Latest news with #MatthewR.Galeotti
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
15 suspected Houston gang members used taco truck to deal drugs, officials say
The Brief A federal grand jury has indicted 15 suspected Houston gang members for their alleged roles in a significant drug-trafficking operation. The group is accused of using a taco truck, various houses, and the U.S. mail to store and distribute meth, cocaine, heroin, and other narcotics. Twelve of the indicted individuals have been apprehended by authorities, while three suspects remain fugitives with outstanding warrants. HOUSTON - Officials with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations Houston and the Houston Police Department say 15 suspected Houston gang members were indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a drug-trafficking operation that allegedly delivered narcotics using a taco truck and the U.S. mail. According to the indictment, all 15 were members of an organization that distributed methamphetamine, powder cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, oxycodone, Xanax, psilocybin mushrooms, and marijuana. They are accused of having several drug houses and a food truck to store illegal drugs and conduct drug transactions. The investigation started in April 2022, according to the indictment. What they're saying "As alleged, this drug trafficking organization imported methamphetamine directly from Mexico and used the U.S. mail, a taco truck, and homes in different Houston neighborhoods to distribute and sell methamphetamine and other dangerous drugs," said Matthew R. Galeotti, Head of the Justice Department's Criminal Division. "Several of the defendants are also alleged to have used firearms in furtherance of their narcotics trafficking and illegally possessed firearms despite having previously been convicted of felonies. The Criminal Division, along with our federal, state, and local partners, will continue to work tirelessly to combat the scourge of drug trafficking in communities." The indictment alleges that in June 2023, authorities seized 29 kilograms of methamphetamine that one defendant was trying to transport into the United States. The 29-count indictment was unsealed May 22 following the arrest of nine people for their alleged roles in the drug-trafficking scheme. Houston residents James Michael Brewer aka 'Creeper', 33, Jonathan Alvarado aka 'Joker', 28, Alexis Delgado aka 'Chino', 28, Hector Luis Lopez aka 'Capulito', 23, Kylie Rae Alvarado, 24, Ruby Mata, 31, Victor Norris Ellison, 35, Mexi Dyan Garcia aka 'Mexi', 31, and Jesus Gomez-Rodriguez aka 'Jr.', 33, made their initial appearances in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas May 22 when the indictment was unsealed. Also charged are Enzo Xavier Dominguez aka 'Smiley', 32, William Alexander Lazo aka 'Miclo', 21, and Alfredo Gomez aka 'Fredo', 26. They are currently in custody and expected to make their initial appearances in the near future. Three other individuals who were allegedly involved in the scheme are considered fugitives and warrants remain outstanding for their arrests — Mexican national Jose Francisco Garcia-Martinez aka 'Paco', 29, Guatemalan national Marcos Rene Simaj-Guch aka Taco Man, 41, and Jose Eduardo Morales aka 'Primo', 22. Except for Simaj-Guch, who faces up to 40 years, the rest could receive up to life, upon conviction. Brewer, Alvarado, Lopez, Gomez and Ellison are further charged with firearm offenses which carry up to another 15 years. What they're saying "For years, the transnational criminal organization allegedly operated by these gang members has brazenly flooded our local communities with deadly narcotics," said ICE HSI Houston Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz. "Working in conjunction with the Houston Police Department and our Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces partners, we were able to expose and dismantle their drug trafficking scheme, eliminating a significant contributor to violent crime in the area and saving an untold number of Houstonians from becoming addicted." The Source Information in this article is from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations.
Toronto Star
03-05-2025
- Toronto Star
U.S. lays charges alleging human smuggling across Canadian border
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Justice said four Mexican nationals have been charged with allegedly running a human smuggling operation across the Canadian border. A news release on Friday said the four men charged thousands of dollars to bring people from Mexico to Canada, then across the international border into northern New York. 'As alleged, these defendants illegally entered this country and then sought to smuggle hundreds of aliens per week to the United States from Mexico, Central America, and South America through the Canadian border,' said Matthew R. Galeotti, head of the Justice department's criminal division, in the news release. ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW The department said the organization had been operating for two years in Mexico, Canada and the United States. On multiple occasions, the organization led local and federal law enforcement officers on high-speed vehicle chases along the Canada-U.S. border, the department said. In April 2023, the department alleged smugglers were chased by border patrol after setting off a sensor. The vehicle was eventually stopped and found to be transporting seven adults and three minors. Three months later, the department alleges members of the same organization drove erratically, ran a red light and struck another vehicle at an intersection. The driver and six others fled the scene but were apprehended later. Galeotti said in the news release that the men made people record testimonial videos about their services but 'in reality, the defendants imperiled their human cargo and innocent American lives when they repeatedly engaged in life-threatening conduct, including multiple high-speed getaways from law enforcement.' Edgar Sanchez-Solis, 23, Ignacio Diaz-Perez, 35, Samuel Diaz-Perez, 26, and Salvador Diaz-Diaz, 32, were charged with conspiracy to bring people to the U.S. and 25 counts of bringing people illegally to the United States for profit. The department said two of the men were arrested in the U.S., while the other two had previously been removed from the country.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Yahoo
U.S. lays charges alleging human smuggling across Canadian border
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Justice said four Mexican nationals have been charged with allegedly running a human smuggling operation across the Canadian border. A news release on Friday said the four men charged thousands of dollars to bring people from Mexico to Canada, then across the international border into northern New York. "As alleged, these defendants illegally entered this country and then sought to smuggle hundreds of aliens per week to the United States from Mexico, Central America, and South America through the Canadian border," said Matthew R. Galeotti, head of the Justice department's criminal division, in the news release. The department said the organization had been operating for two years in Mexico, Canada and the United States. On multiple occasions, the organization led local and federal law enforcement officers on high-speed vehicle chases along the Canada-U.S. border, the department said. In April 2023, the department alleged smugglers were chased by border patrol after setting off a sensor. The vehicle was eventually stopped and found to be transporting seven adults and three minors. Three months later, the department alleges members of the same organization drove erratically, ran a red light and struck another vehicle at an intersection. The driver and six others fled the scene but were apprehended later. Galeotti said in the news release that the men made people record testimonial videos about their services but "in reality, the defendants imperiled their human cargo and innocent American lives when they repeatedly engaged in life-threatening conduct, including multiple high-speed getaways from law enforcement." Edgar Sanchez-Solis, 23, Ignacio Diaz-Perez, 35, Samuel Diaz-Perez, 26, and Salvador Diaz-Diaz, 32, were charged with conspiracy to bring people to the U.S. and 25 counts of bringing people illegally to the United States for profit. The department said two of the men were arrested in the U.S., while the other two had previously been removed from the country. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 2, 2025. Kelly Geraldine Malone, The Canadian Press
Global News
02-05-2025
- Global News
U.S. charges 4 Mexicans for alleged human smuggling across Canadian border
The U.S. Department of Justice says four Mexican nationals have been charged with allegedly running a human smuggling operation across the Canadian border. A news release says the four men charged thousands of dollars to bring people from Mexico to Canada, then across the international border into northern New York. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy It says that on multiple occasions, the organization led local and federal law enforcement officers on high-speed vehicle chases along the Canada-U.S. border. Matthew R. Galeotti, head of the Justice Department's Criminal Division, says in the news release that the men made people record testimonial videos about their services but they were actually putting lives in danger. Edgar Sanchez-Solis, Ignacio Diaz-Perez, Samuel Diaz-Perez and Salvador Diaz-Diaz were charged with conspiracy to bring people to the U.S. and 25 counts of bringing people illegally to the United States for profit. Story continues below advertisement The department says two of the men were arrested in the U.S., while the other two have been removed from the country.
Toronto Sun
02-05-2025
- Toronto Sun
U.S. lays charges alleging human smuggling across Canadian border
Published May 02, 2025 • 1 minute read A sign at the U.S.-Canada border is pictured at the Peace Arch border crossing in Blaine, Wash., on March 5. Photo by JASON REDMOND / AFP via Getty Images WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Justice says four Mexican nationals have been charged with allegedly running a human smuggling operation across the Canadian border. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account A news release says the four men charged thousands of dollars to bring people from Mexico to Canada, then across the international border into northern New York. It says that on multiple occasions, the organization led local and federal law enforcement officers on high-speed vehicle chases along the Canada-U.S. border. Matthew R. Galeotti, head of the Justice Department's Criminal Division, says in the news release that the men made people record testimonial videos about their services but they were actually putting lives in danger. Edgar Sanchez-Solis, Ignacio Diaz-Perez, Samuel Diaz-Perez and Salvador Diaz-Diaz were charged with conspiracy to bring people to the U.S. and 25 counts of bringing people illegally to the United States for profit. The department says two of the men were arrested in the U.S., while the other two have been removed from the country. Toronto Maple Leafs Editorial Cartoons Toronto & GTA Toronto & GTA Canada
