United States Attorney
Northern District of Texas

1100 Commerce St., 3rd Fl.
Dallas, Texas 75242-1699

Telephone (214) 659-8600
Fax (214) 767-0978

LOCAL METHAMPHETAMINE RING LEADER
CHARGED WITH AGGRAVATED ASSAULT ON A FEDERAL OFFICER

Federal Indictments Charge 13 Defendants
with Drug Conspiracy, Distribution and Firearms Charges ---
All Face Up to Life Imprisonment Without Parole

Two superseding indictments returned earlier this week by a federal grand jury in Dallas charge 13 defendants with various offenses related to their operation of a methamphetamine distribution ring in the Dallas area, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper. One indictment was unsealed today, and the other indictment remains sealed as to four of its eight named defendants, pending arrest of these defendants.

One of these superseding indictments charges ringleader Alejandro Tamayo, age 44, with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, one count of possession of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and two counts of assault on a federal officer. Tamayo was arrested by officers of the Dallas Police Department on February 16, 2006, at his home at 1228 Oak Park in Dallas, when he fired upon and injured two Dallas Police Department SWAT officers who were assisting agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration in the execution of a federal search and arrest warrant. During that search, law enforcement officers seized approximately $130,000 in U.S. currency, eight firearms and approximately two kilograms of cocaine. The superseding indictment also includes two forfeiture counts which would require Tamayo, upon conviction, to forfeit to the United States his residence at 1228 Oak Park Drive in Dallas, four vehicles, approximately $145,000 in currency and funds, and the eight firearms and ammunition seized during the execution of the search warrant.


Defendants Pavel Nieto-Garcia, age 22, Steven Cortez, a/k/a “Burro,” age 33, and Adrian Montiel, age 51, are charged in the indictment with Tamayo and each is charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Pavel Nieto-Garcia also faces firearms charges.

The other related superseding indictment also charges each of the following defendants with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine:

• Wally Lupe Cobos, age 58
• Donovan Whitehorse, age 20
• Jessie Rodriguez, age 33
• Jessie Mojica, age 57
• Arturo Gonzalez, a/k/a “Tury,” age 42

Defendant Jessie Mojica is also charged with one count of possession with the intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. This superseding indictment also includes two forfeiture counts. One would require Wally Lupe Cobos, upon conviction, to forfeit to the United States his residence at 2225 SE 14th Street in Grand Prairie, Texas, two vehicles, miscellaneous electronic and video equipment, and miscellaneous jewelry and the other count would require Jesse Mojica, upon conviction, to forfeit his property at 922 S. Edgefield in Dallas and three firearms.
An indictment is an accusation by a federal grand jury and a defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty. However, if convicted on these charges, each defendant faces a statutory sentence of a minimum of 10 years imprisonment and a maximum of life imprisonment.

U.S. Attorney Roper thanked and praised the excellent cooperative investigative work of the North Texas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) which includes the Drug Enforcement Administration; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Immigration and Customs Enforcement; and the Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington and Grand Prairie Police Departments. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Suzanna O. Estessam.

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