Southern District of Texas

HOUSTON – A 41-year-old resident of New Caney has received a massive sentence following his conviction of producing and possessing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Joshua James Holmstedt pleaded guilty April 16, 2019. 

Today, U.S. District Judge Andrew A. Hanen handed Holmstedt a sentence of 360 months for the sexual exploitation of a child, otherwise known as production of child pornography. He also received 120 months for the possession of child pornography - 48 months of which was ordered to run consecutively for a total of 34 years in federal prison. He was also ordered to serve 30 years 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. Holmstedt will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.

Holmstedt came to the attention of law enforcement July 17, 2017, when authorities in the District of Columbia posted an online message as part of an undercover investigation. They then received a message via an application known as Kik from Holmstedt. He communicated with the undercover officer and indicated he had access to two minor children which he proved by sending a picture of himself holding up a specific number of fingers in front of the minor female victim’s face. Over the course of a few days, Holmstedt sent several images of the minor female as well as other images and videos of child pornography. One of the worst videos Holmstedt provided showed him digitally penetrating the minor female. At the time, the victim was only three years of age. 

Based on information gathered during the investigation, local authorities were able to locate and identify the victim and the other child mentioned. Holmstedt was located July 21, 2019, at which time he indicated he had destroyed the phone he used to create the images and to communicate with the undercover officer    

The District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department – FBI Child Exploitation Task Force and FBI Houston conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Montgomery County Constables’ Office – Precinct Four.

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

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sherri L. Zack is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."

LAREDO, Texas – A 57-year old Mexican citizen faces up to life in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy and importation of more than 50 kilograms of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

On July 12, 2019, Oscar Javier Villagomez-Palacios attempted entry into the United States at the Lincoln Juarez Bridge #1 in Laredo, driving an Audi Q5. During a secondary inspection, a narcotics detection dog alerted to the presence of an odor emitting from the tires of the vehicle. Authorities conducted an X-ray examination and discovered anomalies in all four tires. Further inspection revealed non-factory compartments around the rim of the tires containing a crystalline substance, which field-tested positive for methamphetamine with a total weight of 50.46 kilograms.

The drugs have an estimated street value of $700,000.

U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Villagomez-Palacios faces up to life in prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.

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

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary McAuliffe is prosecuting the case. 

HOUSTON – A 31-year-old Houston resident has been handed a significant sentence for leading a crew of bank robbers responsible for multiple crimes in the local area, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Javier Flores, 31, originally from Chicago, Illinois, but a long-time Houston resident, pleaded guilty March 26, 2019, to two counts of aiding and abetting aggravated bank robbery and one count of aiding and abetting the brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.

Today, U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen imposed a total of 235 months in federal prison - 151 months for the robberies in addition to another 84 months for brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence which must be served consecutively. The sentence will be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.

Flores was found responsible for leading a crew that robbed the Prosperity Bank on Westheimer Road June 2, 2017, and the BBVA Compass Bank on Fry Road in Katy, June 21, 2017. Perry Fluellen, 28 and Brandon Carter, 29, both of Houston, and Steve Malala, 36, of Kenya, Africa, were also involved in these robberies and have also pleaded guilty. They are pending sentencing at a later date.  

The group conducted or attempted to conduct at least a dozen bank robberies over the course of six months in 2017 at various banks on the west side of Houston. Flores acted as the leader of the group and would select and scout the banks prior to the robberies. On the day of the robberies, he provided firearms and transportation and acted as a lookout, while Fluellen and Carter conducted the robbery, holding the employees at gunpoint. Often times, the crew would remain on an open cellular phone line so Flores could instruct them when to enter and exit the bank. 

On June 21, 2017, following the BBVA Compass Bank robbery, law enforcement used surveillance and a GPS tracker attached to bait money to stop and arrest the suspects. After a short car and foot chase, the crew was taken into custody. At that time, Fluellen was found in possession of money and cash straps stolen from the bank, as well as a firearm.

All have been and will remain in custody.

The case is an example of coordination between law enforcement who are part of the Houston Law Enforcement Violent Crime Initiative. The goal is to proactively fight and reduce violent crime across the Greater Houston area by targeting the region’s most violent offenders, augmenting investigative and prosecutorial efforts and enhancing training, public awareness and education.

The FBI conducted the investigation in conjunction with the Houston Police Department and Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Joe Porto and Heather Winter are prosecuting the case.

HOUSTON - A federal court permanently enjoined a Houston company from processing and distributing adulterated seafood products in violation of federal law, the Department of Justice announced today. 

The entered consent decree of permanent injunction follows an August 2019 complaint the Food and Drug Administration filed. The complaint alleged Topway Enterprises, doing business as Kazy’s Gourmet, and the principals of the business - Jeff Liao, Ying Chen and Adwin Liao - sold ready-to-eat fish and fishery products in a facility with serious insanitary conditions. Specifically, the complaint alleged FDA inspections found the defendants failed to adequately control the growth of Listeria monocytogenes at their facility.

The defendants agreed to settle the litigation by the entered consent decree of permanent injunction. As part of the settlement, they must comply with specific remedial measures set forth in the injunction. In addition, the settlement provides safeguards to ensure future processing of ready-to-eat raw fish at their facility comports with the requirements of the law. The filing of the complaint and agreed settlement follows FDA’s decision in July 2019 to exercise its authority under federal law to suspend the defendants’ food facility registration.  The complaint alleges that, since the suspension, the defendants have taken positive steps to correct the problems at their facility. 

“The Department of Justice is committed to enforcing laws designed to ensure that the food we put on our tables is safe,” said Assistant Attorney General Jody Hunt of the Department of Justice’s Civil Division. “We will continue to work with the FDA to take steps necessary to protect the public from potentially unsafe food.” 

“One of our many important enforcement priorities is to help ensure food is safe,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. “This action will help ensure compliance with federal law and FDA rules and regulations. I’m glad we were able to reach this resolution.”

“After documenting food safety violations at the Topway facility, the FDA took action to suspend Topway’s food facility registration, which prohibits the company from selling or distributing food from the facility into commerce,” said FDA Deputy Commissioner for Food Policy and Response Frank Yiannas. “We are happy the company is taking steps to correct the severe problems at their facility and the FDA continues to work with the company as it brings its facility into compliance.”

Trial Attorney Joshua D. Rothman of the Civil Division’s Consumer Protection Branch handled the matter with the assistance of Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew A. Bobb of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District and Senior Counsel Barbara Alkalay of the FDA’s Office of the Chief Counsel.

For more information about the Consumer Protection Branch and its enforcement efforts, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/civil/consumer-protection-branch. For more information about the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, visit its website at https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdtx.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A large number of arrests have been made as part of a coordinated effort by federal, state and local law enforcement dubbed as “Operation Coastal Bender,” announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

A total of 16 Coastal Bend residents from Nueces, Bee, San Patricio, Live Oak and Jim Wells Counties are now in custody for violations of various federal and state firearm and narcotics violations. Each defendant has been charged in separate and unrelated criminal complaints or indictments. Three others remain fugitives and warrants remain outstanding for their arrests. Those are Michael McDaniel, 44, of Three Rivers; Luis Vela, 19, of Alice; and Michael Alegria Jr., 18, of Victoria. Anyone with information about their whereabouts is asked to contact Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations at 1-866-347-2423.

“Operation Coastal Bender” is a coordinated effort by federal, state and local law enforcement to identify drug traffickers and violent offenders, stop gun violence and protect the community.

Over the course of this week, federal agents, in coordination with many local and state agencies, were able to execute more than 70 federal and state arrest warrants for individuals relating to charges of trafficking in methamphetamine and gun allegations.

During the course of this operation, authorities also served three search warrants resulting in the seizure of more than three ounces of methamphetamine and several grams of cocaine, marijuana and Xanax as well as three firearms, ammunition and other items related to the sale and distribution of narcotics. Law enforcement arrested a total of 32 individuals as a result of this coordinated effort between HSI and other federal and local agencies.

“HSI is committed to working with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to rid our neighborhoods of the dangerous narcotics and the illegal possession of firearms that harm the citizens of our community,” said HSI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Brad Scott of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). “Law enforcement in our region are dedicated to join forces as one to clean our streets of these dangerous behaviors.”  

“The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) worked side by side with HSI, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) as well as state and local police departments to apprehend dozens of violent criminals,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski. “This coordinated effort will make a large impact on violent crime.”

“The Beeville Police Department (BPD) participated in the operation in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies in South Texas,” said Beeville Police Chief Robert J. Bridge. “The combined efforts of all agencies provided crucial manpower assistance to seek and locate individuals involved in criminal activities.”

“Our office in Sandia would very much like to thank federal, state and local authorities from neighboring counties for their help and involvement in arresting subjects and investigations for narcotics dealing in our area,” said Jim Wells County Constable Pct.3 Jim Long, “Drugs have become a tremendous part of our investigations and agencies coming together helps us all. We will surely make this a continued event!”

The federal felon in possession of firearms charge carries up to 10 years in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. Each federal charge involving a controlled substance carries a minimum penalty of not less than five but potentially up to life in prison and fines up to $1 million. Using a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries an additional five-year-term of imprisonment which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed.

Participating agencies included HSI; ATF; Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Marshals Service; DPS; sheriff’s offices in the counties of Live Oak, San Patricio and Nueces; Jim Wells County Constable’s Office; police departments in George West, Alice and Beeville; and Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine unit.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Corpus Christi Division are prosecuting the respective cases.

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

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 35-year-old Edinburg man has pleaded guilty to possessing with the intent to distribute more than 25 kilograms of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

On July 7, 2019, Sarafin Rodriguez Pena drove a white Ford Focus into the primary inspection area of the Border Patrol checkpoint near Falfurrias. A careful search of the vehicle revealed bundles of methamphetamine concealed within after-market speakers mounted in the car.

Laboratory analysis later confirmed the substance in the bundles was methamphetamine.

The methamphetamine had a total weight of 25.5 kilograms with a value of more than $1.7 million.

At a hearing today before U.S. Magistrate Judge B. Janice Ellington, Pena admitted he had knowingly attempted to smuggle the narcotics past the checkpoint.

U.S. District Judge David S. Morales will impose sentence Nov. 26, 2019. At that time, Pena faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison as well as a possible $10 million maximum fine.

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

This Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. Thorpe Jr. is prosecuting the case.

LAREDO, Texas – A 27-year old resident of Norcross, Georgia, has entered a guilty plea for conspiracy and importation of nearly 40 kilograms of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

On June 6, 2019, Vanessa Urzua attempted entry into the United States at the Lincoln Juarez Bridge #2 in Laredo driving a Ford Explorer. During a secondary inspection, authorities conducted an x-ray examination and soon discovered anomalies in all four tires of the vehicle.

Further inspection of the tires revealed non-factory compartments in the tires containing a crystalline substance, which field-tested positive for methamphetamine with a total weight of 39.2 kilograms.

U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Urzua faces up to life in prison and a possible $10,000,000 maximum fine.

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

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Scott Bowling is prosecuting the case.

HOUSTON – A total of 41 individuals have been charged in nine indictments for their alleged involvement in a network of “pill mill” clinics and pharmacies.  Those charged include medical providers, clinic owners and managers, pharmacists, pharmacy owners and managers as well as drug dealers and traffickers. Their actions allegedly resulted in the diversion of approximately 23 million oxycodone, hydrocodone and carisoprodol pills. 

In addition, federal law enforcement agents executed 36 search warrants including 15 pharmacies and six “pill mill” clinics, as well as other offices and residences, aimed at disrupting networks of opioid diversion. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) also served immediate suspension orders on seven pharmacies and two providers involved in dispensing controlled substances without legitimate medical purpose.

The Health Care Fraud Unit of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section (HCF Unit) led the enforcement actions in conjunction with U.S. Attorney’s Offices (USAOs) for the Southern and Eastern Districts of Texas and District of Massachusetts as well as the DEA (with task force officers from greater Houston police departments) and the FBI.

The charges allege participating doctors, medical professionals and pharmacies knew the prescriptions had no legitimate medical purpose and were outside the usual course of professional practice. In some cases, “crew leaders” and “runners” allegedly filled or had the individuals who posed as patients fill the illegal prescriptions at Houston-area pharmacies. The owner and pharmacist in charge at one pill mill pharmacy allegedly dispensed the second highest amount of oxycodone 30mg pills of all pharmacies in the entire State of Texas in 2019, and the ninth highest amount in the nation. 100% of the oxycodone this pharmacy dispended – every single oxycodone pill that left the premises – was in the highest available dosage strength of that drug. 

On certain occasions, the indictments allege drug dealers and traffickers then allegedly diverted and distributed the controlled substances to the streets, with some pills trafficked from Houston to Boston.

“Today’s action shows that the Department of Justice continues to relentlessly pursue criminals, including medical professionals, who peddle opioids for profit,” said Assistant Attorney General (AAG) Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Our use of data analytics means that no one engaging in this criminal behavior is invisible. And if you behave like a drug dealer, we are going to find you and treat you like a drug dealer.”   

“This type of criminal activity is, in part, what is fueling the 68,500 overdose deaths per year across the United States,” said Special Agent in Charge Will R. Glaspy of the DEA’s Houston Division. “The DEA and our numerous law enforcement partners will not sit silently while drug dealers wearing lab coats conspire with street dealers to flood our communities with over 23 million dangerous and highly addictive pills.”

“Opioid abuse has a devastating and far reaching effect on our society,’ said Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of the FBI’s Houston Field Office. “The doctors, nurses and pharmacists in this case allegedly misused their positions, violating the trust of the public they took an oath to serve. Together with their co-conspirators, these medical professionals released millions of highly addictive drugs onto the streets of our community. FBI Houston remains committed to working alongside our federal, state and local partners to combat this epidemic and protect our neighborhoods.”

In addition to the cases publicized today, Benczkowski and U.S. Attorneys Ryan K. Patrick and John Bash also announced that the HCF Strike Force will expand into the Rio Grande Valley and San Antonio, making it the 24th district with such a presence. The HCF Strike Force is a joint law enforcement effort that brings together the resources and expertise of the HCF Unit, USAOs and law enforcement partners at the FBI, Health and Human Services - Office of the Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and DEA. 

“By and large, these clinics are all about money and not the patient,” said Patrick of the Southern District of Texas (SDTX). “If it was about the patient, no legitimate doctor would write, and no legitimate pharmacy would fill, these massive amounts and combinations of controlled substances. Pill mills are magnets for crime and should be eradicated. I am happy and willing to partner with any agency or police department in shutting down and prosecuting these places. I am also eager to expand our work into healthcare fraud in the Rio Grande Valley. These grifters are wasting tax payer money and making healthcare more expensive for everyone else.”

“I am excited to team with AAG Benczkowski and U.S. Attorney Patrick to fight healthcare fraud in San Antonio and the Rio Grande Valley,” said Bash for the Western District of Texas. “Fraud in the healthcare system not only rips off innocent victims and taxpayers, but it also quite often endangers the health of patients – as with the illegal distribution of addictive opioids. For that reason, it’s a major priority for all of us.”

In addition to the Strike Force prosecutions, law enforcement conducted additional enforcement actions which included the execution of search warrants and suspension of DEA registration numbers. In the SDTX, 350 law enforcement personnel executed a total of 36 search and seizure warrants, including 15 pharmacies and six clinics. DEA also issued nine immediate suspension orders (ISOs) to support related investigative efforts to interrupt an opioid drug diversion distribution chain.

The Fraud Section leads the Medicare Fraud Strike Force (MFSF), which is part of a joint initiative between the Department of Justice and HHS to focus their efforts to prevent and deter fraud and enforce current anti-fraud laws around the country. Since its inception in March 2007, MFSF maintains 15 strike forces operating in 24 districts and has charged nearly 4,000 defendants who have collectively billed the Medicare program for more than $14 billion. In addition, HHS Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, working in conjunction with HHS-OIG, are taking steps to increase accountability and decrease the presence of fraudulent providers.

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

An associate of a former U.S. Border Patrol Agent (BPA) was sentenced to 48 months in prison followed by one year of supervised release for conspiring to accept money in return for helping to smuggle marijuana and other illegal drugs into the United States.

Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas Ryan K. Patrick, Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of the FBI’s Houston Field Office and Special Agent in Charge Juan B. Benavides of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Houston, made the announcement.

Daniel Hernandez, 46, of Roseville, California, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gray H. Miller of the Southern District of Texas, who also ordered Hernandez to forfeit $5,000.  Hernandez pleaded guilty to one count of bribery on Feb. 5, 2019, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy K. Johnson of the Southern District of Texas.

According to the plea documents, between 2013 and May 2014, Hernandez and the BPA, Robert John Hall Jr., agreed, and took overt acts, to facilitate the trafficking of illegal drugs, including marijuana, into the United States from Mexico on behalf of a drug trafficking organization (DTO).  In exchange for cash payments, they provided an individual they believed to be a member of the DTO with CBP sensor locations, the locations of unpatrolled roads at or near the U.S.-Mexico border, the number of BPAs working in a certain area, keys to unlock CBP locks located on gates to ranch fences along the border, and CBP radios.  In total, Hernandez accepted approximately $5,000 in cash in return for facilitating shipments of illegal narcotics into Texas without law enforcement detection.

The FBI investigated the case with assistance from CBP Office of Professional Responsibility.  Trial Attorneys Rebecca Moses and Peter M. Nothstein of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section, and Assistant U.S. Attorneys  John Pearson and Arthur R. Jones of the Southern District of Texas are prosecuting the case.

HOUSTON – An associate of a former U.S. Border Patrol (BP) agent has been sentenced to for conspiring to accept money in return for helping to smuggle marijuana and other illegal drugs into the United States.

U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick, Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Special Agent in Charge Perrye K. Turner of the FBI’s Houston Field Office and Special Agent in

U.S. District Judge Gray H. Miller sentenced Daniel Hernandez, 46, of Roseville, California, to 48 months in prison to be followed by one year of supervised release and ordered him to forfeit $5,000. Hernandez pleaded guilty Feb. 5, 2019, to one count of bribery before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nancy K. Johnson.

According to the plea documents, between 2013 and May 2014, Hernandez and BP agent Robert John Hall Jr., of La Feria, agreed and took overt acts to facilitate the trafficking of illegal drugs, including marijuana, into the United States from Mexico on behalf of a drug trafficking organization (DTO). In exchange for cash payments, they provided an individual they believed to be a member of the DTO with CBP sensor locations, the locations of unpatrolled roads at or near the U.S.-Mexico border, the number of BP agents working in a certain area, keys to unlock CBP locks located on gates to ranch fences along the border and CBP radios. In total, Hernandez accepted approximately $5,000 in cash in return for facilitating shipments of illegal narcotics into Texas without law enforcement detection.

Hall was previously sentenced to 114 months in prison.

The FBI investigated the case with assistance from CBP - Office of Professional Responsibility. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Pearson and Arthur R. Jones and Trial Attorneys Rebecca Moses and Peter M. Nothstein of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section are prosecuting the case.

LAREDO, Texas – Two men and one woman have been indicted in three separate, but similar cases involving the importation of drugs into the country via various ports of entry, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick

Benjamin Gil Aguilera, 57, Jose Ramos-Delgadillo, 32, and Ariane Ramos-Piccone, 33, were each originally charged by criminal complaint. Today, the grand jury returned the respective indictments against them. They are expected to appear for an arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Samuel S. Sheldon in the near future.

Aguilera is charged with conspiring with others to import approximately 1.5 tons of marijuana, while Ramos-Delgadillo and Ramos-Piccone allegedly imported 40 kilograms of methamphetamine and 53 kilograms of cocaine, respectively.

Benjamin Gil Aguilera is charged for his involvement in the importation of 3,152 pounds (1,430 kilograms) of marijuana into the United States. The charges against Aguilera allege he drove a semi-truck and trailer combination through the World Trade Bridge Port of Entry in Laredo Aug. 1, 2019. During inspection, a canine unit allegedly alerted to the presence of narcotics in the trailer of the vehicle. Authorities then observed anomalies with the trailer doors, according to the charges. After looking inside the trailer, the officers allegedly discovered tightly wrapped bundles containing more than 1,400 kilograms of marijuana.

In the Ramos-Delgadillo case, the criminal complaint alleges that on Aug. 4, 2019, he drove a Ford Escape and attempted to enter the United States at the Lincoln-Juarez Bridge Number 2 in Laredo. There, authorities allegedly discovered the tires of the vehicle contained 24 bundles of methamphetamine, weighing a total of 39.58 kilograms.

Finally, on Aug, 3, 2019, Ramos-Piccone allegedly arrived at the United States Border Patrol Check Point near Freer, driving a white Chevrolet Traverse. The complaint against her alleges that at that time, an inspection revealed anomalies within the seats of the vehicle. Authorities conducted a search and soon found 45 bundles of cocaine with a total combined weight of approximately 53 kilograms of cocaine, according to the charges.

If convicted, each faces up to life in prison and a potential $10 million maximum fine.  

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the Aguilar and Ramos-Delgadillo cases with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul A. Harrison and Jennifer Day are prosecuting those respective cases.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the Ramos-Piccone investigation with assistance from Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon Scott Bowling is prosecuting that case.

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

HOUSTON – The 50-year-old Malaysian man recently charged with video voyeurism has appeared in federal court and admitted his guilt, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Choon Ping Lee admitted he installed  a video recording device in the first class lavatory of United Airlines Flight 646 from San Diego, California, to Houston on May 5, 2019. 

Another first class passenger had discovered the device in the bathroom after she saw a strange object with a blue blinking light hanging near the door. She gave it to flight attendants who discovered it was a recording device. On the device, authorities observed Lee’s clothing which led to his identification.  

He was taken into custody upon his arrival in Houston Aug. 7, 2019, and has remained in custody since that time. 

U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan accepted Lee’s plea today and imposed a $6,000 fine and two months imprisonment. At the hearing, the court considered a written statement that the passenger who discovered the camera had submitted which detailed how the incident has impacted her sense of safety and security. In it, she emphasized that Lee’s act was not harmless.

Not a U.S. citizen, Lee also is expected to face removal proceedings.

The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Winter is prosecuting the case.

LAREDO, Texas – A 32-year-old Mexican national has been indicted for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Jaime Cruz-Romero was originally charged by criminal complaint. Today, the grand jury returned the one-count indictment. He is expected to appear for his arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sam S. Sheldon in the near future.

On or about Aug. 10, 2019, Cruz-Romero was found in possession of a firearm and ammunition during a traffic stop, according to the charges.

The complaint alleges that on or about Aug. 10, 2019, Cruz-Romero was driving a 2008 Hummer H3 when law enforcement stopped him for disregarding a traffic signal. He did not have any identification, according to the charges.  

Authorities then searched the vehicle and found a 9-millimeter pistol and a magazine containing ammunition.

If convicted, Cruz-Romero faces up to 10 years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine.

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

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

HOUSTON – The former owner of SPORTS @ THE B.U.S. has been indicted on tax and bankruptcy fraud charges, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Todd Dixon will appear in court for a counsel determination hearing today at 10:00 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter J. Bray.

A federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment against Dixon Aug. 7, 2019, alleging three counts of filing false tax returns and one count of bankruptcy fraud.

The Indictment alleges from 2004 until 2011, Dixon operated the two sports bars - one located across from Minute Maid Park and the other near the Toyota Center and filed for business bankruptcy during the 2011 Astros baseball season.   After which, a local trustee was appointed to administer the business estate and to pay creditors, according to the charges. In 2013, Dixon also filed for personal bankruptcy. 

According to the charges, Dixon concealed approximately $170,000 from the trustee and creditors by taking cash from the businesses and using it for his personal use and benefit. Dixon allegedly filed personal income tax returns and did not report the true and accurate amount of income he earned from the businesses.

The indictment further alleges that in 2013, Dixon filed his personal 2010 and 2011 tax returns in which he falsely reported his total income for each year, thereby under reporting taxes owed to the IRS. Similarly, in 2013, Dixon under reported the amount of taxes he and his business partners owed to the IRS after causing the trustee to file a false partnership return that did not report approximately $207,326 in earnings.  

If convicted of filing a false tax return, he faces up to three years in prison, while a conviction for bankruptcy fraud carries a possible five-year-maximum term.

IRS-Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Quincy L. Ollison is prosecuting the case.

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

A Bangladeshi national formerly residing in Monterrey, Mexico, pleaded guilty for his role in a scheme to smuggle aliens to the United States for the purpose of commercial advantage or private financial gain.

With the plea, Moktar Hossain, 31, admitted that from March 2017 to August 2018, he conspired to bring and brought Bangladeshi nationals to the United States at the Texas border in exchange for payment.  Hossain operated out of Monterrey, Mexico, where he housed aliens before sending them on the last leg of the journey to the United States.  Hossain paid drivers to transport the aliens to the U.S. border, and gave them instructions how to cross the Rio Grande River.  

“Human smuggling is a national security threat,” said Assistant Attorney General Brian A. Benczkowski of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division.  “Today’s plea makes clear that defendants who smuggle illegal aliens across the United States border for profit should expect to face the consequences in a United States courtroom.”

“HSI is committed to dismantling criminal schemes that mitigate the security of our borders and disrupting the flow of illicit money to these criminal networks,” said Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden of U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Antonio.  “HSI remains steadfast in aggressively pursuing members of transnational criminal organizations that exploit and endanger the people they smuggle into the United States.  We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to maintain the integrity of our borders and the safety of our communities.”

The guilty plea was accepted by U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana.  Sentencing has not yet been scheduled.

This case is being investigated by HSI Laredo, with assistance from HSI Monterrey, HSI Houston, HSI Calexico, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol and the U.S. Marshals Service.  The investigation is being conducted under the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) program, a joint partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI.  The ECT program focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks, or present grave humanitarian concerns.  ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence and prosecutorial resources.  ECT coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.

This case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorneys James Hepburn and Erin Cox of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas.

HOUSTON – A 34-year-old Mexican national has been ordered to federal prison for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute heroin, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Victor Manuel Morales-Moreno pleaded guilty Oct. 2, 2018, admitting to conspiring to distribute heroin to street level dealers and users for more than two years.

Today, U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen handed Morales-Moreno a 210-month sentence. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following the prison term. In handing down the sentence, the court noted Moreno was the leader of a drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing kilogram quantities of methamphetamine and heroin imported from Mexico.

Morales had relocated to Houston from California to take over a heroin trafficking ring following the arrests and incarceration of his relatives Jose Herrera-Alvarado and Pedro Herrera-Alvarado. The Herrera-Alvarado brothers pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin and were  later sentenced to life in federal prison.

Erasto Aguirre-Suarez, 52, a Mexican national, also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute heroin. He admitted he moved to Texas with Morales-Moreno to assist him in the daily operations of the heroin business. A third co-defendant, Valentin Anthony Cardenas, 35, of Houston, previously entered his plea possession with intent to distribute heroin.

Aguirre-Suarez and Cardenas previously received respective terms of 114 and 84 months.  

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

The FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Casey N. MacDonald is prosecuting the case.

HOUSTON – A 32-year-old resident of Cypress has entered guilty pleas to possession of a machine gun and impersonating a federal officer, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Mitchell Shoemaker admitted he represented himself to be an agent with the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) in order to gain access to a law enforcement only shooting range.

“The close working relationship between DSS, our law enforcement partners and the U.S. Attorney’s Office resulted in this conviction before Shoemaker could potentially harm the security of our country,” said DSS Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey McGallicher. “This was a great success by all of the agencies involved.”

On Dec. 18, 2018, Shoemaker presented a fake badge to law enforcement officers at the shooting range in Magnolia. He was found to not have ties to any federal agency and was taken into custody.  

At the time of his arrest, Shoemaker was in possession of seven firearms and two silencers. Among them was a machine gun - a F.N. (FN Herstal) PS90, 5.7 caliber rifle – that he was prohibited from possessing. 

The investigation revealed Shoemaker had previously represented himself to be a federal law enforcement agent and participated in target practice with a local officer.

Authorities obtained video of Shoemaker firing weapons, including the machine gun. They also found additional videos in which Shoemaker discussed the features of the F.N. PS90 weapon and modifications he made to the firearm. In the video, he pointed out the “giggle switch,” which refers to the selector level to switch the weapon to automatic fire.

U.S. District Court Judge Ewing Werlein Jr. accepted the plea and set sentencing for Nov. 15, 2019. At that time, Shoemaker faces up to 10 years imprisonment for possessing the gun as well as a maximum three years for impersonating a federal officer. Each conviction also carries the possibility of a $250,000 maximum fine.

Shoemaker will remain in custody pending that hearing.

DSS, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Magnolia Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carrie Wirsing and Britni Cooper are prosecuting the case.

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 34-year-old Waco woman has received a significant sentence following her conviction of methamphetamine distribution, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.   

Jackeline Hortencia Ramirez pleaded guilty in October 2018 to possession with intent to distribute 5.34 kilograms of methamphetamine.  

Today, U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. sentenced her to serve 150 months in federal prison. In imposing the sentence, the court noted the number of drug trafficking trips Ramirez made, the damage methamphetamine causes on both sides of the border and the payments she received.

At the hearing, Ramirez asked the court for leniency given she is a mother of seven children, the youngest of which is four years old.

On June 26, 2018, Ramirez entered the United States through the port of entry in Brownsville driving a Nissan Maxima with two of her minor children. During inspection, authorities discovered the nearly six kilograms of methamphetamine in a hidden compartment.

The investigation revealed Ramirez had previously made approximately five trips to Waco and Houston to deliver drugs and return the drug proceeds for delivery in Matamoros. She received between $4000-6000 for each trip she made.

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

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Oscar Ponce is prosecuting the case.

HOUSTON – A 28-year-old Houston man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of one count of aiding and abetting the burglary of a federal firearm licensee (FFL), announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Robert Louis Thomas pleaded guilty Oct. 16, 2018. 

Today, U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks ordered him to serve 62 months which will be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. He was further ordered to pay $14,624 in restitution.  

In imposing the sentence, Judge Hanks noted this is a very serious crime and that there are still guns on the street because of what Thomas and others did.

Co-defendants Cedric Howard Duncan, 32, and Charles Bernard Byrd, 28, both also of Houston, pleaded guilty to the same charge and were previously sentenced to 36 months and 42 months, respectively

On Dec. 18, 2017. Thomas and Duncan burglarized Big Bucks Gun and Pawn, an FFL located at 2201 Bypass 35 N in Alvin. They gained access by using a sledgehammer to break a hole in the wall and ultimately stole 13 firearms. 

Byrd admitted he was the get-away driver. He also acknowledged selling 11 of the firearms that ended up in his trunk. The other two firearms were recovered shortly following the burglary after they were abandoned near a dumpster.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and police departments in Alvin and Houston conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennie Basile is prosecuting the case.

The case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 24-year-old Galveston resident has been sentenced in Corpus Christi federal court for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute almost six kilograms of pure methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Francisco Javier Castillo Jr. pleaded guilty Nov. 15, 2018.  

Today, Senior U.S. District Judge John D. Rainey handed Castillo a 157-month sentence to be immediately followed by four years of supervised release. At the hearing, additional evidence was also provided that detailed Castillo’s role within the drug trafficking organization. In handing down the sentence, the court concluded Castillo was a manager or supervisor in a criminal organization that imported methamphetamine from Mexico and that the lengthy sentence was appropriate given the amount of methamphetamine involved.

Authorities had determined Castillo was part of a drug trafficking organization responsible for importing kilograms of methamphetamine into the United States from Mexico. Castillo was responsible for recruiting individuals to drive vehicles loaded with narcotics across the international border. He also supervised the individuals as they drove the narcotics to their ultimate destination within the United States. 

He was ultimately found responsible for the importation and transfer of 5.95 kilograms of pure methamphetamine.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert D. Thorpe Jr. prosecuted the case.

HOUSTON – A 21-count superseding indictment has been unsealed alleging conspiracy, witness tampering, obstruction of justice and multiple tax violations in a barratry scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. 

Houston personal injury attorneys Jeffrey Stern, Deborah Bradley and Richard Plezia are charged with conspiracy and tax violations along with legal-assistant Frederick Morris and clinic-owner Lamont Ratcliff. Stern is also charged with witness tampering and obstruction of justice.

Stern made his initial appearance yesterday and was temporarily ordered into custody pending a detention hearing set for Aug. 22, at 1:00 p.m. Bradley and Ratcliff were permitted release upon posting bond. Plezia is expected to make his initial appearance later this week.

Morris made his initial appearance earlier and has since pleaded guilty. He was permitted to remain on bond.

The charges against Stern and his alleged co-conspirators stem from a long-running criminal scheme to evade taxes. Stern also allegedly obtained his personal injury cases through barratry - the illegal practice of soliciting law firm clients by paying kickbacks to middlemen known as “case runners.” 

Stern and his co-conspirators sought to enrich themselves by illegally recruiting clients through the payment and receipt of illegal kickbacks in order to generate personal injury cases and legal fees, according to the charges. They allegedly worked to conceal and disguise the payments and hide their resulting income from the IRS by filing false documents with them. These allegedly included tax returns, 1099 forms and an offer in compromise that falsely reported material information including amounts of income, expenses and taxes due and owing.

Once Stern became aware of the investigation, he allegedly worked to obstruct justice by ordering others to destroy subpoenaed documents and instructing co-conspirators not to cooperate.

According to the indictment, Stern employed multiple devices to disguise his illegal kickback payments to case runners as legitimate referral fees paid to attorneys or as other types of legitimate payments that would be deductible under the tax laws. Stern allegedly funneled kickback payments to case runners Ratcliff and Marcus Esquivel (charged in a separate case) through the accounts of Bradley and Plezia. The charges allege Stern claimed the payments were legitimate referral fees to Bradley and Plezia rather than illegal kickbacks to Ratcliff and Esquivel.

The indictment also alleges Stern wrote referral fee checks in the names of attorneys who never received the checks. Instead, Morris would allegedly cash the checks with forged endorsements at check-cashing locations and use the funds to pay illegal kickbacks owed to himself and other case runners for Stern’s referrals.   

Stern allegedly also filed 1099 forms that falsely reported to the IRS the nature of the payments and to whom they were made. On his tax returns, Stern falsely reported the illegal, non-deductible kickback payments as legitimate, deductible business expenses, which greatly reduced his tax burden, according to the charges.

Bradley and Plezia allegedly filed false tax returns to facilitate the scheme.  Ratcliff failed to report many of the kickback payments he received as income on his company’s tax returns, according to the charges. Stern and Morris also allegedly caused another attorney to file false tax returns and a false offer in compromise with the IRS to help cover-up the scheme.

All defendants are charged with conspiracy to defraud the United States. If convicted, they each face up to five years in prison. For willfully filing a false tax return, Stern, Ratcliff and Bradley face another three years of imprisonment. Aiding and assisting in the preparation and presentation of false tax returns carries another potential three-year-term, for which Stern and Morris are charged. If convicted of witness tampering or obstruction of justice, Stern could be sentenced up to 20 and 10 years, respectively.

Morris entered a guilty plea Aug. 8, 2019, to the conspiracy. He is set for sentencing in February 2020.

IRS - Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert S. Johnson is prosecuting the case.

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

McALLEN, Texas – A La Joya Housing Authority Board member has been arrested on charges of federal program bribery regarding a city public relations contract, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Sylvia Garces Valdez was taken into custody yesterday after which she made her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter Ormsby. She is set for trial Oct. 8, 2019.

According to the indictment, from June to approximately November 2018, Valdez agreed to give more than $5,000 to someone with the intent to influence an elected official for the City of La Joya. The purpose of the alleged bribe was for their influence in granting a public relations contract to Valdez.

If convicted, she faces up to 10 years in federal prison. The government is also seeking forfeiture of $10,000.

The FBI and Department of Housing and Urban Development—Office of the Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sarina S. DiPiazza and Roberto Lopez Jr. are prosecuting the case.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.

A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until convicted through due process of law.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 54-year-old Corpus Christi resident and registered sex offender has been ordered to federal prison for possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Robert Kirby Anderson aka Bobby Bonez pleaded guilty April 15, 2019.

Today, Senior U.S. District Judge John D. Rainey sentenced Anderson to 140 months in prison. At the hearing, the court heard Anderson possessed pornographic images of children on three different devices. Anderson had also altered children’s coloring books by adding captions above the cartoon children requesting to engage in sexual acts with him. Additionally, the court heard that Anderson, a registered sex offender since the late 1990s, had been staying in a residence with a minor child at the time of his arrest. 

Anderson was further ordered to serve 10 years 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. He will also be ordered to continue registering as a sex offender.

In October 2018, an alert private citizen found a cell phone that had apparently been accidentally dropped in a parking lot. The citizen attempted to access the contacts on the phone to determine its owner, at which time she saw the pornographic images of children. The phone was turned over to local law enforcement and eventually linked directly to Anderson.

When law enforcement attempted to arrest him at the address he claimed as his residence on his sex offender registration documents, they found him not living there. Authorities located him within 24 hours where he was found to be alone in the home with a young child.

Within two weeks of the his discovered lost phone, Anderson was in custody. At the time of his arrest, he was in possession of a new phone. It was also forensically analyzed and found to contain more than 500 images of child pornography collected in just the previous two weeks.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Corpus Christi Police Department’s – Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force conducted the investigation with the assistance of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. 

Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany L. Jensen is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."

LAREDO, Texas – A 26-year-old Houston man been ordered to prison in Laredo federal court after admitting to a three-city carjacking spree, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Daniel Farhan Nimri pleaded guilty March 18, 2019, admitting he committed a one-day, three-city carjacking spree that began in Houston and ended in Laredo. 

Today, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña handed Nimri a 60-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $8,000 in restitution to one of the victims.

On the morning of April 6, 2015, a woman had just loaded groceries in her van in the parking lot of an HEB in Houston. At that time, Nimri climbed in and pushed the driver out of the van, dragging her for a short distance. He fled and drove to San Antonio.

There, he parked at an apartment complex and waited. Shortly thereafter, he saw another woman walking towards her car. He rushed to her, forced the car keys from her and stole her car. Nimri then drove that car to a truck stop in Laredo.

His next attack was on a man fueling his Ford Explorer. Nimri walked up behind the victim and hit him over the head with an aluminum baseball bat. After the man collapsed, Nimri drove away in his vehicle. Bystanders alerted a nearby policeman who attempted to stop Nimri. He then led several police vehicles on a high-speed chase in North Laredo, eventually crashing the stolen Explorer against concrete embankment. Officers pulled Nimri from the vehicle and arrested him.

Nimri 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 with the assistance of police departments in Laredo, San Antonio and Houston. Assistant U.S. Attorneys April Ayers-Perez, Homero Ramirez and Christopher dos Santos prosecuted the case.

LAREDO, Texas – One woman and two men from Laredo are set to appear in court for conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States by knowingly making a false statement in connection with the purchase of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Ivette Julissa Ramirez, 18, Jesus Abraham Ramirez, 24, and David Arnaldo Garcia, 25, are set to make their initial appearances today at 10:00 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sam Sheldon. 

According to the criminal complaint, beginning on July 29, Ivette Ramirez purchased four AK-47 type semi-automatic rifles over the course of eight days. Law enforcement officials subsequently learned she allegedly made a $3,000 deposit on a .50 caliber rifle at a federal firearm licensee in Laredo. 

The charges allege that on Aug. 13, 2019, she arrived at the licensee with Jesus Ramirez. Both were subsequently observed leaving, with Jesus Ramirez rolling a large gun case, according to the complaint.

Law enforcement conducted a traffic stop and discovered Ivette Ramirez, Jesus Ramirez and Garcia all inside the vehicle as was a Barrett .50 caliber rifle, according to the charges. 

The complaint alleges Garcia and Jesus Ramirez would provide the funds, while Ivette Ramirez made the actual firearms purchases. The firearms were allegedly going to Mexico. 

If convicted, each faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. 

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive conducted the investigation with the assistance of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Laredo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney April Ayers-Perez is prosecuting the case.

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

HOUSTON – A 51-year-old resident of Conroe has been found guilty of making false statements on Social Security forms, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick along with Special Agent in Charge Adam D. Schneider of the Social Security Administration – OIG (SSA-OIG), Dallas Field Division.

The jury deliberated for nine hours before convicting Wanda Skilton yesterday following a three-day trial.

“The jury delivered a strong message that making false statements won’t be tolerated,” said Schneider. “The verdict should serve as a warning to those who choose to selfishly defraud the SSA. My office will ensure these cases are vigorously pursued and will continue to work jointly with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and other law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute fraud perpetrators.”

In 2010, the SSA appointed Skilton to receive benefits on behalf of her minor son. On June 5, 2017, Skilton submitted annual reporting forms on which she lied about her son’s living arrangements and how she was using her son’s benefits. 

She claimed he was living with her and that she was spending his benefits on his care and support. At trial, the jury heard Skilton had claimed she was sharing custody equally the child’s father.

In truth, her son had been living with his father since August 2014.

Skilton was using his benefits for her own living expenses.

Further testimony revealed that Skilton had dropped her son off with his father in August 2014 and has not had custody of him more than occasional visits since that time. The boy’s father advised the jury that he has paid for his son’s living expenses since his son moved in with him.  

The defense attempted to convince the jury she had custody of her son more than just occasionally and could have been confused by the questions on the forms. They did not believe her claims and found her guilty of two counts of making false statements.   

U.S. District Judge Gray Miller presided over the trial and set sentencing for Nov. 14, 2019. At that time, Skilton faces up to five years in prison, a possible $250,000 maximum fine and may be required to make restitution to the Social Security Administration. 

Skilton was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

SSA-Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducted the investigation.

Any suspected instances of Social Security fraud should be reported to the SSA-OIG’s fraud hotline at 1-800-269-0271 or online.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin C. Sandel and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Hileman prosecuted the case.

HOUSTON – A 40-year-old Mexican man who committed multiple sex offenses and was removed from the country has been sentenced to federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Martin Mejia Ramos aka Ricardo Morales Rodriguez and Martin Jose Romes-Ramirez pleaded guilty May 10, 2019, to illegally re-entering the United States following an aggravated felony conviction.

Today, Senior U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein Jr. sentenced Ramos to a total of 48 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to again face removal proceedings following the sentence.

At the hearing, the court heard that in 2007, Ramos was convicted in Los Angeles, California, for continuous sexual abuse and lewd act upon a child. He was ordered to serve six years in prison and required to register as a sex offender for life. He was removed from the country in 2013.

In that case, Ramos had engaged in more than three sexual acts with a seven-year-old with whom he was residing. The victim claimed Ramos had touched her vagina on multiple occasions and exposed himself to her. A physical examination revealed irritation in her vagina. His hair was also found in that area. Ramos had told her not to tell anyone and threatened to hit her if she did.  

Ramos had six other convictions, three of which were driving under the influence of alcohol. In one instance, he caused a traffic accident with two other vehicles. His blood alcohol was more than twice the legal limit. 

Ramos illegally re-entered the United States Dec. 31, 2015. On Jan. 30, 2019, authorities discovered Ramos in New Caney during a traffic stop, at which time he provided a false address. The investigation later revealed his residence was near a community swimming pool, elementary school, middle school, high school and nursery school.           

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

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Marshals Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney  Adam Laurence Goldman prosecuted the case.

HOUSTON – A 39-year-old resident of Kingwood has received a massive sentence following his convictions for the attempted sexual exploitation of a child and possession of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Enrique Velez pleaded guilty Jan. 18, 2019. 

At a hearing in federal court yesterday, U.S. District Judge David Hittner handed Velez a sentence of 360 months for the attempted sexual exploitation of a child, otherwise known as production of child pornography. He also received 120 months for the possession charge. The sentences will all run consecutively for a total of 40 years in prison.  

Velez 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. Velez will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. At the hearing, the court took into consideration Velez was a repeat and dangerous sex offender because he had taken child pornography images of two minor victims. 

Velez came to the attention of law enforcement Oct. 13, 2016, when authorities participated in an undercover operation in an internet chat group.

On that date, Velez began communicating with someone he believed to be the mother of an eight-year-old girl. He said he was living with a girlfriend with two minor relatives – two boys, aged five and one. Velez stated he had not “done anything” yet because of his fear of his girlfriend finding out. 

He asked the person if she wanted to “do a play date,” stating he could not bring the five-year-old because he was afraid the child would say something. He sent a picture of himself and a baby. He also offered to take the baby to allow the person to sexually abuse him while Velez could sexually abuse the minor female.  

As the conversation continued, Velez requested images of the eight-year-old child and wanted to trade pictures. Velez then sent two nude photos of the five-year-old male, after which they made plans to meet at a motel to engage in the sexual abuse of the young female and the one-year-old.   

Later that evening, Velez arrived at the location of the motel with the one-year-old child in his vehicle. Agents found a diaper bag with condoms and lubricants.

After his arrest, Velez admitted he had left the other young male at his apartment so he could meet up with the woman and her child, further acknowledging he had taken the photo of the five-year-old minor victim.

Agents searched his cellphone after obtaining a federal search warrant and found images of child pornography. Several images included the baby naked with his genitals displayed in a lewd and lascivious manner.           

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

The Houston Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Taskforce, Houston Police Department, Fort Bend County District Attorney’s Office and Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly Ann Leo is prosecuting the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Three Dallas men are now in prison for possession with intent to distribute nearly two kilograms of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Ricardo Coria, 40, pleaded guilty Jan. 4, 2019, admitting he knowingly conspired with Juan Angel Zambrano, 46, to possess the methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. Cesareo Soto-Martinez, 59, pleaded guilty to his role May 10, 2019.

Today, U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez ordered Soto-Martinez to serve a total of 46 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. Zambrano and Coria were previously sentenced to 130 and 210 months, respectively. The sentences were enhanced as the court found the methamphetamine was 99 percent pure, making the substance ice - a more potent form of the drug. In imposing the sentence for Soto-Martinez, the court noted his limited participation in the overall conspiracy. Coria received an upward adjustment in his sentencing due to his status as a recruiter.

On April 5, 2017, Zambrano attempted to enter the United States through the Veterans Port of Entry in Cameron County as a passenger in a commercial bus. During inspection at the pedestrian area, he presented his personal items to include a backpack and an ice chest.

A search of the chest revealed approximately 1.8 kilograms of methamphetamine – ultimately determined to be ice due to its extremely high purity level.

The investigation revealed that in late January 2017, Coria needed a courier to transport drugs to pay a debt to an individual in Mexico. Coria then met Zambrano and Soto-Martinez at a barbecue in Dallas, at which time he recruited Zambrano to transport narcotics for him.

Just prior to the April 2017 seizure of the nearly two kilograms of methamphetamine, Coria had difficulty contacting Zambrano to travel to Mexico to pick up the narcotics. Soto-Martinez contacted Zambrano and asked him to contact Coria. Soto-Martinez also provided his vehicle for the trip and traveled with Zambrano and Coria.

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

Immigration and a Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Angel Castro and Jody Young prosecuted the case.

LAREDO, Texas – A 28-year-old Laredo resident has been detained on charges of transporting an undocumented alien, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Adrian Zavala is the third young Laredoan to face charges in similar incidents that occurred in just one week.

He waived his preliminary examination and detention hearing today and will now remain in custody pending further criminal proceedings.

The criminal complaint alleges that on Aug. 5, law enforcement attempted make a traffic stop for driving on an improved shoulder when prohibited. According to the charges, the vehicle failed to yield and attempted to flee. Law enforcement observed the vehicle veer off the road and roll over several times. Several people were ejected from the vehicle during the crash, according to the charges.

According to the complaint, there were a total of 12 people inside the vehicle, including Zavala. The other 11 were determined to be undocumented aliens, the complaint alleges. 

If convicted of transporting an undocumented alien, Zavala faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. 

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney April Ayers-Perez is prosecuting the case.

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 48-year-old Guatemalan citizen was ordered to federal prison after pleading guilty to multiple crimes, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Gildardo Perez-Reyes pleaded guilty May 13, 2019, to engaging in illicit sexual conduct in foreign places, transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and possession of child Pornography.

Today, U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera Jr. sentenced Perez-Reyes to a total of 120 months in prison. Perez-Reyes was further ordered serve 10 years 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. He will also be ordered to register as a sex offender. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following the sentence.

On or about April 26, 2018, authorities conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driving through McAllen. Perez-Reyes was driving and traveling with a minor female. During the stop, law enforcement noticed discrepancies in their statements and discovered the minor female had just been smuggled into the United States illegally.

Perez-Reyes admitted he was aware she was a minor and was involved in a sexual relationship with her. Further, Perez-Reyes also possessed several images and videos of child pornography contained within his cellular phone.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations - Rio Grande Valley Child Exploitation Task Force conducted the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ana Cano and Jason Corley prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys' Offices and the Criminal Division's Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc. For more information about internet safety education, please visit www.usdoj.gov/psc and click on the tab "resources."

LAREDO, Texas – A 32-year-old Mexican national has been indicted for conspiracy and importation of 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Joel Eduardo Martinez-Garcia was originally charged by criminal complaint. Today, the grand jury returned the two-count indictment. He is expected to appear for his arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga in the near future.

On or about July 23, 2019, Martinez-Garcia and others known and unknown to the Grand Jury, conspired to import more than 100 kilograms of marijuana in metal pumpkins.  

The complaint alleges that on or about July 23, 2019, Martinez-Garcia arrived at the Columbia Solidarity Bridge in Laredo driving a red Ford F-150. In the bed of the truck were numerous metal pumpkins, according to the charges. Further inspection allegedly revealed anomalies within them.

Authorities soon found 10 bundles of marijuana, according to the charges. They allegedly had a total combined weight of 109.42 kilograms.  

If convicted, Martinez-Garcia faces up to 40 years in prison and a maximum $5 million fine.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam E. Harper is prosecuting the case.

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

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A Corpus Christi federal jury has returned a guilty verdict against a Pharr man for unlawful transportation of undocumented aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. They deliberated for less than three hours before finding Heriberto Lerma guilty as charged.

During the two-day trial, the jury heard testimony that on April 15, 2019, Lerma drove a tractor trailer into the Border Patrol Checkpoint south of Sarita shortly after 1:00 a.m. Lerma told agents he was traveling alone and that he was hauling building materials. However, authorities noticed the bill of lading and the seal placed on the door of the trailer did not match.

The jury heard this is a common sign of tampering with the load. 

Further, a canine had alerted to possible contraband in the trailer. 

Authorities eventually located a total of 27 undocumented aliens in the trailer, all of whom were illegally present in the United States. 

The defense attempted to convince the jury that  the defendant did not know that the undocumented aliens were in his tractor trailer. 

U.S District Judge David S. Morales presided over the trial and set sentencing for Nov. 3, 2019. At that time, Lerma faces up to five years of imprisonment and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. 

Lerma was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sara Popejoy and Amanda Gould are prosecuting the case.

McALLEN, Texas – A 47-year-old Mexican national has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction of importing cocaine into the United States, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Victor Manuel Valencia Rascon served in the Mexican military as a medical doctor for 23 years. He pleaded guilty June 3, 2019.

Today, U.S. District Judge Ricardo H. Hinojosa ordered Rascon to serve a total of 37 months in federal prison. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the significant quantity of cocaine Rascon imported.

On March 3, 2019, Rascon attempted to enter the United States at the Hidalgo Port of Entry. During inspection, law enforcement discovered a suitcase in his trunk with 25 brick-shaped packages weighing 27.54 kilograms.

Authorities tested the contents and confirmed it to be cocaine.

Rascon admitted he was aware he was importing cocaine and that he expected to be paid $2,000 per kilogram successfully imported into the United States.

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

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Redavid prosecuted the case.

LAREDO, Texas – A 25-year-old Laredo resident has been arrested on charges of transporting an undocumented alien after another local violent crash, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Authorities arrested Francisco Javier Quiroga Aug. 9, 2019. He is set to make his initial appearance today at 11:00 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sam Sheldon.

The criminal complaint alleges that on Aug. 9, law enforcement observed multiple people being loaded into a vehicle near the Rio Grande River in Laredo. They attempted to perform an immigration inspection but the vehicle failed to stop, according to the charges. It crashed and rolled over. Authorities then observed people running out of the vehicle, according to the allegations. 

According to the complaint, there were eight individuals in the vehicle, including Quiroga. The seven others were all allegedly undocumented aliens. One of them suffered a fractured sternum and three broken ribs as a result of the incident, according to the complaint. 

If convicted of transporting an undocumented alien causing serious bodily injury, Rodriguez faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. 

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney April Ayers-Perez is prosecuting the case.

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

LAREDO, Texas – A 23-year-old has been charged with transporting aliens following a vehicle crash that seriously injured eight, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Authorities arrested Oziel Rodriguez Aug. 2 and made his initial appearance the following Monday. Today, he is set to make his preliminary examination and detention hearing at 10:00 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Sam Sheldon.

The criminal complaint alleges that on Aug. 2, law enforcement noticed a sensor alert. Shortly thereafter, they witnessed a vehicle leaving the area, according ot the charges. The vehicle allegedly began to accelerate and eventually struck a median, causing it to rollover. 

According to the complaint, a total of 12 people were in the vehicle at the time of the rollover, including Rodriguez. The other 11 were determined to be undocumented aliens, eight of whom sustained serious bodily injuries, the complaint alleges.

Rodriguez allegedly left the scene of the accident. The complaint alleges that authorities located him and noted injuries to his chest and arm consistent with those caused by a vehicle accident.

If convicted of transporting an undocumented alien causing serious bodily injury, Rodriguez faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. 

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol and the Laredo Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney April Ayers-Perez is prosecuting the case.

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

HOUSTON – A 76-year-old Houston woman has been ordered to prison following her conviction of conspiring to commit fraud against the Veterans Administration (VA) by generating purchase orders for fictitious goods and services, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Eduora McDaniel aka Eudora McDaniel pleaded guilty Jan. 31, 2019 to conspiracy to commit wire fraud.  

At a hearing that concluded late yesterday, U.S. District Judge David Hittner handed McDaniel the maximum 60-month sentence to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted further ordered McDaniel to pay $290,000 restitution and a $100,000 fine and ordered the government to garnish the maximum amount of McDaniel’s government pension until the restitution and fines are paid.

McDaniel admitted she conspired with a vendor to defraud the VA by submitting fake invoices for goods and services that never happened. As a prosthetics representative for the VA, McDaniel had the authority to obtain prosthetic goods and services if a physician found it medically necessary, which she was authorized to pay using a government-issued VISA credit card. McDaniel created fake purchase orders for her co-conspirator’s company and paid them using her government credit card. McDaniel and the co-conspirator then split the payments. 

McDaniel’s co-conspirator, Angela Hunter, pleaded guilty in August 2018 and is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 13, 2019. 

McDaniel 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 VA - Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Belinda Beek is prosecuting the case.

HOUSTON – A total of 11 men from the countries of Tanzania, Pakistan and Iran have been ordered to federal prison for their part in trafficking multiple kilograms of heroin to the United States from abroad, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Ali Khatib Haji Hassan, 49, Makame Haji Mwinyi, 49, Ernest Michael Mbwile, 35, Abdulahtif Juma Maalim, 43, Ibrahim Omary Madega, 52, Tiko Emanuel Adam, 41, Iddy Saleme Mfullu, 46, Mohammed Said Mohammed, 48, Daud Michael Vedasto, 58, all from Tanzania, previously pleaded guilty as did Salim Omar Balouch, 36, from Iran, and Abdul Basit Jahangir, 40, from Karachi, Pakistan.

On Aug. 7, 2019, U.S. District Judge Sim Lake completed two days of hearings and ordered them all to federal prison.

Jahangir received a 151-month term of imprisonment. Mfullu and Mohammed both received terms of 50 months, while Hassan, Mwinyi, Mbwile, Maalim, Madega, Adam and Vedasto, were ordered to serve 99, 62, 52, 46, 87, 37 and 46 months, respectively. The court imposed a 135-month sentence for Balouch. Not U.S. citizens, they are all expected to face deportation proceedings following their sentences.

This case began with the arrest of an internal body carrier at Houston’s Bush Intercontinental Airport June 3, 2012. That defendant had swallowed 1.5 kilograms of heroin packaged in 100 pellets.

The investigation eventually led to the charging of 15 defendants, including two Consolidated Priority Organization Targets, one U.S. Treasury Department designated “King Pin” and seizures of approximately 1,600 kilograms of heroin. 

This investigation not only touched the United States, but also Canada, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, South Africa, Tanzania, The Republic of Seychelles, Hong Kong, Australia, Oman, United Kingdom (UK), Italy, Brazil, United Arab Emirates, South Korea, Mozambique, The Netherlands and Saudi Arabia. 

Thirteen have pleaded guilty. Two remain fugitives.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations  (HSI) conducted the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force Investigation dubbed Operation Diver Down with assistance from other HSI offices domestic and foreign, Drug Enforcement Administration, South African Police Service, Dubai Police Department, Royal Oman Police, UK National Crime Agency, Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Australian Federal Police.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Magness is prosecuting the case.

VICTORIA, Texas  - A former law enforcement officer has received a significant sentence following his conviction of conspiracy to possess and distribute more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Ramon “Ramey” Delacruz, 39, of Rio Grande City, was a former Rio Grande City police officer, Starr County Sheriff’s Office deputy and former investigator assigned to the Starr County District Attorney’s Violent Crime Task Force. He pleaded guilty April 4, 2017.

Today, following a nearly six-hour hearing, Senior U.S. District Judge John D. Rainey sentenced Delacruz to 168 months of federal imprisonment to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release.

At the hearing, the court heard additional testimony regarding the depths of corruption Delacruz reached in his support of the Rio Grande City-based Beltran Drug Trafficking Organization. Witnesses testified Delacruz escorted loads of marijuana through Starr county while on duty. He also assisted in the theft of marijuana loads from other traffickers by producing fictitious police reports of law enforcement interdictions that never took place and assisted in the theft of drug proceeds with mock law enforcement takedowns. Further, the court heard he provided the organization with a stolen law enforcement radio and a Starr county seal embosser and disposed of weapons taken from the Beltran ranch previously used in other violent felonies. Delacruz was paid for his services with racehorses, drugs and drug proceeds.    

In handing down the sentence, the court noted Delacruz had not only participated in the conspiracy but also used his service-issued firearm and issued threats of violence in the commission of drug smuggling activities and assumed a leadership role in the organization. “Today is a sad day for your family and a sad day for law enforcement,” said Rainey. The court also noted Delacruz has a debt to pay society given his abuse of trust that was placed in him by the people in his community.

The investigation began in January 2013 after a Victoria County Sheriff’s Office deputy interdicted approximately 600 pounds of marijuana concealed in a horse trailer.

That event prompted a lengthy, multiple-agency, multi-jurisdictional investigation that would ultimately uncover information and evidence demonstrating the illegal activities of the Beltran drug trafficking organization. The organization used horse ranches in Rio Grande City to receive, repackage and conceal thousands of kilograms of marijuana in horse trailers, flat-bed trailers and tractor trailers to ship the marijuana to all points north. They used the sport of horse racing to facilitate drug smuggling and to launder illicit proceeds.

The organization also utilized violence, intimidation, bribery and public corruption to facilitate and perpetuate their illicit activities for nearly a decade with virtual impunity. The investigation demonstrated the organization’s dealings with ranking members of the Gulf and Zeta Cartels and the Starr County Chicano Brotherhood.

During his support of this conspiracy, Delacruz used his official capacity as well as municipal and county resources to assist the Beltran organization to smuggle thousands of pounds of marijuana into and throughout the U.S. Delacruz also used his peace officer authority to intimidate, threaten and coerce other drug traffickers as well as to protect drug loads to ensure their dominance in the region.   

The six-year investigation has resulted in the arrest and conviction of 23 persons, the seizure and forfeiture of an American Quarter horse racing quarter horse, Black Patriot and three horse ranches.

Following the sentencing today, Delacruz was remanded to custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prison facility to be determined in the near future.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Attorney General’s Office and the Victoria County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Patti Hubert Booth and Vincent Carroll are prosecuting the case.  

HOUSTON – A 23-year-old man has admitted he recruited a high school girl and trafficked her for sex, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. 

On several consecutive weekends in late February and early March 2016, Dihlon Lee Davis used online advertisements for the victim’s services and rented hotel rooms where some of the commercial sex acts occurred.

The victim attended Manvel high school during the week and engaged in the sexual activity on the weekends.

On multiple occasions, Davis provided illegal drugs to the minor victim. He used the money the victim earned to purchase the drugs which he consumed with his girlfriend - also a minor - and the victim. 

U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks Jr. accepted the plea and set sentencing for Oct. 9, 2019. At that time, Davis faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison as well as a possible $250,000 fine. He will also be required to register as a sex offender.

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

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and FBI – Texas City, both part of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance (HTRA), conducted the investigation. 

HTRA law enforcement includes members of the Houston Police Department, FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Texas Attorney General’s Office, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Department of Labor, Department of State, Texas Alcoholic and Beverage Commission, DPS, Coast Guard and sheriff’s offices in Harris and Montgomery counties in coordination with District Attorney’s offices in Harris, Montgomery and Fort Bend Counties. Established in 2004, the United States Attorney’s office in Houston formed HTRA to combine resources with federal, state and local enforcement agencies and prosecutors, as well as non-governmental service organizations to target human traffickers while providing necessary services to those that the traffickers victimized. Since its inception, HTRA has been recognized as both a national and international model in identifying and assisting victims of human trafficking and prosecuting those engaged in trafficking offenses

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sherri L. Zack and Kimberly A. Leo are prosecuting the case.

LAREDO, Texas – A 25-year old man from Laredo has admitted to conspiring with others to possess with the intent to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Between May 30, 2016, and June 6, 2016, Martin Delgado coordinated the transportation of more than 375 kilograms of marijuana which was supposed to be delivered to Dallas. Authorities ultimately seized the drugs at the U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint on Interstate Highway 35, north of Laredo.

Today, Delgado admitted to his role in the conspiracy.

Sentencing before U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña has not yet been set, but at that time Delgado will face a minimum of five and up to 40 years in federal prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

He was permitted to remain on bond that hearing.  

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Border Patrol conducted the long-term Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation dubbed Operation Eagle Ford Tour. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher dos Santos and Graciela R. Lindberg are prosecuting the case.

LAREDO, Texas – A federal jury has returned guilty verdicts against a 43-year-old man for his involvement in a conspiracy involving the transportation of illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

The jury deliberated for less than four hours following a  three-day trial before convicting Anthony Terrele McCalebb, of Meridian, Mississippi, of conspiracy to transport and two counts of transporting undocumented aliens for financial gain.

On March 11, 2019, McCalebb and McKinley Lavell Young, 54, also of Meridian, Mississippi, loaded 10 undocumented aliens into the sleeper compartment of their tractor-trailer in Laredo. They then attempted to smuggle them through the Freer Checkpoint on Highway 59.

Upon arrival, a Border Patrol (BP) canine alerted to the vehicle Young was driving.

During trial, the jury heard that authorities had found McCalebb and the aliens hiding in the sleeper compartment of the trailer. The 10 illegal aliens were sitting on two bunk beds which were covered with blankets.

McCalebb and Young had agreed to transport the aliens to San Antonio in return for $10,000. Law enforcement recovered $5,400 of those proceeds upon their arrest. They had expected the remainder upon delivery.

Young pleaded guilty July 29, 2019, and testified at trial. He explained how  McCalebb recruited him to smuggle aliens through Laredo. He confirmed he and McCalebb picked up undocumented aliens and attempted to transport them through the checkpoint and abut being paid to do so.

Two of the smuggled aliens - both women - told the jury about their journey from Brazil to Texas. They testified about being smuggled into the United States across the Rio Grande River on an inflatable raft, staying in a stash house in Laredo and being transported in the sleeper compartment of the McKinley’s truck.

The defense attempted to convince the jury that Young and the alien witnesses were lying to secure benefits from the government and that McCalebb was merely present but not guilty of actually transporting illegal aliens. They did not believe his claims and found McKinley guilty as charged.  

Sentencing will be set for a later date. At that time, McKinley faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

McKinley and Young both remain in custody pending sentencing.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation along with Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Anthony J. Evans and Francisco Rodriguez are prosecuting the case.

HOUSTON – A 38-year-old ex-employee of a local bank who resides in Houston has pleaded guilty to embezzlement, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Adriana Granados aka Adriana Canas pleaded guilty today to one count of embezzling from her former employer.

According to the plea agreement, Granados was employed as an executive assistant in the bank’s Business Development Department and was responsible for submitting expenses account statements for corporate credit cards issued to her and other bank employees for business expenses incurred for the bank.  Without the bank’s knowledge or consent, Granados used her corporate credit card and the cards of other employees to charge personal expenses. 

Sentencing has been set for Oct. 16, 2019, before U.S. District Judge Nancy Atlas. At that time, Granados faces up to 30 years in federal prison and a possible $1 million maximum fine.

Granados was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation - Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Belinda Beek is prosecuting the case.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A federal jury returned a guilty verdict against a 42-year-old Corpus Christi man for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Charles Callis Jr. pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine this morning. Following a day of testimony, the jury deliberated for less than 30 minutes before also convicting him of the firearms charge.

On Dec. 6, 2018, multiple federal law enforcement agencies executed an arrest warrant for Callis on unrelated charges. At that time, they also searched his residence and business - Done Right Air Conditioning - on the 3700 block of Saturn Road.

During trial, the jury heard that during the searches, agents opened a locked room and discovered it had been set up for drug trafficking. The room contained an open counter along the wall where agents found a piece of Tupperware containing cocaine, a digital scale, cutting agents, a metal press, money counting machine and a loaded Taurus 9mm handgun.

In addition, they also discovered a large safe. Inside, there was a box of small Ziploc baggies, approximately $49,000 and a cellular phone. Authorities later confirmed the substance in the bags was cocaine with a total weight of 508 grams.   

The defense attempted to convince the jury Callis had lawfully purchased the handgun and it was unrelated to the cocaine. The jury did not believe his claims and convicted him. 

Senior U.S. District Judge John Rainey presided over the trial and set sentencing for Oct. 16, 2019. At that time, Callis faces a minimum of five and up to 40 years in federal prison for the cocaine conviction and up to life for the firearms charge which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed. The charges also carry a potential $5 million maximum fine. 

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

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Watt is prosecuting the case.

HOUSTON – Federal and local officials convened in Houston today to initiate the National Public Safety Partnership (PSP) program, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick along with Director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance Jon Adler and Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. 

This Justice Department program is a three-year engagement that seeks to leverage department assets in support of a local jurisdictions' commitment to drive down violent crime. 

On June 3, 2019, Attorney General William Barr announced the selection of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) as one of 10 fiscal year (FY) 2019 PSP sites where the Justice Department will work collaboratively to provide training and technical assistance in areas such as crime analytics, emerging technology and community engagement.  

Since 2017, the Justice Department has directed nearly $14.9 million in customized training and technical assistance to help build crime fighting capacity in PSP sites. This includes $6.6 million to support the FY 2019 sites through FY 2022. PSP seeks to bring law enforcement stakeholders together to work collaboratively in reducing violent crime attributed to felonious firearm use, drug trafficking and human trafficking. 

“Adding unincorporated Harris County to the PSP program, which already includes the Houston Police Department (HPD), compliments the technical assistance and formal collaboration in the greater metro area,” said Patrick. “My office is committed to working with local law enforcement in reducing violent crime. HCSO is already a great law enforcement partner, and this new effort will make those ties stronger.”

“Today our team is on-site in Houston to collaborate with local law enforcement officials in their mission to improve public safety and drive down violent crime,” said Adler. “Through the PSP, we are committed to fulfilling the Attorney General's priority of supporting local law enforcement combat violent gangs, felonious firearms use and drug trafficking.”

“Combating violent crime requires strategic coordination among all the law enforcement agencies serving our community,” said Gonzalez. “The Justice Department’s National PSP gives front-line deputies the technical training and expertise they need to keep our neighborhoods safe.”

Since 2017, the Justice Department has worked with more than 30 local jurisdictions under the nationwide PSP program. Many participating cities have already seen dramatic reductions in violent crime. New Orleans ended 2018 with 146 murders, the lowest number of murders since the early 1970s. In Milwaukee, homicides declined in 2018 for a third straight year after hitting a deadly peak in 2015.  

Agencies in attendance at this meeting will include the U.S. Attorney’s Office; Office of Justice Programs; HCSO; FBI; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; Harris County District Attorney’s Office; HPD; Institute for Intergovernmental Research; and CNA.         

LAREDO, Texas – A 22-year-old Mexican national living in Laredo has been ordered deported following his conviction in a multi-agency, high-speed pursuit, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Jose Yepez-Vega pleaded guilty April 29, 2019, to three counts of transporting an undocumented alien within the United States for financial gain, causing risk of serious bodily injury or death as well as one count of conspiracy.

Today, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña noted Yepez-Vega’s status as a recipient of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) policy has been revoked and he is to be deported back to Mexico. At the hearing, the court warned him to not come back to the United States.

On July 21, 2018, law enforcement agents observed a vehicle exit Interstate Highway 35 in an attempt to circumvent the checkpoint located at mile marker 29 north of Laredo. Yepez-Vega was driving. Authorities attempted to perform a traffic stop, but the vehicle failed to yield. More officers from various jurisdictions pursued the vehicle for more than 50 miles on Interstate 35. The fleeing vehicle exceeded speeds of 130 miles per hour before eventually losing control and pulling off the highway.

Authorities arrested Yepez-Vega, identified as a Mexican national and DACA recipient.

Three undocumented aliens from Mexico were located in his vehicle. All three admitted to paying between $4,000 - $6,000 to be smuggled into the United States and on to their final destinations of Texas, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.

Yepez-Vega was sentenced to more than a year, his time in custody since his arrest.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol, Encinal Police Department, La Salle County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Graciela Lindberg and Jennifer Day prosecuted the case.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – As the Attorney General has stated, the Department of Justice is duty-bound to uphold the rule of law - and we owe it to the victims and their families to carry out the sentence our justice system has imposed.

This case was one of the most atrocious crimes this office has ever seen – something that impacted the Corpus Christi community and other family members and friends in Southeast Texas and Louisiana. A jury convicted Alfred Bourgeois of torturing and finally killing his two-year-old daughter, after having visitation custody of her for just a month. The little girl died on June 28, 2002, after a final beating at the Corpus Christ Naval Air Station where Bourgeois was making a delivery as part of his long-haul trucking job. The facts surrounding this murder are horrific.

As a father myself, this case sickens me. Bourgeois preyed on an innocent child – one of the most vulnerable among us. She should have been protected and loved, but was instead robbed of her young life after being brutalized by her very own. 

Bourgeois is guilty and was ordered to death. His execution has now been set.  

Our hearts continue to go out to these families and we hope this measure of justice will finally help bring peace and closure.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 47-year-old resident of Corpus Christi has entered a guilty plea to two counts of robbery causing an interference with interstate or foreign commerce, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

On Oct. 29, 2018, Billy Ray Mitchell robbed the Murphy Express convenience store in Corpus Christi at approximately 7:20 a.m. at knife point. Mitchell forced the clerk into the office where a safe was located and robbed the store of cash, cigarettes and duct tape. Mitchell then abducted the clerk, forcing her into her own vehicle and ordering the clerk to drive him to a nearby apartment complex. 

Upon arrival there, Mitchell bound and gagged the clerk using the stolen duct tape, took her cellular telephone and departed the area on foot, leaving the clerk in the vehicle.

Police officers searched the area but were unable to locate Mitchell at that time. Later, agents reviewed video surveillance of the convenience store and noticed that Mitchell was wearing a distinctive neon yellow shirt with “MY SHIRT IS BRIGHTER THAN YOUR FUTURE” printed on the front. 

On Nov. 8, 2018, at approximately 4 a.m., Mitchell robbed a Circle K convenience store in Corpus Christi, threatening the store clerk with a large kitchen knife. Mitchell brandished the weapon and forced the clerk at knife point to assist in opening the cash register. Mitchell robbed the store of a pack of cigarettes and the entire contents of the cash register. Again, Mitchell forced the clerk from the store and ordered him to drive him from the scene in the clerk’s own vehicle. This time, the clerk yelled out for help to a nearby patron and Mitchell fled the scene on foot. 

Police officers searched the area but were unable to locate Mitchell at that time. However, crime scene investigators were able to recover latent fingerprints from a beer cooler that Mitchell touched. When compared, the fingerprints from the store were determined to be a match to Mitchell.

Agents executed a search warrant on Mitchell’s residence the next day and found the distinctive bright yellow shirt he wore during the Murphy Express robbery.

Mitchell later admitted he committed both robberies.

U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos accepted the plea and set sentencing for Nov. 14, 2019, at which time Mitchell faces up to 20 years imprisonment and a maximum $250,000 fine for each count.

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

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Corpus Christi Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Paxton is prosecuting the case.

McALLEN, Texas – A 32-year-old Kentucky woman has been ordered to federal prison after attempting to hide narcotics inside her body and within her undergarments, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.

Yenny Yamileth Pino pleaded guilty Feb. 4, 2019.

Today, U.S. District Judge Micaela Alvarez, who accepted the guilty plea, handed Pino a 30-month-term of imprisonment. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the dangers of Fentanyl, how addictive it is and the problem it has become in the United States over the last few years.

On Aug. 12, 2018, Pino walked into the Hidalgo port of entry from Mexico. At primary, she began to give inconsistent statements and was sent to secondary inspection. Federal agents soon discovered nearly 900 fentanyl pills hidden in her undergarments.

She then admitted to having more inside her. Medical personnel assisted in the removal of an additional 1100 fentanyl pills hidden inside of her vagina, wrapped in a cylinder and covered by a condom.

Law enforcement ultimately discovered a total of 1981 hidden pills.

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

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Lindenmuth is prosecuting the case.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 24-year-old resident of Corpus Christi has been convicted of robbery, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick.  

Leonard Reyna entered a guilty plea today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jason B. Libby.

Reyna admitted he participated in an aggravated robbery at the Corpus Christi Trade Center and another at a Stripes convenience store which involved the shooting of an innocent bystander.

On Aug. 26, 2018, Reyna approached a local jewelry store displaying a handgun and demanded several items of jewelry. After that robbery, he fled on foot and headed to the Stripes location on the 6000 block of Ayers. There, two men pointed a gun at a victim and demanded the keys to his truck. The victim refused and was later found inside the store where reported he had been shot in the left arm and stomach.

U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzalez Ramos will impose sentencing Oct. 17, 2019, at which time, Reyna faces up to 20 years imprisonment for the robbery and another possible 10 years for the felon in possession conviction. He will also receive a minimum seven-year-term for brandishing a firearm which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed. All counts also carry the possibility of a $250,000 maximum fine.

Reyna has been and will remain in custody pending his sentencing.

He was originally indicted along with Carlos Moreno, 25, also of Corpus Christi who is charged with being involved in both robberies and with discharging a firearm. He is considered innocent unless and until convicted through due process of law, but remains a fugitive and a warrant remains outstanding for his arrest. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the U.S. Marshals service at 1-800-336-0102.

The Corpus Christi Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Watt is prosecuting the case.