Southern District of Texas

A 41-year-old Guatemalan national is set to make his initial appearance in U.S. federal court on charges stemming from a crash of a tractor-trailer packed with at least 160 illegal aliens – many of them Guatemalan – that killed more than 50 people, including unaccompanied children, and injured over 100 more, the Justice Department announced today.

Authorities arrested Daniel Zavala Ramos aka Dany ZR in Boquerón, Guatemala, Aug. 7 pursuant to a U.S. extradition request and he was surrendered to U.S. authorities Oct. 21. He is expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga in Laredo this morning.

The extradition is the result of sustained coordination between the Justice Department and Guatemalan authorities following an international enforcement operation carried out Dec. 9, 2024, the third anniversary of the tragedy. The extradition marks yet another significant step in the Justice Department’s efforts to bring those responsible to justice.

Also charged are Tomas Quino Canil, 37, Oswaldo Manuel Zavala Quino aka Osvaldo ZQ, 25, Josefa Quino Canil De Zavala, 43, and Alberto Marcario Chitic aka Alberto De Jesus, 32, who were all taken into custody in Guatemala Dec. 9, 2024. U.S. authorities arrested Jorge Agapito Ventura aka Jorge Ventura, George Ventura or El Raitero, 33, at his residence in Cleveland, Texas, the same day. All are now in federal custody pending further criminal proceedings.

All six are charged with conspiracy to bring illegal aliens into the United States, placing life in jeopardy, causing serious bodily injuries and resulting in death.

According to court documents, from October 2021 to February 2023, all six worked with other smugglers to facilitate the travel of illegal aliens from Guatemala through Mexico into the United States. They allegedly recruited them, collected payment and arranged travel by foot, microbuses, cattle trucks and tractor-trailers.

In some instances, the scheme allegedly involved the smuggling of unaccompanied minors. According to the charges, they also provided illegal aliens with scripts and instructions on what to say if apprehended. The indictment further alleges some of the individuals they recruited died or suffered serious bodily injury as a result of the Dec. 9, 2021, crash.

If convicted, all face a maximum penalty of life in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s – Homeland Security Investigations’ Counter Proliferation Investigations Group in Washington D.C. conducted the joint investigation with HSI offices in Guatemala and Mexico with substantial assistance of HSI’s Human Smuggling Unit and HSI offices in Houston and Laredo, Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center, Operation Sentinel, Border Patrol, Liberty County Constable, Precinct 6; ICE - Enforcement and Removal Operations in Houston, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas and Justice Department’s Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training.

The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance in securing the arrests and extraditions. Guatemalan and Mexican prosecutors, with the support of law enforcement officials from both countries, were also instrumental in furthering the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Day and Mary Lou Castillo are prosecuting the case along with Senior Trial Attorney Danielle Hickman of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section with substantial assistance from HRSP Latin American Specialist/Historian Joanna Crandall.

The indictment is the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha. JTFA, a partnership with Department of Homeland Security, has been elevated and expanded with a mandate to target cartels and transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking networks operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama and Colombia that impact public safety and the security of our borders. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the southwest border, including the Southern District of California, Districts of Arizona and New Mexico and Western and Southern Districts of Texas. Dedicated support is provided by the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by the Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, Office of Enforcement Operations and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, Drug Enforcement Administration and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 420 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 370 U.S. convictions; more than 315 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the DOJ to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

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

Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.   

HOUSTON – A 34-year-old Houston resident and documented gang member has been ordered to federal prison for striking a manager with a gun at a local food establishment during a robbery, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett found Kelvin Patton guilty of interference with commerce through robbery and brandishing a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence following a one-day bench trial that occurred Nov. 5, 2024.

The court has now handed Patton an 89-month term of imprisonment for the robbery. He also received 96 months for the firearms charge which must be served consecutively to the other sentence imposed. The total 185-month prison term will be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that described Patton’s lengthy history of repeatedly committing felony offenses, even while on court supervision. In handing down the sentence, Judge Bennett noted Patton was on a path that will lead to one of two places - him spending the rest of his life in prison or his early death.

From 2019 to 2022, Patton committed multiple felonies, including robbery, vehicle theft and unlawful possession of firearms and body armor. In each instance, he was released on bond.

Shortly following the release on the weapons charge, Patton followed a Denny’s manager from a bank to the restaurant on Hillcroft Ave. in Houston. Surveillance video captured Patton striking the manager in the head with a firearm and stealing a bank bag before fleeing in a car.

Later, someone observed Patton looking into vehicles outside a bank. Patton followed the person as they left. However, authorities identified him and took him into custody.

At trial, the defense argued the robbery was outside federal jurisdiction. The court did not believe those claims and found Patton guilty as charged.

As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition per federal law.

Patton will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Houston Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stuart Tallichet prosecuted the case.

Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.   

LAREDO, Texas - A 42-year-old resident of Laredo has been sentenced for robbing Falcon International Bank, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Adrian Hernandez pleaded guilty April 1.

U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo has now sentenced him to 78 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court noted the very serious nature of Hernandez’s past and current violent actions and the danger that he poses to the community as a whole.

On June 10, 2024, Hernandez entered the location at 212 Bob Bullock Loop in Laredo. He approached the counter and passed a note to the bank teller which read – “this is a bank robbery, give me all the money.” 

Hernandez had a gray shirt wrapped around his hand to conceal, or appear to conceal, a weapon. The teller activated the silent alarm and placed the money that was in her teller drawer, including bait money, into a brown paper bag and handed it to Hernandez. He then left the bank, got into his car and sped away. 

Authorities later observed a car matching the description of Hernandez’s vehicle parked at a motel. They attempted a felony stop but Hernandez evaded, and a chase ensued. Eventually, Hernandez collided with a chain link fence in the vicinity of Salinas Avenue, at which time law enforcement fired several shots before he eventually surrendered. 

At the time of his arrest, he was wearing the same clothing as viewed in the security footage from the Falcon International Bank. 

Law enforcement also found a large amount of cash in the car as well as a yellow note and blue marker. 

Hernandez will remain in federal custody pending his transfer to the custody of the Bureau of Prisons where he will serve the remainder of his sentence. 

The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mike Makens is prosecuting the case.

Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.   

HOUSTON – Seven Houston residents are now charged in a superseding indictment for their roles in a Medicare fraud scheme involving patients not terminally ill, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Authorities have arrested Hattie Banks, 49, Humble; Lydia Obere, 59, and Cheryl Brooks, 64, both of Houston; and Ena Cowart, 50, Missouri City. They join Dera Ogudo, 40, Victoria Martinez, 36, both of Richmond, and Evelyn Shaw, 52, Houston, who were previously taken into custody.  

According to the 43-count superseding indictment, returned Oct. 5, all seven conspired to fraudulently bill Medicare and Medicaid for more than $110 million for hospice services provided to patients who were not terminally ill.

The charges allege Ogudo and Martinez operated United Palliative & Hospice Company, a business that misled elderly patients and their families about services billed to Medicare and Medicaid.

Court documents allege UPHC marketers told Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and their families they qualified for hospice care even though many patients were not terminally ill, as required. Ogudo allegedly paid kickbacks to group homeowners and others who helped enroll patients and to Shaw, a hospital discharge coordinator, for referrals. Ogudo also bribed a physician to falsely certify and re-certify patients as terminally ill, according to the charges.

The indictment further alleges that after authorities searched UPHC, Ogudo and Martinez opened new hospice companies – Residential Hospice and Cedar Hospice – under straw ownership to continue the fraud. They then allegedly conspired to launder Medicare reimbursements from those companies through accounts Martinez and others controlled before transferring the funds into other accounts to conceal Ogudo’s ownership and control. 

All are charged with conspiracy to commit health care fraud, multiple counts of health care fraud, conspiracy to pay and receive kickbacks and substantive violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute. Ogudo is additionally charged with 14 counts of engaging in monetary transactions involving criminally derived property. Any of these counts could result in up to 10 years in prison. Ogudo and Martinez also face one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering which carries a penalty of up to 20 years. Each conviction also carries a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

The FBI, Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General and Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn Olson and Brad Gray are prosecuting the case.  

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

Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.   

HOUSTON – A 20-count indictment has been unsealed following the arrest of a 56-year-old Porter resident for fraudulently applying for and receiving a newly built house worth $435,000, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas Ganjei.

Sharai Poteet also allegedly threatened to kill a witness and assaulted a federal officer. She made her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina Bryan. 

According to the indictment returned Oct. 9, Poteet submitted fraudulent loan applications that falsely claimed 11 people – including seven children and a disabled adult - were household members. As a result of the alleged false claims and aggravated identity theft, Poteet received assistance in the form of a custom seven-bedroom home.

The charges allege the funds used to construct the home were intended for victims impacted by Hurricane Harvey through a program the Department of Housing and Urban Development administered. The home Poteet received was the largest the program was responsible for building at that time, according to the allegations.

The indictment further alleges Poteet submitted three additional fraudulent disaster relief claims to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for storms that occurred between 2021 and 2024. During the investigation, she also allegedly threatened to kill a whistle-blower in an attempt to silence them.  

Poteet allegedly assaulted a federal agent and attempted to flee during an operation intended to seize her cell phone. 

If convicted of any of the seven counts of wire fraud, Poteet faces up to 30 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million. Each of the two counts of obstruction of justice also carry a possible 20-year prison sentence, while she could receive another eight years upon conviction of assaulting a federal officer. She is also charged with seven counts of aggravated identify theft, each of which carry a mandatory two years which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed.

HUD-Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Shalimar Addy 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. 

Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.   

HOUSTON – A 55-year-old Pasadena resident has been sentenced to federal prison for receipt of child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Bo Rain Wells pleaded guilty July 14.

U.S. District Judge Andrew S. Hanen has now sentenced Wells to 180 months in prison. He will also be required to serve 25 years on supervised release following the completion of his prison term, during which time he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. The court also noted Wells was already a registered sex offender due to his 2006 conviction of aggravated sexual assault of a child in Harris County. Restitution will be determined at a later date.

“People who view child sex abuse material create a demand for the sexual exploitation of defenseless children,” said Ganjei. “Watching child pornography is therefore not a victimless offense. The Southern District of Texas is determined to stamp out this sickening conduct.”

On July 26, 2024, law enforcement executed a federal search warrant at Wells’ residence in Pasadena and seized several electronic devices. Some included hard drives which contained 39 terabytes of pornography. 

The files included videos of prepubescent minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations Galveston conducted the investigation with the assistance of Pearland Police Department and Houston-Metro Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force.

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

Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.   

HOUSTON – Houston-based pharmacy PharMerica and its parent company PharMerica Corporation of America have settled allegations that they violated the Controlled Substances Act,  announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

PharMerica is a nationwide institutional pharmacy services provider specializing in long-term care, senior living and other healthcare settings. It operates locations across the United States, including several in Texas.

The pharmacy, located on Post Oak Road, is registered with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to handle Schedule II-V controlled substances.

According to the settlement agreement, a DEA on-site inspection in June 2024 revealed multiple recordkeeping failures. PharMerica allegedly failed to maintain required records intended to prevent the diversion of controlled substances. Among the alleged violations, PharMerica failed to maintain complete and accurate records of eight of eight controlled substances audited, failed to maintain dispensing records in a readily retrievable manner for seven of eight audited controlled substances and failed to keep complete records of transfer for collected controlled substances.

“The Controlled Substances Act is designed to keep tight controls on those who manufacture, distribute and dispense controlled substances so that dangerous narcotics are not diverted for illicit purposes,” said Ganjei. “When a registrant fails to adhere to the rules, diversion can, and often does, occur. Today’s settlement is an important step in preventing similar conduct by others.”

“Failing to monitor highly addictive controlled substances is not just a violation, but a threat to public safety and will lead to hefty fines,” said Special Agent in Charge Jonathan C. Pullen of the DEA’s Houston Division. DEA Houston Diversion’s unwavering commitment to keeping our communities safe will continue to hold companies accountable for any mishandling of prescription drugs that could fall into the wrong hands.”

DEA conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill O. Venezia prosecuted the case.

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

Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.   

HOUSTON – A 56-year-old Iraqi citizen who resided in Richmond has been sentenced following his conviction of unlicensed money remitting, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

A federal jury deliberated for approximately two hours before convicting Sameer Sami Rasheed Al Salman April 23 following a two-day trial.

U.S. District Judge Sim Lake has now ordered Salman to serve 54 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard how Salman provided money services to criminal organizations in the tens of thousands of dollars and that he refused to tell FBI where $300,000 cash was located when they searched his house.

During trial, the jury heard evidence about Salman’s money transmitting business, which he operated at his residence in Richmond. Since 2020, Salman transferred and wired millions of dollars from U.S. bank accounts to ones all over the world, including in China, Indonesia and India.

Additional testimony revealed that Salman offered his services locally and conducted informal hawala transactions-a method of transferring money without using the banking system. He carried out these transfers, often amounting to thousands of dollars, from his driveway and required individuals to show their identification. Many transfers originated from Iraq with some up to $40,000.

Authorities identified Salman’s illegal money transmitting operation after extensive surveillance and conducted a search of his residence. At that time, they discovered over $282,000 in cash stored within the house, which Salman will forfeit.

At the time of the trial, the defense attempted to convince the jury Salman had lawful authority to operate a money transfer business in Iraq. The jury did not believe those claims and found him guilty as charged.

Salman remains in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Heather Winter and Steven Schammel prosecuted the case. 

Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.   

HOUSTON – Two Houston residents have been indicted on charges of embezzling over $1 million from their former employer, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Authorities have now taken Kendra Blake aka Kendra Walker, 37, New Caney, into custody. She made her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Bryan at 10 a.m. Also charged is James Tillotson, 37, Baytown, who has already made his appearance in federal court.  

According to the now fully unsealed indictment, both are charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, wire fraud and conducting monetary transactions in criminally derived property. Tillotson is also charged with making a false statement on a mortgage application.

The charges allege Blake and Tillotson abused their positions at a local drilling technology company between December 2022 and June 2024. They allegedly changed bank account information in the company’s payment system and diverted funds to accounts they controlled.

As part of the scheme, Blake allegedly added her own company, LL2L Trucking, as a vendor in the company’s system. She then directed fraudulent payments to that company and to other accounts she and Tillotson controlled, according to the charges.

If convicted, both face up to 20 years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine. Tillotson could also face another maximum 30 years upon conviction of making false statements in a mortgage application.

The FBI conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shirin Hakimzadeh 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.

Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.   

HOUSTON – A 31-year-old Houston resident has been sentenced for wire fraud in a $12.5 million scam that victimized investors in the Southern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Robert Maxwell pleaded guilty April 10.

U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett has now ordered Maxwell to serve 90 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release and full restitution to the victims. At the hearing, the court heard testimony that Maxwell was currently engaged in another possible fraudulent scheme by managing and attempting to sell a company in the medical clinic trial space called “ClinConnect.” Additionally, the court heard evidence that shortly before sentencing, Maxwell forged a letter from the managers at his former luxury apartment complex in Los Angeles and submitted it to the Probation Department in an attempt to provide an alibi for his whereabouts while on bond.  

In handing down the sentence, the court noted the complex and relentless nature of the Maxwell’s scheme and stated that Maxwell preying upon people’s fears during the early years of the COVID-19 pandemic was “despicable.” 

When the pandemic emerged, Maxwell falsely represented to investors that he had procured a manufacturing contract with a Chinese company for personal protective equipment such as masks and gloves. He also purported to have a domestic agreement to sell the PPE.

He used fabricated bank records, agreements and other documents to solicit millions in investments to aid in this purported venture. He then pocketed the investment funds, while the PPE never existed.

At the same time, Maxwell agreed to help produce an at-home aerosol product intended to kill coronavirus. While again taking in millions from investors, Maxwell claimed he was working with a manufacturing plant in Texas and an out-of-state distributor to produce and deliver the product to major retailers.

Maxwell told victims that retailers were selling out of the product and ordering millions of additional units in a bid to obtain additional investor funds. However, the entire arrangement was a fraud. No one had even manufactured the product, retailers had never heard of it nor of Maxwell, and he had fabricated all the documents he showed to investors to bolster the scheme.

Maxwell admitted to stealing more than $12.5 million from victims in the course of his fraudulent scheme.

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

The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christian Latham and Thomas Carter prosecuted the case.

Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.   

HOUSTON – A federal judge has found three Houstonians guilty of conspiring to secure the release of Harris County inmates on fraudulent bail bonds, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal determined Kamaiga Gholar, 31, James Bateson, 46, and Katherine O’Brien, 26, were each guilty of conspiracy and committing wire fraud following a week-long trial.  

“This fraudulent scheme attacked the integrity of the bail bond system,” said Ganjei. “These defendants also endangered the public by helping to obtain pretrial release for accused criminals who should have been kept in jail. The Southern District of Texas will not tolerate attempts to undermine public confidence in our system of justice.”

The court heard how these three knowingly submitted falsified documents to manipulate the bail bond system in Harris County to secure the release of repeat and violent criminals. From approximately September 2020 to January 2022, Gholar, Bateson and O’Brien falsified paycheck stubs so inmates would qualify for bonds that AABLE Bail Bonds had facilitated.

During trial, Judge Rosenthal heard numerous jail calls discussing the scheme. She also considered testimony from people around the country, some of whom were company representatives who explained that bond co-signers were not employees of their companies despite claiming to be so.   

The inmates receiving the bonds had various charges including aggravated assault, firearms, drug trafficking, promoting prostitution and more.

At trial, the court heard evidence that Gholar admitted to knowingly passing falsified paystubs in support of one inmate’s bond paperwork. Gholar inflated income amounts and emailed falsified paystubs to AABLE Bail Bonds.

Bateson aided an inmate who testified that although Bateson had co-signed his bond, he only knew him as a friend’s roommate. The employer listed on his bond application was false.

The court also heard calls in which O’Brian commented that it was difficult to find co-signers with enough income and that she knew how to make false paystubs. In one instance, five co-signer applications for a single inmate had been completed in O’Brien’s handwriting. One had been submitted in the name of O’Brien’s own relative who testified at trial that she never agreed to co-sign and that her paystub had been falsified. O’Brien attempted to blame AABLE Bail Bonds employees for the inaccurate paperwork.

Overall, the defense claimed there was no wire fraud because Gholar, Bateson and O’Brien were not trying to get money or property, but simply trying to get their friends and loved ones released from jail. The defense also claimed that because no one actually forfeited a bond, there was no harm; therefore, no loss and no crime. The court was not convinced and found all three guilty as charged.

Judge Rosenthal will impose sentencing Dec. 31. At that time, each faces up to 20 years in prison per count and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

All were permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

A total of 53 people have been charged in the case. To date, 26 have now been convicted through pleas or trial.  

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

Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.   

HOUSTON – A 22-year-old New Orleans resident has been ordered to federal prison for his role in transporting illegal aliens, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

The jury deliberated for less than an hour before finding Mailon Almendares-Martinez guilty following a three-day trial April 30.

U.S. District Judge Kenneth P. Hoyt has now ordered Almendares-Martinez to serve 51 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that Almendares-Martinez maintained a role as an organizer and leader within the conspiracy.  

From Oct. 30 to Nov. 2, 2022, Almendares-Martinez conspired with others to transport illegal aliens from the South Texas border to Houston. He recruited friends and conspirators from New Orleans, Louisiana, offering to pay $1,000 to $2,000 per person and directed the operation through WhatsApp messages and phone calls. 

During one trip, rival smugglers shot at them en route to Houston, wounding two aliens in the arm and leg. After the shooting, Almendares-Martinez told the drivers to return to Houston and not seek medical attention. 

On Nov. 1, 2022, the aliens were brought to a motel in Houston, where they escaped the next day. Authorities arrived at the motel and took Jonathan Melendez-Merino, Oscar Melendez-Sosa, Cristian Mencias-Padilla and Cesar Monge-Milla into custody.

Almendares-Martinez will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Seven others, all from New Orleans, previously pleaded guilty - Melendez-Merino, 22, Melendez-Sosa, 22, Mencias-Padilla, 22, and Monge-Milla, 25, along with Yunior Sorto-Ramirez, 23, Bayron Pineda-Alvarado, 23, and Alan Galvez-Baquedano, 22.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael Day and Anthony Franklyn prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.   

HOUSTON – A 41-year-old Mexican national who illegally resided in Houston has been ordered to federal prison for illegally reentering the country again without authorization, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Eduardo Ramiro Gonzalez-Leal pleaded guilty May 28.

U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks has now ordered Gonzalez-Leal to serve 76 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is again expected to be removed following his imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard about Gonzalez-Leal’s criminal and immigration history and noted the obligation to protect the community from his unlawful conduct.

Gonzalez-Leal has multiple felony convictions including conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance, felon in possession of a firearm and driving under the influence.

He was removed in November 2015 and October 2021 and returned each time. Authorities discovered him again Nov. 27, 2023, in Houston.

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

Immigration Customs Enforcement – Enforcement Removal Operations conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Carrie Law prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.    

LAREDO, Texas – A 57-year-old Rio Bravo man has been ordered to federal prison for human smuggling, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Antonio Pena pleaded guilty May 6.

U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo has now ordered Pena to serve 63 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard how Pena has remained a decades-long danger to others in the community. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the breadth of his criminal history, which includes a homicide conviction, the risk of substantial bodily injury or death he imposed on the two illegal aliens crammed into his trunk and attacks made to other inmates while Pena awaited sentencing.

On Feb. 14, Pena was driving a black Chevrolet Cruz that appeared heavily weighted down and sagging in the rear. He pulled into a gas station, claiming he was “just getting gas.” When law enforcement approached him, he appeared nervous, stuttered and clutched his phone while insisting there was no one else in the car. Law enforcement also noticed he was holding just a single key without any other personalized keys attached.

A subsequent search revealed one person lying on the floorboard and two more crammed in the trunk. Authorities determined all three were citizens of Mexico and in the United States illegally.

One illegal alien admitted he had waded across the Rio Grande and was awaiting transport to Atlanta when Pena arrived. He saw two others already hidden in the trunk when Pena instructed him to lie on the floorboard.

Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tae W. Chon prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.   

HOUSTON - A 25-year-old Houston man has been ordered to prison for committing two aggravated robberies with a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Eric Suarez-Maldonado pleaded guilty May 25.

U.S. District Judge George Hanks has now ordered Suarez-Maldonado to serve a total of 231 months in federal prison - 63 months for robberies with a consecutive 168 months for using firearms during the crimes. The sentence will be followed by three years of supervised release. In imposing the sentence, Judge Hanks noted that the victims will be haunted by Suarez-Maldonado’s actions for the rest of their lives, and there must be consequences for those actions.

On or about Oct. 18, 2023, Suarez-Maldonado entered the 7-Eleven located at 12776 East Freeway in Houston with a ski mask. He immediately ran to the clerk and put a firearm in her face, demanding money from the register. He then left in a waiting get-away vehicle.

Approximately 10 minutes later, law enforcement responded to another armed robbery, this time at a Valero located at 7501 Lyons in Houston. The investigation revealed Suarez-Maldonado had entered the store with a firearm and pointed it at the victim clerk while demanding money from the register before fleeing the scene.

Authorities identified him and took him into custody following a short high-speed chase. Suarez-Maldondo was in possession of a firearm that matched the firearm seen on surveillance videos during the robberies.

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

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill Jenkins Stotts prosecuted the case. 

Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.   

HOUSTON – A 28-year-old former Iraqi refugee and legal permanent resident of Richmond has been sentenced for providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Abdulrahman Mohammed Hafedh Alqaysi pleaded guilty March 7.

U.S. District Judge Alfred Bennett has now ordered Alqaysi to serve 144 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the gravity of the offense and how Alqaysi’s conduct affected not only Americans, but the entire international community. Alqaysi is also expected to lose his immigration status in the United States.

“The American people generously allowed Alqaysi to live in the United States,” said Ganjei. “Alqaysi betrayed that hospitality by helping ISIS, a terrorist organization that has murdered Americans and countless other innocent people. This sentence sends a clear message: If you help terrorist organizations, ​the Southern District of Texas will send you to prison for a long, long time.”

Alqaysi admitted to providing material support and resources to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham.

From 2015 to 2020, Alqaysi provided his computer expertise to develop and post logos for a media arm of the ISIS group known as the Kalachnikov team. He further sent hacking videos and instructions to ISIS members in addition to stolen credit card information and fraudulently created identity documents.

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

The FBI Houston Joint Terrorism Task Force conducted the investigation with the assistance of Immigration Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Winter prosecuted the case along with National Security Division Trial Attorney Michael Dittoe.

Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.   

HOUSTON – A 35-year-old Cypress resident has been ordered to prison following his conviction for possession of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Jessie King pleaded guilty Nov. 20, 2023.

U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks Jr. ordered King to serve 60 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the amount of methamphetamine and the fact that King hurt people through his trafficking.

The investigation began Nov. 17, 2020, after authorities discovered a phone call between Jessie King and Billy Ray Ashley about obtaining “whites.” Later that day, King arrived at the location where Ashley was staying, went inside briefly, then left.

Law enforcement followed King and saw him conduct a suspected drug transaction. They were able to recover two “K packs” (packages containing 1,000 pills each) weighing over 700 grams which tested positive for methamphetamine.

King will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Billy Ray Ashley previously pleaded guilty Feb. 7 and was sentenced to 120 months.

The FBI conducted the investigation with assistance from Houston Police Department and Texas Department of Public Safety.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Lewis and John Ganz prosecuted the case.

Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.   

McALLEN, Texas – Three additional Pasia gang members have been sentenced for their roles in the assault of two federal correctional officers, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Mexican national Oscar Ambrocio Hernandez, 25, pleaded guilty in April, while Ruben Gonzalez-Balderas, 29, also of Mexico, and Roger Emmanuel Lemus, 42, Guatemala, entered their pleas in July.

U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton has now imposed a 137-month term of imprisonment for Gonzalez-Balderas, while Lemus and Hernandez received 126 and 57 months, respectively. Not U.S. citizens, all are expected to face removal proceedings following their imprisonment. In handing down the sentences, the court noted surveillance footage of the assault as well as photos displaying each inmate assaulting the officers. At the hearing, the court heard about a drug trafficking conviction for Lemus as well as Gonzalez’s extensive criminal history which includes a conviction for burglary and alien smuggling.

“Federal correctional officers are essential to protecting the public,” said Ganjei. “They perform the critical and difficult task of ensuring that those in custody remain behind bars. The Southern District of Texas will seek severe punishment for criminals or detainees who do them harm.”

In January, 12 inmates at the East Hidalgo Detention Center assaulted two federal correctional officers. The inmates, who were already in custody pending federal immigration charges, outnumbered the officers and repeatedly punched and kicked them. They were housed in a gang-designated unit within the facility. One inmate wielded a sock with a bar of soap as a weapon during the assault. One correctional officer sustained injuries that resulted in multiple staples in his forehead.

Bryan Hernandez-Ruiz, 25, Francisco Antonio Hernandez-Mora, 27, Adrian David Guzman-Salas, 28, David Ramirez-Bautista, 21, Roberto Fabian Garza-Castaneda, 49, Jose Alberto Resendez-Hernandez, 27, and Jose Ramos-Lerma, 45, all of Mexico, also pleaded guilty and were previously sentenced Sept. 10 to terms ranging from 48-114 months.

All have been and will remain in custody.

The FBI and U.S. Marshals Service conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura Garcia and Avery Benitez prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

VICTORIA, Texas – A 41-year-old illegal alien from Cambodia has been charged with unlawfully possessing a weapon following the shooting death of a woman in Victoria, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.  

Savin Seng aka “Two-Face” had illegally resided in Victoria and is now in federal custody pending a detention hearing set for Oct. 10 at 10 a.m. At his initial appearance, the court heard that he is an admitted gang member.

According to the criminal complaint, a shooting incident occurred at a residence in the Telferner community outside Victoria Oct. 3. Authorities had allegedly found a female victim deceased from a gunshot wound to the head. The charges allege the shooter had left his cell phone and fled the scene. 

An image on the phone showed a man holding a Glock pistol with an extended magazine, according to the charges. The criminal complaint alleges the man was Seng, whom a witness had identified as the murder suspect.

Court documents allege Seng also had an active arrest warrant from 2022 for another homicide in Los Angeles, California. 

Law enforcement allegedly located Seng less than a mile from the scene of the shooting and took him into custody. At the time of his arrest, he had a loaded Glock 17, 9mm pistol in his shorts along with a loaded 31-round extended magazine, according to the allegations. 

The charges allege Seng had illegally entered the United States as a child and never held lawful immigration status in the country. Court documents allege he had been ordered removed as an aggravated felon in April 2016 but had not been physically removed. He has been in custody in California, Georgia and Louisiana, according to court records.  

The criminal complaint further alleges Seng has had possession of several guns while remaining in the United States illegally. 

“The presence of armed, illegal-alien gang members in our midst is a threat to public safety,” Ganjei said. “The Southern District of Texas is determined to remove each and every one of them from our streets.”

If convicted, Seng faces up to 10 years in federal prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine. 

Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Victoria County Sheriff’s Office and Los Angeles, California, Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patti Hubert Booth is prosecuting the case. 

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood. 

Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.   

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 47-year-old Seagoville resident has been found guilty of smuggling illegal aliens into the country, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

The jury deliberated for approximately an hour before convicting Jose Eduardo Rocha following a less than two-day trial.

On Feb. 10, Rocha drove a tractor trailer to the Border Patrol checkpoint near Falfurrias. He appeared nervous, looked around and avoided eye contact.

The jury heard that authorities shined a flashlight into the cab from outside and saw what appeared to be the back of a person’s head sticking out from a blanket on the top bunk.  

Law enforcement attempted to open the side sleeper door, but it was locked. Testimony revealed Rocha claimed the door was broken.

Upon further inspection, an x-ray scan revealed anomalies inside the cab. Authorities discovered four illegal aliens hiding on the top bunk, the main bed behind the driver, inside the closet and under the bed. They were from the countries of El Salvador and Guatemala.

Testimony revealed Rocha told the illegal aliens to be quiet and to hide.

The defense attempted to convince the jury that Rocha not fleeing from or fighting the authorities meant he did not know the aliens were hidden in his tractor cab. They were not convinced and found Rocha guilty as charged.

U.S. District Judge David S. Morales presided over the trial and set sentencing for Jan. 6, 2026. At that time, Rocha faces up to five years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

Rocha was permitted to remain on bond pending sentencing.

Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ashley A. Pruitt and Young M. Burkett prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.   

HOUSTON – A 65-year-old Sugar Land resident has been charged with illegal distributing over 800 oxycodone pills over the course of just a few days, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Kirti Ruxmohan made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter Bray Oct. 6.

The 10-count indictment, returned Oct. 1 and unsealed upon his arrest, alleges Ruxmohan conspired with others to illegally distribute oxycodone from May to June. According to the indictment, the crew leaders paid individuals to pose as patients at Houston-area pill mill clinics to obtain prescriptions for controlled substances.

One leader allegedly worked with Ruxmohan to fill several fraudulent oxycodone prescriptions at his pharmacy. In just a few days in May, they dispensed approximately 810 oxycodone pills, according to the charges.

If convicted, Ruxmohan faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $1 million maximum fine.

Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Olson is prosecuting the case.

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

HOUSTON – A 36-year-old Mexican national who illegally resided in Houston has been charged for assaulting an officer which resulted in deep head wounds, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Javier Cornelio Cruz-Nava is now in custody pending further criminal proceedings.

On Oct. 1, federal and state authorities were conducting immigration enforcement activities in Houston, according to the charges. They allegedly attempted to stop a vehicle Javier Cornelio Cruz-Nava was driving and activated their emergency lights, but he did not yield and began to evade. The charges allege they surrounded Cruz-Nava’s vehicle, at which time he jumped out and fled on foot.

An agent with the Texas Department of Public Safety in uniform began to chase Cruz-Nava, according to the allegations. The charges allege the agent eventually caught up with him and attempted to grab his shirt, but Cruz-Nava slid out of the garment and continued to flee. The agent then allegedly attempted to secure Cruz-Nava by wrapping his arms around him, but Cruz-Nava lunged and threw him into a wrought iron fence.

The charges allege Cruz-Nava fled again, but authorities soon took him into custody.

The agent was injured during the scuffle and sustained two deep head wounds, according to the complaint.  

“Those who attack law enforcement officers are attacking the American system of justice,” said Ganjei. “The Southern District of Texas has a zero-tolerance policy towards anyone who does so. The message is clear—comply with officer directives and keep your hands to yourself.”

If convicted of assaulting, resisting or impeding a person assisting a federal officer, Cruz-Nava faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.  

FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations and DPS. Assistant U.S. Attorney John S. Ganz is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

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

Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.   

HOUSTON - A 39-year-old Mexican national with a felony criminal history has been sentenced for illegally reentering the country without authorization, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Luis Adrian Torres-Tamayo pleaded guilty June 30.

U.S. District Judge Kenneth M. Hoyt has now ordered Torres to serve 105 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is again expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment.

Torres was first removed in 2012 after sustaining a conviction for possession of a controlled substance. He illegally returned and in 2022, he assaulted two local law enforcement officers during a domestic violence dispute. He repeatedly attacked them, seizing their taser guns and striking them with a closed fist. He subsequently served three years imprisonment for assault of a public servant.

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

Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Celia Moyer and Amanda Alum prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.    

HOUSTON – A 34-year-old man from El Salvador has been ordered to federal prison for illegally reentering the country after removal, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Carlos Membreno-Lainez pleaded guilty June 30. 

U.S. District Judge David Hittner has now ordered Membreno-Lainez to serve 72 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, the court determined an upward variance was appropriate to deter Membreno-Lainez from committing further crimes.  

Membreno-Lainez has convictions for evading arrest and theft as well as a significant sentence for aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon. He was removed in November 2018 with no permission to return to the United States. However, authorities encountered him again Nov. 30, 2024, following an arrest in Harris County on charges of felony assault of a family member impeding breath. 

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

Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luis Batarse is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood. 

Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.   

HOUSTON - A 50-year-old Houston man has been ordered to prison for making a false statement in the purchase of firearms and purchasing firearms knowing they were to be exported to Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

The jury deliberated for less than 20 minutes following a three-day trial before finding John Castellano guilty April 30.

U.S. District Judge Ewing Werlein Jr. has now ordered Castellano to serve 70 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted that Castellano was not just simply purchasing firearms, he was getting them through others with money people in Mexico had provided. Judge Werlein commented that these were .50 caliber rifles destined for Mexico and that Castellano was looking to purchase more.   

On or about Dec. 16, 2019, Castellano lied to a federal firearms licensed dealer. He falsely claimed he was purchasing two Barrett .50 caliber rifles for himself, each valued at approximately $8,000. In reality, they were intended for others and ultimately destined for Mexico.

The jury heard evidence that Castellano purchased the rifles with approximately $17,000 in cash from Jacinto Zuniga.

Evidence revealed Castellano had picked up the firearms from a federal firearms licensed dealer with a friend, who was a previously convicted felon.

The jury also heard he was attempting to obtain additional Barrett .50 caliber rifles.

Experts provided testimony regarding the regulations and various licensing requirements necessary for exporting firearms to Mexico. The jury also had the opportunity to view the rifles Castellano had straw purchased.

The defense attempted to convince the jury that the accusations were false, he was wrongfully accused and that incriminating text messages were lies. They did not believe those claims and found Castellano guilty as charged.

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

Zuniga, 44, Houston, previously pleaded guilty for his role in the scheme and was sentenced to 34 months.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of Houston Police Department, Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations and Department of State. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Smith and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill Stotts prosecuted the case. 

Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.   

HOUSTON – A 44-year-old Mexican national who illegally resided in Houston has been ordered to federal prison for entering the country without authorization, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Wilfredo Sanchez pleaded guilty May 22.

U.S. District Judge Charles Eskridge has now ordered him to serve 66 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is again expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. In handing down the sentence, the court considered his previous convictions and the dangerousness of his crimes, lack of respect for the law and need for deterrence.

Sanchez has felony convictions for illegal reentry as well as burglary of habitation and evading arrest with a motor vehicle. He was first removed in 2007 and illegally returned four times, most recently in February 2022. Authorities discovered him in Harris County following an arrest for evading detention.

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

Immigration Customs Enforcement – Enforcement Removal Operations conducted the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brooke Fuselier and Carrie Law prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.   

HOUSTON – A 54-year-old Iraqi national has been convicted for conspiracy to violate gun export laws, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

The jury deliberated for approximately two hours before finding Hassan Al Gharawi guilty on one count of conspiracy to violate export control laws following a three-day trial.

From approximately November 2020 to June 2021, Gharawi conspired with others to knowingly stockpile, conceal and transport firearms in vehicle parts bound for Iraq.

At trial, the jury heard Gharawi received two deliveries in 2020 and 2021 totaling approximately 77 firearms, which he had stored in his home. 

On June 10, 2021, authorities observed Gharawi load firearms into his vehicle and transport them to a storage facility. 

The jury saw photos of more than 500 firearms and listened to recordings of Gharawi discussing the trafficking plan. 

The defense argued Gharawi acted under duress from the traffickers in Iraq. The jury rejected those claims after seeing the extent of his involvement and found him guilty as charged. 

U.S. District Judge Andrew Hanen presided over the trial and set sentencing for Jan. 21, 2026. At that time, Gharawi faces up to 20 years in prison for violating export laws. He also faces a maximum $1 million fine.    

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

FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Pearson, Steven Schammel and Heather Winter are prosecuting the case.

Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.   

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 19-year-old Richmond resident has been ordered to federal prison for stealing a car that was later used in an alien smuggling scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Christian Brayden Hardy pleaded guilty Oct. 2, 2024.

U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has now ordered Hardy to serve 18 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by two years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, the court noted the seriousness of Hardy’s conduct and the fact that he took a bad situation, alien smuggling, and made it far worse.

Jesus Jonathan Rodriguez had recruited Hardy to help smuggle two aliens from McAllen to San Antonio for $1500. They initially traveled in a truck to pick up the aliens in the Rio Grande Valley, but it had mechanical problems and broke down several times. They then decided to steal an alternate vehicle.

Both men approached the driver of a Ford Fiesta. Hardy struggled with the victim, while Rodriguez brandished a firearm and told him it was not worth losing his life. Hardy then drove off in the stolen vehicle with Rodriguez as passenger.

They picked up the aliens and drove to the Border Patrol checkpoint in Falfurrias. Hardy claimed to be heading to Houston, while Rodriguez displayed nervous behavior and looked in every direction which prompted a referral to secondary inspection.

Law enforcement found two illegal aliens hiding in the trunk. They also discovered the vehicle had been stolen.

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

Rodriguez, 19, Houston, was sentenced Jan. 8 to 42 months in federal prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol, Edinburg Police Department and Brooks County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Martin prosecuted the case.

Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.   

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 42-year-old man has been sentenced for possession of child sexual abuse material, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Cesar Orlando Aldana-Aguirre pleaded guilty Sept. 27, 2024.

U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera has now sentenced Aldana-Aguirre to 97 months imprisonment for possession of child pornography. He was further ordered to pay $54,000 in restitution to the victims and will serve 20 years on supervised release following the completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Aldana-Aguirre will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.

“Given his proclivities, Aldana-Aguirre is not somebody we want or need in our country,” said Ganjei. “Thanks to the excellent work of our law enforcement partners, he won’t be out walking the streets of community. This case is just one example of how Project Safe Childhood and a secure border work hand-in-glove to ensure predators aren’t free to victimize American citizens.”

On July 12, 2024, Aldana-Aguirre attempted to enter the United States through the Brownsville and Matamoros port of entry. Law enforcement referred him to secondary inspection where they conducted a search of his cell phone and located CSAM.

Forensic analysis of the devices resulted in the discovery of 219 videos and 149 images of CSAM.

Aldana-Aguirre will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation.

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

Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.   

LAREDO, Texas – A 45-year-old Mexican national has been sentenced for sexual exploitation of a child, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Felipe Hernandez-Mata pleaded guilty March 3.

U.S. District Judge John Kazen has sentenced Hernandez-Mata to serve 240 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, the court also heard additional information from the victim’s relative who described how the family trusted Hernandez-Mata and were shocked by what he did, commenting on how the trauma has deeply affected the child. In handing down the prison term, the court noted Hernandez-Mata effectively destroyed the minor victim’s life by exploiting her when he offered her money in exchange for child sexual abuse material. Hernandez-Mata was further ordered to pay $3,000 in restitution and will serve 10 years of supervised release following completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Hernandez-Mata will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.

“The American people have little patience for those that produce child sexual abuse material, particularly for those abusers who are illegally in the country,” said Ganjei. “The Southern District of Texas is committed to a secure southern border, which will keep people like Hernandez-Mata out of our country and away from our children.”

Hernandez-Mata admitted to asking a minor to take sexual images and videos of herself in exchange for money. He also admitted to sending the minor a photo of his genitalia.

The investigation began when a relative reported suspicious communications indicating Hernandez-Mata had directed the minor to send him nude photos.

Forensic analysis of the victim’s cell phone revealed Hernandez-Mata received, at his own direction, approximately 25 images and two videos containing child sexual abuse material. There were also images from Hernandez-Mata of various amounts of money.

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

Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Laredo Police Department.

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

Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.   

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Two Starr County residents have been sentenced for conspiring to smuggle illegal aliens from the Rio Grande Valley to other parts of the United States which resulted in multiple deaths, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Julia Isairis Torres, 39, and Erasmo Garcia, 24, Roma, pleaded guilty Sept. 27, 2023, and Oct. 3, 2023, respectively.

U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera has now imposed a 48-month-term of imprisonment for Torres, while Garcia received 32 months. Both must also serve two years of supervised release following their sentences. In handing down the prison terms, Judge Olvera noted the severity of human smuggling and admonished both that should they ever return to criminal activity, they could be facing extensive time in federal prison.

On March 24, 2019, law enforcement attempted to stop a Nissan Xterra in Duval County. The vehicle failed to stop, crossed into oncoming traffic and eventually overturned, killing four illegal aliens and seriously injuring six others.

The victims were from the countries Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador and Ecuador. One victim was a minor.

“Human smuggling is a dangerous and deadly business. Here, the reckless actions by these smugglers claimed four lives and endangered law-abiding citizens traveling on our roads,” Ganjei said. “If you’re thinking of employing an alien smuggler, think again. They will gladly risk your life—or sacrifice it—to make a few bucks.”

As part of their pleas, Torres and Garcia admitted to conspiring to transport illegal aliens using vehicles. Garcia admitted acting as a scout, while Torres admitted to recruiting others to serve as scouts during the smuggling attempt.

Garcia will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Torres was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol, Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations, Police Departments in Port Mansfield and South Padre Island, Texas Rangers, Texas Game Wardens, Sheriff’s offices in Kenedy, Duval and Willacy Counties and the Willacy County District Attorney’s Office.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jose E. Arreola Jr. and Jose Esquivel Jr. prosecuted the case. 

Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.   

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 20-year-old Corpus Christi resident has been ordered to prison for distribution of child sexual abuse material, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Angel Valdez pleaded guilty April 28.

U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzales Ramos has now sentenced Valdez to 72 months in federal prison. In handing down the prison term, the court noted the severity of the offense and Valdez’s past criminal conduct. Valdez was further ordered to serve 10 years on supervised release following the completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Valdez will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.

The investigation began in December 2023 when Valdez left a comment on a social media page supporting the work of an individual sentenced to prison in Australia for animal cruelty. Australian law enforcement subsequently began undercover conversations with Valdez, in which he spoke about his interest in animal cruelty and CSAM.

Law enforcement executed a search warrant June 28, 2024, which resulted in the discovery of a laptop containing CSAM. Valdez also admitted he had participated in distributing CSAM.

Valdez will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations and Corpus Christi Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of authorities in Australia.

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

Editor's Note: This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.    

HOUSTON – A 47-year-old Houston resident has been taken into custody for his alleged role in a $4 million Medicare fraud and identity theft scheme, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Dempsey Spears made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard Bennett.

A federal grand jury in Houston returned a nine-count indictment Sept. 23, which was unsealed upon his arrest. The indictment alleges that from 2016 to 2024, Spears submitted false and fraudulent claims to Medicare for psychotherapy services that were never provided.

According to court documents, Spears owned and operated two mental health clinics – Transitional Life Counseling and Consultation in Texas City and Spears Community Services in Mesquite. He allegedly continued billing under the names of seven licensed clinical social workers after they resigned from TLCC. The charges further allege he submitted claims for services purportedly provided to Medicare beneficiaries who were deceased at the time of the billed treatment.

From 2016 to 2023, Spears allegedly billed Medicare approximately $4 million in fraudulent psychotherapy claims tied to the seven former LCSWs and was paid approximately $1.5 million.

If convicted, Spears faces up to 10 years in federal prison for each count of health care fraud. He could also receive an additional two years for aggravated identity theft which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed. The charges also carry a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

The Texas Attorney General’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and Department of Health and Human Services - Office of Inspector General conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Olson is prosecuting the case.

An indictment or 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 total of 28 people have been taken into custody for various immigration-related violations of federal law following a major enforcement action throughout Webb, La Salle, McMullen, Jim Hogg and Zapata Counties, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Most are set to make their appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Brian Bajew in Laredo Sept. 29 at 9 a.m.  

The Southern District of Texas and FBI initiative known as Operation Pick-Off began in the Rio Grande Valley as a multi-agency immigration/violent crime effort targeting illegal aliens who are on state probation for other crimes. It was launched Aug. 22 in the McAllen and Brownsville areas and resulted in the arrests of nearly 80 people. An additional 28 individuals have now been arrested in the Laredo area as part of this continuing effort.

“States normally put offenders on probation or parole to give them a second chance. But when it comes to criminal illegal aliens, our focus should be repatriating them to their home country, rather them letting them walk the streets of our community to commit additional crimes,” said Ganjei. “Today’s operation was a win for public safety, but, as I said at the announcement of this initiative, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is not going to rest until we bring Pick-Off to all 43 counties of the Southern District of Texas. If you’re here illegally and have committed crimes in our communities, consider yourself warned. We are coming.”

The Laredo operation involved the arrests of 23 people who are allegedly in the country illegally after having been previously removed. The charges allege they were serving varying terms of probation following convictions for state crimes, such as drug offenses, human smuggling, fraud, burglary and aggravated assault.

One individual is a convicted murderer, according to court records, having been sentenced to 18 years in a Texas prison. He was removed to Mexico but allegedly reentered the United States after serving that sentence and was illegally residing in Laredo.  

If convicted, he and most of the others face up to 20 years in federal prison.

Law enforcement also identified and arrested five others illegally present in the country who are expected to be immediately removed from the country.

In support of Operation Pick-Off, the FBI, through its Summer Heat initiative, surged resources alongside its law enforcement partners to focus on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations against priority targets.

“No single law enforcement agency can face today’s increasingly complex, dangerous, and far-reaching threats alone,” said Special Agent in Charge Aaron Tapp of the FBI San Antonio Field Office. “Operation Pick-Off reflects a unified and strategic law enforcement effort to protect the community from criminal illegal aliens. The FBI will continue to surge and mobilize resources to join our partners in protecting the homeland by enforcing our federal laws. The success of this operation was made possible by the unwavering commitment of the U.S. Attorney’s Office to securing our southern border.”

“This is what a whole-of-government approach looks like - federal, state and local agencies working together to increase public safety and make our communities safer one arrest at a time,” said Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations Harlingen Field Office Director Juan Agudelo. “We are grateful for the collaborative efforts we saw today. This operation would not be possible without the support and assistance of the law enforcement partners we work with day in and day out to address complex threats facing our nation and achieve a shared goal.”

FBI – San Antonio Field Office, ICE Harlingen (Laredo Sub-Office) and Laredo Sector Border Patrol worked with the U.S. Attorney’s Office on the Laredo cases with assistance from ICE-ERO; U.S. Marshals Service; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; Customs and Border Protection; ICE-Homeland Security Investigations; Texas National Guard; Texas Department of Public Safety and Laredo Police Department.  

Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Laredo Division are prosecuting the cases.

The collaborative effort is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

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 28-year-old illegal alien from Honduras has been charged for attacking and injuring an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer during her arrest, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Sindi Vanessa Moreno-Flores is expected to make her initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard W. Bennett Sept. 29 at 2 p.m.

On Sept. 23, an ICE officer encountered Moreno-Flores as she was getting into her vehicle and identified himself, according to the complaint. The officer advised her she was under arrest, but Moreno-Flores allegedly started her vehicle, refused to turn it off or exit.

The charges allege the officer removed Moreno-Flores and attempted to secure her in handcuffs, but she resisted and began scratching the officer and swinging her arm in order to strike him. Moreno-Flores allegedly continued to struggle and physically resist, fleeing to a nearby group of bystanders. A family member also became involved in the physical altercation as the officer continued to try to secure Moreno-Flores, according to the charges.

The complaint alleges additional authorities arrived and were able to detain Moreno-Flores.

The ICE officer allegedly sustained deep scratches on his arm and hands.

The investigation revealed an immigration judge had ordered Moreno-Flores removed from the United States in February 2024 after she failed to appear for her immigration hearing, according to the charges. 

“Federal law enforcement agents work hard to enforce our country’s democratically-enacted immigration laws,” Ganjei said. “It is unacceptable for illegal aliens to assault these agents as they carry out that important mission. The Southern District of Texas will prosecute those who do so every single time.”

If convicted of assaulting, resisting or impeding a federal officer, Moreno-Flores faces a possible 20-year federal prison sentence. She is also charged with conniving, conspiring or taking action to hamper or prevent an alien’s departure and could receive up to four years, upon conviction. Both charges also carry possible fines of up to $250,000.

ICE - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration and Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin Martin is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

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 – Between Sept. 19-25, a total of 511 individuals have been charged in immigration and related matters as part of ongoing enforcement actions along the South Texas border, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. 

Among those are 180 people charged with illegally reentering the country. The majority have prior felony convictions for narcotics, violent crime, sexual offenses, prior immigration crimes and more. A total of 304 people are charged with illegal entry, while 16 others are alleged to have engaged in human smuggling. Other relevant cases include five individuals charged with other immigration-related matters, illegal fishing and assaults of officers.  

Two of those are Mexican nationals Juan Carmen Padron Mendez and Juan Carlos Padron Barron for allegedly strangling a Border Patrol agent while en route to a Houston-area detention facility. Court documents allege Mendez wrapped his arm around the agent’s neck as Barron grabbed their belongings and fled on foot before authorities apprehended both men. If convicted, they face up to 20 years in federal prison.

Another assault of on officer allegedly occurred Sept. 23. The criminal complaint alleges an Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer encountered Sindi Moreno-Flores and attempted to place her under arrest. She allegedly resisted and began scratching him and swinging her arm in order to strike him. The charges allege she was eventually placed into custody following a continued struggle that included a family member. The officer allegedly sustained deep scratches on his arm and hands.

“The Southern District of Texas has zero tolerance for those who assault law enforcement,” said Ganjei. “Let it be known: if you lay a hand on an officer, deputy, or federal agent, SDTX will do whatever it can to put you in federal prison for as long as the law will allow. You’ve been warned.”

Also charged this week are Brandon Lajohn Hargrove, Houston, and Jose Luis Castellanos-Hercules, an illegal alien from Honduras. They allegedly transported 55 illegal aliens in a hidden compartment in a produce trailer near San Ygnacio. According to the complaint, multiple heavy pallets blocked the access door and prevented them from being able to leave on their own. Once authorities discovered them, the aliens had to crawl through a small door to get out from behind the false wall. If convicted, Hargrove and Castellanos-Hercules could receive up to 10 years in federal prison. Several of the illegal aliens in the truck are also facing charges of illegal entry or reentry.

Others facing new criminal charges are four men discovered in the Rio Grande Valley. The complaints allege they attempted to unlawfully reenter the country within six months of their most recent removals. Mexican nationals Vicente Trejo-Rodriguez, David Flores-Garcia and Romeo Enrique Perez-Santacruz were previously removed March 14, Aug. 15 and Sept. 10, respectively, while Honduran national Enil Omar Guillen-Santos was removed May 10, according to the charges. Each allegedly has prior felony convictions, including identity theft, drug manufacturing and distribution, tampering with government records or possessing counterfeit permits.

Authorities also found two other Mexican nationals who had been previously removed in the McAllen area, according to the criminal complaints. Charges allege Leonardo Chavez-Sifuentes and Leobardo Perez-Fernandez have both been sentenced previously for illegal reentry crimes.

All six men face up to 20 years in federal prison, if convicted.

In addition to the new cases, Erik Villegas Cusi, a resident of Queretaro, Queretaro, Mexico, admitted he conspired with others in Mexico to smuggle fentanyl and cocaine during a family trip. Authorities discovered the drugs hidden in an aftermarket compartment in the undercarriage of his vehicle as he crossed the Internation Bridge No. 2 with his wife and minor son. He faces up to life in prison and a possible $1 million maximum fine. 

These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) - Homeland Security Investigations, ICE - Enforcement and Removal Operations, Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.

The cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for this district. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal histories, including convictions for human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.  

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than nine million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes. 

An indictment or 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 Houston man and woman have pleaded guilty to their respective roles in an identity theft and business email compromise scam (BEC), announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

From 2021 to 2022, Bolaji Okunnu, 31, operated an unlicensed money transmitting business that received and transmitted funds from the BEC scheme.  

As part of his plea, Okunnu acknowledged he moved money through bank accounts that he and others controlled. The funds originated from fraudsters involved in a BEC wire fraud scheme involving at least four victims. Okunnu admitted receiving the funds and then, for a fee, transmitting the fraud proceeds to others.

The scheme also included the theft of stolen checks from various companies.

Amber Bush, 30, created bank accounts to funnel money from stolen checks to Destini Godfrey, who is charged in the BEC wire fraud scheme. 

As part of her plea, Bush admitted to using the name and personal identifying information of a real person without their knowledge or consent to open a bank account at JP Morgan Chase bank. After receiving deposits into that account which originated from a stolen check, Bush acknowledged she then issued four checks totaling $165,000 to Godfrey.   

More than 45 people in multiple states, including Okunnu and eight others in the Southern District of Texas, have been charged in separate BEC schemes that affected numerous victims.

U.S. District Judge George Hanks will impose sentencing Dec. 8. At that time, Okunnu faces up to five years in federal prison, while Bush faces a mandatory prison term of two years. Both could also be ordered to pay a $250,000 maximum possible fine. 

They were permitted to remain on bond pending those hearings.  

Godfrey, 31, Houston, is considered a fugitive and a warrant remains outstanding for his arrest. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the FBI at 713-693-5000. He is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

The FBI-Bryan Resident Agency and IRS Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation with valuable assistance from the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office and the Edison Police Department in New Jersey and other law enforcement agencies and U.S. Attorney’s Offices throughout the country. Assistant U.S. Attorney Belinda Beek is prosecuting the case.

HOUSTON – A 49-year-old Mexican citizen who illegally resided in Houston has been ordered to federal prison for robbing a local food establishment at gunpoint, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Moises Arvizo Del Carmen pleaded guilty May 27.

U.S. District Judge Ellison sentenced Del Carmen to serve 94 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceeding following his imprisonment.

On Sept. 12, 2023, Del Carmen entered a taco truck through the customer window and demanded money from the register. He threatened and pointed a firearm at employees before exiting through the same window and fleeing. Surveillance video showed Del Carmen entering a Hummer decorated with purple flames.

Witnesses provided a description of the robber and the distinctive vehicle.

Approximately three weeks later, authorities executed a search warrant at Del Carmen’s residence and discovered clothing matching the description from the robbery as well as a firearm.

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

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Smith prosecuted this case as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 24-year-old Mexican national who illegally resided in Edinburg has pleaded guilty to transporting other illegal aliens resulting in death, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. 

On May 27, 2024, Victor Manuel Martinez-Gallegos picked up several aliens in Brownsville and drove them to a stash house where he harbored and shielded them from detection. 

The investigation revealed that an illegal alien from Guatemala was in visible distress but still alive. However, he later died at the location. 

As part of his plea, Martinez-Gallegos admitted leaving the body at a site near Maverick Road in Brownsville. Authorities later discovered human remains at the location and identified them as belonging to the missing victim.  

“Human smuggling is a depraved, dangerous business, and one where the smugglers often show no mercy or compassion to those they transport,” said Ganjei. “I implore anyone considering hiring a smuggler - either for themselves or their loved ones - to think twice. Stay home and stay safe.”

U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera will impose sentencing Dec. 17. At that time, Martinez-Gallegos faces up to life in prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine. 

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

Border Patrol conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Cameron County Sheriff’s Office and University of North Texas Center for Human Identification. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ana C. Cano is prosecuting the case.

HOUSTON – A 42-year-old man has been ordered to federal prison for coercion and enticement of a minor and being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Brandon Dominic Porter pleaded guilty May 15.

U.S. District Judge Sim Lake has now sentenced Porter to a total of 188 months in prison. He will also serve the rest of his life on supervised release following the completion of his prison term. During that time, he will have to comply with numerous requirements designed to restrict his access to children and the internet. Porter will also be ordered to register as a sex offender.

“The goal of Project Safe Childhood is to protect children from sexual abusers,” said Ganjei . “Thanks to the good work of law enforcement and our SDTX prosecutors, this dangerous predator will spend the next decade-and-a-half behind bars.”

On Oct. 11, 2022, the victim’s mother reported her daughter missing. The investigation led law enforcement to Porter who had been at a local hotel.

Following his departure, they conducted a traffic stop at which time they found a pink iPhone, school paperwork and documents containing the name of the victim. They also discovered another phone in the vehicle as well as a loaded Smith and Wesson .40 caliber pistol under the driver’s gear shaft and center console.

He claimed the pink phone was his, but authorities were able to link it to the victim. They located her the following day.

Forensic examination of the two phones revealed photos and videos, several of which depicted sexual activity between the minor female and Porter. The videos were taken July 20-Oct. 5, 2022. The investigation revealed he had coerced her into performing sex acts and prostituting herself for his financial gain.

Porter has multiple prior felony convictions. As such, he is prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition per federal law.

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

Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Houston Police Department.

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

HOUSTON – Two Houston men have been sentenced to significant federal prison terms following their convictions for using a firearm during the commission of two convenience store robberies, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Derian Joel Caesar and Centel Devon Willis Jr. pleaded guilty in April.

Today, U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett ordered Willis to serve 14 years in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, Judge Bennett noted that if Willis continued to make these decisions following his imprisonment, he will either return to prison or could even end up dead.

Caesar was previously ordered to serve 14 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release.

Caesar and Willis admitted that on March 15, 2023, both acted together and used firearms to rob two different 7-Eleven convenience stores in Harris and Fort Bend Counties. In both crimes, Caesar carried a black firearm and took money from the cash drawer, while Willis pointed a black semiautomatic handgun towards the employee on duty.  

Both have been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin R. Martin prosecuted the case.

LAREDO, Texas – A 49-year-old resident of Queretaro, Queretaro, Mexico, has admitted to conspiring to import four kilograms of fentanyl and two kilograms of cocaine from Mexico, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

On Feb. 14, Erik Villegas Cusi approached the International Bridge No. 2 in a sedan with his wife and minor son as passengers. An x-ray of his vehicle revealed anomalies in the center of the car, prompting further inspection. Authorities drilled into the undercarriage and discovered an aftermarket compartment containing six bundles with 4.02 kilograms of fentanyl and 2.05 kilograms of cocaine.

Cusi initially denied knowledge of the drugs and claimed a mechanic in Mexico may have been responsible. In the presence of law enforcement, he contacted the mechanic who confirmed he had only performed brake work.

Further investigation revealed significant underbody modifications to create the hidden compartment. The muffler and catalytic converter had been removed, reshaped and rewelded before installation. There were also cuts beneath the center console and additional insulation used to seal the compartment after the drugs were placed there.

As part of his plea, Cusi admitted he had conspired with others in Mexico to smuggle the drugs into the United States during the family trip. According to documents filed with the court, Cusi knew he was transporting the drugs from Mexico into the United States at Laredo and was then supposed to deliver the drug-laden vehicle to other people in the United States.

U.S. District Judge Diana Saldaña will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Villegas-Cusi faces up to life in federal prison and a possible $1 million maximum fine.

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

Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection, its Laredo Evidence Collection Team and the Drug Enforcement Administration Southwest Regional Laboratory. Assistant U.S. Attorney Homero Ramirez prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

HOUSTON – A 22-year-old Houston man is set to make his initial appearance in federal court in connection with two carjackings, one of which resulted in the victim being shot, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Jose Antonio Infante was in custody on related charges and expected to make his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard W. Bennett at 10 a.m.

The five-count indictment, returned Sept. 16, alleges Infante used a firearm to carjack one victim June 8. Approximately a week later, he allegedly used a firearm to carjack a second victim. During that crime, the charges allege he discharged the weapon and struck the victim, causing serious bodily injury.

If convicted, Infante faces up to 15 years in federal prison for the first carjacking and up to 25 years for the second. If convicted of the related firearms charges, he could also receive another seven and 10 years, respectively, which must be served consecutively to any other prison term imposed. He also faces a maximum of 15 years for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charges all carry possible fines of up to $250,000.

The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin R. Martin is prosecuting the case.

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

HOUSTON – A 21-year-old Guatemalan national has been convicted for making false statements in a juvenile immigration case, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

The jury deliberated for just under one hour before convicting Tadeo Pedro-Torres following a three-day trial.

On Oct. 26, 2024, Pedro-Torres claimed he was a 16-year-old unaccompanied minor as he attempted to enter the country near El Paso.

The Department of Health and Human Services provides care for each unaccompanied alien child who has no lawful immigration status in the United States for whom there is no parent or legal guardian in the country with the ability to do so. As such, Pedro-Torres was placed in a facility charged with the housing and care for unaccompanied alien children.

At trial, the jury heard that Pedro-Torres identified himself to law enforcement as a minor with a November 2007 birthdate. Later investigation revealed that Pedro-Torres was actually born in 2003.  

The jury additionally heard that while at the facility, Pedro-Torres received services and attended school alongside minors, with whom he also resided.

The defense attempted to convince the jury Pedro-Torres was confused and never lied. The jury did not believe these arguments and found Pedro-Torres guilty as charged.

U.S. District Judge Sim Lake presided over the trial and set sentencing for Dec. 19. At that time, Torres faces up to five years federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

He will remain in custody pending that hearing.

Immigration Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carrie Law and Celia Moyer are prosecuting the case.

HOUSTON – A pair of Mexican nationals have been taken into custody for strangling a Border Patrol agent in her vehicle during their escape en route to a detention facility in the Houston area, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Juan Carmen Padron Mendez, 29, and Juan Carlos Padron Barron, 23, are expected to make their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Richard W. Bennett Sept. 24 at 10 a.m.

The criminal complaint alleges that on Sept. 22, authorities encountered Mendez and Barron and determined they were in the United States illegally. Law enforcement took them into custody and secured both men with flexicuffs in a Border Patrol vehicle in order to transport them to a detention facility. 

The charges allege that, while en route to the detention facility, the Border Patrol agent stopped at a red light and heard a seatbelt unbuckling. When she turned towards the back seat, Mendez quickly wrapped his arm around her neck and began choking her, according to the complaint. 

During the incident, Barron allegedly exited the vehicle, retrieved both men’s personal belongings from the front seat, and fled on foot. Mendez then released the agent and also fled the scene, according to the complaint. 

The agent was able to immediately call for assistance, after which authorities apprehended both men.

The agent allegedly reported fearing for her life but has since recovered. 

“The Southern District of Texas has zero tolerance for those who assault law enforcement,” said Ganjei. “Let it be known: if you lay a hand on an officer, deputy, or federal agent, SDTX will do whatever it can to put you in federal prison for as long as the law will allow. You’ve been warned.”

Barron and Mendez are both charged with assault, resisting or impeding a federal officer and face up to 20 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 fine as well as another one year and up to $100,000 if convicted of escape from custody of an officer of the United States. 

The FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Marshals Service as well as Customs and Border Protection, Border Patrol, Harris County Constables Office – Precinct 5, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office  and police departments in Conroe, Houston and Pasadena. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jill Stotts is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

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

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 48-year-old South Texas man has entered a guilty plea to possession with intent to deliver 28.94 kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Jorge Rafael Perez drove a white Chevrolet Tahoe to the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint July 19. During secondary inspection, an x-ray scan revealed a lead-lined wall in the passenger side of the vehicle. Authorities searched it and discovered 24 vacuum-sealed bundles of cocaine hidden in the rear quarter panel.

Field tests confirmed the bundles contained cocaine and weighed approximately 28.94 kilograms. Perez admitted he knowingly transported the drugs from Edinburg and intended to take them to San Antonio.

The investigation also revealed Perez had been previously convicted in 2010 of possessing with intent to distribute marijuana. Because of that prior conviction, Perez faces a minimum of 15 years and up to life in federal prison as well as a possible $20 million fine. U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera will impose sentencing Jan. 8, 2026.

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

The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug trafficking organizations and other criminal networks that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Border Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Oscar Ponce prosecuted the case. 

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 34-year-old South Texas woman has admitted she conspired to possess with intent to deliver more than five kilograms of cocaine, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Upon her initial arrest, Edith Gonzalez admitted she “knew this date was coming” and to personally “gift-wrapping” a box containing the cocaine.  

On April 16, 2024, authorities stopped a Chevrolet Equinox in Weslaco and discovered the gift-wrapped cardboard box containing 8.8 kilograms of cocaine.

As part of her plea, Gonzalez acknowledged communicating with others to have the cocaine delivered.

U.S. District Judge Rolando Olvera Gonzalez will impose sentencing Dec. 17. At that time, Gonzalez faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison as well as a possible $10 million fine.

The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug trafficking organizations and other criminal networks that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state and local enforcement agencies. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage.

Drug Enforcement Administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations and FBI conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Oscar Ponce is prosecuting the case. 

McALLEN, Texas – Two men, one an illegal alien himself, have been charged with human smuggling, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Brandon Lajohn Hargrove, 43, Houston, and Jose Luis Castellanos-Hercules, 21, an illegal alien from Honduras, allegedly transported nearly six dozen illegal aliens from Mission to Zapata in a box truck.

Both have made their initial appearances and are set for detention hearings Sept. 25 at 1 p.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Scott Hacker.

The criminal complaint alleges authorities stopped a box truck near San Ygnacio on Sept. 19 with Hargrove as the driver. He allegedly claimed he was hauling boxes and opened the back to show the produce.

However, law enforcement observed Castellanos-Hercules in the trailer and conducted a more thorough search, according to the charges. The complaint further alleges they discovered a hidden compartment which held 55 illegal aliens, all from Guatemala, Mexico, Venezuela, Honduras, El Salvador, China, India, Colombia and Ecuador. Three were allegedly younger than 17.

According to court documents, the aliens had to crawl through a small door in order to get out from behind the false wall. The charges allege multiple heavy pallets blocked the access door and prevented them from being able to leave on their own.

Hargrove allegedly picked up the aliens from a stash house in Mission that authorities had previously identified as being utilized for smuggling activity.

“The Southern District of Texas takes a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal immigration, including those who transport or otherwise enable alien smuggling,” said Ganjei. “Our message on this point has been consistent and clear: smuggling is a dangerous and often deadly business, and one should neither engage in human smuggling nor seek smuggling services. People overseas would be well-advised to stay home and stay safe.”

If convicted, both face a maximum of 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 maximum possible fine.

Several of the illegal aliens in the truck are also facing charges of illegal entry and illegal reentry.

Border Patrol conducted the investigation with assistance of Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Devin V. Walker is prosecuting the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

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 – Two Montgomery County residents have been indicted in connection with the November 2023 firebombing of the Huyen Trang Buddhist Meditation Center, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Austin Willard Tanton, 28, and Kayla Lynn Thompson, 31, have been charged with conspiracy to commit malicious use of explosive materials and using explosive materials in the commission of a felony. Tanton is also charged with possession of an unregistered destructive device.

They are expected to make their initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Yvonne Ho at 2 p.m.

“The use of firebombs to attack a place of worship is a direct threat to the safety and peace of our community,” said Ganjei. “No one should fear being attacked in their house of worship. The Southern District will continue working with our law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who seek to spread fear and violence through acts of hate or intimidation.”

According to the charges, on Nov. 5, 2023, Tanton allegedly threw a crude incendiary device, known as a Molotov cocktail, through a window of the temple, igniting a fire that damaged a rug and flooring inside the building.

Monks who had been asleep in the temple awoke and quickly extinguished the fire, which caused smoke damage and forced the temple to close temporarily, according to the charges. The indictment alleges that four individuals, including the center’s head nun, were inside.

According to the charges, surveillance video captured a vehicle stopping near the property gate late at night. After the vehicle left, a man allegedly approached the building, broke a window screen, ignited a gasoline-filled jar and threw it inside before fleeing on foot.

The charges alleged the authorities later identified Tanton as the suspect and Thompson as the driver of the vehicle. The two allegedly conspired together, along with others, to carry out the attack on the Buddhist worship center.

“On Nov. 5, 2023, Austin Tanton and Kayla Thompson allegedly conspired to burn down the Huyen Trang Temple in New Caney, TX,” said FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams. “Their purported actions intimidated a peaceful community, shattered the safety of a neighborhood, and struck at the heart of American religious freedom. For nearly two years, dedicated FBI Houston investigators worked jointly with the Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Houston to bring justice in this case. The arrests of Tanton and Thompson make clear that the right to practice one’s faith without fear is a cornerstone of our democracy and will be fiercely defended by the FBI.”

“The deliberate use of firebombs to target a house of worship is both a violent crime and a direct attack on the sense of safety in our community,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Michael Weddel. “ATF remains committed to working alongside our federal, state and local partners to investigate and bring to justice anyone who seeks to spread fear and destruction through explosives and fire.”

If convicted, they both face up to 20 years in federal prison and a maximum $250,000 fine for conspiracy to commit malicious use of explosive materials and use of explosive materials in commission of a felony. Tanton could also face an additional 10 years, served consecutively, and up to a $10,000 fine if convicted of possessing an unregistered destructive device.

The FBI and ATF conducted the investigation with the significant assistance of Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Weinhold and Anthony Franklyn are prosecuting the case.

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

HOUSTON – A total of 358 more cases have been filed in immigration and border security-related matters from Sept. 12-18, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

A total of 179 people face charges of illegal entry, while another 154 individuals face charges of felony reentry after removal. Most have felony convictions for narcotics, violent crime, immigration crimes and more. An additional 21 people have been charged with human smuggling, while the remaining six have been charged with firearms offenses, assaults on federal officers and other immigration crimes. 

One of those charged is Penitas resident Diego Masiel Torres, who allegedly impeded federal law enforcement during an Aug. 27 consensual worksite enforcement operation in Harlingen. Court documents allege Torres tried to pull an officer away from apprehending an illegal alien. If convicted, he faces up to eight years in federal prison. 

“The Southern District of Texas is committed to fully enforcing our country’s immigration laws, and anyone who tries to stop a federal agent from carrying out this mission will be held accountable before a judge and jury,” said Ganjei. “So, the message is simple. Don’t end up on the wrong end of a federal indictment – keep your hands to yourself.”

Among those charged this week are Gonzalo Alvarado-Cortez and Enedino Nieves-Tomas, both Mexican nationals. According to court documents, authorities discovered Alvarado-Cortez near Edinburg after his March 2019 removal and Nieves-Tomas near Roma after his October 2023 removal. Both men have prior convictions for illegal reentry and face up to 20 years in federal prison, if convicted. 

Charges also allege Jose Manuel Lopez-Hernandez and Marcos Joel Castro-Lopez, both Mexican nationals, were found near Alamo after removals in July 2024 and February 2012, respectively. Lopez-Hernandez has a prior conviction for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine, while Castro-Lopez has a prior conviction for aggravated sexual assault, according to court documents. 

In Houston, Mexican national Manuel Albert Aragon-Hernandez, 39, was sentenced to 44 months in federal prison for illegally reentering the country. Aragon-Hernandez, who has multiple prior felony convictions including theft and drug possession, was first removed in 2010 and returned illegally three times. Authorities discovered him again during a traffic stop for speeding and found methamphetamine and marijuana in his vehicle. At sentencing, the court also heard evidence that he fired a weapon while intoxicated.

Also sentenced this week was Mexican national Fidel Ramirez-Mancilla, 39, who received 15 months for illegal reentry. He has a prior conviction for aggravated felony of assault with the intent to commit mayhem, rape, sodomy or oral copulation. He was removed from the United States in 2011, but authorities encountered him again May 19. 

These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) - Homeland Security Investigations, ICE - Enforcement and Removal Operations, Border Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.

The cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for this district. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.  

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than nine million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes. 

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