United States Attorney Richard B. Roper
Northern District of Texas

SEVEN MEMBERS OF COCAINE TRAFFICKING CONSPIRACY
ARRESTED IN ELLIS COUNTY, TEXAS

DALLAS — Seven alleged members of a cocaine-trafficking organization operating in the Ellis County, Texas, area, were arrested this morning without incident by federal, state and local law enforcement officers in an early morning round-up, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas and James L. Capra, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Dallas Division. Nicholas Castillo remains a fugitive. All eight defendants are charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in Dallas. Named in the indictment are:

Rene Castillo, 26, of Ennis, TX
Teresa Castillo, 48, of Ennis, TX
Nicholas Castillo, 27, of Ennis, TX
Heidi Royball, 24, of Ennis, TX
Richie Hovis, 20, of Ennis, TX
Will Hodges, 33, of Ennis, TX
Claudio Flores, 32, of Ennis, TX
Ramon Ornealas, a/k/a “Smokey,” 27 , of Ennis, TX

According to the indictment, from January 1, 2006 through March 23, 2007, the defendants conspired to possess with intent to distribute and distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine. The indictment also includes a forfeiture allegation which upon conviction, will require the defendants to forfeit three parcels of real property located on Liska Road in Ennis, Texas, and one parcel of real property located on Brown Street in Ennis, Texas.

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, each of the defendants face a maximum statutory sentence of not less than five and up to 40 years in prison and a fine of up to $2 million.

U.S. Attorney Roper praised the excellent investigative efforts of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, Waxahachie Police Department, Ennis Police Department, Ellis County District Attorney’s Office, Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, and the U.S. Marshals Service. Deputy Criminal Chief Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Guess and Assistant United States Attorney Brandon McCarthy are prosecuting the case.

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