On Wednesday, a joint task force including the DEA along with the sheriff's office arrested 41-year-old Francisco Ortiz. In another court filing, the feds wrote that Flores' case is somehow tied to their investigation of money allegedly stolen from the Coahuila government and laundered in Texas. The massive drug bust took place during a traffic stop in San Clemente, a wealthy enclave about 75 miles inland from the U.S.-Mexico border in San Diego, multiple Border Patrol sources told Fox News. The drug bust led deputies to search another residence in the 100 block of Seashell Place in west San Antonio. Meanwhile, the U.S. investigation sprawled. In December, six Coahuila businessmen gathered at the Hotel Contessa in downtown San Antonio. Man charged with murder cut off ankle monitor, captured after being spotted in San Antonio, 'Especially lush': Wildflower Center predicts above-average bluebonnet season, Spring-like weekend in store for San Antonio | FORECAST, 2 separate $10,000 rewards offered by law enforcement for the suspect involved in shooting two Corpus Christi officers, Police search for suspects who may be involved in robbery, Video shows possible suspect vehicle connected to Army soldier's murder on New Year's Day. They are either identified as being investors in some of these corporations, or persons with knowledge of some of the transactions, Herberg said. Bryan Anthony Brown, age 33 of San Antonio; Alvarez does not work for GEOs separate Karnes County Detention Center, where some federal inmates are held before trial, said her lawyer, Joey Contreras. This operation is part of an OCDETF Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. After six weeks of trial, they came away more convinced he did not do this. The nighttime stakeout targeted her father. She previously worked for WICS/WRSP 20 in Springfield, Illinois. Nowadays, its habitats, conservation and education. Guillermo Moyado, 38, and Joaquin Cardenas, 39, were arrested during the traffic stop after deputies seized five kilos of black tar heroin and five kilos of methamphetamine from their vehicle, according to the BCSO. They worked for him. On Tuesday, federal, state and local authorities arrested all of the defendants with the exception of Lumbreras, Ojeda and Flores. If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241. Updated: 11:05 PM CST November 13, 2020 SAN ANTONIO Nearly $30 million worth of drugs are seized from a Bexar County home. SAN ANTONIO A man and a woman were arrested after deputies busted a drug distribution operation in West Bexar County on Friday, according to the Bexar County Sheriffs Office. The street value for the drugs is estimated at $145,890. According to Eastland County Today, Tuesday at 1:30 am - Eastland County Deputy Sheriff Colby Jackson made a traffic stop on a speeding vehicle on Interstate 20. Drug Enforcement Administration agents arrested her after the discovery of drugs, officials said. Deputies. That's it. USAA wants some remote employees in the office three days Texas Vista owner has threatened hospital shutdown before, VIA adding 8 new buses to its fleet and theyre all electric, BCSO: 3 arrested after 6 smuggled people, 3 stash houses found, Bexar County deputy reunites African tortoise with owners, Gunmen blast 75 rounds at Northwest Side apartment. Guillermo has been with the Express-News for 20 years, and has covered federal court and its investigative agencies for most of that time. POSS W/I DEL CS PG1 4G - 200G Felony, 1st Degree Bond: $30,000.00, POSS W/I DEL CS PG1 OVER 400G Felony, 1st Degree Bond: $60,000.00, POSS CS PG 1 1 GRAM TO 4 GRAM Felony, 3rd Degree Bond: $50,000.00, POSS CS PG 1 4 GRAMS TO 200 G Felony, 2nd Degree Bond: $15,000.00, POSS CS PG 1 1 GRAM TO 4 GRAM Felony, 3rd Degree Bond: $10,000.00, POSS CS PG 1 4 GRAMS TO 200 GRAMS Felony, 2nd Degree Bond: $15,000.00, PAROLE VIOLATION Felony, 3rd Degree Bond: RWOB, POSS CS PG 3 LESS THAN 28 GRAM Misdemeanor, Class A Bond: 3500.00. Oscar Oviedo, age 26 of San Antonio; More than $1 billion worth of cocaine has been seized at the Philadelphia Port on Tuesday, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.They say the drug bust netted approximately 16.5 tons of the . In court records, prosecutors wrote Zamora is ostensibly working as a self-employed plumber, but somehow came up with $500,000 to purchase drugs in the Bay Area, and lives in a $3 million home in . All he did was blow snot," Moyer said. Thirteen individuals are charged with trafficking cocaine in the San Antonio area, announced U.S. Attorney Gregg N. Sofer and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Steven S. Whipple, Houston Division. The jury deliberated for less than three hours Thursday before finding Murdaugh guilty of killing his 22-year-old son with two shotgun blasts and his 52-year-old wife with four or five rifle shots. It alleges that he laundered in San Antonio the proceeds of bribes, theft, embezzlement and drug distribution, another indication that the U.S. is investigating whether there's a connection between the alleged raiding of Coahuila's state coffers and the Zetas, a gang started by former Mexican special forces soldiers to be the Gulf Cartel's paramilitary arm. There were no guns, no drugs.. Over the past two days, federal, state and local authorities arrested all of the defendants with the exception of Brown, Martinez, Jose Garcia, Alvarado, and Bartlett. In the quiet Lowcountry that Murdaughs family had dominated since the days of Jim Crow, a judge talked to Murdaugh in a way that few probably have not in his days playing college football, making millions as a high-powered attorney or gaining favor because of his name and reminded Murdaugh that he had to remove the portrait of the defendants grandfather from its place of honor in that same courtroom to ensure a fair trial. Nothing is more important than the safety and security of our citizens. The indictment accuses the defendants of conspiring to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine in the Midwestern and Southern U.S. During a year-long investigation culminating in coordinated raids this week, law enforcement officers led by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration seized 23 kilos of cocaine, more than 30 pounds of hydroponic marijuana, 100 kilos of methamphetamine, along with firearms and $359,000 in cash. Authorities call it the largest fentanyl seizure in Bexar County. Joel Villarreal aka Gordo, 49, of San Antonio; Photo: KTSA/Dennis Foley. In total, officials found seven kilos of heroin and 1.5 kilos of meth, according to the BCSO. He has also covered immigration, minority affairs and legal affairs as part of the projects team here and for other print, TV and radio outlets. The DEA contended that the car accelerated toward the agents, who opened fire not knowing that the teenager was behind the wheel. Ojeda was already in custody, and Flores has yet to be arrested. Coronado and Flores Valdez, the Moreiras' nephew, were in San Antonio responding to a request by Bexar County to depose representatives of the LLCs that Villarreal's family members manage. The indictment also charges Ojeda with two counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Guillermo has been with the Express-News for 20 years, and has covered federal court and its investigative agencies for most of that time. Map: See the San Antonio ties of Coahuilan politicians and businessmen, some of whom prosecutors say laundered millions of dollars in South Texas. Gutierrez faces between five and 40 years upon conviction. Gonzlez Fernandez's girlfriend, Alejandra Ibarra, who lives at the Champions Ridge house with their 3-year-old daughter, said she doesn't believe he was involved in drug trafficking. Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar says a drug operation at the home in the 100 block of Trudell was first broken up a few weeks ago when Deputies were delivering a warrant. Joe Angel Villarreal later was sentenced to 19 years in federal prison for leading a large cocaine-trafficking group. Tuesday, June 22nd 2021. Jonathan Linares Lumbreras aka Coahuila, 30, of San Antonio; Mark Anthony Ojeda, 33, of San Antonio; Albelardo Oviedo, age 29 of San Antonio. It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. It was found that there is no evidence to link Mr. Moreira Valdes to any wrongdoing in relation to the debt contracted in the state of Coahuila during his term as governor, the attorney wrote. Drug dealing and violence go hand in hand. It makes the ownership of properties more difficult for investigators and regulators to trace, however, and also could be used to disguise the source of money in the original purpose. If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241. Prosecutors decided not to seek the death penalty in this case, and Newman handed down the harshest possible sentence he could consecutive life sentences without parole. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. That's why Sorianello had a strong message to parents: pay attention to your kids. Deputies saw the suspects vehicle leaving the home and thats when they conducted a traffic stop near Loop 410 and Ingram Road. Ojeda faces a mandatory five years in federal prison on the gun charge upon conviction. Zambrano and Mendez now face charges of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, a first degree felony, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver over 400 grams, another first degree felony, possession of a controlled substance a third degree felony and possession of marijuana, more than five pounds, also a third degree felony. The indictment alleges that the defendants conspired since January 2020 to distribute cocaine. According to Salazar, deputies found a couple hundred grams of methamphetamine and black tar heroin and $9,000. Since that incident, Salazar said deputies were notified the drug operation was back up and running, which led to the BCSO setting up surveillance near the residence Thursday morning. I think he's not guilty, so I was shocked.. Guillermo has also worked in Central America, Mexico, New Mexico, Arizona and California and his work has appeared in various publications, including the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, New York Post, Newsday, Denver Post and the Albuquerque Journal. The government is abusing its power, Canales wrote in one filing. The truth is he brought shame upon himself, his family, the community, his profession, Kinsinger said. Also on the list were Villarreal, the former treasurer; Torres, the former interim governor; and Flores, the businessman who pleaded guilty in Corpus Christi. The U.S. BCSO AND DEA TAG UNIT DRUG BUST Its disgraceful.. Timeline: An interactive look at Coahuila's debt and the ensuing investigation in San Antonio. Jose Artemio Acevedo Jr. aka Chapparo, 49, of Rio Grande City; Some of the money came from inflated contracts, said First Assistant District Attorney Cliff Herberg. Again he was released on bond and within days Mexican federal prosecutors leveled a new round of charges against him tied to the alleged fraudulent loans, which they say approached $250 million. She traveled from Houston to San Antonio with two children in her vehicle. An indictment accused Ral Gonzlez Fernandez, a 42-year-old restaurateur who was born in Del Rio, of conspiring to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine and possessing more than 500 grams of the drug. Upon searching the vehicle, deputies found 1.2 pounds of marijuana and 47 additional vape pens in the trunk. Our position on behalf of Mr. Villarreal is to establish the facts and show that he is not guilty. Fridays hearing again took place in a packed courtroom. The prosecutors' deposition request included a list of people and entities they would be asking about, including the Moreira brothers, their nephew, a number of Villarreal's family members, Chaires, Humberto Moreira's former secretary, and Roberto Casimiro Gonzalez Trevio, the Coahuila cable magnate whose nephew was arrested in San Antonio and whose brother served as the state's spokesman here. By the time federal prosecutors charged Torres and Villarreal, Bexar County prosecutors finally had started moving their civil lawsuit forward. I was shocked, Ibarra said of her boyfriend's arrest. USAA wants some remote employees in the office three days Texas Vista owner has threatened hospital shutdown before, VIA adding 8 new buses to its fleet and theyre all electric, BCSO: 3 arrested after 6 smuggled people, 3 stash houses found, Bexar County deputy reunites African tortoise with owners, Gunmen blast 75 rounds at Northwest Side apartment. The lawsuit seeks $2.8 million in an account Torres has in Bermuda. At sentencing, Murdaugh maintained his innocence, just as he did when he testified in his own defense during the six-week trial. 2 at the DA's office, prosecutors believe at least some of the $6.5 million in a JP Morgan Chase and Co. bank account that his office is suing to forfeit came from kickbacks. The head of south central Texas DEA shares new insight on the. Prosecutors have said in court that they believe Flores helped a former governor of Tamaulipas, another state that borders Texas, launder bribe money from the Zetas. It didn't take long to convince the other three. Salazar said the street value of the seized drugs is over $1.2 million. Sorianello said he couldn't divulge how they were able to track down the suspected drug dealer or if additional arrests are pending. He has also covered immigration, minority affairs and legal affairs as part of the projects team here and for other print, TV and radio outlets. When he took the stand in his own defense, the first thing he did was admit he had lied to investigators about being at the kennels, saying he was paranoid of law enforcement because he was addicted to opioids and had pills in his pocket the night of the killings. Justin Paul Guerrero, age 26 of San Antonio; He is the father of Ashley Villarreal, who at 14 was fatally shot by DEA agents conducting a stakeout in San Antonio in February 2003. They often used a network of limited liability companies that made it difficult for investigators to track the ownership of those assets. Humberto Moreira. Deputies detained her and found 5 THC vape pens on the front seat, authorities said. He's not been charged with a crime, and neither have the Gonzlez Trevio brothers. The indictment alleges that defendants Arteaga, Rodriguez, Brown, Chavarria, Oscar Oviedo, Joseph Guerrero, Vasquez, Martinez, Justin Guerrero, Gonzalez, Robles, Moreno, Palafos, Barron, Lopez, Jose Garcia, Alvarado, Bartlett, and Albelardo Oviedo conspired from June 2019 until April 7, 2021, to distribute methamphetamine. Jesse Martinez, age 41 of San Antonio; All of them were indicted on federal drug. In 2011, a pair of Mexican senators called for an investigation into Chaires and his investment in real estate and in Coahuila radio and television stations. The now-disbarred attorney admitted stealing millions of dollars from the family firm and clients, saying he needed the money to fund his drug habit. Cody King is a digital journalist for KSAT 12. Zoos in the past were judged by who had the most animals, San Antonio Zoo chief Tim Morrow says. A locked padlock Prosecutors in Corpus Christi filed a lawsuit in late September accusing Torres, who owns a house near Houston, of using JP Morgan Chase Bank accounts to transfer millions of dollars from Mexico to Texas, then turning around and sending it offshore. Joseph Richard Guerrero, age 28 of San Antonio; She works in the immigration portion of GEO. The arrests made yesterday in San Antonio conclude a comprehensive investigation by the DEA along with our law enforcement partners into the criminal activities of a drug trafficking organization, who were responsible for transporting and distributing methamphetamine and cocaine into our communities, said DEA Special Agent in Charge Comeaux. The Zetas in particular had spread their control to Coahuila's mining sector, Moreira said. Then, starting in 2006, he and his brother, Roberto Casimiro Gonzlez Trevio, went on a spending spree. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. The bust comes after a similar incident involving the same suspects just weeks ago when deputies found several ounces of narcotics and cash in plain sight at the residence in the 100 block of Trudell Road, according to Sheriff Javier Salazar. Ashley. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. A 32-year-old San Antonio woman was sentenced to more than eight years in prison after she was found guilty of possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine . All the billboards that the PRI used in its campaigns they would rent from Roberto, and they'd easily get the permits from the city governments.. When Humberto came into power, RCG was tiny, said Jorge Rosales Saade, an official with the opposition PAN party in Coahuila. The DEA, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Texas Department of Public Safety, San Antonio Police Department, New Braunfels Police Department, University of Texas San Antonio Police Department, Gonzales Police Department, Comal County Sheriffs Office and the Guadalupe County Sheriffs Office conducted this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation called Operation Brujas Blunder. Along with the San Antonio properties, prosecutors have filed lawsuits to take control of real estate in the Rio Grande Valley and millions of dollars in bank accounts in Texas and Bermuda. SAN ANTONIO- Twelve San Antonio residents face federal drug trafficking charges, announced Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux, Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. Ashley Mendez, 28, and Ruben Zambrano, 38, were taken into custody. Example video title will go here for this video. SAN ANTONIO - Six people are in custody following a drug bust in east Bexar County earlier this week, according to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office. Coahuila corruption and drug ties spread influence to San Antonio, Privately run zoos in Texas adapt to new roles. Over five years, they purchased a dozen houses in San Antonio, selling off a handful and renting out others. Moreira, the former leader of the Institutional Revolutionary Party, or PRI, is close to Mexican President Enrique Pea Nieto. SAN ANTONIO Six people are in custody, two of which are being held in a federal facility, following a drug bust on the North Side, according to the Bexar County Sheriffs Office. In October 2012, Jos Eduardo Moreira, Humberto's son, was found murdered outside the border city of Acua, and several police officials were arrested in connection with the slaying. . Former Texas State Rep. Poncho Nevrez at AudioRec Productions, a recording studio in Piedras Negras, Mexico, Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022. Prosecutors have moved to seize tens of millions of dollars in San Antonio real estate including a home in The Dominion, commercial property on U.S. 281 and a pharmacy on Stone Oak Parkway and indicted six people under an investigation into a nexus of politics, private industry and one of Mexico's most notorious drug gangs. Cody King is a digital journalist for KSAT 12. Villarreal fraudulently acquired Mexican pesos totaling over $35 million in U.S. dollars and funneled the monies into United States bank accounts, federal prosecutors in Corpus Christi wrote in a court filing. And that is why we want to ask questions as far as their involvement or knowledge.. SAN ANTONIO - Twenty five men and women are in custody after authorities busted a drug distribution operation in the San Antonio area Thursday, according to officials. Copyright 2023 by KSAT - All rights reserved. In the following months, details of the U.S. investigation began trickling out through a series of lawsuits filed by federal and state prosecutors to seize bank accounts and property owned by limited liability companies that had been set up by Villarreal, Coronado, another brother-in-law, Villarreal's wife and his alleged mistress. When one defendant was brought to court in San Antonio, a former U.S. congressman showed up to support him. SAN ANTONIO - Six people are in custody, two of which are being held in a federal facility, following a drug bust on the North Side, according to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office. Torres and Villarreal were the closest persons to Moreira, Salazar said. Waters said none of the victims of the crime members of Murdaughs family and the parents and relatives of his wife wished to speak on behalf of the prosecution before sentencing. These family members assisted Villarreal by, among other things, opening bank accounts at U.S. banks, establishing business entities and purchasing real estate in the names of these business entities.. That fact is evident from the number of firearms recovered in this investigation - not to mention the silencers, grenade and body armor. It is my understanding that the Gonzalez family has contributed greatly to the economy of San Antonio, his lawyer Carlos Quezada said. Hernandez, Haggard and Heredia were already in custody. "Some may not have any narcotic in it, others may have too much and thats when your going to overdose, and these are the stories you hear, someone goes to a party, and never done anything, said Sorianello. The gang, he said, was responsible for a wave of violence that killed tens of thousand in Mexico, many in Coahuila. All the defendants, excepting Gutierrez, face between 10 years and life in federal prison upon conviction of conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute. It becomes very difficult to track for any investigator in law enforcement, but it's especially more difficult for financial industry investigators because they're limited, they don't have authority of the government, subpoena power.. Salazar said the three suspects face charges of human smuggling, engaging in organized crime . The Schertz Police Department stated in a social . Copyright 2023 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. The juror agreed with prosecutors that the key piece of evidence was a video locked on his sons cellphone for a year video shot minutes before the killings at the same kennels near where the bodies would be found. Aug. 2, 2014 Updated: Aug. 4, 2014 11 a.m. Facebook Twitter Email. Further back, in the 1800s, Coahuila y Tejas was one state under Mexican rule. Despite the tony digs, the raid looked like any other drug case. U.S. authorities were ramping up their investigation after Gonzalez's arrest on drug charges. You have to have a federal and state license for that. Flores had made powerful friends in the U.S., among them lobbyist and former Congressman Henry Bonilla, who showed up at his initial court appearance in San Antonio. Tony Canales, said Torres is innocent but won't come to the U.S. to fight the charges because he's afraid he won't get bond. Intellectuals and landholders from the state, which borders Texas, took refuge here during the Mexican Revolution in the early 1900s. Good Morning San Antonio. Joshua Hamilton, 30, was arrested on a charge of felon in possession of a firearm. Murdaugh's brother and surviving son sat behind him in the courtroom every day. Roberto Casimiro Gonzlez Trevio's company, RCG Radio y Televisin, has come a long way since the family business started 30 years ago, when it launched as Cablevision, the first cable company in Mexico. Copyright 2023 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. A network of politicians and businessmen from the Mexican state of Coahuila relocated to San Antonio over the past seven years, and prosecutors say a corrupt group among them invested millions of dollars in illegal kickbacks here from drug traffickers and state contractors. The bust happened at 523 Porter St. early Friday. Moreira has not been charged, but his political career came to an abrupt end in 2011 when it was revealed that under his governorship Coahuila had racked up nearly $3 billion in debt. Each has a prior serious felony drug conviction which enhances their minimum mandatory sentence. Ojeda faces between 10 years and life in federal prison and Pena faces between five and 40 years in federal prison on the drug possession charge. The former lawmaker didn't respond to phone calls seeking comment, but at the time lawyers said Bonilla became friends with Flores after selling his house to the businessman and was there to show support. Madilyn Marie Alvarado, age 26 of Del Rio If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. And I could see the real Alex Murdaugh when he looked at me, Waters said. Through more than 75 witnesses and nearly 800 pieces of evidence, jurors heard about betrayed friends and clients, Murdaughs failed attempt to stage his own death in an insurance fraud scheme, a fatal boat crash in which his son was implicated, the housekeeper who died in a fall in the Murdaugh home and the grisly scene of the killings. Prior to today, authorities seized approximately 21 kilograms of cocaine, 100 kilograms of methamphetamine, a firearm and approximately $124,000 along with other assets attributable to this organization. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering operations, and those primarily responsible for the nations illegal drug supply. Moyer said he didn't buy them. Before he was charged with murder, Murdaugh was in jail awaiting trial on about 100 other charges ranging from insurance fraud to tax evasion. Rosalinda Flores, 54, of San Antonio; Villarreal was involved in facilitating the purchase of the properties, Houston attorney Michael J. Wynne said. It was during this search that deputies said they arrested Jose Ovalle, 66, who had an active warrant for a charge of possession of a controlled substance, and Francisco Menchaca, 45, who had 2 kilograms of meth and 138 grams of cocaine, according to the sheriffs office. Now he's found a new voice in recovery. Lastiri was sentenced to a total of 100 months in federal prison. The DEA, U.S. An official website of the United States government. Phone Number: (713) 693-3329 For Immediate Release Twelve Indicted for Drug Trafficking in San Antonio Area SAN ANTONIO - Twelve San Antonio residents face federal drug trafficking charges, announced Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux, Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff. Properties that the feds moved to seize in the case suggested they were looking at something more than a simple dope smuggling investigation. An official website of the United States government. A federal grand jury indictment unsealed today charges the following defendants with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance: Matthew Noe Arteaga, age 35 of San Antonio; Sheriff's deputies there said they stopped Villarreal, his wife and brother-in-law Oswaldo Coronado traveling with $67,000. Upon further inspection, Marijuana, Methamphetamines, Heroin and Fentanyl along . Salazar said Moreira deserves more scrutiny because the state's debt and the allegations of theft happened on his watch.

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