Upon further inspection, Marijuana, Methamphetamines, Heroin and Fentanyl along . Now, said Herberg, the No. Aug. 2, 2014 Updated: Aug. 4, 2014 11 a.m. Facebook Twitter Email. According to Salazar, deputies found a couple hundred grams of methamphetamine and black tar heroin and $9,000. Oswaldo Jesus Lopez, age 26 of Laredo; After six weeks of trial, they came away more convinced he did not do this. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Ashley. All of the defendants except Albelardo Oviedo are also charged in substantive counts in the indictment related to specific instances of drug trafficking that occurred throughout the course of the conspiracy. 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. Murdaugh's brother and surviving son sat behind him in the courtroom every day. Frank Zepeda aka Pancho, 51, of San Antonio 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. If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241. The most high-profile arrest of the money laundering investigation has been that of Villarreal, the former state treasurer. On Tuesday, federal, state and local authorities arrested all of the defendants with the exception of Lumbreras, Ojeda and Flores. 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. LOUIS - A man from Texas and a woman from St. Louis were indicted Wednesday on drug conspiracy charges after multiple kilograms of suspected fentanyl and methamphetamine were found during a traffic stop on Interstate 44 in St. Louis County. The bust happened at 523 Porter St. early Friday. Hernandez, Haggard and Heredia were already in custody. By then, Villarreal disappeared. Twenty-Two Indicted for Drug Trafficking in San Antonio Area Drug Enforcement Administration Daniel C. Comeaux Special Agent in Charge Houston @DEAHoustonDiv April 15, 2021 Contact: Sally M. Sparks Phone Number: (713) 693-3329 For Immediate Release Twenty-Two Indicted for Drug Trafficking in San Antonio Area Drug Bust November 25, 2022 8:35 am . Marshals Service and the Bexar County Sheriffs Office assisted with arrests. They didn't do any mining.. Mark Anthony Ojeda, 33, of San Antonio; It is my understanding that the Gonzalez family has contributed greatly to the economy of San Antonio, his lawyer Carlos Quezada said. 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. Marshals Service, IRS Criminal Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Texas Department of Public Safety, Bexar County Sheriffs Office, Terrell Hills Police Department, Seguin Police Department and San Antonio Police Department conducted this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation called Operation Alamo Fade. Bryan Anthony Brown, age 33 of San Antonio; 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. Some of the money came from inflated contracts, said First Assistant District Attorney Cliff Herberg. The suspects were arrested for drug possession. Copyright 2023 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. They say those millions were looted from the Coahuila government and flooded Texas starting in 2007, during the term of former Gov. Please dial 911 for emergencies or 210.207.7273 for non-emergencies. Multiple agencies conducted an arrest operation Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021 which resulted in fifteen indictments being served and the arrest of seven suspects. Deputies. Nothing is more important than the safety and security of our citizens. Jose Tabares, 53, of San Antonio Rene Palafos, age 37 of San Antonio; Copyright 2023 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. HOUSTON - Twenty-two defendants from San Antonio, Del Rio and Laredo 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. Officials said this is the third incident involving a drug bust this week alone, according to the BCSO; however, this incident is separate from the previous two. Further, the indictment charges Pena with an additional one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. For decades, that meant that practically anyone who ended up in court whatever side of the law they found themselves on would have a Murdaugh either watching their back or staring them down. Upon searching the vehicle, deputies found 1.2 pounds of marijuana and 47 additional vape pens in the trunk. Today, the Zetas are their own criminal organization engaged in a wide range of illegal activities including drug trafficking, prostitution, human trafficking and distribution of counterfeit goods. Moreira's attorneys wouldn't comment for this report, but after Forbes magazine included him on a list of Mexican politicians accused of corruption, Mexico City lawyer Christian F. Zinser Cieslik wrote to the publication, saying the former governor had been exonerated in an investigation by the Mexican attorney general's office. Of the 14 people indicted Wednesday, at least 10 have been taken into custody, including Jacqueline Alvarez, 57, of San Antonio, who works for the GEO Group at the Karnes County Family Residential Center. That's what we're doing, he said. Like a traditional mafia, the Zetas also are involved in public works fraud, creating fake companies or suborning legitimate businesses and bribing public officials in exchange for government contracts that are inflated or never completed. Agents arrested Lumbreras on Monday night. Alvarez does not work for GEOs separate Karnes County Detention Center, where some federal inmates are held before trial, said her lawyer, Joey Contreras. Cody King is a digital journalist for KSAT 12. Jason Buch, Guillermo Contreras, San Antonio Express-News. Its radio and television stations have a reputation for supporting the Institutional Revolutionary Party, known by its Spanish acronym PRI, in general and the Moreiras in particular. 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. 01 Mar 2023 22:30:08 Over the past century, your family including you have been prosecuting people here in this courtroom, and many have received the death penalty, probably for lesser conduct, the judge said. They refused to identify themselves to reporters or discuss why they were meeting in a conference room with prosecutors, a DEA agent and an investigator with the Texas attorney general's office. Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA lock ( 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. Also among the defendants is Joe Angel Villarreal, 55. Upon conviction of the drug conspiracy charge, Ojeda, Juan Estrada, Lus Estrada, Rodriguez, Hernandez, Acevedo, Villarreal and Flores face between 10 years and life in federal prison; Lumbreras, Casas, DeLuna and Pena face between five and 40 years in federal prison; and Cuellar faces up to 20 years in federal prison. Intellectuals and landholders from the state, which borders Texas, took refuge here during the Mexican Revolution in the early 1900s. Jesus Manuel DeLuna aka "Chuy," 48, of San Antonio; Erik Jason Pena, 41, of San Antonio; and Omar Cuellar, 47, of San Antonio. Moyer said he didn't buy them. I think he's not guilty, so I was shocked.. 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.. Jesus Manuel DeLuna aka Chuy, 48, of San Antonio; In February, Villarreal slipped across one of the international bridges in El Paso and turned himself in to federal agents. DEA, San Antonio Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Nowinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. The lawsuit seeks $2.8 million in an account Torres has in Bermuda. We will continue to work closely with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners in order to enhance the quality of life for the citizens in the San Antonio region.. If convicted of the latest conspiracy charges, Villarreal and the others each face 10 years to life in federal prison. Authorities call it the largest fentanyl seizure in Bexar County. That's why Sorianello had a strong message to parents: pay attention to your kids. Bexar County prosecutors say the treasurer, Hctor Javier Villarreal Hernndez, wired millions of dollars to Texas that he received from kickbacks. SAN ANTONIO The Bexar County Sheriff's Office provided details about a drug bust in east Bexar County. Tracy Kinsinger came to the courthouse with a homemade sign reading Murderer that he made the night before. The GEO Group built the facility and manages it under contract with Karnes County and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Lus Claudio Estrada aka Luz, 42, of La Joya; 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. His high-powered attorney, J.A. The Schertz Police Department stated in a social . SAN ANTONIO - Two people have been arrested following a big drug bust in a quiet neighborhood over on the East Side of the city. Deputies searched a home Tuesday in the 1200 block of Delmar when they arrested Edward Medrano, 35, for being in possession of 373.3 grams of methamphetamine, according to officials. Flores has since pleaded guilty to a money laundering conspiracy charge and agreed to give up millions of dollars in Texas bank accounts, a Learjet and his home in The Dominion. SAN ANTONIO A 32-year-old San Antonio woman was sentenced to more than eight years in prison on Tuesday after she was found guilty of possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, according to the United States Attorneys Office for the Western District of Texas. On one occasion, he said, a state contract went to a mineral extraction company controlled by the Zetas drug gang, former en- forcers for another cartel who spun off into their own criminal organization. Boy, 11, shoots self in head with gun he found in apartment, Photos show a massive alligator on an Atascosa County road, Look inside historic $2.3 million King William home. Camouflaged among those escaping the more recent problems in the state are drug traffickers, unscrupulous businessmen and high-ranking Coahuila officials who laundered more than $35 million in kickbacks for state contracts, U.S. authorities say. After sentencing, Murdaugh returned to the Colleton County jail to gather his possessions and will be taken to an evaluation center in Columbia for medical, mental health and education testing. If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241. Example video title will go here for this video. An employee of a residential facility for immigrant families and the father of a girl shot dead by federal agents in San Antonio 18 years ago are among 14 alleged members of a drug ring charged in a new federal indictment. Madilyn Marie Alvarado, age 26 of Del Rio The truth is he brought shame upon himself, his family, the community, his profession, Kinsinger said. And the apparent tears Murdaugh cried throughout the trial, even on the witness stand? 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. Matthew Villa, 51, of San Antonio Rubn Moreira, the current governor, told Mexican reporters that Gonzlez Trevio's position was unofficial and unpaid. And I could see the real Alex Murdaugh when he looked at me, Waters said. 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. A locked padlock Today, federal, state and local authorities arrested 26 individuals, including "TMM General" Raul Ramos, and are looking for four others in connection with a heroin/cocaine trafficking operation in the San Antonio area announced United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr.; Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge The KSAT 12 News Team provides a look at local, regional, statewide and national news events and the latest information on local traffic and weather issues. During this investigation, authorities have seized approximately 25 kilograms of cocaine, 35 firearms, two silencers, a grenade, body armor and approximately $265,000 in U.S. Currency along with other assets attributable to this organization. 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. All of them were indicted on federal drug. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Lastiri worked as a driver for a Drug Trafficking Organization and put her childrens lives at risk by bringing them on this job, said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas. "They take a pill which seems very simple, never done that in their life, and they simply dont wake up.". Jacqueline Alvarez, 57, of San Antonio The nighttime stakeout targeted her father. The Zetas in particular had spread their control to Coahuila's mining sector, Moreira said. This arrest operation also resulted in firearms, currency, and a large amount of methamphetamine being seized from these individuals. 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. 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. Wynne, Villarreal's attorney who was at the hotel meeting, said he's trying to show the Texas properties were purchased with legitimate funds. Murdaugh's family founded the areas most powerful law firm a century ago in neighboring Hampton County. Ojeda was already in custody, and Flores has yet to be arrested. Lastiri was sentenced to a total of 100 months in federal prison. 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. A major drug bust occurred in Eastland County. Salazar said the street value of the seized drugs is over $1.2 million. Zoos in the past were judged by who had the most animals, San Antonio Zoo chief Tim Morrow says. If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241. Meanwhile, the U.S. investigation sprawled. Jury takes an hour to reach verdict over deal at Port S.A. She works in the immigration portion of GEO. A firearm was also found inside of the residence, according to officials. 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 . Ashley Mendez, 28, and Ruben Zambrano, 38, were taken into custody. But Circuit Court Judge Clifton Newman wanted to know if he saw the mangled bodies of Maggie and Paul Murdaugh as he tried to sleep or thought about how he disgraced his family's three-generation reputation for justice through lying, stealing and eventually murder. They are steadfastly in his camp, defense attorney Jim Griffin said after the hearing. This is a carousel. The indictment alleges that the defendants conspired in 2020 to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. An official website of the United States government. S.A.-area rancher catches the hearts of American Idol judges, USAA wants some remote employees in the office three days a week, Take a look inside this $3.5 million 'mystery' mansion, New food truck park opens at The CO-OP SA, 10 things to do this weekend in San Antonio. SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) A big drug bust on San Antonio's North side. Just a few weeks ago, 180 miles from the border, in the quiet San Antonio suburban town of Boerne, Texas, a vehicle carrying nine people two stuffed in the trunk was stopped for a traffic. I would never under any circumstances hurt my wife Maggie and I would never under any circumstances hurt my son Paul-Paul, Murdaugh responded. Brian Victorino Chavarria, age 24 of San Antonio; Each has a prior serious felony drug conviction which enhances their minimum mandatory sentence. Today, it has large office buildings in Saltillo and hangars at the city airport. 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. 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. Updated: 4:52 PM CST January 28, 2022. That fact is evident from the number of firearms recovered in this investigation - not to mention the silencers, grenade and body armor. Our position on behalf of Mr. Villarreal is to establish the facts and show that he is not guilty. 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 . Jose De Jesus Garcia, age 35 of San Antonio; And, San Diego Pride Kicks off today. Salazar said the three suspects face charges of human smuggling, engaging in organized crime . Our ongoing effort to reduce violence and drug trafficking in our communities sends a clear message that members of these violent criminal enterprises will be held accountable for their crimes.. 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. If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241. The former governor, critics said, was adept at bringing the news media to his side, leaning on advertisers or offering up party and government advertising as an enticement. Heather Freitag, 27, was arrested on a charge of possession of a controlled substance. 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. The situation is politically fraught. Oscar Heredia, 37, of San Antonio Roberto Casimiro Gonzlez Trevio's properties are nominally owned by a complex structure of companies. "No tears. BCSO AND DEA TAG UNIT DRUG BUST I looked in his eyes. All other crimes require an officer to make the scene. Over the next few months, Villarreal, Moreira who by that time had left Coahuila to become the national leader of the PRI as it was poised to retake Mexico's presidency and Torres, who had taken over the governorship, were forced to leave their respective jobs. . Joel Villarreal aka Gordo, 49, of San Antonio; SAN ANTONIO Six people are in custody following a drug bust in east Bexar County earlier this week, according to the Bexar County Sheriffs Office. Before he was charged with murder, Murdaugh was in jail awaiting trial on about 100 other charges ranging from insurance fraud to tax evasion. The elder Villarreal was arrested in a DEA operation in which his daughter was shot and critically wounded by federal agents. 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. Defense attorneys said they will appeal, based largely on the judge allowing the evidence of crimes that Murdaugh has not been convicted of, which they say smeared his reputation. All are from San Antonio. SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) $400,000 worth of drugs were found in an east side home today. One victim reportedly paid more than $12,000 to get to the San Antonio area, according to the sheriff. 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. Domestic Cannabis Suppression / Eradication Program, Red Ribbon Toolkit - Resources For Your Community, DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Intelligence Research Specialist Job Announcements, Schedule A Hiring Authority: Intelligence Research Specialist, Privacy Impact Assessment and Management Information Systems, Victim Witness Assistance Program Resources. In addition to Moyado and Cardenas, the following suspects were arrested: Crystal Coronado, 34, is facing the following charges: Jeanette Gloria, 38, is facing the following charges: Jose Delgado, 38, is facing the following charges: Kenneth Peterson, 28, is facing the following charges: The street value of the drugs that were found in the residence is well over $700,000, according to Salazar. 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 - Six people are in custody following a drug bust in east Bexar County earlier this week, according to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office. Monday February 10, 2003. Roberto Casimiro Gonzlez Trevio signed the deed of sale for the property and he's listed as the trust's sole managing member, but his name does not appear on public records filed by the LLCs. But then they got word it had started again. The voices of all three Murdaughs can be heard on the video, though Alex Murdaugh had insisted for 20 months that he hadn't been at the kennels that night. Yesterday, federal, state and local authorities arrested nine defendants. Boy, 11, shoots self in head with gun he found in apartment, Photos show a massive alligator on an Atascosa County road, Look inside historic $2.3 million King William home. Juan Carlos Robles, age 35 of San Antonio; All he did was blow snot," Moyer said. This comes as state officials said they've seen a surge in fentanyl seizures with DPS reporting a 950% increase from 2020. We look forward to taking a good hard look at the governments evidence.. Investigators are asking witnesses about Coahuila politicians including Moreira and his brother, the current governor comprising a virtual who's who of businessmen from the state and the Zetas, one court document shows. Official websites use .govA .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. San Luis Obispo detectives on Thursday arrested a man on drug charges and seized more than $1 million worth of narcotics from a single home, according to police. Fridays hearing again took place in a packed courtroom. 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.. Deputies detained her and found 5 THC vape pens on the front seat, authorities said. AUSTIN, Texas Federal authorities arrested 21 people believed to be involved in drug trafficking on Thursday, according to the Department of Justice. A federal grand jury indictment unsealed today charges the following defendants with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance: Francisco Garza aka Pancho, 52, of San Antonio But I am innocent. Jay Haggard, 34, of San Antonio 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. Sheriff's deputies there said they stopped Villarreal, his wife and brother-in-law Oswaldo Coronado traveling with $67,000. The multiagency taskforce handling the case includes the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Texas attorney general's office and the Internal Revenue Service. Coahuila prosecutors in October 2011 charged Villarreal with falsifying documents to take out millions of dollars in loans on the state's credit. His saga began in mid-2011, when news broke of Coahuila's massive debt. He liked to stare me down as he would walk by me during this trial. Records show he was released in July 2019. With Villarreal on the run, the lawsuits languished. Copyright 2021 by KSAT - All rights reserved. Jose Artemio Acevedo Jr. aka Chapparo, 49, of Rio Grande City; But they had a mountain of circumstantial evidence, including the video putting Murdaugh at the scene of the killings five minutes before his wife and son stopped using their cellphones forever. Copyright 2023 by KSAT - All rights reserved. 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.