Trial Begins For Deputy Accused Of Aiding Mexican Mafia
Former FBI Informant Testifies About Meeting With Andres Villota

POSTED: 6:40 pm PDT October 20, 2010
UPDATED: 7:02 pm PDT October 20, 2010

SAN DIEGO -- The trial began Wednesday for a San Diego County sheriff's deputy accused of using his job to help members of the Mexican Mafia.

A confidential informant for the FBI testified about an attempted bribe Wednesday as the trial for Andres Villota began in a downtown courtroom.

Andrea Gomez said the Mexican Mafia has a contract out on her life, so Judge William Kronberger, Jr. ordered her face not be shown during her testimony. She told of a set-up the FBI wanted to run on Villota, a guard at the downtown Central Jail. She said agents wired her up for audio and sent her for a meeting with Villota. It was a test to see if he might take a bribe.

It was just a few months ago that Gomez talked freely to the 10News I-Team for an exclusive look at a major law enforcement effort in 2009 called Operation Keys to the City.

Gomez was the inside person and acted as the go-between for the Mexican Mafia bosses and underlings. She was placed under witness protection and given almost $100,000. However, her cover was blown and she went public.

Now testifying against one of those targeted in 2009, Gomez said, "The FBI lined an eyeglass case with fake crystal meth and I was supposed to take it to Mr. Villota." She was also to offer him $100, but he refused. San Diego Deputy District Attorney Leon Schorr played the following tape recording:

Gomez: "Okay, here's the package … and he wants … he wants to thank you for everything you've done."

Villota: "Ah … Nah, nah, nah."

Gomez: "Are you sure?"

Villota: "I'm sure. Yeah."

Gomez: "It's the holidays …"

Villota: "Ah … don't worry about it."

Gomez: "Okay."

"She [Gomez] is perhaps the best informant we've had in years, unlike many others," said FBI Special Agent Nelson Delgado.

Defense attorney Ward Clay admitted his client did small favors for inmates but said it was only to win their trust and to be a good deputy.

"His purpose was to win their trust and maintain order in the jail and also further his own career goals," said Clay.

The felony charge is that Villota, as a peace officer, filed a false report. If convicted, he could face up almost four years in prison.

On Tuesday in federal court, Gomez pleaded guilty to trafficking in methamphetamine. She's awaiting sentencing for that case and will continue her testimony Thursday.

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