Fifteen suspected gang members from Houston have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their alleged involvement in a sophisticated drug-trafficking operation that reportedly utilized a taco truck and the U.S. mail for distribution.
The indictment details that the members were part of a criminal organization accused of distributing a wide array of narcotics, including methamphetamine, powder cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, oxycodone, Xanax, psilocybin mushrooms, and marijuana.
Authorities claim that the group managed multiple drug houses as well as a food truck used to store illegal substances and conduct transactions.
The investigation leading to these indictments began in April 2022, with significant findings emerging over the course of the inquiry.
Matthew R. Galeotti, the head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, provided insight into the operation, stating, “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.”
He further added, “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.”
Among the most notable developments in this case was the seizure of 29 kilograms of methamphetamine in June 2023 when one of the suspects attempted to transport the drugs into the United States.
The unsealing of the 29-count indictment on May 22 followed the arrest of nine individuals purported to play key roles in the trafficking scheme.
The indicted individuals include Houston residents James Michael Brewer, aka ‘Creeper’, aged 33; Jonathan Alvarado, aka ‘Joker’, aged 28; Alexis Delgado, aka ‘Chino’, aged 28; and Hector Luis Lopez, aka ‘Capulito’, aged 23, among others.
Additional suspects include Kylie Rae Alvarado, Ruby Mata, Victor Norris Ellison, Mexi Dyan Garcia, aka ‘Mexi’, and Jesus Gomez-Rodriguez, aka ‘Jr.’, all of whom made their initial appearances in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas on May 22.
Charges were also brought against Enzo Xavier Dominguez, aka ‘Smiley’; William Alexander Lazo, aka ‘Miclo’; and Alfredo Gomez, aka ‘Fredo’. These individuals are currently in custody and are expected to appear in court soon.
Three other suspects believed to be involved in the trafficking operation are still at large, with outstanding warrants issued for their arrests. They are Jose Francisco Garcia-Martinez, aka ‘Paco’; Marcos Rene Simaj-Guch, known as Taco Man; and Jose Eduardo Morales, aka ‘Primo’.
The implications of the indictment are severe, with some defendants potentially facing life sentences upon conviction, except for Simaj-Guch, who faces a maximum of 40 years.
Furthermore, Brewer and several others face additional firearm-related charges that could carry up to 15 more years in prison.
ICE HSI Houston Special Agent in Charge Chad Plantz commented on the gravity of the situation, stating, “For years, the transnational criminal organization allegedly operated by these gang members has brazenly flooded our local communities with deadly narcotics.”
He emphasized the successful collaboration between the Houston Police Department and the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, declaring their mission to dismantle the trafficking scheme as vital in reducing violent crime and preventing addiction in Houston.
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