelview resident has been convicted of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Juan Jose Grande-Rivas pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge today.

The investigation began after authorities identified a refrigerated trailer carrying narcotics that had been taken to a local trucking yard. Grande-Rivas later arrived at the location, hitched up the trailer and departed. Law enforcement maintained constant surveillance throughout Texas, Oklahoma and into a residential neighborhood in Kansas City, Kansas. There, he parked the trailer at an empty lot and left.

Law enforcement took him into custody a few miles away. At the time of his arrest, he was in possession of $30,000. He admitted he knew there were drugs in the trailer.  

Upon searching the vehicle, authorities ultimately uncovered approximately 703 kilograms of meth within the foam insulation of the trailer.  

A sentencing date will be set at a later date. At that time, Grande-Rivas faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison.  

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

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection and Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney José Angel Moreno prosecuted the case.

HOUSTON – A total of  50 people are now in custody following one of the largest major law enforcement operations in South Texas in recent years, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery along with Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The crimes allegedly involve drug trafficking and related activities in the Houston and Galveston areas.

“I commend this multi-agency effort involving law enforcement agencies throughout the State of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama,” said Lowery. “Their diligent efforts further our common goal of dismantling whom we believe are drug trafficking organizations by targeting their leadership and soldiers as well as intercepting narcotics and suspected ill-gotten financial gains.”

During the coordinated law enforcement effort that spanned multiple jurisdictions and states, authorities took a total of 50 people into custody. The charges remain sealed as to those charged but not as yet in custody. They are considered fugitives and warrants remain outstanding for their arrests. 

“This collaborative effort involving multiple law enforcement agencies both locally and nationally shows our mission is unified in apprehending those that allegedly bring drugs, crime and unrest to our communities,” said Comeaux.

Those arrested in the Houston area are expected to make initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina A. Bryan in Houston beginning at 2 p.m. today.  

The charges allege the crimes occurred between Dec. 10, 2020, and Dec. 15, 2021.

The indictment, returned Feb. 10, alleges the individuals engaged in a variety of fentanyl, cocaine, meth, heroin and marijuana transactions. Some also allegedly conspired to commit money laundering and illegally transferred or transported money from the United States to Mexico to promote the illicit drug smuggling activities.

Authorities have seized more than 150 kilograms of cocaine, over 140 kilograms of meth, approximately six and 18 kilograms of heroin and fentanyl, respectively, as well more than 500 kilograms of marijuana, according to the charges.  

During the operation yesterday, law enforcement also found over 100 kilograms combined of suspected cocaine, fentanyl and marijuana in addition to 39 firearms.

If convicted, some could face up to life In federal prison and pay hundreds of thousands in fines.

The arrests are the culmination of 14-month Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation (OCDETF) dubbed Operation Twisted Tea. 

The DEA, U.S Marshals Service, police departments in Galveston, Houston and Pasadena conducted the OCDETF operation with the assistance of the Baytown Police Department; sheriffs’ offices in Harris, Fort Bend, Chambers, Refugio and Victoria counties; and Harris County Precinct 2 Constable’s Office.

OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine Lu, Sherin Daniel and Leo J. Leo III 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 ranking member of one of the most serious transnational organized criminal organizations has been sentenced to prison for his role in distributing kilogram quantities of cocaine from Colombia, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.  

Joaquin Guillermo David-Usuga aka Guillermo, 43, Colombia, pleaded guilty in October 2021 to international cocaine distribution.

Today, U.S. District Judge Gray Miller ordered him to serve 10 years in federal prison.

The court found that David-Usuga distributed 20 kilograms of cocaine on behalf of commanding members of the Clan Del Golfo knowing it would be unlawfully imported into the United States. In handing down the sentence, Judge Miller also found David-Usuga was a supervisor and manager of the cocaine importation scheme.

A federal grand jury returned an indictment against David-Usuga and Jose Alfredo-Valencia, 44, and Jhony Fidel Cuello-Petro aka Mocho, 46, in August 2018. Colombian authorities took the three into custody at the request of the United States in November 2018. Each was subsequently extradited to the United States in December 2019.

Valencia and Cuello-Petro were previously sentenced to 31 months and 28 months imprisonment, respectively, in November 2021.

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

The Department of Justice designated Clan Del Golfo as one of the most serious transnational organized criminal organizations that threatens the United States.

The FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration led the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation dubbed “Operation Macondo.”

The operation is part of an OCDETF Strike Force Initiative which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs and transnational criminal organizations.

The specific mission of the Houston Strike Force is to disrupt and dismantle the drug trafficking organizations that designated Consolidated Priority Organization or Regional Priority Organization Targets head with their affiliates that impact Houston and south Texas. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.

The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs was responsible for securing the extraditions in this case. The Justice Department also extends its gratitude to the government of Colombia and the Colombian police and military for its cooperation and assistance.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Casey N. MacDonald and Anibal Alaniz  prosecuted the case.

McALLEN, Texas – A 36-year-old Rio Grande City man has been ordered to federal prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine and bulk cash smuggling, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Oziel J. Rodriguez pleaded guilty Nov. 15, 2021.

Today, U.S. District Judge Randy Crane ordered Oziel J. Rodriguez to serve a total 180-month sentence to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard evidence Rodriguez was involved in recruiting at least three other individuals to participate in a drug trafficking organization. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the extensive nature of the drug trafficking organization and Rodriguez’s leadership role in it.  

Rodriguez utilized the three individuals to transport at least 30 kilograms of cocaine from Sept. 20, 2019, through June 7, 2020, from the Rio Grande Valley through the checkpoints in South Texas. Evidence gathered during the investigation also revealed that recruited individuals made approximately 50 other trips for the purpose of transporting controlled substances.

In addition to transporting narcotics, Rodriguez also facilitated and coordinated the transportation of drug proceeds to the Rio Grande Valley from northern cities in the United States and the delivery of proceeds to Mexico. On June 7, 2020, law enforcement seized approximately $265,000 of drug proceeds in Jim Wells county. In addition, they later seized $838,481 in drug proceeds from Rodriguez as he attempted to smuggle the proceeds to Mexico.

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

The FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Jim Wells County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Roberto Lopez Jr. is prosecuting the case.

The plea is a result of Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation dubbed Operation Bacon’s Law. 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.

HOUSTON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office will conduct a compliance review of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) to evaluate accessibility for disabled individuals planning to attend the event, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

The collaborative review stems from complaints the HLSR violated the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). The allegations include failing to provide accessible parking, accessible seating and accessible routes. The review will be conducted under Title III of the ADA which prohibits private places of public accommodation to discriminate against individuals with disabilities. It will take place over a three-day period during the week of March 7. An accessibility expert will conduct the compliance review, along with representatives from the US Attorney’s Office (USAO) and the HLSR. 

Since its beginning in 1932, the HLSR’s website states it has committed more than $550 million to Texas youth and education, including $27 million to scholarships, junior show exhibitors, educational program grants and graduate assistantships. It reports to be one of the largest scholarship providers in the country.

The HLSR also reports that in 2019, it generated a total economic impact of $227 million and total economic activity of $391 million in Greater Houston. Over 2.5 million people attended the Houston Rodeo in 2019. 

This year, the HLSR will run from Feb. 28-March 20.

The USAO for the Southern District of Texas is committed to vigorously enforcing the ADA and welcomes public comments or complaints. To file a comment or complaint, or to learn more about the ADA, individuals can contact the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Texas at (713) 567-9140 or via email.

Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Elizabeth Karpati and Executive AUSA Keith Wyatt are handling the matter.  

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 59-year-old local resident has been ordered to serve the rest of his life in federal prison following convictions for several child exploitation offenses including foreign travel to engage in illicit sexual conduct with three minors, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

A federal jury convicted Edward Sanchez July 26, 2021, following a week-long trial and approximately 10 hours of deliberation.

Today, U.S. Nelva Gonzales Ramos handed Sanchez life sentence. Sanchez will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. At the hearing, the court heard evidence of his attempts to solicit and coerce additional schoolmates of the victims as well as testimony from a mental health professional regarding the effects of his actions. In imposing the sentence, Judge Ramos noted Sanchez’s complete lack of remorse for his actions.

At trial, evidence showed Sanchez had traveled to the Philippines where he posed as a benefactor to a school. However, he ultimately sought sexual relationships with students. The jury heard from three minor victims who testified about his activities, which included requests for pornographic images. These were later used to extort the children into meeting for sexual encounters, some unprotected, in the Philippines. Sanchez often provided victims with “morning after pills” to prevent conception.

The jury also heard about and viewed social media messages detailing Sanchez’s attempts to arrange access to the child victim’s family members to another adult male for sex. During their deliberations, the jury poured through thousands of pages of social media messages detailing his exploitation of the victims.

The defense attempted to convince the jury his conduct was lawful by Filipino standards and that United States laws were racist. The jury did not believe those claims, ultimately finding Sanchez had sexually exploited three minor children between March 5, 2016, and Nov. 21, 2018, in the Philippines and while in the United States using social media.   

Sanchez has been and 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 along with the Corpus Christi Police Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittany L. Jensen and Dennis Robinson 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. 

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 24-year-old Alamo woman has pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute more than 70 kilograms of highly pure meth, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

On Nov. 1, 2021, Jacqueline Garcia was driving a silver SUV northbound on Highway 281 near Alice. Authorities conducted a traffic stop for an unsafe lane change. At that time, a service canine alerted to the rear of the SUV.

A thorough inspection revealed the vehicle’s gas tank to be abnormally solid. Upon examining the contents, law enforcement discovered nine concealed bundles of crystal meth.

Laboratory analysis later confirmed the substance to be meth at 98 percent purity. The drugs totaled more than 175 pounds with an estimated street value of more than $2 million.

At a hearing today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jason B. Libby, Garcia admitted she was knowingly transporting the narcotics to Dallas and expected to be paid upon delivery.

U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos will impose sentencing June 8. At that time, Garcia faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison as well as a maximum possible $10 million fine.

Garcia has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Marck is prosecuting the case.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 51-year-old Corpus Christi resident has been ordered to federal prison after selling large amounts of meth from a Corpus Christi residence, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Franklin Herbert Odell pleaded guilty Oct. 5, 2021, to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute meth.

Today, U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton ordered him to serve a 125-month term of imprisonment to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Odell’s multiple drug trafficking convictions.  

The investigation began following reports of drug distribution in the area of Winnipeg Drive in Corpus Christi. This ultimately led to the execution of a search warrant at Odell’s residence in February.  At that time, authorities discovered him in his bathroom flushing a bag of suspected meth down the toilet. They were able to recover over 300 grams of pure meth from the residence along with other narcotics.

Odell 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. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joel Dunn prosecuted the case.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 21-year-old Hidalgo County man has pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute 4.5 kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Today, Matthew Ethan Joseph Castillo admitted he knowingly attempted to smuggle the narcotics past a U.S. Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint.

On Sept. 29, 2021, Castillo was traveling on a Tornado commercial passenger bus that entered the primary inspection area of the checkpoint near Falfurrias. There, a service canine alerted to a specific piece of luggage in the lower compartment of the bus. Authorities identified Castillo as the owner.

They searched the item and found two wooden tortilla presses, each containing two bundles of cocaine. They had been individually wrapped in carbon paper and coffee and sealed in plastic. 

The drugs had an estimated street value of more than $300,000.

Sentencing has been set for May 31 before U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos. At that time, Castillo faces a minimum of five and up to 40 years in prison as well as a maximum $5 million possible fine.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of BP. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Marck is prosecuting the case.

HOUSTON - A 63-year-old Sugar Land resident has been ordered to federal prison following his convictions related to a mail and wire fraud conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

U.S. District Judge Charles Eskridge convicted Maxwell Chibueze Ezenwa on all 15 counts as charged Nov. 9, 2021, following a six-day bench trial. He was convicted of conspiracy to commit and eight counts of wire fraud affecting financial institutions as well as conspiracy to commit mail fraud and five counts of mail fraud.

Today, Judge Eskridge imposed a 78-month term of imprisonment for the two conspiracies and underlying fraud convictions to be served concurrently. He must also serve three years of supervised release following the sentences. At the hearing, the court heard Ezenwa had been convicted of bank fraud in 2000 and how the his actions have affected the victims in this case. In handing down the prison term, Judge Eskridge noted Ezenwa’s recidivist conduct and complete lack of remorse for his bad acts.

During the trial, Judge Eskridge heard testimony from seven civilian witnesses whom Ezenwa and co-conspirators had victimized. Four financial institution representatives testified to show how their the fraud affected their businesses. They described how Ezenwa’s various bank accounts were constantly flagged for suspicious transactions and how all his accounts were ultimately closed for fraud.

Law enforcement provided further details, describing their investigation and other evidence collected and analyzed, such as a voluminous number of records and data from multiple cellular phone extractions. They also detailed the interviews of dozens of witnesses.

Two co-conspirators and a federal detention center inmate also told the court about their roles in the conspiracy and knowledge of the fraud scheme.

Ezenwa attempted to convince the court he did not know he was engaged in criminal or fraudulent activity. However, Judge Eskridge heard Ezenwa was actually on bond in state court for the wire fraud activity when he engaged in the subsequent mail fraud.

The court found Ezenwa was involved in two fraud schemes that occurred from 2013 to 2014 and from 2018 to 2019.

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

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office and Clark County Sheriff’s Office in Washington. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine Lu and Sherin Daniel prosecuted the case.

McALLEN, Texas - A 41-year-old primary care doctor has paid $504,588.40 to resolve allegations that he billed for excessive ultrasounds, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery. 

Dr. Jose Escandon operates in Mission. From Aug. 1, 2014, to Oct. 31, 2018, Escandon violated the False Claims Act by causing the submission of claims to Medicare for ultrasounds that were medically unnecessary or unreasonable. 

This investigation arose out of a proactive review of claims data showing Escandon was a significant statistical outlier for ultrasound claims. 

As part of the settlement, Escandon and Dr. Jose A. Escandon dba Escandon Diagnostic Clinic agreed to a three-year integrity agreement with Department of Health and Human Services – Office of Inspector General (DHHS-OIG).

The agreement promotes compliance with the Medicare statutes, program requirements and written directives and all other federal health care programs. Among other obligations, Escandon and the clinic must establish and maintain a compliance program and engage an independent organization to perform quarterly claims reviews. The agreement also requires Escandon and the clinic to routinely report on these obligations to DHHS-OIG.

The USAO jointly conducted the investigation with DHHS-OIG. 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.

HOUSTON – A federal grand jury has returned an indictment against the man accused of shooting three Houston police officers as well as several unrelated cases involving unlawful possession of firearms with “Glock switches” or other violations, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery along with Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Chief Troy Finner of the Houston Police Department (HPD), Sheriff Ed Gonzalez of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and U.S. Marshal Michael O’Conner of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS).

Full auto switches, or machine guns, are most commonly referred to as “Glock switches.

Five of those charged are set to make their initial appearances today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina A. Bryan at 2 pm.

Roland Caballero, 31, Houston, is currently in state custody on related charges and will make an appearance in Houston federal court at a later date. He is charged federally with carjacking, discharge of firearm during a crime of violence, possession of a machine gun and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

“The charges announced today are a sobering reminder of the dangers faced everyday by law enforcement officers around this country,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “The defendant allegedly shot and wounded three HPD officers with a pistol that was converted into a machine gun. The Department of Justice is focused on taking violent criminals off the street and doing so by working side by side with our state and local law enforcement partners.”

The charges against Caballero allege he was in an altercation with his girlfriend which resulted in a 911 call Jan. 27. Authorities responded, but he fled, according to the criminal complaint originally filed in the case. They pursued. According to the charges, Caballero eventually crashed his vehicle, at which time he shot at and wounded three HPD officers using a pistol modified with a full auto switch.

Caballero then fled the scene on foot and carjacked a nearby vehicle, according to the complaint. However, the charges allege law enforcement located him and a stand-off ensued. He, again, allegedly discharged a firearm at authorities, after which he ultimately surrendered.

The indictment further alleges search warrants conducted at his residence resulted in the discovery of several firearms, ammunition, machine gun components and 3-D printers.

In addition to the charges against Caballero, federal grand jury returned indictments Feb. 16 against 19 individuals for unlawful possession of an unregistered machine gun, possession of a machine gun or being a felon in possession of a firearm. [Detailed listing attached.]

Those charges resulted from various traffic stops or responding to scenes, during which authorities discovered the unlawful firearms; through undercover investigations; or as a result of other proactive enforcement efforts.    

If convicted of unlawful possession of an unregistered machine gun, possession of a machine gun, or felon in possession face up to 10 years in federal prison. Caballero faces a minimum of 30 years up to life in prison if convicted of carjacking with the use of a machine gun. All charges also carry a possible $250,000 maximum fine, upon conviction.

ATF, HPD, HCSO and USMS conducted the Caballero investigation as well as all or some of the other matters with assistance of Galveston Police Department, Harris County Precinct 2 Constables Office, Texas Department of Public Safety and Brazos County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys in the violent crimes section are prosecuting the cases.

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

A federal grand jury has returned an indictment against the man accused of shooting three Houston police officers as well as several unrelated cases involving unlawful possession of firearms with “Glock switches” or other violations, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery along with Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Chief Troy Finner of the Houston Police Department (HPD), Sheriff Ed Gonzalez of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) and U.S. Marshal Michael O’Conner of the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS).

“The charges announced today are a sobering reminder of the dangers faced everyday by law enforcement officers around this country,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “The defendant allegedly shot and wounded three HPD officers with a pistol that was converted into a machine gun. The Department of Justice is focused on taking violent criminals off the street and doing so by working side by side with our state and local law enforcement partners.”

Full auto switches, or machine guns, are most commonly referred to as “Glock switches.”

Roland Caballero, 31, of Houston, is currently in state custody on related charges and will make an appearance in Houston federal court at a later date. He is charged federally with carjacking, discharge of firearm during a crime of violence, possession of a machine gun and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The charges against Caballero allege he was in an altercation with his girlfriend which resulted in a 911 call on Jan. 27. Authorities responded, but he fled, according to the criminal complaint originally filed in the case, and officers pursued. According to the charges, Caballero eventually crashed his vehicle, at which time he shot at and wounded three HPD officers using a pistol modified with a full auto switch.

Caballero then fled the scene on foot and carjacked a nearby vehicle, according to the complaint. However, the charges allege law enforcement located him and a stand-off ensued. He, again, allegedly discharged a firearm at authorities, after which he ultimately surrendered.

The indictment further alleges search warrants conducted at his residence resulted in the discovery of several firearms, ammunition, machine gun components and 3D printers.

In addition to the charges against Caballero, federal grand jury returned indictments on Feb. 16 against 19 individuals for unlawful possession of an unregistered machine gun, possession of a machine gun or being a felon in possession of a firearm. Five of those charged were set to make their initial appearances today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina A. Bryan at 2:00 p.m. EST.

Those charges resulted from various traffic stops or responding to scenes, during which authorities discovered the unlawful firearms; through undercover investigations; or as a result of other proactive enforcement efforts.    

If convicted of unlawful possession of an unregistered machine gun, possession of a machine gun, or felon in possession Caballero faces up to 10 years in federal prison. Caballero faces a minimum of 30 years up to life in prison if convicted of carjacking with the use of a machine gun. All charges also carry a possible $250,000 maximum fine, upon conviction.

ATF, HPD, HCSO and USMS conducted the Caballero investigation as well as all or some of the other matters with assistance of Galveston Police Department, Harris County Precinct 2 Constables Office, Texas Department of Public Safety and Brazos County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys for the Southern District of Texas in the violent crimes section are prosecuting the cases.

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

HOUSTON – A 39-year-old Cuban citizen has entered a guilty plea for illegally breaching federal security and gaining entry to the FBI building in Houston, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Nestor Mariano Vidal Batista pleaded guilty to willfully injuring or committing any depredation.

On June 23, 2021, Batista stole a Dodge Ram 2500 pick-up truck shortly before attempting to lodge an in-person complaint at the FBI office in Houston. Upon his arrival, security referred him to local authorities.

Batista then re-entered the truck, circled the area and tried to force entry. He sped forward and crashed the truck into the front security gates of the FBI building. Shortly thereafter, he was able to exit the truck and enter the visiting area in the lobby. Authorities then subdued him and took him into custody.

As a result of his actions, he caused $10,062.61 in damages.

Sentencing has been set for May 20 before U.S. District Judge David Hittner. At that time, Batista faces up to 10 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

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

The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Porto is prosecuting the case.

HOUSTON – Six Houston individuals have been indicted for their participation in a multi-state scheme involving mortgage fraud, credit repair and government loan fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery. Authorities are seeking two others.

Leslie and ShyAnne Edrington, 65 and 29, respectively, are set for a detention hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan today at 11 a.m. Authorities also arrested Melinda Moreno Munoz, 40, and Elvina Buckley, 67, Friday, Feb. 18, after which they made their initial appearances in federal court.   

Two others - Heather Ann Campos, 43, and David Lewis Best Jr., 58, also of Houston, are considered fugitives, and warrants remain outstanding for their arrest. Anyone with information about their whereabouts is asked to contact the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at 281-512-8525.

The 25-count indictment, returned Feb. 16, alleges all six participated in a multi-layered fraud scheme to defraud mortgage lending businesses, banks, Small Business Administration (SBA) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC). 

They allegedly recruited clients for credit repair using company names of KMD Credit, KMD Capital and Jeff Funding, among others. The indictment alleges they “cleaned” their clients’ credit histories by filing false identity theft reports with the FTC. 

Campos was a mortgage broker and Buckley a realtor, while operating as a notary was the responsibility of Munoz, according to the charges. After fraudulently inflating client credit worthiness, the six individuals allegedly capitalized on the experience of Campos, Buckley and Munoz to fraudulently obtain credit cards, disaster loans and mortgages for themselves and their clients. The indictment alleges they were able to accomplish this through false statements and fake documents. 

They maintained control of the properties purchased in their clients’ names, according to the charges. The purpose, the indictment alleges, was for the purpose of building a real estate portfolio worth millions of dollars and enriching themselves with rental income.  

If convicted, all face up to 30 years in federal prison and a possible $1 million maximum fine.  

The Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General (OIG), U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Housing and Urban Development – OIG and SBA – OIG with the assistance of the FTC – OIG and IRS - Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kate Suh and Jay Hileman are prosecuting the case.

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

LAREDO, Texas – A 34-year-old Mexican man has been charged with bulk cash smuggling, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

A federal grand jury has returned an indictment against Feliciano Quintanar-Hernandez, 34, for smuggling $195,731 into Mexico.

Originally charged by criminal complaint, he made his first appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher dos Santos Jan. 31, at which time he was ordered into custody pending further criminal proceedings. He is expected to appear for his initial appearance on the indictment in the near future.

On Jan. 29, Quintanar attempted to exit the United States through the Juarez-Lincoln Port of Entry in Laredo as a solo driver in a pickup truck, according to the charges. There, he allegedly gave a negative declaration for possessing currency over $10,000.

The charges allege law enforcement inspected the pickup truck where they found a total of $195,731 hidden in the bed and center consol.

As a non-immigrant Visa holder, he is allegedly in violation of the terms of his Visa.

If convicted, Quintanar faces up to five years in prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Isaac 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 – Anahuac Transport Inc. has pleaded guilty to fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Corporate representatives Gary Monteau and Brant Charpiot admitted their guilt today on behalf of the company. Monteau, Charpiot and Anahuac have entered voluntary exclusions with the United States in which each agrees to be banned from federal government contracting for two years. As part of their plea, Anahuac also agreed to forfeit $251,401, which constitutes gross proceeds traceable to the commission of the offense. The court entered a money judgement against Anahuac in that amount. 

Anahuac admitted to falsifying its records and delivering potentially tainted rocket fuel for NASA and Department of Defense (DOD) rocket launches.    

NASA and DOD entered into contracts with various companies, including Space Explorations Technologies Corp. (SpaceX), to launch rockets with supplies for the International Space Station and with military payloads. 

These companies procured fuel for the rocket launches and contracted for transportation of the fuel to the launch sites. Anahuac was in the business of hauling chemicals in tanker trailers. From approximately 2012 through 2020, NASA and DOD subcontracted Anahuac to transport the rocket fuel.

To prevent contamination, Anahuac was required to ensure the tanker trailer they used did not previously contain certain chemicals that may have adverse reactions with the fuel. However, Anahuac intentionally falsified its documents, claiming it had not previously hauled incompatible chemicals with its tanker trailers. In fact, it had.

Anahuac transported the rocket fuel with its contaminated trailers. As a result, NASA used the fuel for rocket launches.

U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett accepted the plea and set sentencing for May 12. At that time, Anahuac could also be ordered to pay a possible $500,000 fine and serve up to five years of probation.

NASA - Office of Inspector General (OIG) and DOD – OIG conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Johnson is prosecuting the case.

McALLEN, Texas – A local tax preparer is set to make her initial appearance in federal court on charges of filing false tax returns on behalf of taxpayers, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

A federal grand jury sitting in Brownsville returned a nine-count indictment Feb. 15, against Linda Lopez. .

Lopez is expected to appear at 9 today before U.S. Magistrate Judge J. Scott Hacker.

Lopez was the owner and operator of Premier Tax Solutions in Mission, according to the indictment. The charges allege she submitted to the IRS false and fraudulent Form 1040 tax returns and accompanying Form 2106, Form 2106-EZ, Schedule A and/or Form 5695 for tax years 2015 and 2016.

Lopez allegedly included Form 2106/2106-EZ and Schedule A which claimed false or inflated unreimbursed employee business expenses. False or inflated residential energy credits were on Form 5695, according to the charges.  

The indictment alleges these falsities resulted in the filing of tax returns to the IRS claiming refunds due to the taxpayers they otherwise were not entitled to receive.

If convicted, Lopez faces up to three years in prison and a possible $100,000 maximum fine for each count of conviction. 

IRS-Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew Swartz and Asha Natarajan prosecuted the case.

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

LAREDO, Texas – A 44-year-old non-U.S. citizen illegally residing in Laredo has been charged with assaulting a Border Patrol (BP) agent and unlawfully transporting illegal citizens within the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Authorities arrested Mexican citizen Ever Gordillo-Cardenas Jan. 30.

Originally charged by criminal complaint, he made his first appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christopher dos Santos Jan. 31, at which time he was ordered into custody pending further criminal proceedings. Gordillo-Cardenas is expected to appear for arraignment on the indictment in the near future.

According to the charges, law enforcement responded to a report of a group of people walking through the brush near La Moca Ranch Jan. 29. At that time, they apprehended three non-citizens while Gordillo-Cardenas allegedly attempted to flee.

A BP agent pursued him, but Gordillo-Cardenas ignored commands to stop, according to the criminal complaint. The agent allegedly drew his taser, and Gordillo-Cardenas went to his knees. However, the charges allege Gordillo-Cardenas threw dirt in his eyes and fled again.

When the agent caught up to the him, Gordillo-Cardenas allegedly reached for the agent’s duty belt and attempted to strike him with his fist.

If convicted, Gordillo-Cardenas faces up to 20 years in prison.

The FBI and BP conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Fawcett prosecuted 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

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 60-year-old man has been ordered to prison following his convictions of conspiracy to distribute more than five grams of meth and possession with intent to distribute 27 grams of meth, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

The jury deliberated for approximately three hours following a two-day trial before returning a guilty verdict Nov. 23, 2021, on both counts against Ronald Flirt.

Today, U.S. District Judge David Morales sentenced him to a total of 92 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by four years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that detailed the Flirt’s criminal history including violent acts and previous convictions for possession of controlled substances with intent to deliver. The court also heard how Flirt violated the terms of his pre-trial supervision prior to being convicted.

On Nov. 17, 2020, authorities were surveilling a known drug stash house when they witnessed Flirt stop at the location. A Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent testified at trial, describing how someone had exited Flirt’s vehicle, entered the stash house and returned to the truck.

Law enforcement then pulled Flirt over and found he had a total of 10 Ziplock bags of meth. They had a total street value of more than $4,000.

Further testimony revealed he tried to deceive authorities when the initially stopped him. However, jurors saw bodycam video in which law enforcement asked Flirt to show him his hands which demonstrated he had one finger missing as he attempted to hide a bag of meth.

The jury also heard that Flirt had a Santa Muerte statue to protect him from law enforcement.

Flirt took the stand and attempted to convince the jury the drugs were solely for personal use and that he intended to smoke an entire ounce of meth. They did not believe those claims and found him guilty as charged.

Flirt 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 DEA and police departments in Corpus Christi and Mathis conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Marin and John Marck prosecuted the case.

HOUSTON – A 37-year-old resident of Cypress remains in custody pending trial on charges of sexual exploitation of children, possession of child pornography and coercion and enticement, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery and acting FBI Special Agent in Charge Richard A. Collodi.

A federal grand jury has returned a six-count superseding indictment against Patrick Tran, charging him with production and possession of child pornography and coercion and enticement of multiple victims. He is set for his arraignment today at 2 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina A. Bryan.

The charges allege he used a fabricated online persona to entice hundreds of underage females for more than 10 years. He then coerced them to produce and transmit sexually-explicit videos of themselves, according to the allegations.

Authorities are seeking the public’s help in identifying potential underage victims. Law enforcement believes Tran may have asked numerous individuals under the age of 18 to produce such videos and/or engage in sexual conduct while online. Possible contact could have been with his alias – Reggie Smith – or through SnapChat with username Travis_Story20 or via Omegle, according to court records.

If you believe you are a victim or have any information regarding any such potential victims, please fill out the brief secure questionnaire available at www.fbi.gov/patricktran.

Tran was originally charged March 24, 2021, and soon taken into custody. At the time of the detention hearing, the court heard how the case came to the attention of law enforcement. A mother of one of the alleged victims allegedly found her 10-year-old daughter standing naked in front of her iPad. According to testimony, chat communications appeared to show Tran was coercing her daughter into engaging in sexually-explicit conduct.

The court also heard about approximately 4,000 video files containing webcam-based videos of young females engaging in sexually-explicit conduct, many of females under the age of 18. All are allegedly attributable to Tran.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew M. Edison found Tran to be a danger to the community and ordered Tran into custody pending further criminal proceedings.

If convicted, he faces up to life in prison.

The FBI is conducting the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly Leo and Luis Batarse 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 tab 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.

HOUSTON – A 41-year-old Pinehurst man has entered a guilty plea to distributing drugs that resulted in the serious bodily injury of another Montgomery County man, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Rhett Dwayne Farrell admitted he supplied fentanyl to the victim.

On Feb. 25, 2020, authorities responded to an individual who was passed out in his vehicle on Highway 249. He was unresponsive and emergency personnel administered NARCAN to revive him. He had overdosed on fentanyl. The investigation revealed he had purchased the drugs from Farrell.

U.S. Senior District Judge Sim Lake accepted the plea and set sentencing for May 26. At that time, Farrell faces a minimum of 20 years and up to life in federal prison as well as a possible $1 million maximum possible fine.

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

The Texas Department of Public Safety conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Montgomery County Narcotics Enforcement Team and police departments in Katy and Houston. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jimmy Leo is prosecuting the case.

HOUSTON – A 47-year-old local man has been ordered to prison for sexually exploiting children, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Adam Albert Sanchez pleaded guilty July 8, 2021, to production of child pornography.

Today, U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett sentenced Sanchez to serve 264 months in federal prison. In handing down the prison term, the court noted that the actions of Sanchez have altered the minor victim’s life forever. He added that it will impact all of her relationships going forward and how she raises her children if she ever decides to become a parent. Sanchez was further ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution to the victim and will serve 20 years on supervised release following completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.

In February 2020, authorities encountered minor female online as part of an unrelated investigation. Realizing her young age, law enforcement told her to report any inappropriate conduct she had experienced with any adults online to her parents and authorities. They were eventually able to locate the victim’s family and contacted them.

The investigation revealed Sanchez had picked her up near her home in Cypress and took her to a nearby hotel. At that location, he engaged in sexual intercourse with her and recorded it. 

When law enforcement examined the minor’s phone, they found images in a hidden album. The images were also located on Sanchez’s phone. They showed him engaging in oral sex with her along with other sexual acts. 

Sanchez learned authorities had visited the victim’s home and asked her to delete everything from her phone. Shortly thereafter, he attempted to take his own life and was admitted to a residential treatment facility.

Sanchez 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 conducted the investigation.

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.

McALLEN, Texas – A 26-year-old former leader at Science Production Products LLC (SPP) admitted he committed a felony relating to importing and selling misbranded drugs, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery. 

Robert Lance Schuffert, 28, Auburn, Alabama, entered a guilty plea to one count of importing, causing misbranding and distributing misbranded drugs for sale with the intent to mislead and defraud the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and consumers.

Schuffert admitted SPP smuggled Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs) into the United States, such as Ostarine from China. He also admitted the company caused SARMs to become misbranded drugs and sold them to workout supplement brick-and-mortar retailers throughout the United States. This included a retailer located in McAllen.

The FDA has warned against the use of SARMs like those found in SPP’s products. They issued a public safety alert in 2017, which advised consumers against ingesting workout supplement products containing SARMs. The FDA reported that these products were linked to life-threatening reactions, including liver toxicity and increased risk of heart attack and stroke. 

As part of his plea, Schuffert also admitted he intended to mislead and defraud the FDA and consumers. He knowingly smuggled mislabeled containers containing SARMs into the United States from China and used false and fraudulent certificates of analysis. He also utilized various consignee names, freight forwarders and private mailboxes to conceal SPP’s true identity and deceived authorities as to the true nature of the smuggled drugs.

U.S. District Judge Randy Crane will impose sentencing May 3. At that time, Schuffert faces up to three years in prison and a possible $10,000 maximum fine.   

Schuffert was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

The FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigation and FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Asha Natarajan and Andrew Swartz are prosecuting the case.

HOUSTON – A 27 year-old Katy resident and former football star at both Cinco Ranch High School and Rice University has been ordered to federal prison for distributing a deadly synthetic opioid, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Stuart Mouchantaf pleaded guilty Feb. 20, 2020. At that time, he admitted he distributed carfentanil to a former football star at Rice University with NFL aspirations which resulted in his death.

Today, U.S. District Judge Sim Lake ordered Mouchantaf to serve a total of 144 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard statements from the victim’s mother, sister and father. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the case was one of the more difficult cases he had heard. He added that the sentence was necessary to promote general deterrence from the crime and respect for the law as well as just punishment for the offense.

In March 2018, a Rice University student had failed to report to football practice. Authorities responded to 1900 block of Norfolk where they found the body. They pronounced him dead on the scene. The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences conducted an autopsy and determined the cause of death resulted from the toxic effects of carfentanil.

The investigation revealed Mouchantaf provided pills containing carfentanil to the victim which ultimately resulted in his death.  

Mouchantaf was a former football player and captain on the Rice football team. A Houston-area native, Mouchantaf had played football at Cinco Ranch High School before attending Rice.

Mouchantaf 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 Houston Police Department led this part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation as part of “Operation Be That Guy” with the assistance of U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Corley and Robert Stabe prosecuted the case.

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.

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 36-year-old Brownsville man has been ordered to prison for conspiracy to distribute 15 kilograms of meth, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Luis Alberto Gomez pleaded guilty Nov. 23, 2021.

Today, U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera ordered him to serve 108 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release.

On Jan. 27, 2021, authorities stopped Vanessa Lee Vasquez, Gomez’s girlfriend,

for a traffic violation. At that time, they searched her vehicle and found a secret compartment with 16 bundles of drugs. They contained 15.18 kilograms of meth with an approximate street value of $45,000.   

Additional law enforcement at the scene observed Gomez in a grey BMW pass by the traffic scene and turn around. They followed him to a residence in Brownsville, from where he quickly departed. He attempted to flee the United States via the Veteran’s Bridge into Mexico. There, law enforcement conducted a search of his vehicle and discovered a compartment containing meth.

The investigation revealed Gomez and Vasquez crossed the port of entry from Matamoros, Taumalipas, Mexico, the day prior within two minutes of each other.

At the time of his plea, Gomez admitted he and his girlfriend had gone to Mexico  to pick up the drugs. He said he saw law enforcement pull over his girlfriend, panicked and decided to flee to Mexico.

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

Vasquez was previously sentenced on Dec. 1, 2021, also to 108 months in prison.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Cameron County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elena Salinas prosecuted the case.

HOUSTON – A 41-year-old resident of Donaldsonville, Louisiana, has been ordered to prison for nearly 27 years following his convictions on drug and firearms charges, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery. 

A federal jury sitting in Houston convicted Travis Demois Wilson July 28, 2021, following a three-day trial for conspiracy to possess and possession of meth, carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Today, U.S. District Judge Ellison handed Wilson a 262-month term of imprisonment for the drug possession. He also received 60 months for the firearms charge which must be served consecutively to the other sentence imposed. The total 322-month prison term will be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard Wilson had a lengthy and varied criminal record stemming from 1999.

Judge Ellison commented on the disadvantages Wilson experienced in his life and that it was one of the more serious records he had ever contemplated. “However, the guidelines were the right metric for this defendant,” he said.

At trial, the jury heard Wilson drove from Louisiana to Houston to purchase meth and picked up a Sturm Ruger pistol that morning. Wilson used a contact to set up the drug deal from a Houston area pawn shop.

Further testimony showed that law enforcement had been monitoring the shop and had recordings of the calls setting up the deal. The jury heard about one in which Wilson’s voice can be heard confirming it was going to happen that day. Wilson planned to drive back that evening, but authorities were able to conduct a traffic stop, during which time they searched his vehicle and discovered the drugs and firearm in his personal bag.

Wilson attempted to convince the jury he was not in town to buy narcotics, and the meth belonged to someone else. The jury did not believe his claims and found him guilty as charged.

Wilson 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 and FBI and conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation with the assistance of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. 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 Celia Moyer and Richard Bennett prosecuted the case.

HOUSTON – A 56-year-old Houston resident has been ordered to federal prison for scheming to fraudulently sell 50 million non-existent N95 facemasks to the Australian government, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Arael Doolittle pleaded guilty July 27, 2021.

Today, U.S. District Judge Lynn N. Hughes ordered him to serve a 54-month sentence. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that Doolittle had stolen another person’s identity and forged their signature during the commission of the offense. In handing down the sentence, Judge Hughes noted even though there was no actual financial loss in this case, there are still costs associated with cases like this that victims of frauds suffer.

In early April 2020, Doolittle attempted to sell 50 million 3M N95 respirator masks to the government of Australia. However, he actually did not possess them.  

The Australian government was supposed to pay over $317 million for the masks, but authorities disrupted the transaction before it was completed.

Doolittle was also charged and convicted in a separate case for conspiracy to commit wire fraud. In that scheme, he solicited victims to invest in a petroleum trading company. However, Doolittle did not invest their money as promised. He actually used the funds to finance unrelated business and personal expenses. Doolittle defrauded the victims of this petroleum trading scheme out of a total of $1,935,613.95. He was previously ordered to serve a 54-month sentence.

The two sentences are ordered to be served consecutively, resulting in a total of 108 months in prison.

Doolittle 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 Secret Service conducted the investigation of the fraudulent N95 masks. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin R. Martin prosecuted the case. The FBI investigated the petroleum investment scheme.

On May 17, the Attorney General established the COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force to marshal the resources of the Department of Justice in partnership with agencies across government to enhance efforts to combat and prevent pandemic-related fraud. The task force bolsters efforts to investigate and prosecute the most culpable domestic and international criminal actors and assists agencies tasked with administering relief programs to prevent fraud by, among other methods, augmenting and incorporating existing coordination mechanisms, identifying resources and techniques to uncover fraudulent actors and their schemes and sharing and harnessing information and insights gained from prior enforcement efforts. For more information on the Department’s response to the pandemic - https://www.justice.gov/coronavirus.

Anyone with information about allegations of attempted fraud involving COVID-19 can report it by calling the Department of Justice’s National Center for Disaster Fraud (NCDF) Hotline at 866-720-5721 or via the NCDF Web Complaint Form

McALLEN, Texas – A 32-year-old Mexican citizen has been ordered to prison following his convictions related to the importation of cocaine, meth and fentanyl, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Jairo Esnid Pina-Carrillo pleaded guilty Dec. 2, 2021. 

Today, U.S. District Judge Randy Crane sentenced him to a total of 70 months in federal prison. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Pina-Carrillo appeared to be a trusted member of the drug trafficking organization based on the number of times he admitted to smuggling narcotics and the amount and type of the narcotics.  

On the morning of July 27, 2021, Pina arrived at the Anzaldua Port of Entry from Mexico where he was attempting to gain entry into the United States. He presented his Mexican border crossing card and claimed he intended to cross for a job-related duty in Brownsville. 

Upon inspection, a canine alerted to Pina’s vehicle. Authorities found a total of five packages of narcotics in a lunch bag and a backpack located inside the vehicle. He expected to be paid $800 per package for importing the drugs. 

The drugs totaled approximately one kilogram each of cocaine and fentanyl and three kilograms of heroin. Pina also admitted to importing narcotics on at least six other occasions.

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.

Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colton Turner prosecuted the case.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 31-year-old Corpus Christi resident has been ordered to federal prison for coercing a child via the internet in order to have sex with her, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Steven Lopez pleaded guilty Nov. 8, 2021.

Today, U.S. District Court Judge Drew B. Tipton ordered him to serve a total of 151 months in federal prison. Lopez will also serve the rest of his life on supervised release following completion of his prison term, during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. In imposing the sentence, the court also heard evidence that Lopez continued to communicate with minors while awaiting further criminal proceedings. He must also register as a sex offender and pay restitution to identified victims.

In July 2019, law enforcement learned Lopez had sexually abused a minor and eventually apprehended him. At that time, they seized his cell phone which revealed that Lopez used social media to target a minor for the purpose of having sex. Lopez had also attempted to hide his criminal conduct by deleting certain messages. However, forensic analysis yielded multiple instances of incriminating content.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Corpus Christi Police Department.  

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Molly K. Smith and Dennis E. Robinson 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.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 40-year-old Corpus Christi resident has pleaded guilty to illegally possessing a firearm as a felon, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Pat Anthony Lacour admitted that on March 15, 2019, he was in possession of a loaded Ruger 9mm caliber, semi-automatic pistol.

On that date, law enforcement pulled him over for a traffic violation. As they approached his vehicle, he appeared to be concealing something in the front passenger side. They also smelled burnt marijuana and asked Lacour to step out of the car.

Authorities then searched the vehicle and found a Ruger 9mm caliber, semi-automatic pistol under the passenger seat. It was loaded with seven rounds of ammunition.

Lacour is a convicted felon for robbery, aggravated assault, assault family violence and deadly conduct discharging a firearm. As such, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition per under federal law.

U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton will impose sentencing on May 11, 2022. At that time, Lacour faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

He has been and will remain in custody pending sentencing.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacoo, Firearms and Explosives conducted investigation with the assistance of Corpus Christi Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Marin prosecuted the case.

HOUSTON – A 36-year-old Houston resident has been ordered to federal prison following his convictions of bank and wire fraud in two separate cases, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Julius Joachim Ohumole pleaded guilty Nov. 12, 2021. 

Today, U.S. District Judge Hughes ordered he serve a total of 97 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release.

At the time of his plea, Ohumole admitted he defrauded Regions Bank of over $1 million. Specifically, he opened a bank account in the name of Mars Construction using false identification documents identifying himself as Kenneth Davis.

Later, he accompanied another individual to Regions who used false identification documents to represent himself as a Regions accountholder. Ohumole asked for this person to be a co-signer on the Mars account, thereby allowing it to be linked to the real person’s account. 

In January 2019, Ohumole caused $274,000 to be transferred from that account to the Mars account without permission or authorization. He then wired $273,000 to a bank account in New York and subsequently out of the United States.

In a separate case, Ohumole also defrauded the Teton School District in Idaho. In December 2018, he sent an email falsely representing to be from a construction contractor. In it, he claimed payments should be made to a new bank account. 

Ohumole admitted in his plea that this new bank account had nothing to do with the real construction contractor and was actually his Comerica Bank account in Houston. 

As a result of his scheme, the Teton School District sent $784,883.71 to Ohumole via his bank account. 

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 FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Braddock is prosecuting the case. 

LAREDO, Texas – A 51-year-old man who resided in Iran and Laredo has been ordered to prison following his conviction of conspiracy to commit money laundering in a scheme known as the “Black Market Peso Exchange (BMPE),” announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Mohsen Mohammadi-Mohammadi pleaded guilty Dec. 1, 2021.

Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo ordered him to serve a total of  40 months in prison. Not a U.S. citizen, Mohammadi is expected to face removal proceedings following the sentence. In imposing the sentence, the court commented on the seriousness of the offense and Mohammadi’s willing participation in the crime. Judge Marmolejo further ordered the forfeiture of $177,345, the monies his laundered through his business.

From October 2011 to October 2013, Mohammadi and others conspired to launder drug trafficking proceeds. They obtained monies from the sale of illegal drugs in the United States into Mexico using the BMPE, a form of trade-based money laundering. Co-conspirators would launder drug proceeds through international trade. As a result, Mexico-based drug dealers ultimately received their profits in Mexican pesos. 

Conspirators would pick up drug proceeds from cities in the United States and transported and/or transferred them to Laredo. There, the monies were laundered  through commodities businesses such as perfume sellers. Mohammadi owned such a business known as Mav Trading Inc.

At the time of his plea, he admitted he received drug proceeds as payment for merchandise sold to Mexican businesses. 

Businesses that receive more than $10,000 must file a Form 8300. Mohammadi filed such, but they had material omissions and false statements in order to conceal the source and origin of the money. 

Following the issuance of an arrest warrant, Mohammadi fled the United States to Iran. He traveled to a variety of places and eventually landed in New York City, New York, where authorities took him into custody. 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 and IRS-Criminal Investigation conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation dubbed Operation Zahhak with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Marshal Service. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage. Assistant U.S. Attorney José Angel Moreno and Trial Attorney Keith Liddle of the Department of Justice, Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section prosecuted the case.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 30-year-old Corpus Christi man has pleaded guilty to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute meth and carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery. 

Authorities executed a search warrant at a residence in Corpus Christi in August 2021. At that time, they arrested Alec Michael Garcia and his co-conspirators. During the search, they found over 50 grams of meth; nearly two kilograms of pills containing fentanyl, alprazolam and meth; LSD; approximately two kilograms of marijuana as well as numerous THC products, 9 firearms, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, body armor, and U.S. currency. 

At the time of search, authorities observed an 8-year-old boy at the residence.  

Garcia faces a minimum of 10 years in federal prison up to a maximum of life as well as a $10 million fine. For the firearms conviction, he will receive an additional five years that must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed.  

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Corpus Christi Police Department’s Gang Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara J. De Peña prosecuted the case.

McALLEN, Texas – The former La Joya Independent School District (LJISD) assistant superintendent of Student Services has admitted to taking $28,000 in bribes, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Jose Luis Morin, 41, Mission, pleaded guilty today and agreed to forfeit $28,000.

As part of the plea, Morin admitted to receiving approximately $28,000 as bribes beginning in 2019 for his official and favorable recommendations at LJISD. They pertained to energy savings contracts awarded to a company as well as job order contracts and facilitating the processing of pay applications related to those contracts. The LJISD school board subsequently approved the contracts Morin recommended.

U.S. District Judge Randy Crane accepted the plea and set sentencing for April 19. At that time, Morin faces up to five years in federal prison.  

He was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Department of Agriculture, Texas Department of Insurance and McAllen Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Roberto Lopez Jr. is prosecuting the case.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 41-year-old Houston man has been ordered to prison after conspiring to transport cocaine, heroin and fentanyl into the country, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Juan Antonio Sanchez Jr. pleaded guilty June 3, 2021, to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Today, U.S. District Judge David S. Morales sentenced him to serve 120 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. 

The investigation revealed Sanchez hired drivers and passengers to smuggle narcotics to Houston. Sanchez would walk across the Port of Entry to avoid being in the vehicles as they passed through with the narcotics.

On Oct. 23, 2019, authorities intercepted approximately 2.5 kilograms of cocaine in the battery of a vehicle. The investigation determined Sanchez hired that driver to attempt to pass through the Border Patrol checkpoint near Sarita. 

Sanchez was also found responsible for two kilograms of heroin and one kilogram of fentanyl found in a vehicle during a traffic stop Dec. 22, 2019.

Sanchez 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 Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Barbara J. De Peña prosecuted the case.

LAREDO, Texas – A 53-year-old resident of Lake Charles, Louisiana, has been ordered to federal prison for conspiring to transport people unlawfully within the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Carl Bernstein, formerly of Plainview, New York, pleaded guilty Sept. 9.

Today, U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo ordered him to serve a 46-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard from Bernstein, who admitted the money enticed him to commit the crime. Judge Marmolejo also heard more about Bernstein’s criminal history and noted that his extensive criminal record dates back to 1985.

On June 6, 2021, authorities stopped Bernstein for a traffic violation as he was driving a tractor-trailer on State Highway 16 near Tilden. They took him into custody upon learning of active arrest warrants.

He exited the tractor, at which time authorities opened the doors and noticed multiple people inside the trailer. Law enforcement identified a total of 42 people as non-U.S. citizens unlawfully in the country.

Bernstein admitted he expected to be paid for driving the vehicle.

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

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations and Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Bajew prosecuted the case.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – Four Corpus Christi men have admitted to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute meth, heroin and cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Fernando Martinez, 44, Corpus Christi, pleaded guilty today to the conspiracy which spanned from Sept. 6, 2020, to Aug. 26, 2021. Three others - Jayden Wandell Coleman, 18, Carlos Acosta, 38, and Ricky Reyna, 34, all of Corpus Christi - previously admitted to the their roles in the conspiracy. All are identified members of the La Quarenta gang.

The investigation began in September 2020. It revealed the narcotics trafficking organization used a Corpus Christi residence on Cortez Street to distribute meth, heroin, crack and marijuana. Authorities observed Reyna, Martinez, Acosta and Coleman entering and exiting the drug stash house as various times and directing people to the residence.

Over the course of the investigation, law enforcement observed a high amount of foot traffic approach and enter the residence, stay for a few minutes and then exit the area. Traffic stops resulted in the seizure of narcotics they had obtained from the drug stash house.

Authorities also executed search warrants at four residences and a storage yard in August 2021. They ultimately found a total of over five kilograms of cocaine, over four kilograms of meth, more than two kilograms of heroin; nearly 200 grams of crack and 13 kilograms of marijuana and over a hundred thousand dollars, digital scales, a drug ledger, and loaded firearms and ammunition.

The investigation further revealed the four men were in communication with each other regarding the purchase and sale of various narcotics for the duration of the conspiracy.

U.S. District Judge David S. Morales for will impose sentencing April 20. At that time, the four men face a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison as well as a possible $10 million maximum fine.

They have been and will remain in custody pending that hearing. 

Homeland Security Investigations; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations; and Corpus Christi Police Department’s Gang Unit conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Marin and John Marck are prosecuting the case.