And I could see the real Alex Murdaugh when he looked at me, Waters 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. She previously worked for WICS/WRSP 20 in Springfield, Illinois. Ricardo Gonzalez, age 24 of San Antonio; Our position on behalf of Mr. Villarreal is to establish the facts and show that he is not guilty. Among those charged in South Texas are the interim governor who served after Moreira, several business owners with homes on San Antonio's North Side, and a former state treasurer who's wanted in Mexico on allegations of taking out fraudulent loans on the state's credit. Jury takes an hour to reach verdict over deal at Port S.A. Those five defendants were already in custody. BCSO says as deputies were approaching the residence, Mendez was getting in a vehicle to leave. Jesus Gerardo Vasquez, age 19 of San Antonio; He quickly left Mexico for the U.S. and showed up in East Texas in February 2012 where he was again arrested. 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. Martinez, Robles, and Jose Garcia face between 15 years and life upon conviction of conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute. 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.. Copyright 2023 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. San Antonio woman among 14 charged with conspiracy to distribute meth and cocaine, Privately run zoos in Texas adapt to new roles. Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA lock ( Deputies detained Ashley Mendez, 28, and Ruben Zambrano, 38, in a West Bexar County drug bust. 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. 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. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Nowadays, its habitats, conservation and education. Salazar said Moreira deserves more scrutiny because the state's debt and the allegations of theft happened on his watch. 01 Mar 2023 22:30:08 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. One of his Texas limited liability companies the one that shows up on deed records is controlled by a Dutch company, which is controlled by another Texas LLC, which is controlled by a trust. 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. OCDETF Lead Task Force Attorney Adrin Rosales is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. Lastiri was sentenced to a total of 100 months in federal prison. The girl was shot when she drove her fathers car out of their house at San Joaquin and Motes streets. Murdaugh's brother and surviving son sat behind him in the courtroom every day. Joseph Richard Guerrero, age 28 of San Antonio; During todays arrests authorities seized approximately two kilograms of cocaine, over 30 pounds of hydroponic marijuana, methamphetamine, three handguns and approximately $235,000. Jose Tabares, 53, of San Antonio SAN ANTONIO A 32-year-old San Antonio woman was sentenced to more than eight years in prison on Tuesday after she was found guilty of possession with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, according to the United States Attorneys Office for the Western District of Texas. 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. Meanwhile, the U.S. investigation sprawled. Murdaugh didnt look at the sign as he was hustled into the courthouse with his head down. On Wednesday, a joint task force including the DEA along with the sheriff's office arrested 41-year-old Francisco Ortiz. Border Patrol agents based in the San Diego Sector seized 232 pounds of fentanyl with a street value of about $3 million from a single vehicle, officials announced on Monday.. On July 20, 2021, members of the BCSO and DEA TAG Unit executed a search warrant in the After additional surveillance of the area, investigators arrested Servando Yzaguirre after he was found to be in possession of 323.7 grams of meth, according to the sheriffs office. A simple drug bust. 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. 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. As the investigation continued, several others were also arrested. Torres and Villarreal were the closest persons to Moreira, Salazar said. The suspects were arrested for drug possession. 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. 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 . Javier Garcia Lopez, age 29 of San Antonio; 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: The Bexar County Sheriff's Office conducted the drug bust in the 500 block of Porter Street. The truth is he brought shame upon himself, his family, the community, his profession, Kinsinger said. Gonzlez Fernandez, the son, has pleaded not guilty to the drug charges. Erik Jason Pena, 41, of San Antonio; and That's it. They asked a judge to give them three San Antonio houses, all appraised at more than $500,000; the Champions Ridge home owned by Gonzlez Fernandez, a house in the Vistas at Sonterra owned by his brother; and a house in Oakwell Farms, an exclusive inside-the-loop gated community, owned by their father, Ral Gonzlez Trevio. SAN ANTONIO (WOAI) More than $500,000 worth of cocaine was seized following the successful completion of a multi-agency operation in Texas. 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. He said fentanyl pills are often made in backyard labs, and often pushed to young people disguised as other drugs. Deputies detained her and found 5 THC vape pens on the front seat, authorities said. "No tears. 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. Further, the indictment charges Pena with an additional one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. They whisked him to San Antonio, where prosecutors unsealed an indictment charging him with another count of money laundering. In 2011, a pair of Mexican senators called for an investigation into Chaires and his investment in real estate and in Coahuila radio and television stations. Oscar Jesus Lopez, age 23 of Laredo; Sorianello said he couldn't divulge how they were able to track down the suspected drug dealer or if additional arrests are pending. Murdaugh faced the judge in the Colleton County courtroom on the circuit where his father, grandfather and great-grandfather tried cases as the elected prosecutor for more than 80 years. Also on the list were Villarreal, the former treasurer; Torres, the former interim governor; and Flores, the businessman who pleaded guilty in Corpus Christi. The multiagency taskforce handling the case includes the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Texas attorney general's office and the Internal Revenue Service. That's why Sorianello had a strong message to parents: pay attention to your kids. The bust happened at a Best Western off Loop 410 near Callaghan Road. 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. POSS W/I DEL CS PG1 4G - 200G Felony, 1st Degree Bond: $30,000.00, POSS W/I DEL CS PG1 OVER 400G Felony, 1st Degree Bond: $60,000.00, POSS CS PG 1 1 GRAM TO 4 GRAM Felony, 3rd Degree Bond: $50,000.00, POSS CS PG 1 4 GRAMS TO 200 G Felony, 2nd Degree Bond: $15,000.00, POSS CS PG 1 1 GRAM TO 4 GRAM Felony, 3rd Degree Bond: $10,000.00, POSS CS PG 1 4 GRAMS TO 200 GRAMS Felony, 2nd Degree Bond: $15,000.00, PAROLE VIOLATION Felony, 3rd Degree Bond: RWOB, POSS CS PG 3 LESS THAN 28 GRAM Misdemeanor, Class A Bond: 3500.00. "They take a pill which seems very simple, never done that in their life, and they simply dont wake up.". Zambrano was arrested in the kitchen without incident. If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241. The lawsuit seeks $2.8 million in an account Torres has in Bermuda. 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. Prior to today, authorities seized approximately 21 kilograms of cocaine, 100 kilograms of methamphetamine, a firearm and approximately $124,000 along with other assets attributable to this organization. SAN ANTONIO A massive drug bust took place at a northwest side hotel where 75,000 fentanyl pills were seized, the Bexar County Sherriff's Office said. The female driver was identified as Shauna Madrid, 36, from Roswell, New Mexico. 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. According to Salazar, deputies found a couple hundred grams of methamphetamine and black tar heroin and $9,000. If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241. DRUG BUSTThe Castle Hills Police Department confiscated 6.5 grams of Fentanyl and over four grams of Heroin during a traffic stop overnight. In February, Villarreal slipped across one of the international bridges in El Paso and turned himself in to federal agents. Guillermo has been with the Express-News for 20 years, and has covered federal court and its investigative agencies for most of that time. Good Morning San Antonio. . For decades, that meant that practically anyone who ended up in court whatever side of the law they found themselves on would have a Murdaugh either watching their back or staring them down. Ashley. 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. They worked for him. ___ Collins reported from Columbia, South Carolina. When one defendant was brought to court in San Antonio, a former U.S. congressman showed up to support him. Some sit empty today. Prosecutor Creighton Waters noted that stare each day in court. 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. (San . An official website of the United States government. The government is abusing its power, Canales wrote in one filing. 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. By the time federal prosecutors charged Torres and Villarreal, Bexar County prosecutors finally had started moving their civil lawsuit forward. 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. DEA officials said the pills were smaller than a dime and that even a tiny dose of the drug could be fatal. A major drug bust occurred in Eastland County. Plus, Rooftop Cinema extends screenings until September. Properties that the feds moved to seize in the case suggested they were looking at something more than a simple dope smuggling investigation. But I am innocent. 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. Our nation-wide commitment to reducing gun crime in America, Report Waste, Fraud, Abuse or Misconduct to the Inspector General, Find Help and Information for Crime Victims, Register, Apply for Permits, or Request Records, Monitor Selection for Corporate Criminal Enforcement. Salazar said the three suspects face charges of human smuggling, engaging in organized crime . Just a few weeks ago, 180 miles from the border, in the quiet San Antonio suburban town of Boerne, Texas, a vehicle carrying nine people two stuffed in the trunk was stopped for a traffic. Homero Garcia, age 36 of San Antonio; 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. Ashley Mendez, 28, and Ruben Zambrano, 38, were taken into custody. It didn't take long to convince the other three. 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.. 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 . Gutierrez faces between five and 40 years upon conviction. 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. Murdaugh's family founded the areas most powerful law firm a century ago in neighboring Hampton County. 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 . 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. 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. In total, officials found seven kilos of heroin and 1.5 kilos of meth, according to the BCSO. "That's due to availability, the amount of fentanyl that's in the country right now. They are either identified as being investors in some of these corporations, or persons with knowledge of some of the transactions, Herberg said. Moyer said he didn't buy them. At sentencing, Murdaugh maintained his innocence, just as he did when he testified in his own defense during the six-week trial. 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. The indictment alleges that the defendants conspired in 2020 to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. It might have been the monster you become," Newman said. And it might not have been you. 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. Michelle Zamarripa, 59, of San Antonio Albelardo Oviedo, age 29 of San Antonio. Fernando Jose Moreno, age 45 of San Antonio;