U.S. Consulate killings: Reputed Barrio Azteca member pleads guilty in racketeering case

By Daniel Borunda / El Paso Times
Posted: 01/26/2012 08:56:05 PM MST

A reputed lieutenant in the Barrio Azteca gang already in a Texas prison for murder on Thursday pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in El Paso for taking part in a racketeering conspiracy, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.

Hector Galindo, aka "Silent," of El Paso, was among 35 gang leaders, members and associates named in an indictment last March in a crackdown on the gang following the killing of three people linked to the U.S. Consulate in Juárez.

Prosecutors said Galindo, 37, has been serving a 25-year sentence for murder since 1992 and helped distribute heroin and gang funds inside prison. A sentencing date has not been set. Galindo faces up to life in prison.

In past court testimony, an FBI agent said Galindo had a cell phone in prison he used to issue orders to the streets, including ordering someone be sent to "Cielo Vista," which, according to federal agents, did not mean the mall but the heavens or meaning someone should be killed.

Daniel Borunda may be reached at dborunda@elpasotimes.com; 546-6102.

U.S. Consulate killings: Reputed Barrio Azteca member pleads guilty in racketeering case - El Paso Times