Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Rodriquez, Cassiano and Velasquez, along with eleven other Texas Syndicate members and associates, conspired since 2002 to commit three murders, one attempted murder, extortion, plus distribution of controlled substances. Members of the Texas Syndicate are bound by a set of strict rules which ensure loyalty and participation in the enterprises criminal activities and are subject to strict and harsh discipline, including death, for violating the rules. 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Watt tweets the 2 things he doesn't miss about Houston, One of Houston's tallest skyscrapers to become apartment complex, Greg Abbott announces $50k reward for information on Cleveland shooting, Massive Coastal Bend ranch up for sale near Texas next big state park, Texas man catches massive alligator snapping turtle, then releases it back into the wild, Property north of San Antonio set to become a new Texas state park, Uber ranks Houston among the most 'forgetful' U.S. cities, How former KPRC 2 anchor Dominique Sachse is getting back to reporting. These folks have 22," federal prosecutor Robert Wells Jr. told Valley jurors in a case in which three Syndicate members got life. The Justice Department says the "Texas Syndicate is one of the largest and most violent prison gangs active on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.". Lt. Santos Cadena, Commander of the Dallas Police Department Gang Unit said, The Dallas Police Department Gang Unit is firmly committed to working with our federal counterparts to aggressively pursue the prosecution of violent gang members, such as those named in todays indictments. Kathy Colvin, spokesperson for the U.S. States Attorney's Office Northern District of Texas, tells Unfair Park that "some of those convicted in February have been charged in this one," including 33-year-old Roy Arredondo Jr. The Texas Syndicate, unlike the Mexican Mafia or Nuestra Familia, has been more associated or allied with Mexican immigrant prisoners. Several similar crackdowns on a rival gang, the Texas Mexican Mafia, historically the dominant gang in San Antonio, have resulted in a power vacuum that created opportunity for others, including the Texas Syndicate, officials said. Tango Blast and their associated groups, made up of at least 19,000. Detention hearings are expected to occur over the next two weeks in U.S. Magistrate Court in Austin for all defendants except May. Members of the Texas Syndicate are bound by a set of rules that ensure loyalty and participation in the enterprise's criminal activities and are subject to strict and harsh discipline, including death, for violating the rules. Authorities contend they have crippled the gang by sending key leaders, soldiers and associates to prison in the past decade. The Texas Syndicate has approximately 1,300 members, the majority of whom are Mexican American males aged between 20 and 40. to drug trafficking, extortion, prostitution, protection, gambling, Get a 42-inch oscillating fan for 15% off with this deal. Daniel Arredondo, a.k.a. Law officers also allege the gang is responsible for the shooting deaths of purported Texas Syndicate members George Escobedo, 59, and George Davenport, 31, in 2008. president resides, and their numbers continue to reach into state Convicted killer Mike Mendoza Jr. shows his only "free-world" tattoo - "TS" for Texas Syndicate - in an interview. The Texas Syndicate's golden rule is as simple as it is merciless: Betray us and you're dead. Michael Golson, Sr, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Dallas, said, This was a cooperative effort to combat armed narcotics traffickers and to make the streets of North Texas safer., The partnership between the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, local law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Attorneys Office has brought about these criminal charges. They were often taken down with the help of members who betrayed the gang at the risk of death. More accurate investigations lower the number to about 4000, with some sources even going as low as 3800. The indictment alleges that the conspiracy began in the mid-1990's and continued up to the date of this indictment. The rules require that a member continue his . Mendoza said he won't take a deal and wants nothing to do with those who will. Worth, Texas, convicted for possession of more than 800 pounds Authorities contend that in the past decade, members of the Texas Syndicate, which is the state's original prison gang, have carried out at least 50 murders, solved or unsolved, in addition. and federal prisons across the US. U.S. Attorney Roper praised the excellent investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the North Texas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Agency and the Dallas Police Department. Armed robberies, the sale of illicit substances such as methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana, and other crimes remain the main activities of this group. Unless he renounces his membership and tells everything he knows - which he says he won't. She is a former reporting fellow for the Dallas Morning News' state bureau and a former city hall reporter for The Galveston County Daily News. Estn ms safados (They're crazier). Mendoza claimed he was defending himself because Benavidez had a gun. While in prison, members ensure the safety of both allies and other affiliates. at Oakdale. Mendoza had been drinking, and the two had an argument that quickly escalated. 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Sources said they believe the gang was trying to execute another member, Andrew Dirty Vidaurri, and fatally shot his sister-in-law, Priscilla Ann Vidaurri, 32, by mistake earlier this year. The defendants, allegedly, conspired to distribute methamphetamine/heroin in Austin, San Marcos, Luling, Gonzales, New Braunfels, Hutto, Kenedy, Seguin, Bastrop and Tuscaloosa, AL, since January 2018. He has also covered immigration, minority affairs and legal affairs as part of the projects team here and for other print, TV and radio outlets. This is a carousel. The most significant gangs, listed as Tier 1 or those posing the greatest gang threat all have a presence in Travis County. the "Texas Syndicate is one of the largest and most violent prison gangs active on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border." . In 1994, Arnulfo Nino was leader in the federal prison at Fort Not the prison whites worn by an inmate. In Mendoza's case, that means forever. The Texas Syndicate, more than La Eme or Nuestra Familia, has been more associated or allied with Mexican immigrant prisoners, such as the "Border . . against the historical "building tenders" in prison. His Challengers Say the Community Needs 'New Energy. 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. Arnold Darby, 62, is one of the few white men ever accepted into the Syndicate and one of the oldest survivors from the original Syndicate soldiers. The goal is to disrupt the command and control of criminal gangs through prevention, intervention and suppression of their unlawful enterprises. Upon their release from prison, gang members returned to Texas, renamed themselves the Texas Syndicate (TS), committed crimes, and wound up in TDCJ, where they developed an extensive. Far from it. The 2023 NFL Draft runs April 2729 live from Kansas City, Missouri. The three-count indictment charges the 14 defendants listed below, all of whom are either in state or federal custody, with conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organization (RICO) statute. Number codes change on a periodic mesurer votre utilisation de nos sites et applications. A separate investigation by other agencies in September went after Texas Syndicate operatives in Uvalde and Hondo and also netted then-Bandera County sheriff's Deputy Thomas Cuellar, who's charged with unlawful use of a government computer for allegedly giving criminal background information and other sensitive law enforcement intelligence to the gang. The Texas Syndicate (or Syndicato Tejano) is a mostly Texas-based prison gang that includes Hispanic and at one time White members (The organization at one time did allow non-Hispanic members to join, but that policy was repealed in the 1980s). "We don't tolerate none of our members who do that," Mendoza said in a face-to-face interview at a state penitentiary about 25 miles outside Huntsville. In addition to the conspiracy charge, jurors convicted: After building tenders disappeared due to a court order, the Syndicate's activities turned to drug trafficking, extortion, prostitution, protection, illegal gambling, and contract killing. [6], TS has a paramilitary structure, headed by a president and vice president elected by the general membership. (stophoustongangs.org), The Texas Syndicate gang's sign is sometimes the image of the horns of the Texas Longhorns. The full release is below. Four defendants, Marco Medina, David Gutierrez, Emilio Noyola and Sixto Salinas were arrested last week. Become a member to support the independent voice of Dallas After dinner, they drove to a sugar-cane field and shot him in the head. Gang members sought permission or "gave notice" of intentions to leave, or enrolled in the prison system's two-year exit program. The indictment alleges that between October 1999 and September 2004, the defendants committed 12 murders and several attempted murders two in the Rio Grand Valley and the others in the Dallas area. On the streets as well as in the prisons, it is suspected of having approximately 3,800 confirmed or suspected members, although it is unclear how many are still active in the gang. Because four murders are included in the charges, the case could become a death-penalty prosecution if Attorney General Eric Holder signs off on it a first for the DEA in San Antonio, Fernandez told reporters. DALLAS - A federal indictment was unsealed on Friday that charges 14 members of the Texas Syndicate prison gang with conspiring to participate in a violent enterprise responsible for murders, attempted murders, conspiracies to commit murder, robbery, drug trafficking, and other crimes in North Texas and other areas, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas. McALLEN, Texas - Six Texas Syndicate members and associates have been sentenced to prison for racketeering, violent crimes in aid of racketeering, kidnapping and possession with intent distribute cocaine, United States Attorney Jose Angel Moreno announced today. Upon conviction of the drug trafficking charge: Castilleja, Luna, Salazar, Salas and Alvarez face between ten years and life in federal prison; Jimenez-Jaimes, Carrasco, Cantu, Accord, John Vera, Josh Vera, Anzaldua, Medina, Villarreal and May face between five and 40 years in federal prison; Armstead and Klasing face up to 20 years in federal prison based on their involvement, drug type and drug amount involved. As a street gang, heavy activity This is a carousel. He is locked in a cell by himself 23 hours a day for his entire sentence. Hits are sanctioned against fellow gangsters by a majority vote of other members in a prison unit or city. Randy Salazar, alleged leader of the Syndicate in Austin as Texas Syndicate members are required to follow a "Constitution," , Lt. Santos Cadena, Commander of the Dallas Police Department Gang Unit said, The Dallas Police Department Gang Unit is firmly committed to working with our federal counterparts to aggressively pursue the prosecution of violent gang members, such as those named in todays indictments. Mendoza offers no excuses for his life in the Syndicate. Twelve of the suspects already were in custody on other charges, but six were arrested Thursday. The Texas Syndicate moved in and acted out in ways they normally wouldn't.. Samantha, who is from Houston's suburbs, graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and is a proud alumna of The Daily Texan. The Texas Syndicate formed in California's prison system in the 1970s, and has grown to be one of Texas' largest. The Syndicate claims not to kill innocent people, but does go after those who betray them. Drive-by shootings and other threats to the general public usually are frowned upon by the gang's leaders in prison for bringing more police scrutiny, so some of the recent violent acts have been attributed to factions of younger members, some investigators said. Official websites use .govA .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Recruitment is conducted through social ties and involves a background check to screen for informants. Block the on-ramps, open . (stophoustongangs.org), Texas Syndicate members sometimes have tattoos of a T superimposed over a S. (stophoustongangs.org), Some Texas Syndicate members no longer get tattoos in order to avoid being identified by prison guards or other law enforcement. Members of La eMe and exponents of white supremacy theories such as the Aryan Brotherhood would often prey on these individuals, who found themselves lacking the numbers and allies to put up a fight. "Many cooperating witnesses are Texas Syndicate members that have been ordered to be killed by the Texas Syndicate, placed in the witness-protection program, or are otherwise at risk of harm if their identities are disclosed," notes a document filed by prosecutors in 2007 in Houston when Mendoza and others were convicted. Keep the wins going with our discounted package. Primitivo Ybarra, a.k.a. The indictment alleges that the conspiracy began in the mid-1990's and continued up to the date of this indictment. They've been charged with "conspiring to participate in a violent enterprise responsible for murders, attempted murders, conspiracies to commit murder, robbery, drug trafficking, and other crimes in North Texas and other areas." Marco Medina, a.k.a. This indictment resulted from a Texas Anti-Gang Center (TAG) investigation conducted by San Antonio TAG member agencies including the DEA, FBI, San Antonio Police Departments Gang Unit, Bexar County Sheriffs Department, Bexar County District Attorneys Office, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Texas Department of Criminal Justice-Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The 18-month investigation was called Operation Broken Horn, and began with a traffic stop by the Bexar County Sheriff's Office that netted an undisclosed amount of drugs. This investigation reflects DEAs commitment to make sure communities across Texas are safe and prevent gang members involved in drug distribution and other violent criminal activity from establishing a foothold in our neighborhoods. Jerry Donel (in black) is one of six alleged members of the Texas Syndicate that had a hearing at John Wood Federal Courthouse on charges of racketeering on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011. However, they still and jails state-wide, with many more on the outside. Anthony Vidaurri, 30, is among those charged in the racketeering conspiracy. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. U.S. Attorney Roper said, This case is an excellent example of the collaborative efforts of the federal government and local law enforcement working together to aggressively deal with drug, gun and violent gang activity here in North Texas. Lock [1], The history of the group and documented acts of violence in other jurisdictions warrant their certification as a Security Threat Group. The Dallas Police Department and our federal partners realize that by combining our areas of expertise and resources, we are able to achieve a greater level of efficacy in combating violent gangs in Dallas. You don't get voted out, you get taken out, Assistant U.S. Attorney Joey Contreras said. Texas Syndicate moved into Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) prisons . Jerry Donel (by vehicle) and Adam Chavez (right) are alleged to be members of the Texas Syndicate. The six arrested Thursday are: Identified as shooters are Francisco Pancho Arroyo, 32; Ramiro Ram De La Rosa, 25; Mark Anthony Kilo Jimenez, 25; Mancha and Chavez. Piedra, 31 of Weslaco, TX, an alleged soldier of the Texas Syndicate, was arrested this morning, Tuesday, April 3, 2007, is also set for a detention . These would mostly come to life within the prison system; both as a physical response to assaults and as a way to achieve greater racial unity. ", Texas Syndicate prison gang remains a force to fear. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Texas Syndicate moved into Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) prisons . 1 Unbeatable Texas Syndicate Plays. Prior to today, this operation has resulted in the seizure of approximately 20 kilograms of methamphetamine, two kilograms of heroin and 18 firearms. An inmate reaches out for his cup in a cell block for such prisoners, the administrative segregation wing of the Estelle Unit prison. Outside, the gang works as many others criminal organizations in the US. Hec; a.k.a. "The class and character of the members they bring in now is nothing like it was," said Darby, who has two murder convictions, including killing an ex-member who testified for the government. Released or parole members who generate money for the gang must surrender a 10% tax ("the dime") of all proceeds toward the Texas Syndicate in prison. The main objective of the Texas Syndicate was that of offering protection to other native Texan inmates. Vous pouvez modifier vos choix tout moment en cliquant sur le lien Tableau de bord sur la vie prive prsent sur nos sites et dans nos applications. Juanillo, age 36, Hector Manuel Ayala, a.k.a. [4][5], The Texas Syndicate was established at Folsom State Prison in California in 1978 in direct response to the other California prison gangs, notably the Aryan Brotherhood and Mexican Mafia, which were attempting to prey on native Texas inmates. Beneath them in the gang hierarchy are captains, lieutenants, sergeants of arms, and numerous soldiers. The motive is unclear, but is believed to have resulted from a run-in on the road. It was the first Texas prison gang to embrace such Italian mobster traditions as strict rules and harsh discipline. The Texas SmartBuy Membership Program empowers state funded local buyers such as cities, counties and school districts with access to the same best value and competitively bid statewide contracts as our state agencies. NameAge - Residence -Statutory Sentence, Donald Trevino (aka Fluffy, D, Uno, Gordo) 32 San Antonio 25 years to life imprisonment, Rodolfo Villalobos (aka Fluffy, Chubs, Oro) 38 San Antonio 15 years to life imprisonment, David Botello (aka Torito, Bully, Bullyman) 50 San Antonio 15 years to life imprisonment, David Cortez Jr. (aka Tazmanian, Taz) 29 San Antonio 10 years to life imprisonment, Moses Chavez (aka Moe, Mighty Mouse) 40 San Antonio 10 years to life imprisonment, **Nicholas Neaves (aka Snoopster, Snoop) 25 San Antonio 10 years to life imprisonment, Richard Agueros, III (aka Herc) 36 San Antonio 10 years to life imprisonment, Robert Arzola Jr. 41 San Antonio 10 years to life imprisonment, **Luz Del Carmen Velarde-Campos (aka Prima) 33 San Antonio 10 years to life imprisonment, Aaron Muniz (aka Primo) 36 San Antonio 10 years to life imprisonment, Isabel Hernandez-Garcia 35 San Antonio 10 years to life imprisonment, Joseph Lloyd Vonallman (aka Jv) 36 San Antonio up to 20 years imprisonment, 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. [2] As a street gang, heavy activity has been reported in Austin, Corpus Christi, the Rio Grande Valley and the Dallas Fort Worth area in Texas. The Texas Syndicate, a prison gang that operates in and outside of penitentiaries, is considered by state law-enforcement officials to be among the most dangerous criminal organizations in. The Texas Syndicate (Spanish:Syndicato Tejano) is a mostly-Mexican criminal group founded in Folsom State Prison, California, in the 1970s. If convicted, all face a maximum statutory sentence of life in prison: Juan Antonio Vasquez, a.k.a. Organized law enforcement, Bexar County District Attorney Susan Reed said. Escobedo was gunned down as he left Patty's Convenience Store in the 900 block of North Navidad Street. Texas prisons were mostly gang-free until bloody battles broke out in 1984-85 between the Mexican Mafia and Texas Syndicate as well as the Aryan Brotherhood and Mandingo Warriors. Indictments this week charge 18 members of the Texas Syndicate with crimes including drug trafficking, racketeering, conspiracy and murder. More than 40 have been indicted in federal courts. building tenders disappeared, the Syndicate's activities turned in the 80s for a prison-murder. But the convictions didn't stop federal authorities from pursuing other charges against members of the prison gang. Current Location: Most of Texas, Other Zones in The United States; Big Homie, age 34 It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The Texas Syndicate (TS) "is highly structured and is estimated to have 1,300 members, most of whom are Mexican-American males between the ages of 20-40," according to the Justice Department. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Criminal Chief Assistant U.S. A Texas Syndicate gang member has been charged with aggravated assault of a public servant after he was accused of swinging a knife at a sheriffs deputy. Despite the influx of young members who have their own style, Darby said the Texas Syndicate remains a force. Throughout most of its early life, the Texas Syndicate was primarily a prison gang, with little to no contact with the outside world. Slang terms: "Babydoll" refers to Mexican Mafia members. and contract murder. Grief, the Texas Lottery director, has said his authority stops at the lottery terminal, and his agency is not required to police out-of-state companies. I did this to myself. While the number of effective affiliates within the federal prison system continued to grow, the Texas Syndicate began expanding their operations to the outside world. It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. Attorneys Matt Harding and Dan Guess are prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government. During this investigation, authorities seized over 100 kilograms of methamphetamine and multiple firearms attributed to this organization. Allies: Texas Mafia, Los Zetas; The Texas HIV Syndicate is a collaboration of leaders from across the state, working together to share and generate insights into a variety of HIV-related issues. He was suspected of snitching, and bragging at a nightclub about being a member. A member in Dallas was similarly shot, then rolled in a carpet and stuffed in a car that was set ablaze. Assistant U.S. A marginal amount of contraband and drug trafficking has also been registered. [3] While the gangs maintains its headquarters in California, there are around 1,000 members in prisons and jails throughout Texas, with many others operating on the outside. of cocaine, and distributing more than 80 pounds per week. Texas Legislature Online Senate Members Help | FAQ | Site Map | Contact | Login David "Frosty" Diaz, a documented member of the Texas Syndicate gang, was arrested Friday in Giddings by agents with the U.S. The indictment alleges that between October 1999 and September 2004, the defendants committed 12 murders and several attempted murders two in the Rio Grand Valley and the others in the Dallas area. The gang built an alliance with . (Kin Man Hui/kmhui@express-news.net), When known members of the Texas Syndicate are sent to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, no matter whether they have been convicted of murder or stealing a car, they serve their prison time isolated in harsh one-man cells where they are locked up at least 23 or more hours a day. Prison units are individually controlled by a local chairman and vice chairman. The Texas Syndicate or Syndicato Tejano was the first prison gang to heavily impact the prison system in Texas. "The arrests made as part of Operation Last Dance in San Antonio and the surrounding areas conclude a comprehensive investigation by DEA and our law enforcement partners into the criminal activities of violent local street gangs to include members of the Mexican Mafia, Texas Syndicate, and their criminal associates, said DEA Special Agent in Charge Steven S. Whipple, Houston Field Division. The top ranking member is known as a sillon, which translates to chairman. The latter policy would be reversed in the 1980s. [1], Development of the Texas Syndicate was initially motivated by self-protection against the historical "building tenders" in prison. "I done lost everything for it," said Mendoza, who grew up in Baytown and goes by the street name Barney. The indictment alleges that the defendants are members, or associates, of the Texas Syndicate prison gang, a violent prison gang established during the 1970's as a response by native Texas inmates to other prison gangs.
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