Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Jonathan Linares Lumbreras aka Coahuila, 30, of San Antonio; Later in the year, attention focused on Coahuila's former interim governor. Lock The Bexar County Sheriff's Office conducted the drug bust in the 500 block of Porter Street. Thursday, March 18, 2021 Twelve Indicted for Drug Trafficking in San Antonio Area Twelve San Antonio residents face federal drug trafficking charges, announced U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux, Houston Division. 01 Mar 2023 22:30:08 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. She previously worked for WICS/WRSP 20 in Springfield, Illinois. Prosecutors didnt have the weapons used to kill the Murdaughs or other direct evidence like confessions or blood spatter. Mark Anthony Ojeda, 33, of San Antonio; Drug dealing and violence go hand in hand. Sorianello said he couldn't divulge how they were able to track down the suspected drug dealer or if additional arrests are pending. The Murdaugh case has attracted true crime fans from around the world with its threads of power, danger, money and privilege. Villarreal was involved in facilitating the purchase of the properties, Houston attorney Michael J. Wynne said. 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. And the apparent tears Murdaugh cried throughout the trial, even on the witness stand? Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA lock ( Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, METRO -- The father of Ashley Villarreal is led out of the Judge John H. Wood Federal Courthouse. Albelardo Oviedo, age 29 of San Antonio. Agents arrested Lumbreras on Monday night. 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 They are either identified as being investors in some of these corporations, or persons with knowledge of some of the transactions, Herberg said. Intellectuals and landholders from the state, which borders Texas, took refuge here during the Mexican Revolution in the early 1900s. 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. The elder Villarreal was arrested in a DEA operation in which his daughter was shot and critically wounded by federal agents. If he gets extradited we will (fight the criminal case), but right now he has not been extradited, so he's still in Mexico, Canales said. Both arrests were in connection with the drug bust, the sheriffs office said. 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. Nevrez hit a . The indictment alleges that the defendants conspired in 2020 to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. Each has a prior serious felony drug conviction which enhances their minimum mandatory sentence. Monday February 10, 2003. His saga began in mid-2011, when news broke of Coahuila's massive debt. Deputies seized four kilograms of heroin and two kilograms of cocaine in the home in addition to multiple firearms, thousands of dollars of cash and expensive clothing. 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. 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 . Moyer said he didn't buy them. Gonzlez Fernandez, the son, has pleaded not guilty to the drug charges. Juror Craig Moyer told ABC News that when deliberations began, the jury immediately took a poll that came back with nine guilty votes. 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.. I looked in his eyes. 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. During todays arrests authorities seized approximately two kilograms of cocaine, over 30 pounds of hydroponic marijuana, methamphetamine, three handguns and approximately $235,000. Michael Barron, age 39 of San Antonio; On Wednesday, a joint task force including the DEA along with the sheriff's office arrested 41-year-old Francisco Ortiz. 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. In a major study released Saturday, March 4, 2023, Nexletol reduced the risk of heart attacks and other health problems in people who can't take drugs called statins, the main cholesterol-lowering . 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. It might have been the monster you become," Newman said. Its disgraceful.. Another $8,500 in cash was found at the home as well, according to officials. His work for KSAT 12 and KSAT.com includes covering breaking news of the day, as well as producing Q&As and content for the "South Texas Pride" and "KSAT Money" series. An official website of the United States government. He did say this is part of a larger drug operation and the investigation is on-going. 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. Fridays hearing again took place in a packed courtroom. 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. Frank Zepeda aka Pancho, 51, of San Antonio In December, six Coahuila businessmen gathered at the Hotel Contessa in downtown San Antonio. Drug Enforcement Administration agents arrested her after the discovery of drugs, officials said. Multiple agencies conducted an arrest operation Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2021 which resulted in fifteen indictments being served and the arrest of seven suspects. Good Morning San Antonio. 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. Lawyers for both men maintain they're innocent. Nowadays, its habitats, conservation and education. A firearm was also found inside of the residence, according to officials. The most high-profile arrest of the money laundering investigation has been that of Villarreal, the former state treasurer. 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. And that was the reason they offered it, Griffin said. 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. All of them were indicted on federal drug. 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. Deputies searched a home Tuesday in the. As Torren businessman Guillermo Flores Cordero stepped off a private jet in August at San Antonio International Airport, federal agents were waiting to take him to Corpus Christi to face charges that he illegally used shell companies to transfer millions of dollars from Mexico to the U.S. for others. When there's two or three or four or five layers of individuals, that's called layering of ownership, he said. That's it. They whisked him to San Antonio, where prosecutors unsealed an indictment charging him with another count of money laundering. Cody King is a digital journalist for KSAT 12. As I tell you again, I respect this court. The DEA will continue to relentlessly pursue any individual or organization that threatens the well-being and stability of our communities.. Updated: 11:05 PM CST November 13, 2020 SAN ANTONIO Nearly $30 million worth of drugs are seized from a Bexar County home. 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. 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. At about 11 a.m., SLO Police. Matthew Villa, 51, of San Antonio DEA officials said the pills were smaller than a dime and that even a tiny dose of the drug could be fatal. Oswaldo Jesus Lopez, age 26 of Laredo; The suspects were arrested for drug possession. SAN ANTONIO (WOAI) More than $500,000 worth of cocaine was seized following the successful completion of a multi-agency operation in Texas. 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. 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. Ben Spicer is a digital journalist who works the early morning shift for KSAT. 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.. By the time federal prosecutors charged Torres and Villarreal, Bexar County prosecutors finally had started moving their civil lawsuit forward. 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 Sheriff's Office. 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. Example video title will go here for this video. 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.. Rene Palafos, age 37 of San Antonio; Lus Claudio Estrada aka Luz, 42, of La Joya; They worked for him. By then, Villarreal disappeared. Erik Jason Pena, 41, of San Antonio; and 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 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. Jesus Manuel DeLuna aka "Chuy," 48, of San Antonio; Erik Jason Pena, 41, of San Antonio; and Omar Cuellar, 47, of San Antonio. 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. 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. The government is abusing its power, Canales wrote in one filing. Gutierrez faces between five and 40 years upon conviction. 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. 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. Monday February 10, 2003. Those five defendants were already in custody. The BCSOs Gang Unit and Organized Crime Unit handled the investigation of the drug bust. And it might not have been you. Juan Antonio Estrada aka "Tony," 37, of Ro Grande City SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) A big drug bust on San Antonio's North side. 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. SAN ANTONIO The Bexar County Sheriff's Office provided details about a drug bust in east Bexar County. 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. 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. Last June, federal authorities were conducting surveillance on Moshe using a GPS signal from his phone in connection with the LSD investigation when he unwittingly led them to an illegal. 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. Yesterday, federal, state and local authorities arrested nine defendants. 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. Deputies saw the suspects vehicle leaving the home and thats when they conducted a traffic stop near Loop 410 and Ingram Road. The lawyer he initially hired to defend him said the family isn't involved in any crimes. He's facing a federal charge of possession with an intent to distribute over 500 grams of a controlled substance, according to Salazar. 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. Copyright 2023 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. The press conference took place around 11:45 a.m. Friday in the 500 block of Porter. SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) $400,000 worth of drugs were found in an east side home today. Authorities call it the largest fentanyl seizure in Bexar County. 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. UVALDE Texas - A major drug bust has happened Tuesday morning in Uvalde . "No tears. 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. Tuesday, June 22nd 2021. 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. Copyright 2023 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. They often used a network of limited liability companies that made it difficult for investigators to track the ownership of those assets. Pictured is (left to right): Jeanette Gloria, 38; Crystal Coronado, 34; Kenneth Peterson, 28; Josh Delgado, 38. We look forward to taking a good hard look at the governments evidence.. 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. 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. Wynne, Villarreal's attorney who was at the hotel meeting, said he's trying to show the Texas properties were purchased with legitimate funds. Juan Carlos Robles, age 35 of San Antonio; This arrest operation also resulted in firearms, currency, and a large amount of methamphetamine being seized from these individuals. Ashley. Ashley Villarreal who was shot and critically wounded on Motes street at S. San Joaquin just a few houses down from her home. 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. In total, officials found seven kilos of heroin and 1.5 kilos of meth, according to the BCSO. Jason Buch is a freelance journalist based in Texas. The bust happened at 523 Porter St. early Friday. Jesse Martinez, age 41 of San Antonio; There were no guns, no drugs.. 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. All other crimes require an officer to make the scene. And, San Diego Pride Kicks off today. 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. All are from San Antonio. According to court records, Haggard was convicted in 2006 and sentenced to four years imprisonment for aggravated robbery in Bexar County. One victim reportedly paid more than $12,000 to get to the San Antonio area, according to the sheriff. He wouldn't say more in an interview, but in court Canales called the indictment a sham and accused prosecutors of using it to retaliate against Torres for fighting the civil suit. San Antonio woman among 14 charged with conspiracy to distribute meth and cocaine, Privately run zoos in Texas adapt to new roles. Joe Angel Villarreal later was sentenced to 19 years in federal prison for leading a large cocaine-trafficking group. BEXAR COUNTY (KTSA News) Six people were arrested in a drug bust at a southeast San Antonio home the Bexar County sheriff said has connections to a white supremacist group. He asked for an investigation of those persons, many of whom are part of society and are well-known and who have financial relations with (organized crime) and who have made their fortunes through them. All the remaining defendants face between 10 years to life in federal prison upon conviction. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. You have to have a federal and state license for that. . 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. San Antonio has strong historic ties to Saltillo, Coahuila's capital. Find more AP coverage of the case: https://apnews.com/hub/alex-murdaugh. Zoos in the past were judged by who had the most animals, San Antonio Zoo chief Tim Morrow says. With Villarreal on the run, the lawsuits languished. What's known is this: the Gonzlezes control a media empire in Mexico and in recent years extended their influence across the border. "They take a pill which seems very simple, never done that in their life, and they simply dont wake up.". Some of the money came from inflated contracts, said First Assistant District Attorney Cliff Herberg. SAN ANTONIO - Two people have been arrested following a big drug bust in a quiet neighborhood over on the East Side of the city. Javier Garcia Lopez, age 29 of San Antonio; Some sit empty today. 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: If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241. A similar lawsuit is seeking to forfeit for $2.3 million Villarreal has in another Bermuda bank. Murdaugh didnt look at the sign as he was hustled into the courthouse with his head down. He pleaded guilty to operating a money transmitting business without a license, Barrera said. It's a very complicated matter that's taking a lot of time, but there are bank records and property records and it's taking a while to sift through all the facts to show he did not do what they claim he did.. Jury takes an hour to reach verdict over deal at Port S.A. Jesus Gerardo Vasquez, age 19 of San Antonio; Coahuila prosecutors in October 2011 charged Villarreal with falsifying documents to take out millions of dollars in loans on the state's credit. ROBERT MCLEROY, STAFF / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS, 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. 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. Copyright 2023 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. That fact is evident from the number of firearms recovered in this investigation - not to mention the silencers, grenade and body armor. Copyright 2021 by KSAT - All rights reserved. He liked to stare me down as he would walk by me during this trial. As the investigation continued, several others were also arrested. 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. If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241. 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.