LAREDO, Texas - A 16-count indictment has been returned against three Laredo men detailing firearms and multiple methamphetamine trafficking charges, some allegedly occurring within school zones, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.
The indictment alleges that from on or about May 24, 2013, to June 28, 2013, Luis Macias-Molinas, 31, and Ricardo Rosas Jr., 26, did knowingly conspire with each other to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine. Also named in the indictment but not charged in the conspiracy is Manuel Aguilar, aka Chino, 24.
The indictment was returned July 23, 2013, and unsealed upon Aguilar’s arrest last Friday. He made his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Guillermo R. Garcia Monday, July 29, at which time he was ordered into custody pending a detention hearing to be held this morning. At the hearing today, additional information was provided including Aguilar’s prior criminal record, after which Judge Garcia ordered him to remain in custody pending further criminal proceedings.
Macias-Molinas and Rosas have been in custody on related charges. Rosas also appeared today, at which time he was also ordered to remain in custody. Macias-Molinas waived his appearance and will remain in custody.
Two counts of the indictment include allegations that on or about June 28, 2013, Macias-Molinas and Rojas possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams and another 500 grams and more of a mixture containing methamphetamine. The charges also include allegations that Macias-Molinas possessed with the intent to distribute 50 grams of methamphetamine on June 25, 2013.
These convictions carry varying terms of possible imprisonment, ranging from five years up to life in federal prison.
Moreover, on or about June 14, 2013, Macias-Molinas and Rojas did knowingly distribute 50 grams of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of Mary Help of Christian School, a private school, according to the allegations. On two additional occasions, Macias-Molinas allegedly distributed methamphetamine in a school zone - once within 1000 feet of Clark Elementary School, a public elementary school, and another again near Mary Help of Christian School.
For the conspiracy charge, Macias-Molinas and Rosas face up to life in prison, if convicted. For possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine within a school zone, Macias will face a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison for each of the three counts, while Rosas will serve a minimum of five and up to 80 years in federal prison, upon conviction.
On or about June 28, 2013, according to the indictment, Macias-Molinas also knowingly possessed in and affecting commerce, six Bushmaster.223 caliber rifles and a Smith and Wesson.357 caliber revolver. As a convicted felon, Macias-Molinas is prohibited by federal law of possessing a firearm. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison for each of the seven firearms counts as charged in the indictment.
On that same date, Aguilar allegedly possessed a Taurus.380 caliber Automatic Colt Pistol. As a convicted felon, he is also prohibited from doing so and will also face up to 10 years in federal prison upon conviction. The indictment further charges Aguilar with one count of possessing with intent to distribute five grams or less of cocaine for which he faces up to 20 years and a possible $1 million fine, upon conviction.
The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Laredo Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Sanjeev Bhasker and Homero Ramirez are prosecuting the case.
A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
