Before he was charged with murder, Murdaugh was in jail awaiting trial on about 100 other charges ranging from insurance fraud to tax evasion. UPDATE: Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar says they found $29 million worth of methamphetamine, in addition to $400,000 worth of black tar heroin in a conversion lab in the Northeast Side. This arrest operation also resulted in firearms, currency, and a large amount of methamphetamine being seized from these individuals. 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. But I am innocent. The Murdaugh case has attracted true crime fans from around the world with its threads of power, danger, money and privilege. Lock Upon further inspection, Marijuana, Methamphetamines, Heroin and Fentanyl along . 01 Mar 2023 22:30:08 Omar Cuellar, 47, of San Antonio. Cody King is a digital journalist for KSAT 12. Also charged are Francisco Garza, 52; Frank Zepeda, 51; Jose Tabares, 53; Matthew Villa, 51; Michelle Zamarripa, 59; Rodger Rocky Hernandez, 43; Jay Haggard, 34; Oscar Heredia, 37; Jason Big Mac Gutierrez, 37; and Jacob Sanchez, 21. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering operations primarily responsible for the nations illegal drug supply. 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. The BCSOs Gang Unit and Organized Crime Unit handled the investigation of the drug bust. 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 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. Properties that the feds moved to seize in the case suggested they were looking at something more than a simple dope smuggling investigation. Please dial 911 for emergencies or 210.207.7273 for non-emergencies. I looked in his eyes. 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. Jury takes an hour to reach verdict over deal at Port S.A. 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. Copyright 2021 by KSAT - All rights reserved. During this investigation, authorities seized approximately 24 kilograms of methamphetamine, six kilograms of heroin, three kilograms of cocaine, four firearms and approximately $100,000 along with other assets attributable to this organization. Moyer said he didn't buy them. All other crimes require an officer to make the scene. According to police, during a traffic stop, officers found a loaded syringe containing heroin inside of a vehicle. When there's two or three or four or five layers of individuals, that's called layering of ownership, he said. Four others were arrested after deputies returned to the residence with a search warrant and found two more kilos of heroin. 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. 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. Javier Armando Casas, 40, of Pharr; Fridays hearing again took place in a packed courtroom. Deputies detained her and found 5 THC vape pens on the front seat, authorities said. 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.. The company also owns billboards around the state. Meanwhile, the U.S. investigation sprawled. 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. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. All the remaining defendants face between 10 years to life in federal prison upon conviction. 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. They had cast Alex as a despicable human being. 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. Some sit empty today. He quickly left Mexico for the U.S. and showed up in East Texas in February 2012 where he was again arrested. Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA lock ( Jonathan Linares Lumbreras aka Coahuila, 30, of San Antonio; What's known is this: the Gonzlezes control a media empire in Mexico and in recent years extended their influence across the border. Jason Buch, Guillermo Contreras, San Antonio Express-News. The lawsuits sought millions of dollars in bank accounts in Texas and Bermuda as well as the commercial strip center on U.S. 281, the pharmacy on Stone Oak Parkway, a storage center on Loop 1604, a condo on South Padre Island and most of a commercial block in Brownsville that prosecutors said was purchased with money stolen from Coahuila's treasury. If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241. 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. Jesse Martinez, age 41 of San Antonio; 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. If convicted of the latest conspiracy charges, Villarreal and the others each face 10 years to life in federal prison. It is our position that it's just a front for money laundering, Herberg said. 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. Also on the list were Villarreal, the former treasurer; Torres, the former interim governor; and Flores, the businessman who pleaded guilty in Corpus Christi. 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. Frank Zepeda aka Pancho, 51, of 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. Peter Karasev, 35, of San Jose, has been arrested in connection with a San Jose Police Department investigation into suspected explosives-related and illegal drug offenses, authorities said. That fact is evident from the number of firearms recovered in this investigation - not to mention the silencers, grenade and body armor. They didn't do any mining.. 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. 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 lawyer he initially hired to defend him said the family isn't involved in any crimes. Salazar said the three suspects face charges of human smuggling, engaging in organized crime . Salazar said the street value of the seized drugs is over $1.2 million. 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. Prosecutors didnt have the weapons used to kill the Murdaughs or other direct evidence like confessions or blood spatter. Michelle Zamarripa, 59, of San Antonio 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. He liked to stare me down as he would walk by me during this trial. Gonzlez Trevio wouldn't comment and officials at the Mexican Consulate and in San Antonio's International Relations Office said they're not familiar with him. Deputies detained Ashley Mendez, 28, and Ruben Zambrano, 38, in a West Bexar County drug bust. The drug bust led deputies to search another residence in the 100 block of Seashell Place in west San Antonio. His lawyer, Roy Barrera Jr., said Flores wasn't involved in public corruption or organized crime. When one defendant was brought to court in San Antonio, a former U.S. congressman showed up to support him. The indictment also charges Haggard with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, namely a Taurus semi-automatic pistol on August 28, 2020. Rubn Moreira, the current governor, told Mexican reporters that Gonzlez Trevio's position was unofficial and unpaid. It also alleges that from June 2019 until April 7, 2021, Oscar Oviedo, Vasquez, Justin Guerrero, Moreno and Palafos conspired to distribute cocaine, and that Chavarria, Homero Garcia, Oswaldo Lopez and Oscar Lopez conspired to distribute heroin. BCSO says as deputies were approaching the residence, Mendez was getting in a vehicle to leave. But then they got word it had started again. 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. The indictment alleges that the defendants conspired in 2020 to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. A major drug bust occurred in Eastland County. Rosalinda Flores, 54, of San Antonio; Tuesday, June 22nd 2021. Further back, in the 1800s, Coahuila y Tejas was one state under Mexican rule. According to court records, Haggard was convicted in 2006 and sentenced to four years imprisonment for aggravated robbery in Bexar County. Drug Enforcement Administration agents arrested her after the discovery of drugs, officials said. Cash found at drug bust in West Bexar County. Photo: KTSA/Dennis Foley. One victim reportedly paid more than $12,000 to get to the San Antonio area, according to the sheriff. DEA officials said the pills were smaller than a dime and that even a tiny dose of the drug could be fatal. 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. SAN ANTONIO - Two people have been arrested following a big drug bust in a quiet neighborhood over on the East Side of the city. Copyright 2023 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. 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. A locked padlock 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. 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. 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. Joe Angel Villarreal aka Compadre, 55, of San Antonio 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 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. There were no guns, no drugs.. WALTERBORO, S.C. One of the last pieces of a legal dynasty that doled out justice in rural South Carolina for decades crumbled Friday as lawyer Alex Murdaugh was sentenced to spend the rest of his life in prison for the murder of his wife and son at their sprawling estate. Deputies and Drug Enforcement Administration agents discovered the lab Thursday night after the arrest of 39-year-old Jose . Zambrano was arrested in the kitchen without incident. 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. Also among the defendants is Joe Angel Villarreal, 55. Some of the money came from inflated contracts, said First Assistant District Attorney Cliff Herberg. Haggard faces up to 10 years in federal prison upon conviction of being a felon in possession of a firearm. 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. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. "No tears. Villarreal's attorney said the majority owners in the Texas LLCs are not Villarreal's family members, but a Panamanian company, and that the San Antonio property was purchased with money from lenders in Mexico, not kickbacks. Another $8,500 in cash was found at the home as well, according to officials. 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. At sentencing, Murdaugh maintained his innocence, just as he did when he testified in his own defense during the six-week trial. Joe Angel Villarreal later was sentenced to 19 years in federal prison for leading a large cocaine-trafficking group. Jesus Manuel DeLuna aka "Chuy," 48, of San Antonio; Erik Jason Pena, 41, of San Antonio; and Omar Cuellar, 47, of San Antonio. 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. Sheriff's deputies there said they stopped Villarreal, his wife and brother-in-law Oswaldo Coronado traveling with $67,000. Rene Palafos, age 37 of San Antonio; It happened Friday in Atascosa County where the. Consequently, they are also responsible for the death of my son and the 80,000 or 100,000 you see the numbers aren't what they're thought to be, as much as 150,000 ultimately dead from this war.. 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. The Zetas in particular had spread their control to Coahuila's mining sector, Moreira said. Murdaugh didnt look at the sign as he was hustled into the courthouse with his head down. The suspects were arrested for drug possession. And that was the reason they offered it, Griffin said. All are from San Antonio. Torres remains a fugitive in Mexico. 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. 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. 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. Murdaugh's brother and surviving son sat behind him in the courtroom every day. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241. A federal grand jury indictment returned in San Antonio charges the following defendants with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine: 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. It might have been the monster you become," Newman said. Martinez, Robles, and Jose Garcia face between 15 years and life upon conviction of conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute. The sheriffs office said most of the suspects that were arrested are documented gang members.. Juan Carlos Robles, age 35 of San Antonio; 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. 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. Deputies saw the suspects vehicle leaving the home and thats when they conducted a traffic stop near Loop 410 and Ingram Road. Coahuila, with its large manufacturing sector and border crossings, is a major trade partner with Texas, and politically connected people from the state who are not under investigation have become close with San Antonio city leaders. AUSTIN, Texas Federal authorities arrested 21 people believed to be involved in drug trafficking on Thursday, according to the Department of Justice. The situation is politically fraught. And that is why we want to ask questions as far as their involvement or knowledge.. In interviews after his son's killing, Moreira placed blame on narcoempresarios, businessmen with ties to the cartels who allowed the gangs to act with impunity. Ojeda was already in custody, and Flores has yet to be arrested. 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. Zoos in the past were judged by who had the most animals, San Antonio Zoo chief Tim Morrow says. 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 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. The bust happened at 523 Porter St. early Friday. On Tuesday, federal, state and local authorities arrested all of the defendants with the exception of Lumbreras, Ojeda and Flores. And there's a correlation between that and the approximately 93,000 overdose deaths in the country," said Dante Sorianello, DEA Special Agent. Last year, Raul Gonzlez Trevio bought a one-acre piece of commercial property on U.S. 281 near TPC Parkway. 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. Among the businessmen was a scowling Coronado, Villarreal's brother-in-law who was detained in East Texas, and Francisco Xavier Flores Valdez, a nephew of the Moreira brothers. The DEA contended that the car accelerated toward the agents, who opened fire not knowing that the teenager was behind the wheel. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Nowinski is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. In total, officials found seven kilos of heroin and 1.5 kilos of meth, according to the BCSO. Today, it has large office buildings in Saltillo and hangars at the city airport. Plus, Rooftop Cinema extends screenings until September. Jacob Sanchez, 21, of San Antonio. According to Salazar, deputies found a couple hundred grams of methamphetamine and black tar heroin and $9,000. The family has plenty of money from recent sales of Mexican media holdings, Ibarra said, and her boyfriend had income from running restaurants in Torren, Coahuila, and San Antonio. 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. He's not been charged with a crime, and neither have the Gonzlez Trevio brothers. Ed Rodriguez, a former IRS agent who is not involved in the case, said there could be perfectly legitimate reasons for businessmen to distance themselves from properties they own, including protection from lawsuits. And I could see the real Alex Murdaugh when he looked at me, Waters said. Bexar County prosecutors say the treasurer, Hctor Javier Villarreal Hernndez, wired millions of dollars to Texas that he received from kickbacks. 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 . 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. Interviews, court documents, property records and regulatory filings show that those under investigation built a sprawling business network in Texas, including commercial real estate developments, private residences and restaurants. Updated: 11:05 PM CST November 13, 2020 SAN ANTONIO Nearly $30 million worth of drugs are seized from a Bexar County home. 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. 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. Updated: 4:52 PM CST January 28, 2022. 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. 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. 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. Instructions. In 2008, Humberto Moreira named Gonzlez Trevio the state of Coahuila's spokesman in San Antonio, but it's unclear what duties he performed. It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. In February, Villarreal slipped across one of the international bridges in El Paso and turned himself in to federal agents. Those five defendants were already in custody. 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. MEDINA COUNTY, Texas More than 20 arrests have been made as part of a multi-agency investigation into drug distribution in south-central Texas after a . San Antonio woman among 14 charged with conspiracy to distribute meth and cocaine, Privately run zoos in Texas adapt to new roles. 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.. The DEA said her father may have used her as a decoy. . Ivan Herrera has worked as a journalist in San Antonio since 2016. Rodger Hernandez aka Rocky, 43, of San Antonio If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241. As the investigation continued, several others were also arrested. A good liar. I was shocked, Ibarra said of her boyfriend's arrest. During the stop, a search of the vehicle was conducted. Jason Gutierrez aka Big Mac, 37, of San Antonio Fernando Jose Moreno, age 45 of San Antonio; Coordinated effort by law enforcement leads to major drug bust in Uvalde (SBG San Antonio) 0. Ricardo Gonzalez, age 24 of San Antonio; Good Morning San Antonio. Juan Antonio Estrada aka "Tony," 37, of Ro Grande City On Wednesday, a joint task force including the DEA along with the sheriff's office arrested 41-year-old Francisco Ortiz. 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. Copyright 2023 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Lock 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. By then, Villarreal disappeared. 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; I think he's not guilty, so I was shocked.. 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. All rights reserved. At about 11 a.m., SLO Police. And it might not have been you. Multiple agencies conducted an arrest operation Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021 which resulted in fifteen indictments being served and the arrest of seven suspects. Juror Craig Moyer told ABC News that when deliberations began, the jury immediately took a poll that came back with nine guilty votes. Guillermo has been with the Express-News for 20 years, and has covered federal court and its investigative agencies for most of that time. By the time federal prosecutors charged Torres and Villarreal, Bexar County prosecutors finally had started moving their civil lawsuit forward. 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.
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