Five Charged In Galveston With Distributing Methamphetamine

GALVESTON, Texas - A four-count federal indictment has been unsealed in Galveston following the arrest of five area residents, announced United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson.

Abel Hinojosa, 34, Nelson Agapito Ventura, 37, Daniel Reyna, 33, Israel Sanchez, 20, were taken into custody today and made their initial appearances in federal court in Galveston before U.S. Magistrate Judge John R. Froeschner. A fifth defendant - Rodolfo Hernandez Perez, 26 - was previously in custody. A detention hearing is set for Tuesday, July 15, 2014.

The indictment was returned May 15, 2014, and unsealed upon the arrests of the La Marque residents today. All five are charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with the Intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine as well as more than 500 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine in the Galveston Division of the Southern District of Texas. 

Perez and Hinojosa are further charged with one and three counts, respectfully, of possession with intent to distribute varying amounts of methamphetamine. The indictment also includes a notice of forfeiture.   

Each face a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison for the conspiracy. The possession with intent charges against Hinojosa and Perez also carry varying terms of either a minimum of five and up to 40 or another minimum of 10 and up to life for the underlying drug offenses.

The case is being investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations and Galveston Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Ted Imperato and Sharad Khandelwal are prosecuting.

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence.
The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until convicted through due process of law.