Nicholas J. Ganjei United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
A federal indictment has been unsealed in Houston, revealing charges against 15 individuals involved in a narcotics and weapons conspiracy. Nine of the accused, including James Michael Brewer, Jonathan Alvarado, Alexis Delgado, Hector Luis Lopez, Kylie Rae Alvarado, Ruby Mata, Victor Norris Ellison, Mexi Dyan Garcia, and Jesus Gomez-Rodriguez have made initial court appearances. Three others are currently in custody and will appear in court soon. Meanwhile, three suspects remain fugitives with warrants issued for their arrests.
The indictment alleges that the defendants were part of a drug trafficking organization distributing methamphetamine and other drugs using various methods such as the U.S. mail and a taco truck. U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei emphasized the importance of border enforcement efforts to prevent narcotics from entering the country.
Matthew R. Galeotti from the Justice Department's Criminal Division stated that several defendants also allegedly used firearms to support their drug activities despite previous felony convictions. Chad Plantz from ICE-HSI highlighted the dismantling of this transnational criminal organization as a significant step toward reducing violent crime in Houston.
The investigation was led by ICE-HSI and the Houston Police Department with support from federal agencies like the FBI and ATF. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Francisco Rodriguez along with Trial Attorneys Ralph Paradiso and Amanda Kotula.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America and the Criminal Division’s Violent Crime Initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration, cartels, and violent crimes through coordinated efforts across various law enforcement agencies.
An indictment serves as an accusation rather than evidence; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty through due process.
