FEDERAL GRAND JURY RETURNS INDICTMENTS IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS
SHERMAN, TX—United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe announced that a federal grand jury has returned indictments today charging multiple individuals in separate cases of federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas.
ISRAEL PADILLA, 24, of Keller, Texas has been indicted for knowingly possessing a stolen firearm which had been shipped or transported in interstate commerce. If convicted, Padilla could face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00. If it is shown that Padilla has three previous convictions by any court for a violent felony or a serious drug offense, or both, committed on different occasions from one another, Padilla could face up to life in federal prison.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Errin Martin.
JERAMIE MCGILL, 26, of Sulphur Springs, Texas has been indicted and charged with being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Possession of a Firearm by an Unlawful User of a Controlled Substance. If convicted, McGill could face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Errin Martin.
STEPHEN LEE SOTELO, 26, of Denison, has been indicted for being a Felon in possession of a Firearm and possessing a firearm which had been shipped or transported in interstate commerce. If convicted, Sotelo could face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00. If it is shown that Sotelo has three previous convictions by any court for a violent felony or a serious drug offense, or both, committed on different occasions from one another Sotelo could up to life in federal prison.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Denison Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Errin Martin.
TREVOR BRYANT BURNS, 22, of Fort Worth, has been indicted for bank robbery and using, carrying or possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. According to the indictment, Burns is alleged to have robbed the Bank of America located at 2800 Flower Mound Road, Flower Mound, Denton County, Texas on February 9, 2008. If convicted, Burns faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00.
This case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney M. Andrew Stover.
JAVIER JIMENEZ-JIMENEZ, a.k.a. Marco Antonio Jimenez-Sanchez, 29, of Mexico, has been indicted for Conspiracy to Transport and Harbor Illegal Aliens, Transporting Illegal Aliens, Transporting Illegal Aliens for Financial Gain and Aiding and Abetting. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00 on each count.
This case is being investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stevan A. Buys.
ARTURO SANTOS-DOMINGUEZ, 38, of Mexico, has been indicted for Illegal Reentry of Removed or Deported Alien. According to the indictment, on February 8, 2008, Denton County officials notified Immigration and Customs Enforcement that they had a possible deported alien in custody on a local warrant. If convicted, the Defendant faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00.
This case is being investigated by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randall Blake.
WILLIE ANN FORD, 54, of Bonham, Texas, has been indicted for False Statements or Entries. If convicted, the Defendant faces up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00.
This case is being investigated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randall Blake.
MILTON KEITH BUNN, 43, of Gilmer, has been indicted and charged with three counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. If convicted, Bunn faces up to life in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC). In February 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
This case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michele A. Ratcliffe.
EDGAR EVANS, 51, of Paris, Texas has been indicted and charged with three counts of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. If convicted, Evans faces up to 40 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC). In February 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
This case is being investigated by the Longview Police Department, Dallas Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, FBI and Wheaton, Illinois Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michele A. Ratcliffe.
JOHN EDWARD YOUNG, 42, of Wylie, Texas has been indicted and charged with three counts of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. If convicted, Young faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC). In February 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
This case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michele A. Ratcliffe.
It is important to note that an indictment should not be considered as evidence of guilt and that all persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
FEDERAL JURY FINDS GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS MAN POSSESSED, TRANSPORTED AND SHIPPED CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
Defendant Faces Up to 30 Years in Federal Prison
DALLAS — A federal jury has convicted Kevin D. Moore on both counts of a superseding indictment charging one count of transporting and shipping child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas. Moore, 45, of Grand Prairie, Texas, faces a maximum statutory sentence of 30 years in prison, a $500,000 fine, and a lifetime of supervised release. Moore, who is presently in custody, is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor on June 17, 2008 at 9:30 a.m.
“We see more and more child predators being convicted and ultimately receiving stiff prison sentences,” said John Chakwin Jr., special agent in charge of the ICE Office of Investigations in Dallas. “These predators compromise the most precious natural resource this country has — our children. ICE will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to identify, locate and prosecute anyone who sexually exploits children.” Chakwin oversees 128 counties in north Texas and the State of Oklahoma.
The government presented evidence at trial that in September 2005, Moore traveled to Ottawa, Canada, with a laptop computer containing movie files of child pornography. When he arrived at MacDonald-Cartier International Airport in Ottawa, Moore told Canadian Border Services that he was entering the country for five days to install equipment. The immigration officer asked if he had anything prohibited on his computer and Moore advised that he didn’t but that his brother also uses his laptop. Moore was then referred to a secondary screening where child pornography files were discovered on his laptop computer. The same day he was arrested.
The government also presented evidence that a total of 13 movie files containing child pornography were located on Moore’s laptop computer. In addition, the computer had adult pornography and evidence-eliminating software called “History Kill” and “Spyware” software. A disk containing child pornography belonging to Moore was given to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials by Moore’s family. The disk contained adult pornography, child pornography movies and still images.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
U.S. Attorney Roper commended the investigative efforts of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Aisha Saleem and Alex Lewis.
GILMER MAN MAKES FEDERAL COURT APPEARANCE ON CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES
BEAUMONT, TX – United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe announced today that a 43-year-old Gilmer, Texas man appeared in court today after having been charged with multiple counts of child pornography violations in the Eastern District of Texas.
MILTON KEITH BUNN was indicted on March 12, 2008 and charged with three counts of production of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography. Bunn was arrested on March 18, 2008 in Orange, Texas and appeared in federal court today before United States Magistrate Judge Earl S. Hines for an initial appearance. The government moved for, and was granted, detention. Bunn will be transferred by the U.S. Marshal's Service to the Marshall Division for a Detention Hearing and further proceedings.
If convicted, Bunn faces up to life in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC). In February 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Lead by the United States Attorneys Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For information about Project Safe Childhood, visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.
This case is being investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mary Ann Cozby.
It is important to note that a grand jury indictment is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
HOUSTON MAN GUILTY OF I-10 MARIJUANA BUST IN VIDOR
(BEAUMONT, TX) United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe announced today that a 24-year-old Houston man has pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking charges in the Eastern District of Texas.
ALBERT LEE CLARK was indicted on February 21, 2007 and charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana. He pleaded guilty today before United States District Judge Marcia Crone.
According to information presented in court, on February 7, 2007, Clark was stopped by an officer with the Vidor Police Department for a routine traffic violation on Interstate 10 in Vidor, Texas. Clark gave the officer permission to search his vehicle, during which time over 582 lbs of marijuana was discovered hidden in the bed of the truck.
Clark faces up to 3 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00. A sentencing date has not been set.
This case is being investigated by the Vidor Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Craft.
SERIAL BANK ROBBER SENTENCED TO 12 ½ YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON, WITHOUT PAROLE
DALLAS — A Dallas man, Mario Flores Garfias, Jr., who admitted robbing three banks and one credit union in Dallas during a two-week period last fall, was sentenced this morning by U.S. District Judge Barbara M.G. Lynn to 150 months (12 ½ years) in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper. Judge Lynn also ordered Garfias, 29, to pay $11,283 in restitution.
Garfias admitted robbing the following:
September 13, 2007 Compass Bank
1824 Abrams Road, Dallas
September 17, 2007 Guaranty Bank
1134 Buckner Boulevard, Dallas
September 26, 2007 Resource One Credit Union
7518 Ferguson Road, Dallas
October 1, 2007 Wachovia Bank
10600 Forest Lane, Dallas
During the robberies, Garfias would generally hand a demand note to a teller and on some occasions, lifted his shirt to expose a pistol-shaped object. During the October 1, 2007, robbery, Garfias displayed what appeared to be a silver and black pistol, but was, in fact, an airgun. He handed a demand note to a teller and stated he would shoot people if his demands were not met. The teller informed Garfias that her teller drawer was located near the drive-thru window and as she began walking toward the drive-thru, Garfias jumped over the teller counter and ordered another teller to give him all of the money from her teller drawer. The tellers gave Garfias bank money which included tracking devices. Garfias then jumped back over the teller counter and ordered everyone to stay where they were or he would start shooting.
Garfias fled the bank, but was tracked to a residence on Military Parkway in Dallas by Dallas Police Officers. He barricaded himself in the residence, but was apprehended by Dallas Police Department SWAT officers.
U.S. Attorney Roper praised the investigative efforts of the Dallas Police Department and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kim McCabe prosecuted the case.
DALLAS GANG MEMBER PLEADS GUILTY TO METHAMPHETAMINE CHARGES - FACES UP TO LIFE IN PRISON
DALLAS — Arturo Tinoco, of Dallas, pled guilty today to two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas. Tinoco, 27, faces a maximum statutory sentence of not less than 10 years in prison and up to life in prison. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 27, 2008, by U.S. District Judge Barbara M.G. Lynn.
According to the factual resume filed in the case, Tinoco admitted that he knowingly and intentionally possessed, with intent to distribute, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in July 2006 and in February 2007. Specifically, on July 20, 2006, members of the Dallas Police Department saw Tinoco in a black Lincoln Towncar driving eastbound in the 4700 block of Tremont Street in Dallas and stopped him for a traffic violation. He had outstanding warrants and was arrested; the car was impounded.
Law enforcement found a bag containing methamphetamine in the trunk of the vehicle. On February 15, 2007, Tinoco was again stopped by Dallas Police Officers after he had committed a traffic violation. He couldn’t produce a driver’s license and when the officer checked Tinoco’s name on the computer, it showed that he has a suspended license.
He was arrested and his vehicle was searched. Officers located at least 64 grams of methamphetamine in the trunk, which Tinoco admitted he intended for distribution.
Evidence presented at Tinoco’s detention hearing revealed that he is a member of the East-Side Homeboys gang.
As part of the plea agreement with the government, Tinoco also agrees to forfeit a .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol.
U.S. Attorney Roper praised the investigative efforts of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Dallas Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Camille Sparks is prosecuting the case.
DALLAS MAN GUILTY OF FEDERAL DRUG CHARGES
(TYLER, TX) United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe announced today that a 30-year-old Dallas man has pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking charges in the Eastern District of Texas.
AVERY OSHE BUSH was indicted on November 6, 2007 and charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine. He pleaded guilty today before United States Magistrate Judge John D. Love.
According to information presented in court, since approximately June 2007, Bush and a co-defendant had been conspiring to distribute methamphetamine to others in and around the Longview area.
Bush faces up to 40 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $2 million. A sentencing date has not been set.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Gregg County Sheriff's Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Richard L. Moore.
OKLAHOMA MAN SENTENCED FOR BOMB/DEATH THREATS
BEAUMONT, TX - United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe announced today that a 44-year-old Tahlequah, Oklahoma, has been sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for threatening to bomb a federal facility and kill a federal agent in the Eastern District of Texas.
JAMES WILEY STINNETT, JR. was found guilty by a jury on August 29, 2007 of maliciously sending a bomb threat, threatening to kill a federal agent, sending a threatening communication, and covering up a material fact. Stinnett was convicted by a jury after a three-day trial before United States District Judge Ron Clark.
According to information presented in court, Stinnett first came to the attention of authorities when he reported to the Beaumont Police Department that his wife, a Russian national whom he had met over the internet, was a missing person. It later appeared that she had merely voluntarily left him. Later, an anonymous tip was received by the Department of Homeland Security TIP Line, alleging, among other things, that she was a terrorist. This was investigated by Agents of the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE agents determined that there was no basis for the terrorist allegation, and came to suspect that Stinnett had called in the tip in order to have federal authorities search for the wife. Frustrated with the ICE agents' hesitance to provide him with her exact location, Stinnett had an innocent third-party fax a bomb and death threat to the ICE office in Beaumont, Texas. The threat purported to have been pinned by his wife. The fax was sent from a location in Tulsa, Oklahoma, then forwarded to Beaumont from a location in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. The threat included not only a bomb threat against the ICE office, but also a threat to kill the ICE Special Agent with whom Stinnett had dealt. The jury determined that Stinnett was the individual responsible for sending the threats.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Beaumont Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randall L. Fluke and Assistant United States Attorney John Ross.
“SWATTER” SENTENCED TO FEDERAL PRISON
Defendant Made False 911 Calls for Fun and Profit
DALLAS — Guadalupe Santana Martinez, a defendant in a swatting conspiracy that involved more than 250 victims, up to $250,000 in losses, and disruption of services for telecommunications providers and emergency responders, was sentenced today to serve 30 months in prison and ordered to pay restitution of $24,706.73, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas. Martinez, 32, of Washington, pled guilty in April 2007 to conspiring with others to commit access device fraud and unauthorized access to protected computers. Martinez has been in custody since his arrest in January 2007 in Federal Way, Washington.
U.S. Attorney Roper said, “I applaud the tough sentence Judge Kinkeade imposed on this defendant whose criminal actions resulted in injuries to innocent victims and service disruptions of telecommunications providers and emergency responders - all part of our national infrastructure. The public can be confident that the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas will continue to work to ensure that those who commit these types of cutting-edge cybercrimes are held accountable for their actions.”
“Swatting” refers to falsely reporting an emergency to a police department to cause a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) response to a physical address, or making a false report to elicit an emergency response by other first responders, such as adult protective services, to a specific physical address. Martinez and others made phone calls to 911 while spoofing the caller I.D. of someone for the purpose of harassment, intimidation or extortion. “Spoofing” refers to the modification of caller I.D. information to conceal the true identity of a caller. Calls to 911 were made with spoofed caller I.D. information by using commercial spoof cards and other means to convince first responders that the emergency call was really coming from the victim’s residence.
Other members of the conspiracy have pled guilty to their roles. In June 2007, four coconspirators of Martinez were indicted in a separate case. The lead defendant in that case, Stuart Rosoff, a/k/a “Michael Knight,” of Cleveland, Ohio, pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to use access devices to modify telecommunications instruments and to access protected telecommunications computers. He faces a maximum statutory sentence of five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and restitution. He has been in custody since his arrest in June when he, and three co-defendants, were indicted by a federal grand jury in Dallas. Rosoff is scheduled to be sentenced on April 10, 2008.
Rosoff’s co-defendants, Jason Trowbridge, a/k/a “Jason from California” and “John from California,” and Angela Roberson, a/k/a “Amber” and “Lil Miss Angela,” were arrested in June in Houston, Texas. Co-defendant Chad Ward, a/k/a “Dark Angel,” was also arrested in June, in Syracuse, New York. On October 18, 2007, Roberson, who is presently on bond, pled guilty to her role in the conspiracy. She is scheduled to be sentenced on April 17, 2008. Trowbridge and Ward pled guilty in November 2007 to their roles in the conspiracy. Trowbridge is scheduled to be sentenced on March 27, 2008 and Ward is scheduled to be sentenced on April 3, 2008. Trowbridge and Ward are in custody. All face up to five years in prison, at least a $250,000 fine and joint and several restitution to be paid to the victims.
According to documents filed in the Martinez case, from at least January 2004, Martinez participated in a telephone chat group with Chad Ward, Stuart Rosoff, Jason Trowbridge, Angela Roberson and others. They agreed to conduct swatting calls to harass members of the telephone chat group and their families. Approximately 15-20 participants in the telephone chat group engaged in the swatting activities including conspirators Rosoff, Ward and Trowbridge.
In June 2006, Rosoff, Ward, Trowbridge, Roberson, and other unindicted co-conspirators, agreed to “swat” an Alvarado, Texas, family whose daughter was a party line chat group participant. On June 12, 2006, Martinez placed a spoofed phone call to the number for non-emergency services for the Alvarado, Texas, Police Department using a voice over internet protocol phone (VoIP) and a spoof card to conceal his true identity to make it appear that the call was actually made from the family’s residence. Martinez identified himself as a family member and told the dispatcher that he had shot and killed members of the family, that he was holding hostages, that he was using hallucinogenic drugs, and that he was armed with an AK47. He demanded $50,000 and transportation across the U.S. border into Mexico, and threatened to kill the remaining hostages if his demands were not met.
On October 1, 2006, Martinez called the 911 non-emergency services telephone number of the Fort Worth, Texas, Police Department and identified himself as he did on June 12, 2006, when he called the Alvarado, Texas, Police Department. He stated that he had shot and killed members of the family, that he was holding hostages, that he was using hallucinogenic drugs, and that he was armed. Martinez told the dispatcher that he would kill the remaining hostages if his demands were not met. Martinez placed the call using a combination of a VoIP phone and a spoof card to conceal his true identity and make it appear as if the 911 calls were true emergency call placed from the family’s residence.
According to documents filed in the cases, as a result of the swatting telephone calls, at least two victims received injuries. Rosoff admitted knowing that injuries were received by an infirm, elderly male who resided in New Port Richey, Florida, and a male who lived in Syracuse, New York, and that as a result of the swatting activities resulting in a SWAT response, i.e., road closings, etc., normal municipal activities were disrupted in Yonkers, New York, Snohomish County, Washington, and other locations due to the false emergency calls. The government claims that the swatting activities engaged in by the conspirators involved more than 250 victims including individuals, telecommunications providers, and emergency responders resulting in losses of more than $250,000, and resulted in the disruption of the services of the telecommunications providers and emergency responders which are both part of the national infrastructure. During the conspiracy, group members were responsible for more than 100 “SWAT” calls.
Robert E. Casey Jr., Special Agent In Charge, FBI Dallas, praised the cooperation exhibited by law enforcement agencies in more than 40 state and local jurisdictions who have assisted in the SWATing conspiracy investigation including organizations in California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Arkansas, Washington, Oregon, Ohio, New Jersey, Alabama, and Michigan. SAC Casey further asked if any individuals, municipality, or first responders are aware of activity by this group of “swatters” or anyone involved in SWATing activity, to please report it to your local FBI office or the Dallas FBI as soon as possible.
U.S. Attorney Roper praised the investigative efforts of the FBI. The cases are being prosecuted by Deputy Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney Linda Groves.
ORANGE COUNTY MAN SENTENCED FOR SELLING COCAINE IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS
(BEAUMONT, TX) United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe announced today that a 30-year-old Orange, Texas man has been sentenced to 188 months in federal prison for drug violations in the Eastern District of Texas.
DERRICK JERMOND COLLINS pleaded guilty on September 14, 2007 to possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine and was sentenced today by United States District Judge Marcia Crone.
According to information presented in court, on December 20, 2006, Collins and a co-defendant sold 1.28 grams of cocaine to an undercover officer in Orange, Texas. A search of Collins at the time of his arrest revealed he was in the possession of an additional 23.08 grams of cocaine and over $3,000.00 in cash. Collins was indicted by a federal grand jury on March 7, 2007.
This case was investigated by the Orange Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Craft.
NEDERLAND MAN INDICTED FOR SELLING CRACK COCAINE
BEAUMONT, TX—United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe announced today that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging a 31-year-old Nederland man with drug violations in the Eastern District of Texas.
STEVEN RAY ANGELLE was indicted today and charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.
According to the indictment, Angelle was arrested on March 18, 2008 after selling approximately 65 grams of crack cocaine to an undercover officer in Port Arthur, Texas. Angelle was found to have approximately 200 grams of crack cocaine in his possession at the time of his arrest.
If convicted, Angelle faces up to life in federal prison and a fine of up to $4 million.
This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Port Arthur Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John B. Ross.
It is important to note that an indictment should not be considered as evidence of guilt and that all persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
MEN SENTENCED FOR BEAUMONT I-10 KIDNAPPING
BEAUMONT, TX - United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe announced today that two men have received lengthy prison sentences for a kidnapping on Interstate-10 in the Eastern District of Texas.
LAROMANAIN DONTE ANDERSON, 20, of Houston, was found guilty by a jury on July 25, 2007 following a three-day trial in federal court. Anderson was sentenced today to 252 months in federal prison for one count of kidnapping, an additional 252 months for a second count of kidnapping, and 120 months for interstate transport of a stolen vehicle. United States District Judge Thad Heartfield also ordered Anderson to pay restitution in the amount of $18,184.00. The prison sentences will run concurrently to each other.
Co-defendant, PERCY LEE OLIVER, 21, of Kenner, Louisiana, was sentenced on March 3, 2008 to 240 months in federal prison for one count of kidnapping and an additional 240 months for a second count of kidnapping. Judge Heartfield also ordered Oliver to pay $18,184.00 in restitution. His prison sentences will also run concurrently to each other. Oliver pleaded guilty to kidnapping charges in June 2007.
According to information presented in court, on December 23, 2006, a Houston family was traveling through Beaumont after visiting relatives in Louisiana when they stopped at a convenience store on Interstate-10. Two adults exited the SUV leaving two children and their mother asleep in the vehicle. Oliver and Anderson then pulled the sleeping woman from the SUV, throwing her to the ground, and leaving in the vehicle. An “Amber Alert” was issued for the vehicle and the children, ages 7 and 8. The vehicle was spotted in Sulphur, Louisiana, at which time a chase ensued on Interstate-10 through Lake Charles, ending when the SUV struck an 18-wheeler and flipped out of control. Oliver and Anderson were then apprehended and the children were reunited with their parents at a Lake Charles hospital.
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Beaumont Police Department, the Louisiana State Police and the Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Office and was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Hobbs.
TWO GUILTY OF METHAMPHETAMINE TRAFFICKING IN EAST TEXAS
TYLER, TX – United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe announced today that two persons have pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking charges in the Eastern District of Texas.
ERICA ANN PHILLIPS, 27, of Carthage, and TIMOTHY COOPER, 27, of Zwolle, LA, were indicted in October 2007 and charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. They pleaded guilty today before United States Magistrate Judge John D. Love.
According to information presented in court, since approximately 2005, Phillips and Cooper were part of a conspiracy to traffic in more than 500 grams of methamphetamine to others in and around East Texas and West Louisiana. In October 2007, a federal grand jury returned an Indictment charging 14 people, including Phillips and Cooper, with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Phillips faces up to 40 years in federal prison and a fine not to exceed $2 million. Cooper faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine not to exceed $1 million. A sentencing date has not been set.
This case is being investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety Narcotics Division and Highway Patrol, U.S. Marshals Service, the Panola County Sheriff's Office, the Harrison County District Attorney's Office, the Harrison County Sheriff's Office, the Marshall Police Department, the Caddo Parish Sheriff's Office, the DeSoto Parish Sheriff's Office, the Louisiana State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Mary Ann Cozby.
MAJOR MEXICAN COCAINE SUPPLY SOURCE PLEADS GUILTY IN FEDERAL COURT - FACES LIFE IN PRISON
DALLAS — A man who was a major Mexican cocaine supply source, responsible for trafficking well over 200 kilograms of cocaine into the Dallas area in 2002, pled guilty today to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a schedule II controlled substance, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas. Adrian Estaban Sanchez Heredia, 49, who was extradited from Mexico to the U.S. in November 2007, entered his plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Paul D. Stickney. Heredia faces up to life in prison and a $4 million fine; he is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Barbara M.G. Lynn on June 27, 2008.
In documents filed in Court, Heredia admitted that beginning in February 2002, he began importing multi-kilogram shipments of cocaine into the U.S. through a border check point near Laredo, Texas. He admitted paying co-defendant couriers such as Jennifer Villarreal, Claudia Hernandez, Mark Wootton and others to drive vehicles containing large quantities of cocaine hidden in the backseat area of vehicles or the gas tanks to pre-arranged locations in Dallas. Villarreal, Hernandez and Wootton were convicted for their roles in the conspiracy and sentenced to prison. Jennifer Villarreal, an upper-level participant within the organization, was sentenced to 87 months imprisonment. Villarreal was not only involved in trafficking the cocaine, she also recruited drivers and coordinated loads of cocaine to Dallas from Neuvo Laredo, Mexico. Villarreal also smuggled hundreds of thousands of dollars in drug proceeds to Heredia in Monterrey, Mexico between February and November of 2002. Mark Wootton, was sentenced to 78 months in prison and Claudia Carolina Hernandez was sentenced to 27 months in prison.
Heredia also admitted that between February 2002 and November 2002, he arranged for more than 100 kilograms of cocaine to be imported from Mexico into the U.S. and that after it arrived in Dallas, it was distributed to customers throughout the Dallas area and elsewhere. Heredia further admitted that once the cocaine was distributed, Villarreal and other couriers working for his organization, smuggled large quantities of U.S. currency, representing drug proceeds, back to him in Mexico.
In August 2002, Heredia contracted to purchase a residence at 8306 Baumgarten Drive in Dallas to use to store the cocaine. Heredia also admitted that in September 2002, he gave his daughter, Adriana Teresa Sanchez Gutierrez funds that he had acquired through cocaine sales to purchase, on his behalf, a $136,811.23 cashiers check at First State Bank in Mesquite, Texas, for the purchase of the residence on Baumgarten Drive. Adriana Teresa Sanchez Gutierrez, a/k/a Theresa Sanchez and Adriana Sanchez was also prosecuted in the Northern District of Texas for her role in the conspiracy, and in 2003, she was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Her boyfriend, Nelson Sandoval Hernandez was sentenced in 2003 to 15 years in prison for his role in the conspiracy.
Heredia also admitted that in November 2002, he solicited Claudia Hernandez to deliver a 1994 Dodge Cirrus containing approximately 12 kilograms of cocaine from Mexico to a hotel in Dallas located near the Baumgarten residence. In addition, Heredia admitted that during that same month, he arranged for the delivery of a 1999 Ford Expedition that contained approximately 30 kilograms of cocaine from Mexico to the same hotel in Dallas. Both vehicles were intercepted by law enforcement agents and seized after they arrived at the Baumgarten residence
U.S. Attorney Roper praised the investigative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration in Dallas and Laredo, Texas. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Calvert is prosecuting the case.