Four defendants, Marco Medina, David Gutierrez, Emilio Noyola and Sixto Salinas were arrested last week. Quentin, Calfornia, with frequency. Texas Syndicate: Prison Gang Profile Reported US prison locations In 1978, in California, making the Texas Syndicate the oldest prison gang in Texas' history. Prison units are individually controlled by a local chairman and vice chairman. Texas Syndicate - Texas Syndicate If convicted, all 14 face a maximum statutory sentence of life in prison. at Oakdale. The symbols and meanings behind gang-related tattoos - Chron An official website of the United States government. Victor Emajae Coronado, 50, was arrested Saturday and is being held in Harris County Jail with no bond. A locked padlock Despite the influx of young members who have their own style, Darby said the Texas Syndicate remains a force. Although the rules of the Texas Syndicate exclude shady or devious characters, members who commit murders, aggravated assaults, robberies, or traffic in illegal drugs are not classified as being of bad character. Fernando Gonzalez (right) walks to an awaiting van while joining six alleged members of the Texas Syndicate at a hearing at John Wood Federal Courthouse on charges of racketeering on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011. Lt. Santos Cadena, Commander of the Dallas Police Department Gang Unit said, The Dallas Police Department Gang Unit is firmly committed to working with our federal counterparts to aggressively pursue the prosecution of violent gang members, such as those named in todays indictments. Of those indicted, 14 are to be submitted for consideration. Throughout that specific decade, the state of California saw the birth of several criminal organizations. Each defendant agreed that a conspirator would commit at least two acts of racketeering activity. Members of the Texas Syndicate are bound by a set of rules that ensure loyalty and participation in the enterprise's criminal activities and are subject to strict and harsh discipline, including death, for violating the rules. The Texas Syndicate, more than La Eme or Nuestra Familia, has been more associated or allied with Mexican immigrant prisoners, such as the "Border . Munch, age 29 Indictments this week charge 18 members of the Texas Syndicate with crimes including drug trafficking, racketeering, conspiracy and murder. She later covered criminal justice and the Harris County courthouse. Texas Legislature Online Senate Members Help | FAQ | Site Map | Contact | Login Juan Carlos Castilleja, age 29 of New Braunfels, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; Roman Gabriel Luna, age 34 of Austin, 500 grams or more of methamphetamine/one kilogram of heroin; Brandon Carrasco, age 21 of Kenedy, TX, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; David Cantu, age 46 of Gonzales, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; John Vera, age 26 of Gonzales, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; Josh Vera, age 26 of Gonzales, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; Lisa Anzaldua, age 31 of Luling, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; Noemi Medina, age 25 of Seguin, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; Paul Villarreal, age 45 of Luling, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; Michael Armstead, age 47 of San Marcos, less than 50 grams of methamphetamine; Steven Klasing, age 37 of Austin, less than 50 grams of methamphetamine/less than 100 grams of heroin; Rafael Salas, age 38 of San Antonio, one kilogram or more of heroin; and. Full Name: Texas Syndicate; At the heart of that case: A Syndicate gangster turned federal informant was taken to Hooters by his buddies. Mendoza, who has been an enforcer for the Syndicate, went out on his own when he stabbed a Baytown man who was not a Syndicate enemy. "In that indictment all you see is drug dealers getting robbed, ex-members getting killed. Today, the Texas Syndicate is both a prison and a street gang. $99.99. "Even though they are considered criminals and that kind of stuff, the ones I grew up with, it was all about respect.". After building tenders disappeared due to a court order, the Syndicate's activities turned to drug trafficking, extortion, prostitution, protection, illegal gambling, and contract killing. Get a 42-inch oscillating fan for 15% off with this deal. In this photo, Manuel Mancha (center) coldy stares at cameras while joining six other alleged members of the Texas Syndicate at a hearing at John Wood Federal Courthouse on charges of racketeering in 2011 in San Antonio. These would mostly come to life within the prison system; both as a physical response to assaults and as a way to achieve greater racial unity. a deadly weapon in 2001 at the Federal Correctional Institute At 62, he has two murder convictions and is serving time in the Goree Unit. 6 of 9 7 of 9 Jerry Donel (in black) is one of six alleged members of the Texas Syndicate that had a hearing at John Wood Federal Courthouse on charges of racketeering on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011. His Challengers Say the Community Needs 'New Energy. 1:41PM. The Latino gang long has provided a blueprint for gangs of all races climbing into the major leagues of crime. He instead charged at the deputy while continuing to swing the weapon, a district attorneys office spokesman said. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. He was walking on Airline Boulevard when a deputy asked him to drop the knife. I did this to myself. Each defendant agreed that a conspirator would commit at least two acts of racketeering activity. This is a carousel. Texas Syndicate members frequently refer to each other as "carnal" (brother) and maintain a distinct identity by establishing and enforcing specific TS rules, holding meetings, utilizing TS gang signs (horns), and by maintaining a close relationship with fellow gang members and their associates throughout the state. The indictment alleges that the conspiracy began in the mid-1990's and continued up to the date of this indictment. Outside, the gang works as many others criminal organizations in the US. Bodies have turned up all over Texas, with dozens of the gang's members and associates prosecuted in Austin, Dallas and Houston. The 2023 NFL Draft runs April 2729 live from Kansas City, Missouri. Mauricio Fernandez, assistant special agent in charge of the DEA's San Antonio office, touted the cooperative effort involving several other agencies in the area in helping knock out the Texas Syndicate in San Antonio.. Most notably, the Los Zetas cartel has been known to count on members of the Texas Syndicate to plan and carry out murders, armed assaults and other violent wet-work. 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Watt tweets the 2 things he doesn't miss about Houston, One of Houston's tallest skyscrapers to become apartment complex, Greg Abbott announces $50k reward for information on Cleveland shooting, Massive Coastal Bend ranch up for sale near Texas next big state park, Texas man catches massive alligator snapping turtle, then releases it back into the wild, Property north of San Antonio set to become a new Texas state park, Uber ranks Houston among the most 'forgetful' U.S. cities, How former KPRC 2 anchor Dominique Sachse is getting back to reporting. Recruitment is achieved by demonstrating a "homeboy connection," Fourteen Members or Associates of Texas Syndicate Prison Gang Charged The three-count indictment charges the 14 defendants listed below, all of whom are either in state or federal custody, with conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organization (RICO) statute. Of the handful of prison gangs in Texas, the TS had operated mainly in the other big cities in the state -- Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth and Austin. Texas Syndicate gang member accused of swinging knife while - Chron "When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, he had only Ten Commandments. Comprised of Texans involved in HIV prevention and care, Texas HIV Syndicate members engage in collective learning through ongoing conversation and exploration of topics that affect . Mexican Mafia members sent to prison for slashings, shootings, drugs - mySA for the Texas Syndicate must surrender a 10% tax of all proceeds Coronado has previously been charged and convicted on multiple felony offenses, including unauthorized use of a vehicle, attempted aggravated assault, assault of a family member and multiple drug possessions. Keep the wins going with our discounted package. 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General Info Texas' biggest gang threats - San Antonio Express-News Several similar crackdowns on a rival gang, the Texas Mexican Mafia, historically the dominant gang in San Antonio, have resulted in a power vacuum that created opportunity for others, including the Texas Syndicate, officials said. The main activities of the TS are centered on drug trafficking, extortion, protection rackets, and internal discipline and contract murdering. The indictment alleges that the defendants are members, or associates, of the Texas Syndicate prison gang, a violent prison gang established during the 1970's as a response by native Texas inmates to other prison gangs. 3.2: Criminal Gang Members - Workforce LibreTexts The full release is below. and contract murder. She is a former reporting fellow for the Dallas Morning News' state bureau and a former city hall reporter for The Galveston County Daily News. local news and culture, Robert Wilonsky Today, the U.S. Attorney's office announced the indictment of 14 members of the notorious prison gang. Big Homie, age 34 Texas Syndicate | Law Office of Sylvia A Cavazos | San Antonio, Texas He was joined by members of several law enforcement agencies involved. After [3] Syndicate members have been known to carry out contract killings for Los Zetas, the paramilitary wing of the Gulf Cartel. Ranking They've been charged with "conspiring to participate in a violent enterprise responsible for murders, attempted murders, conspiracies to commit murder, robbery, drug trafficking, and other crimes in North Texas and other areas." [4][5], The Texas Syndicate was established at Folsom State Prison in California in 1978 in direct response to the other California prison gangs, notably the Aryan Brotherhood and Mexican Mafia, which were attempting to prey on native Texas inmates. The indictment alleges that the defendants are members, or associates, of the Texas Syndicate prison gang, a violent prison gang established during the 1970's as a response by native Texas inmates to other prison gangs. "The arrests made as part of Operation Last Dance in San Antonio and the surrounding areas conclude a comprehensive investigation by DEA and our law enforcement partners into the criminal activities of violent local street gangs to include members of the Mexican Mafia, Texas Syndicate, and their criminal associates," said DEA Special Agent in . The Syndicate's other crime of choice is home invasions, ripping off dealers by smashing down doors and stealing their dope and cash. of certain numbers interspersed throughout the letter are combined He has also covered immigration, minority affairs and legal affairs as part of the projects team here and for other print, TV and radio outlets. Performance meets portability with Apple's 2023 MacBook Pro. Rivals: Mexican Mafia, Tengo Blast, Nuestra Familia. All of the defendants remain in federal custody. Whether youre shopping Way Day 2023 or Walmart, theres an al fresco set for you. The 90s and The Cartels Despite changes that have come since the Texas Syndicate was founded in the 1970s, authorities said the state's original prison gang has dwindled in size but remains a significant threat. If convicted, all face a maximum statutory sentence of life in prison: Roy Arredondo, Jr., a.k.a. Tri-City Bombers Federal Correctional Institute at Oakdale, Louisiana, and in San U.S. Attorney Roper said, This case is an excellent example of the collaborative efforts of the federal government and local law enforcement working together to aggressively deal with drug, gun and violent gang activity here in North Texas. But the convictions didn't stop federal authorities from pursuing other charges against members of the prison gang. The main objective of the Texas Syndicate was that of offering protection to other native Texan inmates. Generator vs power station: Which one is right for you? OF 14 MEMBERS OR ASSOCIATES OF When violent criminals band together to run their criminal organization like a business, this office will use every statute at its disposal to defeat the objective of the criminal enterprise. In 1989, Noe Beltran was a leader of the Texas Syndicate prison Detention hearings are expected to occur over the next two weeks in U.S. Magistrate Court in Austin for all defendants except May. [1] The Texas Syndicate has approximately 1,300 members, the majority of whom are Mexican American males aged between 20 and 40. He is locked in a cell by himself 23 hours a day for his entire sentence. Samantha Ketterer is a Houston Chronicle reporter covering higher education. Buy Now. Texas Syndicate Members Convicted In Federal Court In Del Rio Members of Mexican cartel La Familia arrested in Canada - Chron Not the prison whites worn by an inmate. While in prison, members ensure the safety of both allies and other affiliates. [2] The Syndicate is the oldest Texan prison gang. The Syndicate claims not to kill innocent people, but does go after those who betray them. Because he is a member of the Syndicate - considered by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to be one of a dozen especially dangerous gangs - he serves his time under the harshest conditions in the prison system. As a street gang, heavy activity Instead, this category is interpreted more narrowly to exclude child molesters and those who fail to follow the rules of the Texas Syndicate. president elected by the general member population. Northern District of Texas, PHONE: (214)659-8600 Syndicate in prison, sentenced for drug possession in 2000. Among the Syndicate's main rules: Once you join, you are in for life and the gang comes before your blood family, God or anything else. basis to prevent counter-codes by law-enforcement. Texas Syndicate moved into Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) prisons . Samantha, who is from Houston's suburbs, graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and is a proud alumna of The Daily Texan. U.S. Attorney Roper praised the excellent investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the North Texas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Agency and the Dallas Police Department. Coronado was hit with a stun gun and was handcuffed. NameAge - Residence -Statutory Sentence, Donald Trevino (aka Fluffy, D, Uno, Gordo) 32 San Antonio 25 years to life imprisonment, Rodolfo Villalobos (aka Fluffy, Chubs, Oro) 38 San Antonio 15 years to life imprisonment, David Botello (aka Torito, Bully, Bullyman) 50 San Antonio 15 years to life imprisonment, David Cortez Jr. (aka Tazmanian, Taz) 29 San Antonio 10 years to life imprisonment, Moses Chavez (aka Moe, Mighty Mouse) 40 San Antonio 10 years to life imprisonment, **Nicholas Neaves (aka Snoopster, Snoop) 25 San Antonio 10 years to life imprisonment, Richard Agueros, III (aka Herc) 36 San Antonio 10 years to life imprisonment, Robert Arzola Jr. 41 San Antonio 10 years to life imprisonment, **Luz Del Carmen Velarde-Campos (aka Prima) 33 San Antonio 10 years to life imprisonment, Aaron Muniz (aka Primo) 36 San Antonio 10 years to life imprisonment, Isabel Hernandez-Garcia 35 San Antonio 10 years to life imprisonment, Joseph Lloyd Vonallman (aka Jv) 36 San Antonio up to 20 years imprisonment, Domestic Cannabis Suppression / Eradication Program, Red Ribbon Toolkit - Resources For Your Community, DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Intelligence Research Specialist Job Announcements, Schedule A Hiring Authority: Intelligence Research Specialist, Privacy Impact Assessment and Management Information Systems, Victim Witness Assistance Program Resources.