FEDERAL GRAND JURY RETURNS INDICTMENTS IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS


Federal Charges Include Firearms, Drug, and Immigration Violations

SHERMAN, TX:United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe announced that a federal grand jury has returned indictments last week charging multiple individuals in separate cases of federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas.

GARY DEAN LEE, 41, of Commerce, Texas, has been indicted for possession with the intent to distribute or dispense methamphetamine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, possession of a firearm not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record; and, unlawful user of a controlled substance in possession of a firearm. If convicted, Lee faces up to 40 years in federal prison and a fine up to $2 million.

This case is being investigated by the Sulphur Springs, Texas, Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Tracey M. Batson.

DENNIS WAYNE BAECHT, 29, of Denison, Texas has been indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted, Baecht could face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00. If it shown that the defendant has three previous convictions by any court for a violent felony or a serious drug offense, or both, he could face imprisonment of 15 years to life.

This case is being investigated by ATF and prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Errin Martin.

BRANDON RAY MITCHELL, 34, of Sulphur Springs, has been indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.00.

This case is being investigated by ATF and prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Errin Martin.

GARY LANE BRADFORD, 54, of Plano, has been indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm not registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000.00.

This case is being investigated by ATF and prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Errin Martin.

GARY WADE PORTER, 20, of Muenster, Texas has been indicted in a 2 count indictment for knowingly possessing 24 stolen firearms from the inventory of a licensed firearms dealer. According to the indictment, on March 14, 2007, Porter stole 24 firearms from Gehrig's Hardware Store. If convicted, Porter could face up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00 on each count.

This case is being investigated by ATF and prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Errin Martin.

PERRY DALE LITTLE, 66, of North Little Rock, Arkansas, has been indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute or Dispense or Possess with Intent to Distribute or Dispense 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine. If convicted, Little faces up to 40 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $2 million.

This case is being investigated by Texas Department of Public Safety and is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Errin Martin.

GILBERTO DELAHOYA, 38, of Ft. Worth, has been indicted for Possession with the Intent to Distribute or Dispense 500 grams of more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of Methamphetamine. If convicted, Delahoya faces up to life in prison and a fine of up to $4 million.

This case is being investigated by Texas Department of Public Safety and prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Errin Martin.

EVELYN MARSHALL, 58, Green Cove Springs, Florida, has been indicted for Theft of Government Funds.

If convicted, she faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00.

This case is being investigated by United States Department of Veteran Affairs and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randall A. Blake.

IGNACIO CARMONA-DEL CASTILLO, 43, IVAN BENJAMIN ISHAM, 75, and LINDA ROBINSON TAYLOR, 43, residences unknown, have been indicted for Transporting Illegal Aliens, Transporting Illegal Aliens for Financial Gain, and Aiding and Abetting.

If convicted, they each face up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00.

This case is being investigated by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randall Blake.

WILIBALDO GALLARDO-ROMERO, a.k.a. Wilibaldo Romero-Tamariz, a.k.a. Wilibaldo Gallardo-Tameriz, a.k.a. Juan Contreras-Tamariz, a.k.a. Wili Romero-Tamariz, a.k.a. Wili Romero, a.k.a. Wilibardo Gallardo, a.k.a. Wili Tameri,, a.k.a. Joel Carisales-Salazar, 29, of Mexico, has been indicted for Illegal Reentry of Removed or Deported Alien.

According to the indictment, on September 11, 2007, Denton County officials notified Immigration and Customs Enforcement that they had a possible deported felon in custody on a local warrant.

If convicted, Gallardo-Romero faces up to 20 years in federal prison, deportation, and a fine of up to $250,000.00.

This case is being investigated by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Randall Blake.

OSBALDO BALDEMAR CORONADO-ORTIZ, a/k/a Oscar Coronado-Ortiz, a/k/a Geurro Coronado-Ortiz, a/k/a Osbaldo B. Coronado-Ortiz, a/k/a Baldem Coronado-Ortiz, a/k/a O. Baldemar Coronado-Ortiz, 32, of Mexico, has been indicted for Illegal Reentry of Removed or Deported Alien and Improper Entry by Alien after Avoidance of Examination or Inspection.

According to the indictment, on August 7, 2007, Grayson County officials notified Immigration and Customs Enforcement that they had a possible deported felon in custody.

If convicted, Coronado-Ortiz faces up to 20 years in federal prison, deportation, and a fine of up to $250,000.00.

This case is being investigated by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stevan A. Buys.

JULIO CESAR FLORES-VELASQUEZ, a/k/a Julio Cesar Velasqeuz-Flores, a/k/a Julio Cesar Flores Velasquez, a/k/a Julio Cezar Florez Velasquez, a/k/a Julio Cesar Velasquez, a/k/a Julio Cesar Flores, a/k/a Julio Flores-Velasquez, a/k/a Cesar Flores-Velasquez, a/k/a Cesar Flores, a/k/a Julio C. Flores, a/k/a Julio Cesar Torres, 39, of Mexico, has been indicted for Illegal Reentry of Removed or Deported Alien.

According to the indictment, on September 10, 2007, Grayson County officials notified Immigration and Customs Enforcement that they had a possible deported felon in custody.

If convicted, Flores-Velasquez faces up to 20 years in federal prison, deportation, and a fine of up to $250,000.00.

This case is being investigated by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stevan A. Buys.

JUAN OMANI MATA-MEDRANO, a/k/a Juan Osmani Mata, 30, of Mexico, has been indicted for Illegal Reentry of Removed or Deported Alien.

According to the indictment, on September 15, 2007, Grayson County officials notified Immigration and Customs Enforcement that they had a possible deported felon in custody.

If convicted, Mata-Medrano faces up to 20 years in federal prison, deportation, and a fine of up to $250,000.00.

This case is being investigated by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stevan A. Buys.

GILBERTO ESPINOZA-ORTIZ, 21, of Mexico, has been indicted for bringing in and harboring certain aliens for financial gain.

According to the indictment, on September 18, 2007, Van Zandt County officials notified Immigration and Customs Enforcement that they had a possible deported felon in custody.

If convicted, Espinoza-Ortiz faces up to 20 years in federal prison, deportation, and a fine of up to $250,000.00.

This case is being investigated by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stevan A. Buys.

RUBEN MEDINA-GONZALEZ, a/k/a Ruben Medina, a/k/a Ruben Gonzalez, a/k/a Ruben Medina-Gonzales, a/k/a Ruben M. Gonzales, a/k/a Ruben Mark Gonzalez, a/k/a Ruben Mendla Gonzalez, a/k/a Ruben Menda, a/k/a Ruben Menda Gonzalez, a/k/a Ruben Cadillo, a/k/a Ruben Menda Cadillo, a/k/a Cadillo Gonzalez, a/k/a Rubin Medina Gonzalez, a/k/a Ruben Menda Gonzalez, a/k/a Ruben Perales, 39, of Mexico, has been indicted for Illegal Reentry of Removed or Deported Alien.

If convicted, Medina-Gonzalez faces up to 20 years in federal prison, deportation, and a fine of up to $250,000.00.

This case is being investigated by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stevan A. Buys.

ASHLEY MICHELLE PYLE, 23, of Denison, SHARON DENISE SMITH, 36, of Denison, KENDRA KATHERINE JURRENS, 30 of Pottsboro, Texas, and RICHARD LEON HOWELL, 33 of Denison, have been indicted on 10 Counts of conspiracy to possess stolen mail, theft or receipt of stolen mail matter, and conspiracy to possess 15 or more counterfeit or unauthorized access devices with intent to defraud.

If convicted, the Defendants each face up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine not to exceed $250,000.00 for each count.

This case is being investigated by the United States Postal Inspection Service and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney M. Andrew Stover.

JOEL ALAN HARBOUR, 34, of Sherman, has been indicted for counterfeiting and forging obligations or securities of the United States.

According to the indictment, on or about February 6, 2007, Harbour altered sixteen five dollar Federal Reserve Notes by bleaching off their serial numbers and series year.

If convicted, Harbour faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine not to exceed $250,000.00.

This case is being investigated by the United States Secret Service and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney M. Andrew Stover.

LATASHA JOHNSON, 29, of Fort Worth, has been indicted for making, passing and possessing counterfeit checks.

According to the indictment, on or about August 25, 2006 through October 6, 2006, Johnson used counterfeit checks to purchase merchandise at various Wal-Mart stores within the Eastern District of Texas.

If convicted, Johnson faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine not to exceed $250,000.00 for each count.

This case is being investigated by the United States Secret Service and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney M. Andrew Stover.

DANIEL RAY TAYLOR, 35, of Gainesville, has been indicted for counterfeiting and forging obligations or securities of the United States.

According to the indictment, on or about August 23, 2007, Taylor made, forged and counterfeited a $20.00 Federal Reserve Note.

If convicted, Taylor faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine not to exceed $250,000.00.

This case is being investigated by the United States Secret Service and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney M. Andrew Stover.

ADAN HERNANDEZ-RAMOS, 22, of Collin County, has been indicted for being an illegal alien who has unlawfully reentered the United States.

If convicted, Hernandez-Ramos faces up to 20 years in federal prison, deportation and a fine of up to $250,000.

The case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michele A. Ratcliffe.

GEOVANNI GOMEZ-ROMAN, 26, of Collin County, has been indicted for being an illegal alien who has unlawfully reentered the United States and was found in the Eastern District of Texas.

If convicted, Gomez-Roman faces up to 20 years in federal prison, deportation and a fine of up to $250,000.

The case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michele A. Ratcliffe.

EUFROCINO RIOS-BENITEZ, 26, of Collin County, has been indicted for being an illegal alien who has unlawfully reentered the United States.

If convicted, Rios-Benitez faces up to 20 years in federal prison, deportation and a fine of up to $250,000.

The case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michele A. Ratcliffe.

RAMIRO OLVERA-RICO, 32, of Denton County, has been indicted for being an illegal alien who has unlawfully reentered the United States.

If convicted, Olvera-Rico faces up to 20 years in federal prison, deportation and a fine of up to $250,000.

The case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michele A. Ratcliffe.

MIGUEL ALBERTO JUAREZ-JUAREZ, 22, of Collin County, has been indicted for being an illegal alien who has unlawfully reentered the United States.

If convicted, Juarez-Juarez faces up to 20 years in federal prison, deportation and a fine of up to $250,000.

The case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Michele A. Ratcliffe.

ASHFORD TROY ROGERS, 28, of Denton, has been indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, MDA and Marijuana; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Felon in Possession of a Firearm.

If convicted, Rogers faces up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00.

This case is being investigated by ATF and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sam Cantrell.

DAVID THURMAN BENNETT, 36, of Lewisville, has been indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine; Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime; and Unlawful User of a Controlled Substance in Possession of a Firearm.

If convicted, Bennett faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $4 million.

This case is being investigated by ATF and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sam Cantrell.

It is important to note that an indictment should not be considered as evidence of guilt and that all persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

PLANO MAN SENTENCED FOR PASSPORT FRAUD

SHERMAN, TX -- United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe announced today that a 43-year-old Plano man has been sentenced to 4 ? months in federal prison for passport related fraud in the Eastern District of Texas.

JAROSLAW AMBROZUK was sentenced today by United States District Judge Richard A. Schell in connection with his role in making false representations in order to obtain a United States passport. Ambrozuk has already served 4 ? months in jail and will be referred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for deportation. Ambrozuk was also ordered to pay a $10,000.00 fine.

According to information presented in court, Ambrozuk illegally entered the United States from Canada in approximately 1982, after which time he obtained and continuously used the false identity of "Michael Lee Smith" to evade detection and prosecution for the circumstances that led to his illegal entry into the United States; to apply for bank accounts, credit cards, and loans; and to purchase and acquire automobiles, property, and other assets. In May 2004, Ambrozuk applied for a United States passport in which he falsely stated that his name was "Michael Lee Smith" and provided other false information relating to his place and date of birth. Ambrozuk also provided a Texas drivers license that he had obtained by providing false information.

Special agents from the United States Department of State investigated this case. Assistant United States Attorney Shamoil T Shipchandler prosecuted the case.

LUFKIN MAN SENTENCED FOR CHILD PORNOGRAPHY IN EASTERN DISTRICT OF TEXAS

LUFKIN, TX) United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe announced today that a 23-year-old Lufkin man has been sentenced to 80 months in federal prison for possessing child pornography in the Eastern District of Texas.

MICHAEL HEINSOHN pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography on May 18, 2007 and was sentenced today to 80 months in federal prison by United States District Judge Ron Clark.

According to information presented in court, on December 20, 2006 the Lufkin Police Department executed a search warrant that resulted in the seizure of Heinsohn?s personal computers which contained child pornography. Heinsohn was arrested and indicted on charges of possessing child pornography on March 6, 2007.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In February 2006, the Department of Justice launched Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys? Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Lufkin Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa Flournoy.

FEDERAL JUDGE SENTENCES COCAINE TRAFFICKING RING LEADER TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT WITHOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF PAROLE

LUBBOCK, Texas ? A leader of a major cocaine-trafficking organization operating in the Lubbock area was sentenced to two terms of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas. On July 3, 2007, a federal jury found Alex Romo Rios, 47, of Lubbock, guilty of three drug trafficking crimes following a two-day trial. Specifically, Rios was convicted of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, distribution and possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession with intent to distribute less than 50 kilograms of marijuana. The United States had previously filed an information regarding notice of sentencing enhancement, which the district court found to be true and resulted in a mandatory life sentence for Rios as to counts one and eight of the superseding indictment.

Rios, along with two co-defendants Wovencelado Tijerina, 60, of Tahoka, Texas, and Noel Peralez Tijerina, 41, of Lubbock, were arrested in mid-April in an early morning enforcement action by agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and other law enforcement organizations. These three defendants, along with Scott Garza, 26, and Juan Antonio Benitez, Jr., 45, both of Lubbock, and Eusebio Miramontez, 55, of Abilene, Texas, are all charged in the 21-count indictment. All five of Rios?s co-defendants have entered guilty pleas to various charges. Defendants Garza, Noel Tijerina, and Wovencelado Tijerina are set for sentencing on October 30, 2007. No sentencing date has yet been scheduled for Benitez or Miramontez.

The government presented evidence at trial that beginning in 2004, Rios conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. The evidence presented at trial showed that Rios and co-conspirator Noel Tijerina combined to distribute approximately 150 kilograms of cocaine in the Lubbock area from September 2005 through September 2006. The evidence also showed that Rios and another co-conspirator not named in the indictment formed a partnership to distribute cocaine and crack cocaine in February 2006 after federal, state, and local authorities had incarcerated a large number of the crack cocaine distributors in Lubbock. Rios and this individual distributed approximately 100-150 kilograms of cocaine in the Lubbock area from February 2006 through October 2006. Testimony at trial also showed the Rios had ties to various narcotics traffickers in Mexico who supplied him with cocaine.

U.S. Attorney Roper praised the excellent investigative efforts of the DEA, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Lubbock County Sheriff?s Office, the Lubbock Police Department, the Plainview Police Department, the Hale County Sheriff?s Department, the Lynn County Sheriff?s Department, the Tahoka Police Department, and the Texas Department of Public Safety.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jeffrey R. Haag and Denise B. Williams of the Lubbock, Texas, U.S. Attorney?s Office.

TYLER MAN SUSPECTED OF BANK ROBBERY

TYLER, TX) ? United States Attorney John Ratcliffe announced today that a 40-year-old Tyler man has been arrested pending indictment on federal bank robbery charges in the Eastern District of Texas.

A criminal complaint charging PAUL EDWARD THOMAS was filed by federal agents today. According to prosecutors, Thomas is suspected of robbing several banks in the Tyler area. Thomas appeared before United States Magistrate Judge John Love today for an initial appearance.

It is important to note that a complaint, arrest, or indictment should not be considered as evidence of guilt and that all persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jim Middleton.

METH RING BUSTED IN TYLER

TYLER, TX ? United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe announced today the arrest of several individuals and the seizure of a significant amount of contraband from a major methamphetamine ?ice? trafficking and transporting organization in the Eastern District of Texas.

According to prosecutors, multiple law enforcement agencies have been investigating the distribution of ?ice? methamphetamine by the Tyler, Texas ? based Juan Comacho Calderon drug trafficking and transportation organization. This organization is involved with the distribution and sale of ?ice? in the East Texas area and in Dallas County, Texas.

This investigation dubbed, Operation Thin Ice, began in 2005 and has been the combined effort of the DEA, Texas Department of Public Safety, ATF, FBI, IRS, U.S. Marshal?s Service, Smith County Sheriff?s Office, and Tyler Police Department.

On the night of October 11, 2007, five Smith County residences were searched, which resulted in the arrests of six subjects, Juan Comacho Calderon, 40; Salvador Camacho Urena, 62; Serafin Urena, 35; Maria Trinida Lopez, 34; Jose Vargas, 24; and Jose Morales, 25; all of Tyler.

On October 12, 2007, Andres Saucedo Sosa, 38, and Enrique Nunez Garcia, 21, were also arrested in Tyler in connection with this case. Additional arrests are expected.

These Defendants appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge John D. Love in Tyler for initial appearances on a Complaint. All were detained without bond pending detention hearings scheduled for next week.

Seized during the searches were the following: over $24,000 in United States currency; 15 firearms, including an SKS type assault weapon; ammunition; approximately 3 ? pounds of suspected methamphetamine; approximately 6 kilograms of cocaine; and drug paraphernalia.

The United States Attorney's Office expects to bring drug and firearms charges against the targets of this investigation in the near future. Generally, most of the defendants, if convicted, face up to life imprisonment. It is important to note that a complaint, arrest, or indictment should not be considered as evidence of guilt and that all persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Allen Hurst.

SAN ANGELO, TEXAS, MAN PLEADS GUILTY IN FEDERAL COURT TO MAKING FALSE BOMB THREATS

LUBBOCK, Texas ? Marcus Jordan Martinez, 20, pled guilty today to one count of willfully making a threat, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas. Martinez entered his plea before U.S. District Judge Rob Junell. Sentencing is scheduled for January 11, 2008. Martinez faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and restitution.

According to documents filed in court, Martinez admitted that on August 6, 2007, he made threatening telephone calls to Wells Fargo Bank, located at 3806 West Loop 306 in San Angelo, Texas, falsely stating that bombs were located at the bank and that he was going to rob the bank. Martinez also made telephone calls to television stations in San Angelo, Texas, that Wells Fargo Bank, at the above mentioned location, was going to be robbed.

U.S. Attorney Roper praised the investigative efforts of the San Angelo Police Department, San Angelo Fire Marshal?s Office, San Angelo Fire Department, Goodfellow Air Force Base (bomb detection canines), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise Williams.

PORT ARTHUR MAN SENTENCED FOR ROBBING NEDERLAND BANK

BEAUMONT, TX -- United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe announced today that a 27-year-old Port Arthur man has been sentenced to 117 months in federal prison for bank robbery in the Eastern District of Texas.

MARCELLUS-JON ROWRY pleaded guilty on June 18, 2007 to bank robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of that crime. He was sentenced today by United States District Judge Thad Heartfield.

According to information presented in court, Rowry was armed with a semi-automatic pistol when he robbed the Chase Bank located at 2150 Highway 365 in Nederland, Texas on November 30, 2006.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Nederland Police Department and the Groves Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Robert L. Hobbs.

RINGLEADER IN STAGED ACCIDENT CONSPIRACY PLEADS GUILTY

Conspiracy Caused More Than $1 Million in Losses to Insurance Companies

DALLAS ? The ringleader in a massive staged accident ring that operated in the Dallas - Fort Worth (DFW) area since January 2000, and caused more than $1 million in losses to victim insurance companies, pled guilty to his role in the conspiracy, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper, of the Northern District of Texas. Tuan (Andy) Nguyen, 32, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Jorge A. Solis to one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and health care fraud and one count of conspiracy to launder money. He faces a maximum statutory sentence of 40 years in prison, a $500,000 fine and restitution. Nguyen has been in custody since late May 2007 on charges outlined in a 71-count indictment returned by a grand jury in Dallas. He is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Solis on January 23, 2008.

U.S. Attorney Roper said, ?This guilty plea of the ringleader of this massive and long-running staged accident scheme demonstrates federal law enforcement?s commitment to tackling the problem of insurance fraud in North Texas.?

Twenty-two defendants were charged in the indictment that brought to light the massive staged accident scheme that had been operating in the DFW area for approximately seven years. Nguyen admitted that he orchestrated the conspiracy and conspired with others to defraud numerous insurance companies by staging multiple motor vehicle accidents schemes throughout the DFW metroplex that resulted in actual losses to victim insurance companies of more than $1 million. Twenty-one defendants have filed guilty pleas with the Court and are awaiting sentencing. One defendant remains set for trial in February, 2008.

?Fraudulent insurance claims contribute to increased insurance premiums that ultimately victimize the American public,? said Fort Worth Division Acting Inspector in Charge Barbara Meyer. ?The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is committed to ensuring the public?s trust in the mail by investigating these types of illegal schemes and putting the operators behind bars.?

Special Agent in Charge Robert E. Casey Jr., Dallas FBI, said, ?I would like to thank the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigative Division and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service who have provided their expertise and dedication to this investigation. The FBI and its law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively and pro-actively investigate these complex conspiracies, ringleaders and criminal associates who are seeking to defraud and exploit the medical and insurance industry and auto licensing authorities."

?The guilty plea by Tuan (Andy) Ngyuen, as the organizer and leader of the conspiracy of this massive staged accident scheme, has one common thread with the other 20 guilty pleas in this investigation: the intent to defraud, " said Erick Martinez, Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation in the Dallas Field Office. Martinez continued, ?IRS Criminal Investigation will aggressively pursue fraudulent schemes and work with other law enforcement agencies investigating the illegal activities from both tax and money laundering perspectives to ensure that criminals are held accountable.?

Frederick P. Lohmann, Area Director for the National Insurance Crime Bureau, said, ?The National Insurance Crime Bureau and its 1000 plus member companies wish to convey our sincere thanks to the men and women of the IRS CID, FBI, Postal Inspection Service, and U.S. Attorney?s Office for their efforts of addressing insurance fraud in Texas. It has been estimated that insurance fraud is a drain of $30 billion to the nation?s property and casualty insurance industry. This adds $200 - $300 to average consumers annual insurance cost ? money that belongs in the bank accounts of families and not in the pockets of scam artists and criminals. It is both encouraging and gratifying to see the practitioners of insurance fraud held accountable for their actions.?

Nguyen was the organizer and leader of the conspiracy ? he planned the accident activity, recruited and paid accident participants, provided automobiles, provided funding for automobile insurance, arranged for chiropractic doctors and chiropractic facilities to be used by the accident participants, selected paralegals and law firms for legal representation for the accident participants, and controlled the majority of the funds generated by the scheme. Fraudulent claims were filed with the insurance companies by the insured, or by a law firm retained to represent the insured. These claims included fraudulent bills for the damage incurred by the vehicles in the staged accidents and claims for injuries that never occurred, or were negligible but for which medical bills had been created by chiropractors for the specific purpose of inflating the number of treatments and the severity of the injuries.

Nguyen admitted that as part of the conspiracy he and others obtained salvaged vehicles to be used in the purported accidents. Nguyen re-titled the vehicles in Arkansas as a way of removing the ?salvaged vehicle? designation and for the specific purpose of fraudulently inflating the vehicle?s book value. The vehicle titles were then transferred into a coconspirator?s name who was participating in the accident as the driver/owner of the car. Insurance then was obtained on the vehicles to be used in the accidents and for the individuals allegedly driving or owning the vehicles. Nguyen admitted he dictated the type and limits of the insurance obtained for the accidents, such as personal injury protection, to enhance the possibility of payments by the victim insurance companies for the alleged bodily injuries.

Nguyen admitted that, with the help of the other coconspirators, he created the fraudulent accidents by either staging intentional and controlled collisions of two vehicles to cause actual property damage, or fraudulently reporting to victim insurance companies that an accident had occurred by using two previously damaged vehicles to depict the purported accident.

Nguyen admitted that after the ?accident,? he and other coconspirators then would feign personal injuries as part of the scheme and obtain medical treatment at clinics owned and operated by chiropractors Nguyen knew in order to obtain medical bills that inflated the number of treatments and the severity of the injuries. Nguyen admitted that some of the chiropractors and their employees generated false medical and billing records for submission to the victim insurance companies when no treatments were provided or required.

U.S. Attorney Roper praised the investigative efforts of the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation, the FBI and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox.

KIDNAPPER SENTENCED TO 28 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON FOR THE KIDNAPPING OF A MAN IN RICHARDSON, TEXAS
DALLAS ? Salomon Bocanegra, 27, one of five defendants charged in the May 4, 2007, kidnapping of Carlos Moreno Esquivel in Richardson, Texas, was sentenced today to 340 months (28 years) in prison, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas. Last week, codefendant Juan Jose Ornelas-Castro, who pled guilty in July to his role in the kidnapping, was sentenced to 27.5 years in federal prison. At this morning?s sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Ed Kinkeade also ordered that Bocanegra pay $26,018 in restitution.

Bocanegra pled guilty on July 17, 2007, to conspiracy to commit kidnapping, kidnapping, use of interstate facilities to demand a ransom and using, carrying or brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. He was in the car with Gerardo Diaz when FBI agents shot and killed Diaz.

Salomon Bocanegra, Jose Ornelas-Castro, Heberto Bocanegra, a/k/a ?Christopher? a/ka/ ?Beto,? Damarius Ornelas-Castro and Sylvia Rodriguez, were charged in a federal indictment with various offenses related to the kidnapping of Carlos Moreno Esquivel. The remaining three defendants have pled guilty and are scheduled to be sentenced in a few weeks.

According to documents filed in Court, on May 4, Salomon Bocanegra, Juan Jose Ornelas-Castro, Heberto Bocanegra, a/k/a ?Christopher? and a/ka/ ?Beto,? and Damarius Ornelas-Castro agreed to rob an individual they believed was distributing large quantities of drugs in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. They went to Esquivel?s residence on Devonshire Road in Richardson, armed with handguns, and when they arrived at the residence, they kidnapped Esquivel, at gunpoint in his front yard, and forced him into a vehicle, believing that they could collect a ransom of cash and drugs. Once inside the vehicle, Esquivel was restrained, shot and beaten by various defendants, and driven to a tire shop in Dallas, where he was held against his will. While he was being held, the defendants made numerous phone calls to Esquivel?s family members in the Republic of Mexico demanding cash and pound quantities of methamphetamine for his safe release.

Early the following morning, the defendants moved Esquivel from the tire shop to a trailer located as 2324 Cedar Rock, in Dallas, and kept him there blindfolded, restrained and at gunpoint. He was beaten and forced to use a cell phone to call individuals to request that a ransom be paid for his release.

Later that morning, Salomon Bocanegra, Juan Jose Ornelas-Castro, who was armed, and another individual later identified as Gerardo Diaz, went to the Wal-Mart at 1521 North Cockrell Hill Road in Dallas to collect what they believed to be several thousand dollars in U.S. currency and pound quantities of methamphetamine. They agreed to release Esquivel in exchange for the money and methamphetamine. Heberto Bocanegra and Damarius Ornelas-Castro, who were also armed, were left at the trailer to ensure that Esquivel did not escape. After Juan Jose Ornelas-Castro arrived at the Wal-Mart parking lot, FBI agents attempted to detain him. He tried to flee and was involved in an automobile accident and subsequently arrested, along with Bocanegra, by FBI agents. Gerardo Diaz was shot and killed by FBI agents attempting to detain him in the Wal-Mart parking lot when Diaz attempted to run down one of the pursuing agents with a vehicle. DPD officers and FBI agents located Esquivel at the trailer on Cedar Rock in Dallas and took Damarius Ornelas-Castro into custody. Heberto Bocanegra and Sylvia Rodriguez were arrested trying to leave the location in a vehicle. Esquivel was found bound and blindfolded in the bathroom; he had been shot and severely beaten.

The kidnapping victim, Carlos Moreno Esquivel, along with six other defendants were subsequently charged in a separate indictment with participating in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy during the time of the kidnapping. Esquivel is also set to be sentenced in January 2008.

The case was investigated by the FBI, with task force officers from the Texas Department of Public Safety, Garland Police Department, Dallas Police Department, and Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Office of Inspector General. The Richardson Police Department co-investigated the case with the FBI. Immigration and Customs Enforcement also provided assistance in the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Calvert.

DALLAS RESIDENT PLEADS GUILTY TO FEDERAL CHILD PORNOGRAPHY CHARGE

DALLAS ? Jeffrey Davis pled guilty today in federal court in Dallas to possessing child pornography, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper, of the Northern District of Texas. Davis 51, was arrested in August 2007 on charges outlined in a federal criminal complaint and has been in custody since that time. He faces a maximum statutory sentence of not less than 10 years in prison nor more than 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. As part of his plea agreement with the government, Davis has agreed to forfeit his residence on Williams Way in Dallas, Texas, as well as several pieces of computer equipment that were used in the commission of his crime. He is scheduled to be sentenced by U.S. District Judge Barbara M.G. Lynn on February 15, 2007.

According to the factual resume filed in the case, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents executed a search warrant at Davis?s home on August 28, 2007, and seized his computer and external storage media, including 14 floppy disks containing more than 600 images of child pornography. Davis admitted that he had purchased access to a child pornography website using his credit card and that he downloaded images and movie files containing depictions of young girls and boys engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

The factual resume also states that on August 10, 2000, Davis was convicted of possession of child pornography in the Northern District of Texas, in case number 3:00-CR-110, and sentenced to 15 months in prison and three years of supervised release.

This case is being brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in February 2006 that is designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys Offices, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov/.

U.S. Attorney Roper commended the investigative efforts of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aisha Saleem.

LOUISIANA MAN GUILTY OF DRUG CHARGES IN EAST TEXAS

TYLER, TX ? United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe announced today that a 32-year-old Louisiana man has pleaded guilty to federal drug crimes in the Eastern District of Texas.

CEDRIC SHAWN MITCHELL PAYNE admitted to possessing the intent to distribute and distribution of cocaine today before United States Magistrate Judge Judith K. Guthrie.

According to information presented in court, Payne was stopped for speeding on March 26, 2007 and found to be in possession of five kilograms of cocaine. A federal indictment was returned on June 5, 2007 charging Payne with federal drug crimes.

Payne faces up to life in federal prison and a fine of up to $4 million at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set at this time.

This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Gregg County Sheriff's Office. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard L. Moore.

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