A Mexican national accused of involvement in a major drug trafficking conspiracy has been returned to the United States from Mexico and is expected to face charges in the Southern District of Texas, according to U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Juan Carlos Sanchez Gaytan, 37, made his initial appearance in Arizona after being transferred from Mexico. He is one of 26 fugitives handed over by Mexican authorities on August 12 under Mexico’s National Security Law, each facing various federal and state criminal charges across the United States.
“The Southern District of Texas has been waiting 15 long years for Mr. Sanchez Gaytan to accept our invitation to come pay us a visit in Laredo. That day, at long last, has finally arrived,” said Ganjei. “We look forward to laying out the evidence of Mr. Sanchez Gaytan’s alleged criminal activities to 12 men and women of South Texas, who will decide whether or not to extend his stay.”
Sanchez Gaytan was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2010 on charges related to conspiring to possess with intent to distribute marijuana and cocaine. The indictment names a total of 34 individuals connected with cartel activity along the U.S.-Mexico border between 2001 and 2008.
The indictment alleges that Miguel Angel Trevino Morales, also known as Z40, led the Gulf Cartel and its enforcement group, the Zetas, during this period. The groups were allegedly involved in violent conflict with the Sinaloa Cartel over control of territory around Laredo known as the “Nuevo Laredo Plaza.” According to court documents, members and associates of the Zetas transported firearms for use in this conflict.
Trevino Morales was transferred into U.S. custody earlier this year on charges including engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise involving murder conspiracies and large-scale distribution of cocaine and marijuana destined for U.S. markets. He is also accused of using firearms during drug trafficking crimes and money laundering.
If convicted, both Sanchez Gaytan and Trevino Morales could face life imprisonment.
Several co-defendants have already received lengthy prison sentences following convictions related to these cases: Wenslaco Tovar (Wency), Ivan Caballero-Velasquez (Talivan), Jaime Miguel Diaz DeLeon (Michael), and Eduardo Carreon Ibarra (Negro) received sentences ranging from 30 years up to life imprisonment; Gabriel Cardona Ramirez (Pelon) was sentenced to life in prison in March 2009.
The investigation—dubbed Operation Prophecy—was conducted by multiple agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Laredo Police Department, Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Texas Department of Public Safety, U.S. Marshals Service, Webb County District Attorney's Office and Sheriff’s Office; with assistance from the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brittany Jensen is prosecuting the case.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative focused on combating illegal immigration as well as dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations through coordinated efforts led by federal law enforcement agencies.
An indictment is a formal accusation; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty through due process.
