In San Antonio, federal, state and local authorities have arrested twelve Texas Mexican Mafia (TMM) members and associates on federal drug charges in connection with a methamphetamine/heroin/cocaine trafficking operation in the San Antonio area, announced U.S. Attorney John F. Bash; Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Steven S. Whipple, Houston Division; San Antonio Police Chief William McManus; and, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar.
A federal grand jury this week returned an eight–count indictment against all twelve defendants (listed below) -- ten who were arrested today and two who were already in custody prior to today. Charges alleged in the indictment include: conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance; possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance; and, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
The indictment alleges that the defendants are responsible for distributing controlled substances from July 2020 to September 23, 2020.
During today’s arrests, authorities seized a total of 15 firearms, approximately 20 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine, quantities of cocaine and an undetermined amount of U.S. currency. Prior to today, this operation has resulted in the seizure of approximately 20 kilograms of methamphetamine, two kilograms of heroin and 18 firearms.
The defendants, with the exception of Vonallman, face lengthy mandatory federal prison terms upon conviction. All of the defendants remain in custody awaiting detention hearings in federal court beginning next week.
“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 Charge Steven S. Whipple, Houston Field Division. “This investigation reflects DEA’s commitment to make sure communities across Texas are safe and prevent gang members involved in drug distribution and other violent criminal activity from establishing a foothold in our neighborhoods.”
This indictment resulted from an Texas Anti-Gang Center (TAG) investigation conducted by San Antonio TAG member agencies including the DEA, FBI, San Antonio Police Department’s Gang Unit, Bexar County Sheriff’s Department, Bexar County District Attorney’s Office, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Texas Department of Criminal Justice-Office of Inspector General, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
The purpose of the TAG Center in San Antonio is to provide a one-stop information sharing environment for federal, state and local law enforcement to combat and target gang violence in and around San Antonio. The goal is to disrupt the command and control of criminal gangs through prevention, intervention and suppression of their unlawful enterprises.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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Name, Age, 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, 0 years to life imprisonment
Joseph Lloyd Vonallman (aka “Jv”), 36, San Antonio, up to 20 years imprisonment
** Already in custody prior to today
The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.
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| Component | USAO - Texas, Western; |
| OIG | Department of Homeland Security OIG |