WOMAN PLEADS GUILTY IN CASE INVOLVING DISABLED PEOPLE HELD CAPTIVE IN PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT  

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Guilty Plea in Case of Disabled Adults Held in Subhuman Conditions

Linda Weston, 55, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty today to all charges in a racketeering and hate crimes case that involved holding disabled adults captive in locked closets, basements and attics in Philadelphia’s Tacony section and in other states.  Weston pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy, kidnapping resulting in the death of the victim, forced human labor, involuntary servitude, multiple counts of murder in aid of racketeering, hate crime, violent crime in aid of racketeering, sex trafficking, kidnapping, theft of government funds, wire fraud, mail fraud, use of a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime and false statements.  U.S. District Court Judge Cynthia M. Rufe scheduled a sentencing hearing for Nov. 5, 2015.  Weston has agreed to receive a sentence of life plus 80 years in prison, restitution, fines, supervised release and special assessments.

From approximately 2001 through October 2011, Weston and her co-conspirators lured mentally handicapped individuals into locations rented by Weston, Jean McIntosh, Eddie Wright and others in Philadelphia; Killeen, Texas; Norfolk, Virginia; and West Palm Beach, Florida.  The group targeted mentally challenged individuals who were estranged from their families.  Once Weston convinced them to move in, she became their representative payee with Social Security and began to receive their disability benefits and in some instances, their state benefits.   On one occasion, Weston and one of her co-defendants took the social security and identification documents from a victim by force and then used the funds for her own and Weston Family purposes.

Weston, McIntosh, Wright and others confined their victims to locked rooms, basements, closets, attics and apartments.  While confined, the captives were often isolated, in the dark and sedated with drugs placed in their food and drink by Weston and other defendants.  When the individuals tried to escape, stole food, or otherwise protested their treatment, Weston and others punished them by slapping, punching, kicking, stabbing, burning and hitting them with closed hands, belts, sticks, bats and hammers or other objects, including the butt of a pistol.  Some victims endured the abuse for years, until Oct. 15, 2011, when Philadelphia Police officers rescued them from the sub-basement of an apartment building in the city’s Tacony section.  The enterprise victimized six disabled adults and four children.

In April 2005, Weston and a co-defendant targeted victim Donna Spadea.  They brought Spadea to a home at 2211 Glenview Ave., in Philadelphia.  Spadea was kept in the basement with the other victims, fed a substandard diet and not allowed to use the bathroom.  On June 26, 2005, Spadea was found dead in the basement.  Weston ordered other members of the household to move Spadea’s body to a different location before calling law enforcement.

In 2008, victim Maxine Lee was living with the family.  Lee was beaten when she tried to escape or when she begged for food and never received medical attention for any of her injuries.  After Weston moved the enterprise to Virginia in 2008, Weston confined Lee inside a kitchen cabinet and an attic for several months.  Lee subsequently died of bacterial meningitis and starvation in November of 2008.  Weston ordered other members of the household to move Lee’s body to a bedroom and stage the scene before calling law enforcement.  The next day the family left for Philadelphia.

Weston’s daughter, McIntosh, and co-defendant Wright have already pleaded guilty.  Co-defendants Gregory Thomas, Sr., and Nicklaus Woodard are awaiting trial.

The case was investigated by the FBI, the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General, IRS Criminal Investigations, the Philadelphia Police Department and the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ West Palm Beach Field Office.  It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Richard P. Barrett and Faith Moore Taylor.

FINAL TWO SENTENCED FOR ROLES IN KIDNAPPING/MURDER OF DEAL SPECIAL AGENT JAMES WATSON

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT 

Monday, April 13, 2015

Final Two Defendants Sentenced to 440 and 348 Months in Prison for the Kidnapping and Murder of DEA Special Agent James “Terry” Watson
Two Colombian nationals were sentenced to decades in U.S. federal prison today for their roles in the kidnapping and murder of former Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent James “Terry” Watson in Bogotá, Colombia, on June 20, 2013.

Attorney General Eric Holder, Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Dana J. Boente of the Eastern District of Virginia, Special Agent in Charge George L. Piro of the FBI’s Miami Field Office, DEA Administrator Michele M. Leonhart and Bill A. Miller, Director, U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) made the announcement.

“With these sentencings, all seven defendants involved in the kidnapping and murder of Special Agent Terry Watson have been found, prosecuted, and brought to justice,” said Attorney General Holder.  “Special Agent Watson was a courageous patriot, a principled law enforcement agent, and a proud defender of the rule of law.  Our nation owes him and his loved ones a debt we can never repay.  And although our prosecution of his heinous attackers has come to its rightful close, the Department of Justice will never rest in our efforts to honor Special Agent Watson’s life of service and sacrifice by upholding the values that he served to protect.”

“DEA is grateful that the final two defendants connected to Terry Watson’s murder faced justice in a U.S. court of law for their heinous crime," said Administrator Leonhart.  “Terry will be remembered for his bravery, dedication and loyalty to our agency’s mission, and his presence is missed every day by the men and women of DEA.  Throughout this ordeal, the Watson family has remained in our thoughts and prayers, and we will never forget their sacrifice.”

Édgar Javier Bello Murillo, 28, and Omar Fabián Valdes Gualtero, 28, were sentenced today to 440 months in prison and 348 months in prison, respectively, by U.S. District Judge Gerald Bruce Lee of the Eastern District of Virginia.  Both pleaded guilty to second degree murder and conspiracy to kidnap an internationally protected person on Dec. 19, 2014.

In the statements of facts filed with their plea agreements, Valdes Gualtero and Bello Murillo admitted that they conspired to conduct “paseo milionarios” or “millionaire’s rides” in which victims were lured into taxi cabs, kidnapped and then robbed.  Both admitted that, on the evening of June 20, 2013, they were a part of a six-person robbery crew that targeted Special Agent Watson.  One of the members of the crew picked up Special Agent Watson in his taxi, while another drove a second taxi carrying the assailants.  Bello Murillo admitted that he entered the taxi in which Special Agent Watson was riding and stabbed him multiple times.  Special Agent Watson was able to escape from the taxi, but he later collapsed and died from his injuries.

In total, seven defendants were arrested and extradited from Colombia to the United States to face charges in connection with Special Agent Watson’s murder and the subsequent attempt to cover up the crime.  Six defendants pleaded guilty for their respective roles in the kidnapping and murder: Julio Estiven Gracia Ramírez, 32; Héctor Leonardo López, 34; Andrés Álvaro Oviedo García, 22; Edwin Gerardo Figueroa Sepúlveda, 40; Valdes Gualtero; and Bello Murillo.  On Dec. 12, 2014, Gracia Ramírez was sentenced to 27 years in prison, López was sentenced to 25 years in prison and Oviedo García was sentenced to 20 years in prison.  On Feb. 18, 2015, Figueroa Sepúlveda was sentenced to 30 years in prison.  A seventh defendant, Wilson Daniel Peralta-Bocachica, 31, pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice for cleaning the taxi cab in which the attack occurred before turning it in to the Colombian National Police.  On Feb. 18, 2015, Peralta-Bocachica was sentenced to 40 months in prison.

This case was investigated by the FBI, DEA and DSS, in close cooperation with Colombian authorities and with assistance from INTERPOL and the Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs.  The case is being prosecuted by Special Counsel Stacey Luck of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael P. Ben’Ary of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia.

The Department of Justice gratefully acknowledges the Colombian Attorney General’s Office, Colombian National Police, Colombian Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Interpol (DIJIN), DIJIN Special Investigative Unit, Bogotá Metropolitan Police, Bogotá Police Intelligence Body (CIPOL) Unit and Colombian Technical Investigation Team for their extraordinary efforts, support and professionalism in responding to this incident.

JURY CONVICTS TRUCKER OF KIDNAPPING, INTERSTATE DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT 

Monday, December 15, 2014

Trucker Convicted of Kidnapping and Interstate Domestic Violence

After a week-long trial, a federal jury convicted a trucker and Florida resident of kidnapping and interstate domestic violence.  Evidence adduced at trial showed that the defendant held the female victim captive for 10 days and inflicted psychological and physical abuse that included sexual battery.  This was the first time an individual was charged with domestic violence in federal court in South Florida under the Interstate Domestic Violence statute.    

Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida and George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Miami Field Office, made the announcement.

According to the evidence presented at trial, on August 21, 2014, the 40-year-old female victim leapt from a window of Timothy John Miers’, 47, 18-wheeler truck cabin and ran into the arms of civilians at a truck stop in Medley, Florida.  These civilians, and later police officers, observed that the victim had bruises all over her body, two black eyes and was bleeding from her nose and ear.

The victim recounted to law enforcement the physical and psychological abuse, as well as the sexual battery, that Miers inflicted on her over the course of several days he held her captive.  Miers had confined the victim in the cabin of his 18-wheeler truck between August 11, 2014 and August 21, 2014, while he drove from Boston to South Florida.  Law enforcement’s entry into the defendant’s iPhone revealed a cache of photographs of the victim bruised and battered, which Miers had taken while the victim was held and terrorized.  In addition, Miers had video recorded his sexual assault of the victim and forced her to engage in humiliating and degrading dialogue.  During that video, Miers announced his intention to subject her to a life of sexual slavery and daily beatings.  Miers stated to the victim that he had beaten and killed other women previously.  In fact, that was the case.

At trial, two other women testified that they had been romantically involved with Miers until he became violent and abusive.  Miers’ ex-wife testified that he confined, repeatedly beat, raped and degraded her.  She also testified that Miers forced her to urinate in a bucket instead of in a toilet and sometimes refused to give her food unless she complied with all of his demands.  Miers also threatened to kill his ex-wife and her daughter if she ever tried to escape.  The last act of violence that the defendant inflicted on his ex-wife was a punch to the face that resulted in a fractured orbital socket and other injuries.  Another former girlfriend was similarly beaten in the face by Miers when she tried to leave his vehicle against his command.

Evidence at trial further revealed that a fourth victim, also an ex-girlfriend, had been confined in a vehicle by Miers.  This victim tried to escape by throwing herself from the fast moving vehicle into oncoming traffic.  Several bystanders saw what happened and rendered aid while she screamed that Miers was going to kill her.

Although not admitted at trial, court filings reveal that one of Miers’ ex-girlfriends was reported missing after last being seen with him.  Public filings detail that the missing woman’s blood was found behind some baseboards in the bathroom of the apartment they shared together. She has never been found and no charges have been filed relating to this woman’s disappearance.  If anyone has any information regarding this incident, please call Detective Moises Garcia, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, Homicide Section, (813) 247-0569.

At sentencing, Miers faces up to life in prison for kidnapping, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, 1201, and faces up to 10 years imprisonment on each count of Interstate Domestic Violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2261.

U.S. Attorney Ferrer stated, “No human being should have to endure the abuse and terror that these women suffered at the hands of Timothy John Miers.  Thanks to the bravery of the victims who testified and the other compelling evidence presented at trial, their captor has been brought to justice.  Making full use of our federal laws, we were able to charge the defendant with kidnapping, and for the first time in this District, with federal domestic violence.  We will continue to vigorously prosecute such acts of violence.”

“Gaining access to the data on Mr. Miers’ cell phone produced evidence that was an essential part of this investigation,” said George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge for FBI Miami.  “Miers videotaped his sexual assault of a victim and threatened to subject her to a life of sexual slavery and daily beatings.  Now convicted of his heinous crimes, he faces the possibility of a long prison sentence.”

Mr. Ferrer commended the FBI for their efforts in the investigation of this case.  Mr. Ferrer also thanked the Medley Police Department for their assistance and cooperation in this matter.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Gilfarb and Vanessa Johannes.

7 ARYAN BROTHERHOOD OF TEXAS GANG MEMBERS SENTENCED FOR ROLES IN "VIOLENT ABT ENTERPRISE"

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Seven Sentenced For Involvement in Aryan Brotherhood of Texas Racketeering Conspiracy

Seven Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT) gang members from Houston and Dallas were sentenced to prison this week for their roles in the violent ABT enterprise, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson of the Southern District of Texas.

Today, Stephen Tobin Mullen, 45, of Dallas, and James Erik Sharron, 40, of Houston, were sentenced to respective terms of 156 months and 72 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Sim Lake in the Southern District of Texas.  Yesterday, Larry Max Bryan, 52, of Houston, and Terry Ross Blake, 56, of Corpus Christi, both high-ranking leaders of the ABT, were sentenced to 300 months and 180 months in federal prison, respectively.  Jamie Grant Loveall, 38, of Houston; Kelly Ray Elley, 37, of Houston; and Ronald Lee Prince, 44, of Dallas, were also sentenced to respective terms of 390 months, 270 months and 120 months in federal prison.

According to information presented in court, the seven defendants were admitted members of ABT, a powerful race-based, statewide organization that operates inside and outside of state and federal prisons throughout Texas and the United States. Along with other ABT gang members and associates, they agreed to commit multiple acts of murder, robbery, arson, kidnapping and narcotics trafficking on behalf of the ABT gang.

The ABT was established in the early 1980s within the Texas prison system.  The gang modeled itself after and adopted many of the precepts and writings of the Aryan Brotherhood, a California-based prison gang that was formed in the California prison system during the 1960s.  Previously, the ABT was primarily concerned with the protection of white inmates and white supremacy/separatism, but over time, the ABT has expanded its criminal enterprise to include illegal activities for profit, according to court records.

In order to be considered for ABT membership, a person must be sponsored by another gang member.  Once sponsored, a prospective member must serve an unspecified term, during which he is referred to as a prospect, while his conduct is observed by the members of the ABT.

Court documents allege that the ABT enforced its rules and promoted discipline among its members, prospects and associates through murder, attempted murder, arson, assault, robbery and threats against those who violated the rules or posed a threat to the enterprise.  ABT gang members met on a regular basis at various locations throughout Texas to report on gang-related business, collect dues, commit disciplinary assaults against fellow gang members and discuss acts of violence against rival gang members, among other things.  Members were required to follow the orders of higher-ranking members, often referred to as “direct orders.”

The defendants sentenced this week are seven of 36 defendants convicted of conducting racketeering activity through the ABT criminal enterprise, among other charges.  

This Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force case is being investigated by a multi-agency task force consisting of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; FBI; U.S. Marshals Service; Federal Bureau of Prisons; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations; Texas Rangers; Texas Department of Public Safety; Montgomery County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Houston Police Department-Gang Division; Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Office of Inspector General; Harris County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Atascosa County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Orange County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Waller County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Alvin, Texas, Police Department; Carrollton, Texas, Police Department; Mesquite, Texas, Police Department; Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office; and the Atascosa County District Attorney’s Office.

The case is being prosecuted by David Karpel of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Ed Gallagher and Tim Braley of the Southern District of Texas.

ARYAN BROTHERHOOD OF TEXAS GANG LEADER PLEADS GUILTY TO RACKETEERING

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT 
Friday, February 21, 2014
Reputed Aryan Brotherhood of Texas Gang Leader and a Fellow Gang Member Plead Guilty to Federal Racketeering Charges

An alleged general of the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas gang (ABT) and a fellow gang member pleaded guilty today to racketeering charges related to their membership in the ABT’s criminal enterprise, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson of the Southern District of Texas.

James Francis Sampsell, aka “Skitz,” 44, of Odessa, Texas, and Fredrick Michal Villarreal, aka, “Big Mike,” 35, of Houston, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Sim Lake in the Southern District of Texas to one count of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity.

According to court documents, Sampsell, Villarreal and other ABT gang members and associates agreed to commit multiple acts of murder, robbery, arson, kidnapping and narcotics trafficking on behalf of the ABT gang.   Sampsell, Villarreal and numerous ABT gang members met on a regular basis at various locations throughout Texas to report on gang-related business, collect dues, commit disciplinary assaults against fellow gang members and discuss acts of violence against rival gang members, among other activities.

By pleading guilty to racketeering charges, Sampsell and Villarreal admitted to being members of the ABT criminal enterprise.

According to the superseding indictment, the ABT was established in the early 1980s within the Texas prison system.   The gang modeled itself after and adopted many of the precepts and writings of the Aryan Brotherhood, a California-based prison gang that was formed in the California prison system during the 1960s.   According to the superseding indictment, the ABT was primarily concerned with the protection of white inmates and white supremacy/separatism.   Over time, the ABT expanded its criminal enterprise to include illegal activities for profit.

Court documents allege that the ABT enforced its rules and promoted discipline among its members, prospects and associates through murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to murder, arson, assault, robbery and threats against those who violated the rules or posed a threat to the enterprise.   Members, and oftentimes associates, were required to follow the orders of higher-ranking members, often referred to as “direct orders.”

According to the superseding indictment, in order to be considered for ABT membership, a person must be sponsored by another gang member.   Once sponsored, a prospective member must serve an unspecified term, during which he is referred to as a prospect, while his conduct is observed by the members of the ABT.

At sentencing, scheduled for Oct. 7, 2014, Sampsell and Villarreal each face a maximum penalty of life in prison.

Sampsell and Villarreal are two of 36 defendants charged with conducting racketeering activity through the ABT criminal enterprise, among other charges.   To date, 21 defendants have pleaded guilty.

This case is being investigated by a multi-agency task force consisting of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; FBI; U.S. Marshals Service; Federal Bureau of Prisons; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations; Texas Rangers; Texas Department of Public Safety; Montgomery County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Houston Police Department-Gang Division; Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Office of Inspector General; Harris County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Atascosa County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Orange County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Waller County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Alvin, Texas, Police Department; Carrollton, Texas, Police Department; Mesquite, Texas, Police Department; Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office; and the Atascosa County District Attorney’s Office.

ARYAN BROTHERHOOD OF TEXAS GANG MEMBER PLEADS GUILTY TO RACKETEERING

FROM:  U.S. JUSTICE DEPARTMENT 
Monday, September 9, 2013
Aryan Brotherhood of Texas Gang Member Pleads Guilty to Federal Racketeering Charges

A member of the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas (ABT) gang pleaded guilty today to racketeering charges related to his membership in the ABT’s criminal enterprise, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson of the Southern District of Texas.

Benjamin Troy Johnson, aka “South,” 42, of Corpus Christi, Texas, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Sim Lake in the Southern District of Texas to one count of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity.

According to court documents, Johnson and other ABT gang members and associates agreed to commit multiple acts of murder, robbery, arson, kidnapping and narcotics trafficking on behalf of the ABT gang.  Johnson and numerous ABT gang members met on a regular basis at various locations throughout Texas to report on gang-related business, collect dues, commit disciplinary assaults against fellow gang members and discuss acts of violence against rival gang members, among other things.

By pleading guilty to racketeering charges, Johnson has admitted to being a member of the ABT criminal enterprise.

According to the superseding indictment, the ABT was established in the early 1980s within the Texas prison system.  The gang modeled itself after and adopted many of the precepts and writings of the Aryan Brotherhood, a California-based prison gang that was formed in the California prison system during the 1960s.  According to the superseding indictment, previously, the ABT was primarily concerned with the protection of white inmates and the promotion of white supremacy/separatism.  Over time, the ABT expanded its criminal enterprise to include illegal activities for profit.

Court documents allege that the ABT enforced its rules and promoted discipline among its members, prospects and associates through murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, arson, assault, robbery and threats against those who violated the rules or posed a threat to the enterprise.  Members, and oftentimes associates, were required to follow the orders of higher-ranking members, often referred to as “direct orders.”

According to the superseding indictment, in order to be considered for ABT membership, a person must be sponsored by another gang member.  Once sponsored, a prospective member must serve an unspecified term, during which he is referred to as a prospect while his conduct is observed by the members of the ABT.

Judge Lake has set sentencing for Jan. 30, 2013, at which time Johnson faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.

Johnson is one of 36 defendants charged with, among other things, conducting racketeering activity through the ABT criminal enterprise.  He is the 13th defendant charged in the indictment to plead guilty.

This case is being investigated by a multi-agency task force consisting of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; FBI; U.S. Marshals Service; Federal Bureau of Prisons; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement -Homeland Security Investigations; Texas Rangers; Texas Department of Public Safety; Montgomery County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Houston Police Department-Gang Division; Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Office of Inspector General; Harris County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Tarrant County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Atascosa County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office;  Waller County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Alvin, Texas, Police Department; Carrollton, Texas, Police Department; Mesquite Texas, Police Department; Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office;  and the Atascosa County District Attorney’s Office.

SIX COLOMBIAN NATIONALS CHARGED WITH MURDER OF DEA AGENT JAMES TERRY WILSON

FROM:  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 
Thursday, July 18, 2013
Six Colombian Nationals Charged with Murder of DEA Agent
Six Colombian nationals were indicted today by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District of Virginia for the kidnapping and murder of Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent James Terry Watson.

“Special Agent Watson was a brave public servant who dedicated his life to protecting the country he loved.  He was a hero, in every sense of the word, who was taken from us far too suddenly and far too soon," said Attorney General Eric Holder.  “With today's arrests, we take an important step towards ensuring that those allegedly responsible for his senseless murder are brought to justice.  We also send an unmistakable message to all who commit acts of violence against America's law enforcement professionals:  no matter who you are or where you live, we will do everything in our power to hold you accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

Gerardo Figueroa Sepulveda, 38; Omar Fabian Valdes Gualtero, 27; Edgar Javier Bello Murillo, 26; Hector Leonardo Lopez, 23; Julio Estiven Gracia Ramierez, 30; and Andrés Alvaro Oviedo-Garcia, 21, were each charged with two counts of second degree murder, one count of kidnapping and one count of conspiracy to kidnap.  Oviedo-Garcia was also charged with two counts of assault.

Additionally, the grand jury indicted Wilson Daniel Peralta-Bocachica, 30, also a Colombian national, for his alleged efforts to destroy evidence associated with the murder of Special Agent Watson.

According to the indictment, Figueroa, Valdes, Bello, Lopez, Gracia and Oviedo-Garcia were part of a kidnapping and robbery conspiracy that utilized taxi cabs in Bogota, Colombia, to lure victims into a position where they could be attacked and robbed.  Once an intended victim entered a taxi cab, the driver of the taxi cab would signal other conspirators to commence the robbery and kidnapping operation.

The indictment alleges that on June 20, 2013, while he was working for the U.S. Mission in Colombia, Special Agent Watson entered a taxi cab operated by one of the defendants.  Special Agent Watson was then allegedly attacked by two other defendants – one who stunned Special Agent Watson with a stun gun and another who stabbed Special Agent Watson with a knife, resulting in his death.

The charges were announced by Attorney General Holder; Acting Assistant Attorney General Mythili Raman of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; U.S. Attorney Neil H. MacBride of the Eastern District of Virginia; Assistant Director in Charge Valerie Parlave of the FBI’s Washington Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Derek S. Maltz of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Special Operations Division; and Director Gregory B. Starr of the Diplomatic Security Service for the U.S. Department of State.

This case is being investigated by the FBI, DEA and Diplomatic Security Service, in close cooperation with Colombian authorities, and with assistance from INTERPOL and the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael P. Ben’Ary from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia and Special Counsel Stacey Luck and Trial Attorney Christine Duey from the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section are prosecuting the case on behalf of the United States.  The Department of Justice gratefully acknowledges the Colombian Attorney General’s Office, Colombian National Police, Colombian Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Interpol (DIJIN), DIJIN Special Investigative Unit, Bogota Metropolitan Police and Colombian Technical Investigation Team for their extraordinary efforts, support and professionalism in responding to this incident.

Criminal indictments are only charges and not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.

2 ABT GANG MEMBERS PLEAD GUILTY TO FEDERAL RACKETEERING CHARGES

FROM: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Thursday, January 31, 2013
Two Aryan Brotherhood of Texas Gang Members Plead Guilty to Federal Racketeering Charges


Two members of the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas gang (ABT) pleaded guilty to racketeering charges related to their membership in the ABT’s criminal enterprise, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson of the Southern District of Texas.

Ben Christian Dillon, aka "Tuff," 40, of Houston, and James Marshall Meldrum, aka "Dirty," 40, of Dallas, each pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Sim Lake in the Southern District of Texas to one count of conspiracy to participate in racketeering activity.

According to court documents, Dillon, Meldrum and other ABT gang members and associates, agreed to commit multiple acts of murder, robbery, arson, kidnapping and narcotics trafficking on behalf of the ABT gang. Dillon, Meldrum and numerous ABT gang members met on a regular basis at various locations throughout Texas to report on gang-related business, collect dues, commit disciplinary assaults against fellow gang members and discuss acts of violence against rival gang members, among other things.

Dillon and Meldrum admitted to being ABT gang members and engaging in multiple acts in support of the criminal enterprise. Dillon admitted to trafficking in methamphetamine, acting as an enforcer to collect drug debts owed to the ABT enterprise, committing acts of arson for the gang and attempting to kill a fellow ABT gang member who had been marked for death by senior ABT officials. Meldrum admitted to trafficking in methamphetamine and severely beating a subordinate gang member.

According to the superseding indictment, the ABT was established in the early 1980s within the Texas prison system. The gang modeled itself after and adopted many of the precepts and writings of the Aryan Brotherhood, a California-based prison gang that was formed in the California prison system during the 1960s. According to the superseding indictment, previously, the ABT was primarily concerned with the protection of white inmates and white supremacy/separatism. Over time, the ABT has expanded its criminal enterprise to include illegal activities for profit.

Court documents allege that the ABT enforced its rules and promoted discipline among its members, prospects and associates through murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to murder, arson, assault, robbery and threats against those who violate the rules or pose a threat to the enterprise. Members, and oftentimes associates, were required to follow the orders of higher-ranking members, often referred to as "direct orders."

According to the superseding indictment, in order to be considered for ABT membership, a person must be sponsored by another gang member. Once sponsored, a prospective member must serve an unspecified term, during which he is referred to as a prospect, while his conduct is observed by the members of the ABT.

At sentencing, Dillon and Meldrum each face a maximum penalty of life in prison. Dillon’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for April 24, 2013, and Meldrum’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for Sept. 26, 2013.

Dillon and Meldrum are two of 34 defendants charged in October 2012 with conducting racketeering activity through the ABT criminal enterprise, among other charges.

This case is being investigated by a multi-agency task force consisting of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Drug Enforcement Administration; FBI; U.S. Marshals Service; Federal Bureau of Prisons; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations; Texas Rangers; Texas Department of Public Safety; Montgomery County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Houston Police Department-Gang Division; Texas Department of Criminal Justice – Office of Inspector General; Harris County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office; Atascosa County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Orange County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Waller County, Texas, Sheriff’s Office; Fort Worth, Texas, Police Department; Alvin, Texas, Police Department; Carrollton, Texas, Police Department; Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office; Atascosa County District Attorney’s Office; and the Kaufman County, Texas, District Attorney’s Office.

The case is being prosecuted by David Karpel of the Criminal Division’s Organized Crime and Gang Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Hileman of the Southern District of Texas.

U.S. MARSHALS ANNOUNCE ARREST OF SEXUAL ASSAULT AND KIDNAPPING SUSPECT

FROM:  U.S. MARSHALS SERVICE
Reno's Fugitive Task Force Arrests Colorado Sexual Assault and Kidnapping Suspect
Reno, NV – The Reno United States Marshals Service (USMS) led Fugitive Task Force, in partnership with the Department of Veterans Police, announces the arrest of Landan R. McMain (28). McMain is wanted by the Colorado Springs Police Department on an outstanding arrest warrant for multiple charges including kidnapping and sexual assault. It is alleged in 2006; McMain kidnapped and sexually assaulted an adult female. The warrant for arrest was issued on April 12, 2012 after McMain was determined to be a suspect.
After receiving information McMain was residing in Northern Nevada, the Task Force worked with the Department of Veterans Police to affect the arrest. McMain was arrested this afternoon, without incident, where he was employed at the Reno Veterans Administration Medical Center. He has been booked into the Washoe County Jail, as a fugitive from justice, awaiting extradition to Colorado.

The Fugitive Task Force, led by the U.S. Marshals Service, is a partnership comprised of law enforcement investigators from the United States Marshals Service, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Nevada Department of Public Safety (Probation & Parole), and Sparks Police Department. The Task Force combines the resources and expertise of local, state, and federal law enforcement in a coordinated effort to arrest dangerous fugitives and pursue sexual offenders wherever they are located.

WOMAN INVOLVED IN STAGED KIDNAPPING SCHEME IN GUATEMALA GETS 24 MONTHS IN PRISON

The following is an excerpt from the Department of Justice website:

Friday, October 21, 2011
“WASHINGTON – A Virginia woman was sentenced today to 24 months in prison for her role in an extortion scheme involving a staged kidnapping in Guatemala, announced Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Neil H. MacBride for the Eastern District of Virginia and John V. Gillies, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Miami Division.
Sheena Flores, 34, of Manassas, Va., was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gerald Bruce Lee in the Eastern District of Virginia. Flores pleaded guilty in August 2011 to one count of transmitting in foreign commerce, with intent to extort money, a communication containing a threat to injure another person. Judge Lee also sentenced Flores to three years of supervised release to follow her prison term and ordered her to pay $3,000 in restitution.
According to court documents, in July 2010, Flores was living in Guatemala with a child under the age of two who was born in Guatemala. Although Flores had no legal custody rights over the child, Flores had been taking care of the child in Guatemala while her husband was making arrangements to legally bring the child to the United States to live with him and Flores.
On July 6, 2010, from Guatemala, Flores contacted a family member in Manassas by telephone and reported that she and the child had been kidnapped by three men and that the men wanted $5,000 in two hours or they were going to kill Flores and the child. At the time that Flores reported the kidnapping and the ransom demands, Flores was attempting to extort money from her family with a hoax kidnapping and false threats, as she and the child had not been kidnapped.
Upon learning of the kidnapping and believing it to be true, the Flores’ family member called law enforcement authorities in Virginia. Shortly thereafter, FBI agents began investigating the kidnapping and members of the FBI’s Crisis Incident Response Group were dispatched to the family member’s house to monitor the situation and assist the family in negotiating with the kidnappers.
Also on July 6, 2010, Flores’ husband, who was in Manassas, received numerous text messages from Flores’ cellular phone in Guatemala, which repeatedly threatened that Flores and the child would be killed if he did not pay $10,000 in ransom by the next day. Believing that his wife and the child had in fact been kidnapped, Flores’ husband wired a partial ransom payment to Guatemala.
According to court documents, Flores enlisted the help of two men whom she believed were members of the violent gang MS-13 to help carry out the fake kidnapping. Flores and the child were found on July 13, 2010, with the assistance of Guatemalan police.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebeca H. Bellows for the Eastern District of Virginia and Trial Attorney James S. Yoon of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section. The Criminal Division’s Office of International Affairs provided assistance.
The case was investigated by the FBI’s Miami Division Extraterritorial Squad, with support from the FBI Legal Attaché Office in San Salvador, El Salvador, and the FBI Transnational Anti-Gang Task Force in Guatemala.”

MOST WANTED ARRESTED

The following excerpt is from the U.S. Marshals Service website:

“U.S. Marshals Service Most Wanted Arrested
Albuquerque, NM - On October 8, 2011 Charlie Tapia was arrested by the Albuquerque Police Department after his attempt at a home invasion robbery went wrong. Tapia one of the United States Marshals Service’s New Mexico Most Wanted was wanted for Forced Entry Burglary after Tapia and an accomplice forced entry into a Las Vegas, NM home, kidnapped the residents and stole items from the home including a car. During that home invasion Tapia and his accomplice used a gun and knife to hold their victims hostage.

On October 8, 2011 Tapia attempted another home burglary in Albuquerque. The resident of that home in Albuquerque was able to overpower Tapia and hold him there until police arrived. Tapia was arrested and booked into the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Detention Center. Deputy United States Marshals and Southwest Investigative Fugitive Team (SWIFT) Taskforce Officers (TFO) had been assisting Las Vegas, NM Police since August 2011 with this fugitive investigation.”