Latest Legal News from the Criminal Courts in Texas,

July 16, 2007

BRYAN MILLER: A REAL GANGSTA’

Essay by Billy Wayne Sinclair
E-mail Billy Wayne Sinclair Billy@JohnTFloyd.com

It was not much of a house. There were no “nice” houses in the “ghetto’ of East Los Angeles. Simply called “the hood,” it was the home of more than a half-million economically deprived residents who lived daily in the crossfire of rival gangs and under the corrupt abuses of the 77th Division of the city’s police department. One of those ghetto residents was Alice Miller – a young woman with an enormous capacity to love and protect her fatherless family.

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July 11, 2007

Evidence of Torture may become Public at Padilla Trial

In May 2002 Jose Padilla arrived at the Chicago O’Hare International Airport abroad an international flight from Zurich, Switzerland where he was taken into custody by federal law enforcement authorities on a Material Witness Warrant. The federal authorities had allegedly obtained information, through torture interrogation, from al-Qaida operative Abu Zubaydah that implicated Padilla in suspected terrorist activity against the government of the United States. The U.S. Justice Department released information that Padilla was part of an al-Qaida plot to detonate a radioactive “dirty bomb” in an American city.

more....

July 10, 2007

Texas Attorney General Charges Mannatech with Unlawful, Misleading Sales Practices
Illegal scheme markets supplements as cure for cancer, improved health

DALLAS – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today charged Coppell-based Mannatech, Inc., its owner, Samuel L. Caster, and several related entities with operating an illegal marketing scheme in violation of state law. Today’s enforcement action stems from a large-scale investigation by state authorities, who examined Mannatech’s dubious claims about the health benefits of its products.

more....

July 09, 2007

Former East Texas Senator Indicted on Charge Linked to 2006 Election
Drew Nixon of Panola County charged with official oppression involving local election

CARTHAGE – A Panola County grand jury charged former State Sen. Drew Nixon, 47, with illegally committing acts of official oppression prior to the 2006 local election. The two-count indictment, which was unsealed today, stems from an investigation by the office of Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott.

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JULY 06, 2007

FEDERAL JURY CONVICTS COCAINE TRAFFICKING RING LEADER

LUBBOCK, Texas — A leader of a major cocaine-trafficking organization operating in the Lubbock area was convicted late Tuesday following a two-day trial, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas. Alex Romo Rios, 47, of Lubbock, was convicted on all counts, including conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, distribution and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute less than 50 kilograms of marijuana. U.S. District Judge Sam R. Cummings ordered a pre-sentence investigation with sentencing to be scheduled after that investigation is completed. The United States had previously filed an information regarding notice of sentencing enhancement, which if found to be true would result in a mandatory life sentence for Rios as to counts one and eight of the superseding indictment.

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July 05, 2007

Media Advisory: Rolando Ruiz scheduled for execution

AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott offers the following information about Rolando Ruiz, who is scheduled to be executed after 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 10, 2007.

Ruiz was sentenced to death for the July 1992 capital murder of Theresa Rodriguez. A summary of the evidence presented at trial follows.

FACTS OF THE CRIME
Roland Ruiz told San Antonio police that Mark Rodriguez and Michael Rodriguez asked him to kill Michael’s wife, Theresa Rodriguez. Ruiz told officers that Michael Rodriguez asked him to rob and murder Mrs. Rodriguez when she arrived at a restaurant on July 10, 1992. Michael told Ruiz he would pay him one-thousand dollars up front and another thousand dollars when the job was done, and Ruiz agreed.

more....

July 04, 2007

EDINBURG MAN SENTENCED TO LENGTHY PRISON TERM FOR RECEIVING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

[McALLEN, TX] – Nathan Scott Sanders, 55, of Edinburg, TX, who has seven prior convictions for soliciting minors for indecent and obscene photographs, was sentenced late yesterday, to 15 years in federal prison, without parole, for receiving child pornography, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today.

The statutory minimum fifteen year prison term imposed by United States District Court Judge Ricardo H. Hinojosa is the result of pleadings filed by the United States seeking the enhanced penalty based upon Sander’s prior state convictions.

more....

July 03, 2007

Former Port Lavaca Councilwoman Briseno to Serve Five Years In Prison for Voter Fraud
Debra M. Briseno also admits to judge to registering noncitizens to vote

EDNA – A former Port Lavaca city councilwoman today was sentenced to five years in prison for committing voter fraud during the March 2006 primary election. A Jackson County jury found Debra M. Briseno, 51, guilty Friday of registering noncitizens to vote. Briseno, who ran unsuccessfully as a candidate for county justice of the peace in that election, also facilitated noncitizen voting by tampering with government documents. The offense of illegal voting is a third-degree felony.

more....

July 02, 2007

Attorney General Abbott Secures Judgment to Shut Down Unlicensed Payday Lender 'Advance Internet' owner John Gill Jr. prohibited from making deceptive loans

EL PASO – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott secured a court judgment against Advance Internet, also known as Texas Advance Internet, an unlicensed payday lender. The court judgment prohibits the El Paso-based company from continuing its unlawful predatory lending activities.

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June 29, 2007

ROBBER OF INTERNATIONAL BANK IN EDINBURG CONVICTED

(McALLEN, TX) Francisco Torres, Jr. has been convicted of robbing the InterNational Bank in Edinberg, TX, United States Attorney Don.DeGabrielle, Jr. announced today.

Torres, 32, of Canyon Lake, Texas pleaded guilty to the single count indictment which accused him of robbing the Inter National Bank in Edinberg on March 27, 2007 and jeopardizing the lives of bank employees by using a “Molotov cocktail” during the robbery.

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June 28, 2007

Child Predators Caught by Cyber Crimes Unit Receive 10-Year Federal Prison Sentences Former Beaumont firefighter, teacher’s aide sentenced for sexually soliciting minors online

BEAUMONT -- A former Beaumont firefighter and a former teacher’s aide arrested by Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s Cyber Crimes Unit during an undercover sweep have each been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for child sex crimes. more...

June 27, 2007

Former Del Valle Teacher Pleads Guilty to Child Pornography Charges
Leland K. Easterling found in possession of explicit videos, photos of children

AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s Cyber Crimes Unit prosecutors have obtained a guilty plea from a former Del Valle High School teacher who acquired numerous computer images and a videotape of children engaged in sexual conduct.

Former geometry teacher Leland Keith Easterling, 60, of Austin, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of child pornography and one count of receipt of child pornography. He was indicted on the charges by a federal grand jury last month. The punishment for receipt of child pornography is from five to 20 years in federal prison and up to a $250,000 fine. The range of punishment for possession of child pornography is up to 10 years in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine. Easterling will be sentenced at a later date.

“Texans will not tolerate child pornographers who prey upon our children,” said Attorney General Abbott. “The Cyber Crimes Unit will continue cracking down on sexual predators and child pornographers. This case demonstrates that these criminals can be anywhere.” more...

JUNE 26, 2007

WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, MAN SENTENCED TO NEARLY 27 YEARS IN PRISON, WITHOUT PAROLE,FOR DRUG AND FIREARM CONVICTIONS

DALLAS — Andrew Eugene Byrd, of Wichita Falls, Texas, was sentenced today by U.S. Senior District Judge Jerry Buchmeyer to 322 months in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper. Byrd, 28, pled guilty in March to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (commonly known as "crack" cocaine), possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. more...

June 25, 2007

STARR COUNTY COUPLE CONVICTED OF OPERATING LARGE SCALE ALIEN SMUGGLING ORGANIZATION SENTENCED TO PRISON

[MCALLEN, TX] – U. S. District Judge Ricardo H. Hinojosa has sentenced two Mexican nationals, Hortencia Sanchez-Rodriguez (“Sanchez”) and Emilio Anguiano-Santoyo (“Anguiano”), to prison for operating a large scale operation responsible for smuggling hundreds of illegal aliens from Roma, TX to Houston, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today. more...

June 22, 2007

Media Advisory: Patrick Knight scheduled for execution

AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott offers the following information about Patrick Bryan Knight, who is scheduled to be executed after 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 26, 2007. more...

June 20, 2007

Media Advisory: Lionell Rodriguez scheduled for execution

AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott offers the following information about Lionell Gonzalez Rodriguez, who is scheduled to be executed after 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 20, 2007. more...

June 19, 2007

Media Advisory: Gilberto Reyes scheduled for execution

AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott offers the following information about 33-year-old Gilberto Reyes, who is scheduled to be executed after 6 p.m. Thursday, June 21, 2007, for the 1998 kidnaping and murder of Yvette Barraz. more...

June 18, 2007

ARIZONA MAN CHARGED WITH INTERFERING WITH A FLIGHT CREW

(HOUSTON) Brian Thomas Vande-Stouwe, 23, of Phoenix, Arizona, has been charged with felony interference with a flight crew and flight attendant prompting an emergency landing of the aircraft, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today. more...

June 14, 2007

ZAPATA COUNTY JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, TASK FORCE INVESTIGATOR AND CODE ENFORCEMENT WORKER INDICTED

[LAREDO, TX] A former Zapata County Sheriff’s Deputy, who is presently a Zapata County Justice of the Peace, a South Texas Violent Crimes Task Force investigator, and a Zapata County Code Enforcement Officer have been indicted for extorting money from drug traffickers in exchange for providing law enforcement protection for their drug shipments, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle and Special Agent in Charge of the San Antonio Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Ralph G. Diaz announced today. more...

June 14, 2007

ZAPATA COUNTY JUSTICE OF THE PEACE, TASK FORCE INVESTIGATOR AND CODE ENFORCEMENT WORKER INDICTED

[LAREDO, TX] A former Zapata County Sheriff’s Deputy, who is presently a Zapata County Justice of the Peace, a South Texas Violent Crimes Task Force investigator, and a Zapata County Code Enforcement Officer have been indicted for extorting money from drug traffickers in exchange for providing law enforcement protection for their drug shipments, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle and Special Agent in Charge of the San Antonio Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Ralph G. Diaz announced today. more...

June 13, 2007

FORMER BORDER PATROL AGENT SENTENCED TO PRISON AND FINED FOR TRANSPORTING ILLEGAL ALIENS

LAREDO, TX – Former Border Patrol Agent William John Ferrone, 42, of Laredo, Texas, was sentenced to prison and fined $5,000 for conspiring to transport illegal aliens, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today. more...

June 12, 2007

THREE TEXAS NATIONAL GUARDSMEN CHARGED WITH CONSPIRACY TO
TRANSPORT ILLEGAL ALIENS

(LAREDO, TX) – A criminal complaint has been filed in federal court charging three Texas National Guardsmen with conspiring to transport illegal aliens, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today. more...

JUNE 11, 2007

ARMED DRUG DEALER CONVICTED BY DALLAS JURY

DALLAS - Eric Lamont Ford of Dallas, Texas, was convicted by a federal jury yesterday on three felony counts brought in connection with his April 2006 drug arrest, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas. Ford, 34, was found guilty by a federal jury of being a felon in possession of a firearm, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime. Trigg faces a maximum statutory sentence of life in prison. more...

June 8, 2007

MOTHER AND DAUGHTERS ARRESTED IN HUMAN TRAFFICKING CASE

San Antonio - United States Attorney Johnny Sutton announced today that Isabel Consuelo Ochoa and her daughters Consuelo Pilar Ochoa and Maria de Jesus Ochoa were detained without bond this morning by United States Magistrate Judge John Primomo. The detention follows their arrest earlier this week on charges of violating Title 18, United States Code, Section 1591(a) known as Sex Trafficking of Children or by Force, Fraud, or Coercion. more...

June 7, 2007

Media Advisory: Cathy Henderson scheduled for execution

AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott offers the following information about Cathy Lynn Henderson, who is scheduled to be executed after 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 13, 2007. A Travis County jury sentenced Henderson to death the for the 1994 murder of three-and-a-half-month-old Brandon Baugh. more...

June 6, 2007

PSJA ISD TRUSTEES, SUPERINTENDENT AND OTHERS INDICTED IN BRIBERY SCHEME

[McALLEN, TX] – A 22-count federal indictment charging three current Pharr-San Juan- Alamo Independent School District (PSJA-ISD) trustees, the husband of a PSJA-ISD trustee, the superintendent of the PSJA school district, and two contractors for soliciting and receiving bribes in exchange for taking official action benefiting the contractors for PSJA-ISD contracts, has been unsealed and the defendants taken into federal custody. more...

JUNE 5, 2007

PRODUCER OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY SENTENCED TO NEARLY 55 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON

LUBBOCK, Texas - Paul Edward Shook, Jr., an Abilene, Texas, man who pled guilty in March to two counts of production of child pornography, was sentenced to 654 months in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper. At Friday’s sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Sam R. Cummings also ordered that Shook, 45, participate in sex offender treatment services as directed by the U.S. Probation Officer, serve a lifetime of supervised release and register as a sex offender. more...

June 4, 2007

Five Rio Grande Valley Residents Indicted for Voter Fraud

One indicted for voting twice; four charged with conducting mail-in ballot scheme

RIO GRANDE CITY – Five Starr and Hidalgo County residents face voter fraud charges for their conduct during the 2006 election cycle. Last week, a Brooks County grand jury returned felony indictments against the five defendants in an investigation that began with a complaint filed by Starr County Elections Administrator Rafael R. Montalvo. more...

June 1, 2007

MEAT MARKET OWNERS SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR SELLING COCAINE AND MONEY LAUNDERING

[CORPUS CHRISTI, TX] – The owners of the Country Meat Market have been sentenced for conspiring to distribute cocaine and money laundering, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today. more...

May 31, 2007

Media Advisory: Michael Griffith scheduled for execution

AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott offers the following information about former Harris County sheriff’s deputy Michael Griffith, who is scheduled to be executed after 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 6, 2007. Griffith was convicted and sentenced to death for the Houston robbery and murder of Deborah McCormick. more...

May 30, 2007

16 CONVICTED FOR ROLE IN CONSPIRACY TO SELL VALID IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS TO ILLEGAL ALIENS SENTENCED

(CORPUS CHRISTI, TX) -- Sixteen persons involved in a scheme to buy and sell valid identification documents for further sale to illegal aliens have been sentenced, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today. more...

MAY 29, 2007

UPSHUR COUNTY MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO DEALING METHAMPHETAMINES

TYLER, TX – Acting United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe announced today that a 41-year-old Upshur County man has pleaded guilty to federal drug violations in the Eastern District of Texas. more...

MAY 24, 2007

RANCHER SCHEDULED TO GO ON TRIAL FOR BANK FRAUD

Lubbock, Tx. — A San Angelo, Texas, rancher, Andy Luna, charged with bank fraud, is scheduled to go on trial in U.S. District Court in Lubbock on July 2, 2007, announced US. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas. Last month a federal grand jury in Lubbock returned an indictment charging Luna with one count of bank fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1344. Luna, 38, has entered a plea of not guilty to the charge, and is currently on bond. more...

MAY 23, 2007

LOCAL MAN WHO ADMITTED SETTING FIRE TO BIG LOTS STORE SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON, WITHOUT PAROLE

DALLAS - William Gary Garrard, Jr., of Plano, Texas, a former store manager of the Big Lots store in Richardson, Texas, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge David C. Godbey to 60 months in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas. Judge Godbey also ordered that Garrard, 38, pay $256,455 in restitution. Garrard pled guilty in February to two counts of arson. more...

May 22, 2007

Attorney General Abbott, Tarrant Co. Constable Track Down, Arrest Parent Who Owes Child Support

Charles Silva owes $49,000; faces criminal prosecution

MANSFIELD – Deputy constables with the office of Tarrant County Constable Clint Burgess arrested Charles Dominic Silva Wednesday at his residence in Mansfield for failing to pay court-ordered child support. The Mansfield father of two was apprehended after investigators from the Attorney General’s Child Support Division located Silva and contacted Constable Burgess to make the arrest. Silva, 47, owes $49,000 in unpaid child support. more...

May 20, 2007

GOVERNMENT FILES CRIMINAL CHARGES AGAINST 15 INDIVIDUALS ARRESTED AT DAIRY FARMS IN AMHERST, TEXAS

LUBBOCK, Tx. — Federal criminal complaints were filed yesterday in U.S. District Court in Lubbock charging 15 individuals, who were arrested earlier this week by law enforcement officers executing federal search warrants at two dairy farms in Amherst, Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas. The federal search warrants were executed at 5 Star Dairy and Milk Harvest Dairy, in Amherst, which is approximately 45 miles northwest of Lubbock. Official tax records indicate that both 5 Star Dairy and Milk Harvest Dairy are owned by Kornelis and Piertsje Vanderlei. more...

May 17, 2007

Attorney General Abbott Halts Fraudulent Expo Operators Who Scammed Exhibitors

Court issues temporary restraining order, asset freeze against 2 in Round Rock

DALLAS – Attorney General Greg Abbott has frozen assets belonging to two Round Rock residents who unlawfully operated business exposition companies in Texas. The defendants were also charged with fraudulently marketing their businesses in violation of the law. more...

May 16, 2007

Former Waller County Nursing Home Office Manager Pleads Guilty to Stealing Funds From Residents

Gabriela Aguilar sentenced to jail, ordered to repay over $32,000

HEMPSTEAD – The former office manager of the Waller County Brookshire Nursing Center pleaded guilty to embezzling money from the facility’s residents. An investigation by Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit revealed that Gabriela Ortiz Aguilar, 27, of Houston, stole more than $32,000 from several patients’ trust accounts. more...

May 15, 2007

RIO BRAVO RESIDENTS AND MEXICAN NATIONAL SENTENCED FOR HOLDING A MINOR UNDOCUMENTED ALIEN AND THREE OTHERS HOSTAGE

(LAREDO, TX) – Two Rio Bravo residents and a Mexican national have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for their roles in holding smuggled aliens, including a minor, hostage until payments were made for their release, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today. more...

May 14, 2007

Attorney General Abbott Charges Manufacturer With Violating Environmental Laws

Conner Steel Products of San Angelo cited for waste management, air emissions violations

AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott charged Conner Steel Products with violating state environmental protection laws. According to the state’s enforcement action, the San Angelo-based steel and fiberglass tank manufacturer failed to comply with air quality and solid waste management regulations. more...

MAY 13, 2007

SAN ANGELO, TEXAS, BOOKKEEPER ADMITS DEFRAUDING EMPLOYER OF $200,000

LUBBOCK, Tx. — Tonya McGuire Stalcup, who worked as a bookkeeper at Wool Growers Central Storage Co., Inc., (Wool Growers) in Ozona, Texas, pled guilty to a one-count information charging she defrauded and swindled her employer of approximately $200,000, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas. Stalcup entered her plea before U.S. District Judge Sam R. Cummings who ordered a pre-sentence investigation with sentencing to be scheduled after that investigation is completed. She faces a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and restitution. more...

May 10, 2007

Media Advisory: Charles Smith scheduled for execution

AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott offers the following information about Charles Edward Smith, who is scheduled to be executed after 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 16, 2007. Smith was convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of Pecos County deputy Sheriff Tim Hudson. more...

May 9, 2007

GRAND JURY INDICTS LABOR LEASE COMPANIES AND EMPLOYEES FOR HIRING ILLEGAL ALIENS AT AMFELS SHIPYARD

(BROWNSVILLE, TX) Two area labor lease companies and two former employees have been indicted for hiring illegal aliens to work at the Keppel AmFELS shipyard as the result of a Department of Defense investigation, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today. more...

May 8, 2007

Two Indicted in Shelby County Indigent Fund Theft

Former county official, daughter-in-law charged in scheme to steal $190,000

CENTER – In a case co-prosecuted by Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s office, a Shelby County grand jury has returned second-degree felony indictments against a former Shelby County assistant auditor and her daughter-in-law for diverting more than $190,000 from the county’s indigent health care fund. Marilyn Lout, 70, of Shelbyville, and Kimberly Lout, 43, of Warren in Tyler County were indicted for theft and misapplication of fiduciary property. more...

May 7, 2007

THREE SENTENCED FOR DISTRIBUTING METHAMPHETAMINE IN EAST TEXAS

Operation Icebox puts the Freeze on Meth Dealers

TYLER, TX – United States Attorney Matthew D. Orwig announced today that three men have been sentenced to federal prison for drug violations in the Eastern District of Texas. more...

May 6, 2007

UTPA PROFESSOR CONVICTED OF RECEIVING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

[MCALLEN, TX] – Brian S. Butler, a University of Texas-Pan American Professor, has been convicted of receiving child pornography, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today. more...

May 3, 2007

Media Advisory: Jose Moreno scheduled for execution

AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott offers the following information about Jose Angel Moreno, who is scheduled to be executed after 6 p.m. Thursday, May 10, 2007. more...

May 2 , 2007

BEAUMONT NATIVE SENTENCED TO LENGTHY PRISON FOR SEX TRAFFICKING OF MINORS

Court departs upward from guidelines and orders a lifetime of supervision

(HOUSTON) - A native of Beaumont, Texas convicted last year in the first case of harboring minors for commercial sex brought in the Southern District of Texas, has been sentenced to more than 21 years in federal prison to be followed by a lifetime of supervised release, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today. more...

May 1, 2007

LOCAL CPA PLEADS GUILTY TO FRAUD CHARGES

DALLAS — Just before his trial was to begin today in federal court, Robert David Neal, a/k/a “Michael Skinner” a/k/a “Albert Davis” a/k/a “David Nelson,” pled guilty to all counts in a six-count indictment charging wire fraud, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas. Neal, a former resident of Trophy Club, Texas, is currently in federal custody because of a supervised release violation stemming from a May 2002 federal felony conviction, also in the Northern District of Texas. The statutory maximum sentence for each count of wire fraud is 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced before the Honorable A. Joe Fish on July 24, 2007. more...

April 30, 2007

ROCKPORT RESIDENT PLEADS GUILTY TO CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGES

[CORPUS CHRISTI] – John Ryan Johnson, 31, has been convicted of receiving and distributing child pornography via the internet and faces a mandatory minimum of five years imprisonment without parole, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today. more...

APRIL 29, 2007

FEDERAL JURY CONVICTS FCI SEAGOVILLE INMATE AND GIRLFRIEND IN SCHEME TO SMUGGLE DRUGS INTO PRISON

DALLAS — Following a week and a half-long jury trial in U.S. District Judge David C. Godbey’s court, a jury convicted Edmond Wright and his girlfriend, Sherry Matthews, on all charges alleged in a federal criminal indictment, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas. more...

April 26, 2007

JURY CONVICTS MISSISSIPPI TRUCK DRIVER OF TRANSPORTING ILLEGAL ALIENS

[LAREDO, TX] – A Laredo jury has convicted Marcus DeWayne McClenty, 35, of Canton, Mississippi, of knowingly transporting undocumented aliens by means of a motor vehicle, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today. more...

April 25, 2007

AUSTIN ATTORNEY PLEADS GUILTY TO POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

United States Attorney Johnny Sutton announced that 42-year-old Douglas Michael Stum of Austin, TX, pleaded guilty this afternoon to possession of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors. As a result, Stum faces up to 10 years in federal prison. more...

APRIL 24, 2007

TWO SENTENCED IN BEAUMONT ON COCAINE CHARGE

BEAUMONT TX – United States Attorney Matthew D. Orwig announced today that two men have been sentenced to federal prison for separate drug violations in the Eastern District of Texas. more...

April 23, 2007

Media Advisory: Ryan Dickson scheduled for execution

AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott offers the following information about Ryan Heath Dickson, who is scheduled to be executed after 6 p.m. Thursday, April 26, 2007. more...

APRIL 22, 2007

MARSHALL RESIDENTS ARRESTED FOR DRUG CRIMES

TYLER, TX – A combined task force of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies arrested three individuals involved in a criminal enterprise in Marshall, Texas, involving the possession and distribution of cocaine base, also known as “crack” cocaine. more...

APRIL 19, 2007

ARRESTS DISMANTLE MAJOR COCAINE TRAFFICKING ORGANIZATION IN LUBBOCK, TEXAS

LUBBOCK, Texas - Three alleged members of a major cocaine-trafficking organization operating in the Lubbock area were arrested without incident this morning by federal, state and local law enforcement officers in an early morning round-up, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas and James L. Capra, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Dallas Division. One alleged member of that organization is already in state custody on an unrelated charge; another alleged member is a fugitive. All six defendants were charged in an 18-count federal indictment returned in Lubbock last month and unsealed today. more...

April 18, 2007

LENGTHY CRIMINAL HISTORY EARNS MEXICAN NATIONAL LENGTHY PRISON TERM FOR ILLEGALLY RE-ENTERING THE U. S.

(BROWNSVILLE) A Mexican national, who illegally re-entered the United States after deportation and has a long criminal history, has been sentence to a lengthy prison term, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today. more...

APRIL 17, 2007

DALLAS MAN SENTENCED TO MORE THAN 19 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON,WITHOUT PAROLE, ON METH AND FIREARMS CONVICTION

Defendant Arrested Following High Speed Chase

DALLAS - Michael Lynn Brashear, of Dallas, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Barbara M.G. Lynn to 230 months in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas. Brashear, 50, pled guilty in November 2006 to one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. more...

April 16, 2007

BORDER PATROL AGENT CONVICTED OF SEXUAL ASSAULT

(McALLEN) A federal jury has convicted a Border Patrol Agent of violating the civil rights of a young female by sexually assaulting her, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today. more...

April 15, 2007

Attorney General Abbott Settles $2.1 Million Antitrust Case

Investigation uncovers collusion in Bermuda insurance market

AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today settled a $2.1 million antitrust case with a large commercial casualty insurance company that conspired to avoid competition with the same companies that were its own original investors. more...

April 12, 2007

Current and Former Lynwood Council Members Charged with Misappropriating More than $100,000 in Taxpayer Money

COMPTON – Two current and three former Lynwood City Council members are scheduled to be arraigned Friday on charges they were fraudulently paid to attend city committee meetings and that they allegedly charged personal expenses to city credit cards, the District Attorney’s office announced. more...

April 11, 2007

CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION OFFICER INDICTED FOR SMUGGLING UNDOCUMENTED ALIENS

(LAREDO, TX)– Jose Ramiro Arredondo, 33, a Customs and Border Protection Officer, assigned to the Laredo District Office, has been charged in a five count indictment with conspiracy, three counts of bringing in undocumented aliens and bribery, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today. more...

April 10, 2007

Ward County Grand Jury Indicts Two Former West Texas State School Administrators

Ray Brookins, John Hernandez indicted, arrested for sexual offenses

MONAHANS – A Ward County grand jury today returned 13 indictments against two former West Texas State School administrators for improper sexual conduct with six students, ages 16-19. Law enforcement officers with the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and the Texas Rangers arrested the two former officials following the indictments Tuesday morning. more...

April 9, 2007

Media Advisory: James Clark scheduled for execution

AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott offers the following information about James Lee Clark, who is scheduled to be executed after 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 11, 2007. Clark was sentenced to death for the 1993 Denton County rape, robbery and murder of 17-year-old high school student Shari Catherine Crews.

FACTS OF THE CRIME more...

April 8, 2007

FEDERAL GRAND JURY IN DALLAS INDICTS LOCAL MEN ON BANK ROBBERY AND ARMED BANK ROBBERY CHARGES

DALLAS - A federal grand jury in Dallas has returned four separate indictments charging four defendants in several bank and credit union robberies, or attempted robberies, that occurred recently in the Dallas area, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper, of the Northern District of Texas. more...

April 5, 2007

Attorney General Abbott Stops Illegal Contact Lens Dispensers

Main Optical, New Look Cosmetics sold contact lenses without prescriptions

SAN ANTONIO –Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott stopped two local contact lens dispensers from illegally selling contact lenses without prescriptions. Under the terms of the agreements filed in San Antonio, the operators of Main Optical and New Look Cosmetics, the latter of which has closed, have agreed to provide restitution to consumers who complained about the products or who may have suffered eye injuries because of improperly fitted lenses. more...

APRIL 4, 2007

SERIAL BANK ROBBER PLEADS GUILTY IN FEDERAL COURT

A man who admitted committing several bank robberies in Amarillo pled guilty today in federal court, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas. Keith Anthony Williams, 40, pled guilty to one count of armed bank robbery and faces a maximum statutory sentence of 25 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 11, 2007, by U.S. District Judge Mary Lou Robinson. more...

April 3, 2007

NINE ALLEGED MEMBERS AND ASSOCIATES OF THE TEXAS SYNDICATE PRISON GANG ARE INDICTED FOR VIOLATING THE RICO STATUTE

(MCALLEN) A four count indictment charging nine South Texas men with various murders, kidnaping and drug trafficking to gain or maintain entrance or increase their positions with the Texas Syndicate prison gang has been unsealed, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle and ATF Special Agent-in-Charge J. Dewey Webb announced today. All nine defendants are charged with conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organization statute, and face life imprisonment, if convicted. more...

April 1, 2007

AIRLINE PASSENGER CHARGED WITH INTERFERING WITH
FLIGHT CREW ORDERED HELD WITHOUT BOND

[CORPUS CHRISTI] - Eduardo Turnbull-Bolado, a passenger arrested for interfering with a Continental Airlines flight crew, has been ordered held in federal custody without bond pending further criminal proceedings, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today. more...

March 29, 2007

MEXICAN STATE POLICE OFFICER FOUND GUILTY OF SMUGGLING COCAINE INTO THE UNITED STATES

(LAREDO, TX)– A Laredo federal jury has convicted Ricardo Gonzalez-Camacho, 37, a state police officer from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, guilty of conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute and importation into the United States of more than 50 pounds of cocaine, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today. The jury’s verdict convicting Gonzales of all counts in the indictment was returned on March 28, 2007 after approximately two hour of deliberation. more...

MARCH 28, 2007

OPERATION ROADBLOCK DEFENDANT SENTENCED TO FEDERAL PRISON

(Tyler, TX) - United States Attorney Matthew D. Orwig announced today that a 38-year-old Florida man has been sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for drug violations in the Eastern District of Texas. more...

March 27, 2007

Teen Charged with Murder in School Slaying

INGLEWOOD – A 16-year-old Washington Preparatory High School student and an alleged gang member was charged today as adult with one count of murder following last week’s fatal stabbing of a 17-year-old, the District Attorney’s office announced. more...

March 26, 2007

Cyber Crimes Unit Prosecutes Kerrville Veterinarian, Austin Community College Student for Child Sex Crimes

Two offenders traveled to Central Texas to meet children for sex

AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s Cyber Crimes Unit continued its aggressive crackdown on child predators this week as a Kerr County jury delivered a guilty verdict against a local veterinarian and, in Bastrop County, a 21-year-old former Austin community college student pled guilty to using the Internet to solicit sex from children. more...

March 22, 2007

Media Advisory: Vincent Gutierrez scheduled for execution

AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott offers the following information about Vincent Gutierrez, who is scheduled to be executed after 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 28, 2007. Gutierrez was sentenced to death for the 1997 San Antonio robbery, kidnaping and murder of U.S. Air Force Captain Jose Cobo. The evidence presented at trial is as follows. more...

MARCH 22, 2007

ELEVEN FORMER EMPLOYEES AT SWIFT & COMPANY MEAT PROCESSING PLANT IN CACTUS, TEXAS PLEAD GUILTY

U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas announced today that five people pled guilty yesterday before District Judge Mary Lou Robinson to felony charges stemming from the immigration raid at the Swift & Company Meat Processing Plant in Cactus, Texas, on December 12, 2006. The defendants will be sentenced at a later date. more...

March 21, 2007

CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION OFFICER ARRESTED FOR SMUGGLING UNDOCUMENTED ALIENS

(LAREDO, TX)– Jose Ramiro Arredondo, 33, a Customs and Border Protection Officer, assigned to the Laredo District Office, has been arrested by agents of the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (DHS-OIG) for allegedly aiding and abetting the smuggling of undocumented aliens into the country, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today. Arredondo was arrested at the Port Administration Office Tuesday afternoon and is expected to appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Adriana Arce-Flores on Wednesday morning. more...

MARCH 20, 2007

OPERATION ROADBLOCK DEFENDANT SENTENCED TO FEDERAL PRISON

(Tyler, TX) - United States Attorney Matthew D. Orwig announced today that a 38-year-old Florida man has been sentenced to 37 months in federal prison for drug violations in the Eastern District of Texas. more...

March 19, 2007

ROCK SPRINGS DEPUTY SENTENCED FOR CIVIL RIGHTS VIOLATION

United States Attorney Johnny Sutton announced that 25-year-old Guillermo Falcon Hernandez was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison for shooting into a fleeing vehicle and injuring a passenger.
“In America, we admire our law enforcement officers for their courage and dedication. Their willingness to put their lives on the line to protect us has much to do with why this country is a nation of laws and such a great place to live. However, police officers are not above the law they enforce,” stated United States Attorney Johnny Sutton. more...

March 15, 2007

8 former Swift & Co. employees in Cactus, Texas, plead guilty

AMARILLO, Texas - Eight people pleaded guilty today to felony charges stemming from the Dec. 12 worksite enforcement operation at the Swift & Co. meat-processing plant in Cactus, Texas. These pleas were announced by U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper, Northern District of Texas, following the investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

more...

MARCH 14, 2007

LARGE CASH AND DRUG SEIZURE

Two California men plead guilty to transporting large quantities of cocaine and drug proceeds

BEAUMONT TX— United States Attorney Matthew D. Orwig announced today that a California man and his son have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 150 kilograms of cocaine in the Eastern District of Texas. more...

March 13, 2007

Media Advisory: Charles Nealy scheduled for execution

AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott offers the following information about Charles Anthony Nealy, who is scheduled to be executed after 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, 2007. Nealy was sentenced to death for the 1997 murder and robbery of Dallas convenience store employee Jiten Bhakta.

FACTS OF THE CRIME more...

March 12, 2007

El Paso man sentenced to 10 years for possessing child pornography

ICE Cyber Crimes Center received information that triggered investigation

EL PASO, Texas - A northeast El Paso man was sentenced here Wednesday to 120 months in federal prison following a three-year child pornography investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). more...

March 11, 2007

LAREDO BUSINESSMAN AND FORMER BORDER REGION MHMR MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR SENTENCED TO PRISON IN BRIBERY SCHEME

Both ordered to pay thousands of dollars in restitution more...

March 7, 2007

UTPA PROFESSOR ORDERED DETAINED WITHOUT BOND PENDING TRIAL FOR RECEIPT AND POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

[MCALLEN, TX] – Brian S. Butler, 49, a University of Texas - Pan American professor charged by criminal complaint for receiving and possessing child pornography, has been denied bond pending indictment, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today. more...

March 6, 2007

FEDERAL GRAND JURY CHARGES PLANO, TEXAS, MAN WITH MAIL FRAUD AND MAKING FALSE STATEMENTS IN USED CAR SALES

"The following article includes allegations as released by the government and should not be taken as truthful evidence or as any indication of guilt. As these allegations remain unanswered by the accused and unadjudicated by a court, they remain unproved and are just as likely false."

A federal grand jury in Dallas returned an indictment today charging Plano, Texas, resident, Massoud Mortazavi-Koupai, a/k/a “Marcus “Mortazavi” and “Marcus Mortazavi-Koupai” with six counts of mail fraud and three counts of making a false statement on transfer of a used motor vehicle, related to a fraudulent scheme which included concealing structural damage and odometer discrepancies, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas. more...

MARCH 5, 2007

LAREDO TRUCK DRIVER SENTENCED TO PRISON FOR DISTRIBUTING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

(LAREDO, TX)– Abel C. Lucio, 55, has been sentenced to almost eight years in federal prison without parole and ordered to register as a sex offender for distributing child pornography, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle, Jr., announced today. more...

March 4, 2007

VICTORIA COUNTY GRAND JURY INDICTS THREE SUSPECTED CHILD SEX OFFENDERS CAUGHT BY CYBER CRIMES UNIT

"The following article includes allegations as released by the government and should not be taken as truthful evidence or as any indication of guilt. As these allegations remain unanswered by the accused and unadjudicated by a court, they remain unproved and are just as likely false."

Former paramedic, two others accused of Internet-related sex crimes more...

March 2, 2007

Media Advisory: Joseph Nichols scheduled for execution

AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott offers the following information about Joseph Bernard Nichols, who is scheduled to be executed after 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 7, 2007. A Harris County jury sentenced Nichols to death the for 1980 murder of Claude Shaffer, Jr. more...

MARCH 1, 2007

AUSTIN WOMAN PLEADS GUILTY TO FEDERAL PERJURY CHARGE

United States Attorney Johnny Sutton announced that Damita Houston, age 39, of Austin, faces up to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to one count of perjury stemming from false testimony she gave in January 2007 in a federal felony drug trafficking trial. more...

FEBRUARY 27, 2007

OPERATION KOTTONMOUTH RESULTS IN 34 DRUG ARRESTS

SHERMAN, TX – United States Attorney Matthew D. Orwig announced that early this morning a combined task force of more than 100 federal, state, and local law enforcement agents began arresting individuals involved in drug trafficking in Collin and Dallas Counties. The arrests mark the initial phase in this investigation into the sale and distribution of heroin, cocaine, and crack cocaine in the Eastern and Northern Districts of Texas. more...

February 26, 2007

Six Charged in ICE-led Probe that Nets Record California Heroin Seizure
Street value of drugs found in Anaheim home estimated at up to $6 million

Image of heroin seized by ICESANTA ANA, Californa - Six suspects are in custody today in connection with an investigation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that culminated Wednesday night with the recovery of more than 120 pounds of brown heroin from an Orange County home, the largest seizure of Mexican heroin in California history. more...

FEBRUARY 25, 2007

FORMER LUBBOCK PASTOR CHARGED IN FEDERAL INDICTMENT WITH STEALING APPROXIMATELY $500,000 FROM USDA’S SUMMER FOOD PROGRAM

A federal grand jury in Lubbock has returned a 43-count federal indictment against former Lubbock pastor, Rev. James Cornell Clark, charging him with various offenses related to defrauding the U.S. government of more than a half million dollars, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas. In addition to the fraud-related charges, Rev. Clark is also charged with importing an alien for immoral purposes. Clark is the former pastor of Mount Vernon United Methodist Church on Cedar Avenue in Lubbock and is now in federal custody. more...

February 23, 2007

TWO FORMER BANK EMPLOYEES CHARGED WITH FRAUD AND EMBEZZLING OVER ONE HUNDRED GRAND

(McALLEN) Two former employees of Inter National Bank of McAllen, TX have been indicted and taken into federal custody for allegedly defrauding and embezzling approximately $120,000 from their former employer, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today. more...

February 22, 2007

Attorney General Abbott’s Fugitive Unit Arrests 12 Convicted Child Sex Offenders In South Texas Sweep

"The following article includes allegations as released by the government and should not be taken as truthful evidence or as any indication of guilt. As these allegations remain unanswered by the accused and unadjudicated by a court, they remain unproved and are just as likely false."

Dragnet also catches two Louisiana fugitives hiding in Texas more...

FEBRUARY 20, 2007

ARMED CAREER CRIMINAL SENTENCED TO NEARLY 18 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON, WITHOUT PAROLE

An Iowa Park, Texas, man, George Arthur Harrelson, Jr., was sentenced on Friday, February 16, 2007, in federal court in Dallas to 210 months in prison as an armed career criminal, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas. Harrelson pled guilty in September 2006 to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. George Arthur Harrelson, Jr., 32, was sentenced as an armed career criminal under federal statute because of his extensive history of violent felonies, including a prior conviction for sexual assault, and multiple convictions for burglaries of homes and buildings in the Wichita Falls, Texas area. more...

February 19, 2007

LULING MAN SENTENCED TO 18 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON
FOR TAX VIOLATIONS

United States Attorney Johnny Sutton announced that in Austin this morning 57-year-old Jonathan Marshall, Sr., of Luling, Texas, to18 years in federal prison for preparing fraudulent tax returns for clients. In addition to the prison term, United States District Judge Lee Yeakel ordered that Marshall pay $5,724.19 (cost of prosecution) and that he not prepare or assist in preparing tax returns while in federal prison. On November 16, 2006, a federal jury convicted Marshall of 40 tax fraud charges. The jury found that from 2000-2005 Marshall placed false dependents and false business income or losses on his clients’ tax returns in order to qualify them for larger tax refunds. more...

February 18, 2007

SEX OFFENDER GUILTY OF FAILING TO REGISTER IN TEXAS

Defendant Guilty of Violating the Adam Walsh Act

TYLER TX – United States Attorney Matthew D. Orwig announced today that a 45-year old Tyler man has pleaded guilty to failing to register as a sex offender in the Eastern District of Texas. more...

FEBRUARY 16, 2007

THREE SENTENCED TO FEDERAL PRISON IN EASTERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS

Federal Gun, Drug Violations Earn Men Trip To Federal Pen

SHERMAN TX – United States Attorney Matthew D. Orwig announced that three men have been sentenced to federal prison for separate violations in the Eastern District of Texas today by United States District Judge Michael Schneider. more...

February 14, 2007

BANK ROBBER SENTENCED

Christopher Ryan Bunch, 21, of Richardson, Texas, who admitted committing four bank robberies in Dallas last summer, was sentenced today to a total of 66 months in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas. Bunch’s sentence also reflects the sentence for his conviction in November, in an unrelated case, on one count of access device fraud and one count of identification document fraud. more...

February 13, 2007

Cyber Crimes Unit Arrests Vernon Man Following Indictment On Child Pornography Charges

Cybertip leads to discovery of more than 600 sexually explicit images of children

"The following article includes allegations as released by the government and should not be taken as truthful evidence or as any indication of guilt. As these allegations remain unanswered by the accused and unadjudicated by a court, they remain unproved and are just as likely false."

WICHITA FALLS – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s Cyber Crimes Unit today arrested 30-year-old Jason Brian Anthony, of Vernon, after a Wilbarger County grand jury indicted him on child pornography charges. Assistant Attorney General Angela Goodwin presented the case to the grand jury Thursday after the Cyber Crimes Unit discovered more than 600 sexually explicit images and video of children on Anthony’s computer equipment. more...

February 12, 2007

ANTI-GANG EFFORT LEADS TO RICO INDICTMENT OF SEVENTEEN ALLEGED MEMBERS OR ASSOCIATES OF THE TEXAS SYNDICATE PRISON GANG

"The following article includes allegations as released by the government and should not be taken as truthful evidence or as any indication of guilt. As these allegations remain unanswered by the accused and unadjudicated by a court, they remain unproved and are just as likely false."

(HOUSTON) An eleven count indictment charging 17 Houston area men with various murders, armed robberies and drug trafficking to gain or maintain entrance or increase their positions with the Texas Syndicate prison gang has been unsealed, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle and FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Roderick Beverly announced today. Fourteen defendants are charged with conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organization statute, and face life imprisonment, if convicted. more...

February 10 , 2007

FORMER FEDERAL PRETRIAL SERVICES OFFICER SENTENCED FOR MAKING FALSE STATEMENTS TO FEDERAL OFFICERS

[BROWNSVILLE, TX] – Long-time McAllen Federal Pretrial Services Officer Juan M. Cantu, 51, of Edinburg, was sentenced to prison today for lying about the whereabouts of a drug trafficking fugitive to deputy U. S. Marshals, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today. more...

FEBRUARY 9, 2007

FORMER BROWNWOOD POLICE OFFICER SENTENCED TO NEARLY SIX YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON, WITHOUT PAROLE,FOLLOWING DRUG CONSPIRACY CONVICTION

A former officer with the Brownwood Police Department was sentenced today in federal court in Lubbock, Texas, on drug conspiracy charges, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper, of the Northern District of Texas. Britt Brownlee, 29, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sam R. Cummings to 71 months in prison. Brownlee pled guilty in November to a superseding information charging one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Brownlee has been in federal custody since his arrest on July 30, 2006. more...

FEBRUARY 8, 2007 PHONE:

FORMER ASSISTANT DA ADMITS GUILT IN FRAUD SCHEME

BEAUMONT TX – A former Jefferson County Assistant District Attorney pleaded guilty today to federal charges in a complex mail fraud scheme in the Eastern District of Texas. more...

FEBRUARY 7, 2007

FEDERAL GRAND JURY RETURNS INDICTMENTS IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS

"The following article includes allegations as released by the government and should not be taken as truthful evidence or as any indication of guilt. As these allegations remain unanswered by the accused and unadjudicated by a court, they remain unproved and are just as likely false."

Federal Charges Include Guns, Drugs and Immigration Violations
TYLER TX – United States Attorney Matthew D. Orwig announced that a federal grand jury has returned five indictments this week on separate cases of federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas. more...

FEBRUARY 6, 2007

FORMER NOKIA, INC. EMPLOYEE SENTENCED TO MORE THAN TWO YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON, WITHOUT PAROLE, FOR STEALING NEARLY $300,000 FROM EMPLOYER

A former employee of Nokia, Inc. in Irving, Texas, was sentenced today in federal court in Dallas, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper, of the Northern District of Texas. Yvonne Gail Sanders, of Keller, Texas, was sentenced this morning by U.S. District Judge Barbara M.G. Lynn to 27 months imprisonment and ordered to pay $298,400.38 restitution to Nokia, Inc. Judge Lynn ordered that Sanders surrender to the Bureau of Prisons in June. more...

FEBRUARY 5, 2007

TEXAS SYNDICATE PRISON GANG MEMBERS SENTENCED

Convictions Dismantled Entire Leadership Structure of Dallas Texas Syndicate

The last sentencing in a large-scale drug distribution conspiracy case involving members of the Texas Syndicate, a violent prison gang, was held today in federal court in Dallas, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas. Ernesto Medrano was sentenced by U.S. District Judge David C. Godbey to more than seventeen years in prison for conspiracy to distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, five kilograms or more of cocaine. During the investigation, Medrano, who was incarcerated, brokered multiple kilogram loads of cocaine that were being imported into the U.S. on military transport flights from Columbia to Ft. Bliss, Texas. more...

FEBRUARY 2, 2007

DALLAS MAN ARRESTED ON FEMA FRAUD CHARGES

DALLAS - A Dallas man who claimed to be a hurricane Katrina victim was arrested on charges outlined in a three-count indictment returned in October 2006 by a federal grand jury in Dallas, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas. Barry Ward, age 42, of Dallas, was arrested yesterday, without incident, by officers with the Irving, Texas, Police Department. The indictment charges Ward with one count of filing false claims against an agency of the U.S., one count of mail fraud and one count of wire fraud. Ward appeared before a U.S. Magistrate Judge today who ordered him detained, pending a detention hearing set for next week. more...

FEBRUARY 1, 2007

DALLAS MAN SENTENCED TO MORE THAN 13 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON, WITHOUT PAROLE, ON
CARJACKING AND FIREARMS CONVICTIONS

One Victim is Hurricane Katrina Evacuee from New Orleans

DALLAS - Felipe Acosta, a/k/a “Pepe,” who was part of a group of men who went on an armed robbery and carjacking spree in Dallas last January, was sentenced to 161 months in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas. Acosta’s co-defendant Guillermo Flores, a/k/a “Willy,” was sentenced in early January to 153 months imprisonment. Co-defendant Gonzalo Gandara, a/k/a “GG,” has pled guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Barbara M.G. Lynn in April. more...

JANUARY 30, 2007

BUSINESSMAN SENTENCED TO 15 MONTHS IN PRISON FOLLOWING CONVICTION IN ASBESTOS DISPOSAL CASE

A local man who was convicted in August 2006 for failing to comply with Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) regulations and mail fraud, was sentenced yesterday in federal court in Dallas, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas. Palmer, Texas, resident, Melvin Eugene Riecke II was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge A. Joe Fish to 15 months in prison. Judge Fish ordered that Riecke, 53, surrender to the Bureau of Prisons on February 20, 2007. more...

January 29, 2007

JURY CONVICTS TWO OF KIDNAPPING

[LAREDO] A federal jury has convicted Jose A. Garza-Robles, 18, and Hector Herrera-Sifuentes, 27, both permanent resident aliens from Mexico, of the kidnapping of a United States citizen in September 2006, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today. more...

JANUARY 26, 2007

WICHITA FALLS, TEXAS, MAN SENTENCED TO 22 ½ YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON, WITHOUT PAROLE,
ON METHAMPHETAMINE AND FIREARM CONVICTIONS

Case Part of Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative

Charles Leroy Stockwell, 50, of Wichita Falls, Texas, was sentenced today to a total of 270 months in prison, announced Richard B. Roper, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas. Stockwell pled guilty in September 2006 to one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The Honorable Jerry Buchmeyer, U.S. Senior District Judge, sentenced Stockwell to 210 months on the drug conviction that is to be followed by another 60 consecutive months on the firearm conviction. more...

January 25, 2007

LOCAL PSYCHOLOGIST INDICTED FOR MEDICARE/MEDICAID FRAUD

(Corpus Christi, TX) A Corpus Christi area psychologist has been indicted for allegedly defrauding Medicare or Medicaid, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today. more...

January 23, 2007

PLANO MAN SENTENCED FOR RECEIPT AND DISTRIBUTING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

(Sherman, TX) United States Attorney Matthew D. Orwig announced today that a 26-year-old Plano man has been sentenced today for receipt and distribution of child pornography. RICARDO FERNANDEZ-MANZO was sentenced to 210 months imprisonment by United States District Judge Michael H. Schneider. After serving the term of imprisonment, Fernandez-Manzo is to be deported from the United States. more...

January 23, 2007

Attorney General Abbott Shuts Down Pyramid Scheme That Marketed Bogus Fuel Pill

BioPerformance ordered to return more than $7 million to victims of pyramid scheme

AUSTIN - Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today stopped a Dallas-based pyramid scheme from illegally marketing the so-called "top secret gas pill" that it falsely claimed would increase fuel efficiency in automobiles. The Attorney General's settlement with BioPerformance and its owners, Lowell Mims and Gustavo Romero, prevents the defendants from continuing to deceptively market their products and ends the State's eight-month legal action against the company. more...

JANUARY 19, 2007

Former San Antonio Police Officer Sentenced for Violating Citizen’s Rights by Sexual Assault

WASHINGTON – Former San Antonio Police Officer Dean Gutierrez was sentenced today in federal court to 24 years and four months in prison for violating the civil rights of a citizen whom Gutierrez detained while on duty, the Justice Department announced today. more...

January 19, 2007

Cyber Crimes Unit Investigation Leads To Six-Year Prison Sentence For Former Police Officer

Former New Braunfels police officer pleads guilty to possession of child pornography

AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s Cyber Crimes Unit today obtained a guilty plea from former New Braunfels police officer Justin Broussard, 44, on eight counts of possession of child pornography. State District Judge Dwight Peschel sentenced Broussard to six years in state prison on each count, with the sentences to run concurrently. Broussard must also register as a sex offender and permanently relinquish his peace officer certification. more...

JANUARY 18, 2007

BANK ROBBER SENTENCED

United States Attorney Richard B. Roper announced that James Glen Horton, age 39, who committed the aggravated bank robbery of the Plains Bell Federal Credit Union (PBFCU), in Lubbock, Texas, on October 19, 2005, was sentenced yesterday in Lubbock by United States District Judge Sam R. Cummings to 84 months imprisonment. more...

JANUARY 16, 2007

IRVING, TEXAS, MAN INDICTED FOR RUNNING SCHEME TO OBTAIN DRIVER LICENSES FOR ILLEGAL ALIENS

"The following article includes allegations as released by the government and should not be taken as truthful evidence or as any indication of guilt. As these allegations remain unanswered by the accused and unadjudicated by a court, they remain unproved and are just as likely false." more...

January 14, 2007

FEDERAL GRAND JURY INDICTS ELEVEN FOR CRIMINAL VIOLATIONS

(Tyler, TX) United States Attorney Matthew D. Orwig announced today that a federal grand jury has returned numerous indictments this week charging 11 defendants in separate cases of federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas. more...

JANUARY 12, 2007

CONVICTED FELON SENTENCED TO 7 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON, WITHOUT PAROLE,ON FEDERAL FIREARMS CONVICTION

Case Part of Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative

United States Attorney Richard B. Roper announced that Brian S. Higginbotham, a/k/a “Higgy,” was sentenced today by the Honorable Jerry Buchmeyer, United States Senior District Judge, to 84 months imprisonment. Higginbotham, age 33, of Wichita Falls, Texas, pled guilty in September 2006 to one count of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Higginbotham has been in custody since his arrest in March 2006. more...

January 9, 2007

FORMER SOUTH TEXAS VOCATIONAL INSTITUTE PRESIDENT PLEADS GUILTY TO TAKING TITLE IV EDUCATION FUNDS MEANT FOR NEEDY STUDENTS

(BROWNSVILLE, TX) United States Attorney Donald J. DeGabrielle, Jr., announced the guilty plea of Reynaldo Garcia, age 45, of Brownsville, Texas. Garcia entered guilty pleas Monday to six felony counts including four counts of Misapplication and Failure to Refund Title IV Funds and two counts of Making and Using A False Writing or Document. Defendant entered the pleas before U. S. Magistrate Judge John Black. more...

JANUARY 8, 2007

AMARILLO WOMEN SENTENCED IN COUNTERFEITING SCHEME

United States Attorney Richard B. Roper announced that Ginger Michelle Hollis was sentenced today in Amarillo, Texas, to 24 months imprisonment by United States District Judge Mary Lou Robinson. Hollis, age 42, pled guilty in October to one count of conspiracy to manufacture counterfeit obligations. Hollis’s co-defendant, Lori Ellen Van Leer, age 34, also pled guilty to the conspiracy and was sentenced last month to 48 months imprisonment. Hollis and Van Leer were also ordered to pay $16,548.30 in restitution, jointly and severally, and were ordered to forfeit to the government the computer equipment used in their scheme. Both defendants are presently in custody. more...

JANUARY 5, 2007

LOCAL WOMAN ARRESTED FOR FEMA FRAUD

United States Attorney Richard B. Roper announced that Tameka Williams was arrested this morning on charges outlined in a federal indictment returned by a grand jury on November 9, 2006, in Dallas. Williams was arrested at her home in Dallas without incident and appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Wm. F. Sanderson, Jr. this afternoon who released her on a personal recognizance bond. more...

JANUARY 4, 2007

FORMER BANK PRESIDENT ADMITS BANK FRAUD

IN RELATED CASES, A MONTAGUE COUNTY MAN SENTENCED TO TWO YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON IN BANK CONSPIRACY WHILE ANOTHER SENTENCED TO ONE YEAR ---
FATHER AWAITS SENTENCING
Millions in Restitution Ordered

United States Attorney Richard B. Roper announced that Ricky Dale Howard, the former President of First National Bank (FNB) in Bowie, pled guilty yesterday before United States Magistrate Judge Paul Stickney to one count of bank fraud. Howard, age 45, faces a maximum statutory sentence of 30 years imprisonment and a $1,000,000 fine. As part of the plea agreement with the government, Howard agrees to pay restitution to Legend Bank (formerly FNB) of $1,993,222.11 and to St. Paul Insurance Company of $1,000,000. Howard is scheduled to be sentenced by United States Senior District Judge Jerry Buchmeyer on April 13, 2007. more...

January 3, 2007

ANGELINA COUNTY MAN GUILTY OF CREATING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

(Tyler, TX) United States Attorney Matthew D. Orwig announced today that a 33-year-old Lufkin man has pleaded guilty to production of material involving the sexual exploitation of minors in the Eastern District of Texas. more...

December 27, 2006

MEN CHARGED WITH INTERSTATE 10 KIDNAPPING

(Beaumont, TX) United States Attorney Matthew D. Orwig announced today that two men have been arrested pending indictments on federal kidnapping charges in the Eastern District of Texas. more...

December 22, 2006

Incident at 7600 Wallisville Road, Houston, Texas

Houston police are investigating the fatal shooting of a man at 7600 Wallisville Road about 11:55 p.m. on Thursday (December 21).

The male victim's identity is pending notification to family members by the Harris County Medical Examiner's office. He suffered a gunshot wound to the abdomen and was taken to Ben Taub General Hospital where he was pronounced dead. more...

December 22, 2006

ELSA CITY POLICE OFFICER PLEADS GUILTY TO ACCEPTING BRIBE

McALLEN, Texas – An Elsa police officer pleaded guilty for accepting money to provide protection for a drug load, announced U.S. Attorney Don DeGabrielle today. more...

December 19, 2006

MEXICAN DRUG CARTEL MEMBER SENTENCED FOR LAUNDERING DRUG MONEY

LAREDO, Texas – Jose Angel Fernandez-Marquez, an undocumented Mexican alien, was sentenced to 95 months in federal prison without parole for his role in a conspiracy to transport money from the sale of illegal narcotics from the United States to Mexico, U.S. Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today. more...

DECEMBER 18, 2006

Jury Convicts Wichita Falls, Texas, Man on Drug Conspiracy and Firearms Charges

Defendant Faces Mandatory Life Imprisonment

United States Attorney Richard B. Roper announced that Wichita Falls, Texas, resident Maurice Johnson, Jr., a/k/a “Crackcorn,” was convicted on all six counts of a federal indictment charging him with various drug and firearms offenses. The three-day jury trial was held last week before the Honorable Jerry Buchmeyer, United States Senior District Judge. Johnson, age 38, faces mandatory life imprisonment because he has at least two prior felony drug convictions in addition to his conviction fo the instant drug conspiracy. A sentencing date has not yet been set more...

December 15, 2006

Attorney General Abbott Announces Third Arrest From List Of Most Wanted Child Support Evaders
Tip results in Stanley Estala’s arrest in El Paso

EL PASO – Less than one week after naming Stanley Estala to the Top Ten List of Most Wanted Child Support Evaders, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott announced the El Paso father’s arrest. Estala, who owes more than $40,000, was arrested yesterday by the El Paso Police Department. more...

December 14, 2006

Attorney General Abbott Resolves Lawsuit Against Vonage Over Emergency Dialing Service

Agreement addresses 9-1-1 service for users of its Internet-based phone service

AUSTIN - Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today filed an agreed final judgment that protects the safety of an increasing number of Texans who rely upon Internet-based phone service. more...

DECEMBER 13, 2006

Jury Finds Dallas Escrow Officer and Businessman Guilty of Bank Fraud, Wire Fraud and Mail Fraud

Andrew Siebert and Mark Manners Guilty of Mortgage Fraud Scheme

United States Attorney Richard B. Roper announced that following a two-week trial before the Honorable Barbara M.G. Lynn, United States District Judge, Dallas businessman Mark Manners, 57, and escrow officer Andrew Norman Siebert, 37, were convicted of conspiracy, mail fraud, wire fraud and bank fraud charges. The jury deliberated for approximately two hours and found the defendants guilty on all counts of the indictment. Judge Lynn will sentence both defendants on March 14, 2007. Siebert faces a maximum statutory sentence of 160 years imprisonment and a $3.25 million fine and Manners faces a maximum statutory sentence of 120 years imprisonment and a $2.75 million fine. more...

December 12, 2006

ADDITIONAL HELENA LAB EMPLOYEES PLEAD GUILTY IN MAIL FRAUD SCHEME
(Beaumont, TX) Acting United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe announced that two additional Helena Lab employees have pleaded guilty in a complex mail fraud scheme in the Eastern District of Texas.

DEBRA HICKS, 48, of West Orange, and TERRY MCNEELY, 50, of Beaumont, pleaded guilty to misprision of a felony, specifically concealing mail fraud, today before United States District Judge Marcia Crone. more...

DECEMBER 11, 2006

FORT WORTH MAN SENTENCED TO 40 YEARS IMPRISONMENT FOLLOWING CONVICTION ON DRUG AND FIREARMS CHARGES

Defendant Attempted an Escape Plot That Involved Murdering Deputy U.S. Marshals

United States Attorney Richard B. Roper announced that Brian Keith Casper was sentenced today in federal court in Fort Worth, Texas, by United States District Judge Terry R. Means, to 480 months imprisonment, without the possibility of parole. Casper was convicted earlier this year by a federal jury on firearms and methamphetamine charges. more...

December 8, 2006

FORMER U.S. ARMY FIRST LIEUTENANT ADMITS TO PRODUCING AND DISTRIBUTING CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

United States Attorney Johnny Sutton announced that in El Paso this morning, 27-year-old Gary Alan Hernandez, Jr., a former First Lieutenant with the 208th Signal Company at Ft. Bliss in El Paso, Texas, pled guilty to producing and possessing child pornography. more...

DECEMBER 7, 2006

LOCAL MAN SENTENCED TO 50 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON, WITHOUT PAROLE, ON FEDERAL CARJACKING, FIREARMS, CONSPIRACY AND TAMPERING WITH WITNESS CONVICTIONS

Defendant’s Mother Sentenced to 30 Months for Her Role in the Conspiracy more...

DECEMBER 6, 2006

LAST DEFENDANT SENTENCED IN WICHITA FALLS METHAMPHETAMINE DISTRIBUTION RING

Defendant Frederick William Sturm Sentenced to More Than 24 Years in Federal Prison, Without Parole

United States Attorney Richard B. Roper announced that Frederick William Sturm, Jr., of Wichita Falls, Texas, was sentenced today in Dallas by the Honorable Jerry Buchmeyer, United States Senior District Judge, to 292 months imprisonment, without parole, for his part in a conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine. more...

DECEMBER 5, 2006

SOUTH DALLAS STREET GANG LEADERS PLEAD GUILTY IN FEDERAL COURT TO DRUG CHARGES EACH FACES LIFE IMPRISONMENT

Defendant Produced Musical CD’s Glorifying the Distribution of Crack Cocaine

Two leaders of a South Dallas street gang who, along with numerous others, were arrested in September on conspiracy, drug and firearms charges outlined in a 48-count federal indictment, pled guilty in federal court, United States Attorney Richard B. Roper announced today. more...

DECEMBER 1, 2006

CONVICTED SEX OFFENDER SENTENCED TO NEARLY 18 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON, WITHOUT PAROLE, FOR POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

United States Attorney Richard B. Roper announced that Robert Charles Morris was sentenced today by the Honorable John McBryde, United States District Judge, to 210 months (17.5 years) imprisonment, without parole. In addition, Judge McBryde ordered that Morris serve a lifetime of supervised release following his incarceration. Morris pled guilty in federal court in July to one count of possession of child pornography. more...

November 29, 2006

Attorney General Abbott’s Cyber Predator Crackdown Yields Three Arrests, Indictments In Southeast Texas Sting

Prosecutors allege registered sex offender traveled over 200 miles from Louisiana for illicit meeting

BEAUMONT – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s Cyber Crimes Unit led a Southeast Texas sting operation that yielded the arrests and indictments of three alleged child sex predators in Jefferson County, each of whom allegedly arranged to meet and sexually assault what they believed to be 13-year-old children they had met online. The online profiles were actually those of undercover investigators with the Texas Attorney General’s office. more...

NOVEMBER 28, 2006

LOCAL METHAMPHETAMINE RING LEADER SENTENCED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT ON DRUG CONSPIRACY CONVICTION

Alejandro Tamayo Charged with Aggravated Assault on a Federal Officer During Execution of Search and Arrest Warrants in February more...

November 26, 2006

JURY CONVICTS 22-YEAR-OLD MEXICAN FEMALEOF IMPORTING METHAMPHETAMINE AND COCAINE

McALLEN, Texas – Darinka Olivas-Vera, 22, of Mexico, faces no less than 10 years up to life imprisonment after being convicted by a jury of importing and possessing with intent to distribute more than six kilograms of methamphetamine and approximately a kilogram of cocaine, U.S. Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today. more...

November 25, 2006

SHERMAN WOMAN RECEIVES PRISON SENTENCE FOR MAKING PHONE THREATS

(Sherman, TX) United States Attorney Matthew D. Orwig announced today that a 38-year-old Sherman woman has been sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for threatening a witness in the Eastern District of Texas. TINA ANN JONES was sentenced late yesterday by United States District Judge Michael A. Schneider. more...

NOVEMBER 24, 2006

GRAND PRAIRIE METHAMPHETAMINE DEALERS SENTENCED TO LENGTHY FEDERAL PRISON TERMS

United States Attorney Richard B. Roper announced that two defendants who pled guilty to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, were sentenced this week in U.S. District Court in Fort Worth, Texas, by the Honorable John McBryde, United States District Judge, to lengthy prison sentences. more...

November 21, 2006

“MIDDLE MAN” WHO FORWARDED BRIBE PAYMENTS TO WILLACY COUNTY COMMISSIONERS SENTENCED

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – The man who arranged the delivery of bribe payments to two Willacy County commissioners in exchange for contract advantages in the construction of the Willacy County Adult Correctional Center (Center) in Raymondville, Texas, was sentenced today, U.S. Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced. more...

Thursday, November 18, 2006

Attorney General Abbott’s Medicaid Fraud Investigators Arrest Two Rusk County Nursing Home Employees

Lola Stewart, Christopher Ferguson indicted, arrested in separate cases
HENDERSON - Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit officers arrested two Rusk County nursing home employees this week who work at separate facilities, charging them with residential trust fund theft and acquiring pain killing prescription drugs meant for patients. more...

November 17, 2006

ALIEN SMUGGLERS INVOLVED IN FATAL SMUGGLING EFFORT CONVICTED

LAREDO, Texas – Two Mexican nationals responsible for smuggling an illegal alien, who subsequently died, into the United States, were convicted of alien smuggling resulting in death, U.S. Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today. more...

November 16, 2006

JURY CONVICTS MEXICAN NATIONAL OF DISTRIBUTING HEROIN

McALLEN, Texas – A jury has convicted Antonio Gomez, 50 of Michoacan, Mexico, of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute kilogram quantities of heroin, U.S. Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today. The jury’s verdict was returned late Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2006, after a two-day trial more...

November 15, 2006

Attorney General Abbott Nets Texas $779,000 In Multi-state Medicaid Fraud Case Against Omnicare

Leading pharmaceutical provider for nursing home seniors snared in drug-switching scheme more...

November 13, 2006

THREE SENTENCED FOR REAL ESTATE FRAUD

(Tyler, TX) United States Attorney Matthew D. Orwig announced today that three men have been sentenced in a massive real estate scheme that defrauded investors of more than $27 million in the Eastern District of Texas. JULES B. FLEDER, 66 of Los Angeles, JACK A. BROWN, 67, of Marshall, and ROGER SHERMAN, 72, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, were sentenced today by United States District Judge Michael Schneider. According to information presented in court, between 2001 and 2004, Fleder, Brown, and Sherman devised a series of real estate joint ventures. Each of these joint ventures, while varying in some respects, were similar in nature and terms. Through advertisements in newspapers and seminars, Fleder recruited insurance agents, financial advisors, and others to sell interests in these real estate joint ventures to their clients. more...

November 11, 2006

ELSA CITY POLICE OFFICER PLEADS GUILTY TO ACCEPTING MONEY TO PROTECT DRUG LOAD

McALLEN, TX – A former Elsa City police officer was convicted of using his official position as an officer of the Elsa City Police Department to protect a vehicle loaded with narcotics in exchange for money, U.S. Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today. more...

NOVEMBER 10, 2006

MAN SENTENCED TO 48 MONTHS IN CABELA’S FIREARMS THEFT

United States Attorney Richard B. Roper announced today that Bobby Gene Pitcock, of Fort Worth, Texas, age 36, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Terry R. Means to 48 months imprisonment to be followed by a three year term of supervised release, in accordance with his guilty plea last December to one count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon. Pitcock was already in custody. more...

NOVEMBER 9, 2006

PERSONAL BANKER SENTENCED TO NEARLY FOUR YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON ON BANK FRAUD CONVICTION

United States Attorney Richard B. Roper announced today that Sonny Chukwudi Uwadia, of Lancaster, Texas, was sentenced by United States District Judge Jorge A. Solis to 46 months imprisonment. Judge Solis also ordered that Uwadia pay $14,329.34 restitution to E-Trade Financial, G.E. Consumer Finance, CitiCorp Investigative Services and Bank of America. He has been in custody since his arrest more...

November 7, 2006

FORMER SOUTHWEST AIRLINES EMPLOYEE SENTENCED TO FEDERAL PRISON IN FRAUDULENT TICKETS SCAM

United States Attorney Johnny Sutton and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Manuel E. Mora announced that in El Paso, Oscar Enriquez Ortiz was sentenced earlier today to 19 months in federal prison and ordered to pay $518,705.00 restitution to Southwest Airlines for orchestrating and participating in a scheme to steal in excess of $1 million from the airline. more...

NOVEMBER 7, 2006

LOCAL MEN PLEAD GUILTY TO DISTRIBUTING AND RECEIVING EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS

Today, in U.S. District Court in Dallas, Eric Duane McNairy pled guilty to an indictment charging one count of distribution of explosive material to a convicted felon, announced United States Attorney Richard B. Roper. McNairy’s co-defendant, Charles Andrew Brunston, pled guilty in September to one count of the indictment charging receipt and possession of explosive material by a convicted felon. McNairy, age 41, of Cedar Hill, Texas, entered his guilty plea today before United States Magistrate Judge Paul D. Stickney, who set McNairy’s sentencing date for February 21, 2007. Brunston, age 42, of Dallas, is scheduled to be sentenced on January 5, 2007. Both men, who are currently on bond, arrest in August 2006, face a maximum statutory sentence of 10 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. more...

November 3, 2006

4 sentenced for hostage taking, alien smuggling Smugglers receive 20 years for this smuggling venture

AUSTIN, Texas — Four aliens were sentenced today in connection with a June hostage taking and alien smuggling operation. This announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Johnny Sutton, Western District of Texas, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Special Agent-in-Charge Jerry Robinette. more...

November 2, 2006

BEAUMONT MAN CHARGED WITH STEALING UNION FUNDS

(Beaumont, TX) United States Attorney Matthew D. Orwig announced that a 50-year-old Beaumont man has been indicted on charges of embezzling union funds in the Eastern District of Texas. more...

November 1, 2006

SECOND ELSA CITY POLICE OFFICER INDICTED FOR ACCEPTING MONEY TO PROTECT DRUG LOAD

MCALLEN, TX – In a separate and unrelated case, a second Elsa City Police Officer was indicted for accepting bribes to provide protection for drug loads, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today.

Ismael Gomez, 27, of Elsa, Texas, and formerly an Elsa City Police Officer, is accused in a one count indictment of receiving approximately $2,500 to use his official position on April 24, 2006, to protect a vehicle he believed to be transporting 10 kilograms of cocaine. The indictment was returned under seal by a McAllen grand jury on October 24, 2006. The indictment was unsealed today, November 1, 2006, after Gomez voluntarily surrendered himself into the custody of special agents of Federal Bureau of Investigation. more...

OCTOBER 31, 2006

Dallas County Man Pleads Guilty in Federal Court to Child Porn Charge

United States Attorney Richard B. Roper announced that William Lynn Rawls pled guilty this morning in federal court in Dallas, before the Honorable Paul D. Stickney, United States Magistrate Judge, to one count of possession of child pornography in interstate commerce. Rawls, age 51, of Cedar Hill, Texas, faces a maximum statutory sentence of 10 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. Rawls has been on bond since his voluntary surrender to federal law enforcement officials in June. He is to be sentenced by United States Senior District Judge Jerry more...

OCTOBER 30, 2006

WICHITA FALLS MAN SENTENCED TO 27 YEARS IMPRISONMENT, WITHOUT PAROLE, FOR ROLE IN METHAMPHETAMINE DISTRIBUTION RING

United States Attorney Richard B. Roper announced that Terry Sheldon Ewing of Wichita Falls, Texas, was sentenced late Friday in Dallas by the Honorable Jerry Buchmeyer, United States Senior District Judge, to 324 months imprisonment, without parole, for his part in a conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine. more...

OCTOBER 27, 2006

FEDERAL GRAND JURY IN DALLAS INDICTS LOCAL MAN ON FRAUD CHARGES

CPA Robert David Neal is Former Trophy Club, Texas, Resident

A federal grand jury in Dallas returned an indictment yesterday charging Robert David Neal, a/k/a “Michael Skinner” a/k/a “Albert Davis,” with six counts of wire fraud, announced United States Attorney Richard B. Roper. Neal, a former resident of Trophy Club, Texas, is currently in federal custody because of a supervised release violation stemming from a May 2002 federal felony conviction in the Northern District of Texas. more...

October 25, 2006

FORMER HIDALGO COUNTY DETENTION OFFICER CHARGED WITH POSSESSION AND RECEIPT OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY

Court orders temporary detention pending decision on US motion to hold without bond

McALLEN, TX – Francisco Cantu, 32, a former Hidalgo County Detention Officer of Edinburg, Texas, was arrested and charged with possession of child pornography and receipt of child pornography, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle announced today. Cantu is temporarily being held in federal custody pending a ruling on the government’s motion to detain him without bond as a danger to the community. more...

OCTOBER 23, 2006

MAN SENTENCED TO 8 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON, WITHOUT PAROLE, FOR ROBBING BANK OF AMERICA

A man who robbed the Bank of America branch in downtown Fort Worth, Texas, last December, was sentenced today in federal court, announced United States Attorney Richard B. Roper. John Kevin Chism was sentenced by the Honorable Terry R. Means, United States District Judge, to 96 months imprisonment, following his plea in July to one count of bank robbery. more...

OCTOBER 19, 2006

Two Men Sentenced to Federal Prison
for Transporting Aliens Near San Angelo, Texas

One of Aliens Transported in Vehicle Was Killed When the Vehicle Rolled in Traffic Accident more...

OCTOBER 19, 2006

PONZI SCHEME OPERATOR REMANDED TO FEDERAL CUSTODY AFTER VIOLATING TERMS OF PRETRIAL RELEASE

James Ray Phipps Ran “Life Without Debt” Ponzi Scheme from Colleyville, Texas more...

October 18, 2006

Attorney General Abbott Sues Starr County Woman For Unauthorized Legal Services Business
Irene V. Rodriguez allegedly scammed consumers out of hundreds of dollars with unauthorized legal advice, document preparation

RIO GRANDE CITY – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today took legal action against a South Texas woman alleging she violated several provisions of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA) and the Texas Government Code by providing immigration and other legal services to consumers despite not being licensed as an attorney. more...

OCTOBER 13, 2006

Federal Inmates Sentenced for Running Money Laundering Scam While Serving Federal Prison Sentences

United States Attorney Richard B. Roper announced that Billy Frank Long was sentenced today by the Honorable Jerry Buchmeyer, United States Senior District Judge, to 24 months imprisonment following his guilty plea in May to an Information charging him with one count of money laundering. more...

October 13, 2006

“GUARD” OF ALIEN SMUGGLING OPERATION SENTENCED TO PRISON

All five charged and convicted in smuggling for ransom operation have been sentenced.
HOUSTON, TX – The last defendant charged and convicted for his role as a guard of illegal aliens in a smuggling for ransom case was sentenced, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle today announced. more...

October 13, 2006

LAST DEFENDANT IN SOUTH TEXAS HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND SEX SLAVERY PROSECUTION CONVICTED

McALLEN, TX – The last of eight Mexican nationals convicted for their roles in a sex slavery conspiracy was sentenced to a lengthy prison term by United States District Judge Randy Crane in McAllen, Texas, United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle and Assistant Attorney General Wan J. Kim of the Civil Rights Division announced today. more...

October 12, 2006

Attorney General Abbott Obtains Injunction Against Mobile Home Scammers Evading Justice
Huizar brothers, David Barroso leave trail of exploited low-income home buyers

SAN ANTONIO - Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott has obtained a stringent temporary injunction and asset freeze against two men who have been evading justice since March, yet continue to victimize prospective consumers interested in owning manufactured homes. Trial is set for Feb. 12. more...

October 11, 2006

Falls County Tax Assessor Collector Indicted On Charges Of Falsifying Tax Records.
Kate Vande Veegaete charged with three state jail felonies for illegally changing property tax appraisal values

MARLIN - Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott’s Criminal Law Enforcement prosecutors presented evidence to a grand jury on Wednesday, resulting in a three-count state jail felony indictment against Falls County Tax-Assessor Collector Kate Vande Veegaete. The indictment alleges she defrauded Falls County, the city of Marlin, and the Marlin Independent School District by altering government documents and failing to collect nearly $10,000 in delinquent property taxes. more...

OCTOBER 10, 2006

FORMER CFO OF PATTERSON-UTI ENERGY, INC SENTENCED TO 25 YEARS IMPRISONMENT

Jody Nelson Embezzled More than $77 Million From Employer

Jonathan D. Nelson was sentenced today in federal court in Lubbock, Texas, by the Honorable Sam R. Cummings, United States District Judge, to imprisonment for a term of 25 years, restitution in the amount of $77, 787,649.97 and a fine of $200,000.00 announced United States Attorney Richard B. Roper. Nelson has been in federal custody since July 31, 2006. more...

October 7, 2006

Amarillo-area Man Convicted For Child Pornography, Gets Prison Time After Undercover Attorney General Investigation
Claude resident sent sexually explicit images of children to Attorney General Abbott’s undercover investigator

AMARILLO – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott commended an Armstrong jury for convicting an Amarillo-area man Tuesday who e-mailed sexually explicit images of children to an undercover Cyber Crimes Unit investigator who was posing as a young teen online. more...

OCTOBER 6, 2006

ARYAN BROTHERHOOD OF TEXAS MEMBER SENTENCED TO NEARLY 15 YEARS IMPRISONMENT

United States Attorney Richard B. Roper announced that Matthew C. Courtney was sentenced today in Lubbock, Texas, to a total of 175 months imprisonment. In July, a federal jury in U.S. District Court in Lubbock convicted Courtney, age 34, of Midland, Texas, on all counts of a federal indictment charging conspiracy to possess and dispose of 26 stolen firearms, more...

October 3, 2006

ORLEANS MAN SENTENCED FOR DRUG VIOLATIONS IN JEFFERSON COUNTY

(Beaumont, TX) United States Attorney Matthew D. Orwig announced today that a 24-year-old New Orleans man has been sentenced to 46 months in prison for federal drug and gun violations in the Eastern District of Texas. more...

October 3, 2006

GLOBAL LIMO, INC. AND OWNER CONVICTED

McALLEN, TX – Global Limo, Inc., a Pharr, Texas, passenger bus company, and its owner, James H. Maples, 65, were convicted by a jury’s verdict today for circumventing safety regulations, announced United States Attorney Don DeGabrielle. more...

October 2, 2006

MOTHER & SON PLEAD GUILTY IN METHAMPHETAMINE CONSPIRACY CASE IN WEST TEXAS

United States Attorney Johnny Sutton announced that Anabel Gonzales Ruiz, 51, of Phoenix, Arizona and her son, Pete Cruz Flores, Jr., 34, of Midland, face a minimum of 10 and 20 years in federal prison, respectively, after pleading guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. more...

 

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