SENTENCING - JEAN LOUI VARGAS-MALAVE
On January 31, Jean Loui Vargas-Malave, 29, was sentenced 10 years in federal custody for conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. Vargas-Malave agreed to smuggle controlled substances onto commercial airlines at the Dallas/Ft. Worth International Airport (DFWIA). He, along with coconspirators, bypassed security at the DFWIA and loaded what they believed to be methamphetamine onto an American Airlines flight to Newark, New Jersey. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Criminal Investigations Division of the Internal Revenue Service, and the Dallas Police Department. This case was prosecuted by AUSA George Leal, AUSA John De La Garza, and AUSA John Kull.
GUILTY PLEA – HECTOR TORRES-GONZALEZ
On February 4, Hector Torres-Gonzalez, 44, pled guilty to aiding and abetting possession with the intent to distribute heroin. Torres-Gonzalez admitted to agreeing to distribute 24 kilograms of methamphetamine, 13 kilograms of heroin, and 91 grams of cocaine in April of 2019. Agents also found a pistol and $12,520 in Torres-Gonzalez’ possession. He faces up to 20 years in federal custody for his crimes. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and is prosecuted by AUSA Rachael Jones.
SENTENCING – AUSTIN DAVID REED
On February 3, Austin David Reed, 27, was sentenced to 15 years in federal custody for the crimes of carjacking and using, carrying, and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Reed stole a 2006 Acura from a victim by threatening the victim at gunpoint. After stealing the car, Reed led the officers pursuing him on a dangerous chase. Please click here to hear more about this case. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Dallas Police Department and was prosecuted by AUSA Ryan Raybould.
SENTENCING – JOHNNATTAN RAMIREZ
On February 3, Johnnattan Ramirez, 37, was sentenced to 25 years in federal custody and $182,942.96 in restitution for 3 counts related to robbery and 2 counts related to brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Ramirez was involved in three separate robberies of diamond and jewelry salesmen. Ramirez and his coconspirators would rent vehicles, conduct surveillance of the salesmen, and then apprehend their victims. The coconspirators would threaten the salesmen with guns and take their valuables, however on one occasion they also abducted a victim and took him to a nearby apartment complex. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and prosecuted by AUSA Ryan Raybould.
SENTENCING – CRYSTAL DOUGLAS
On February 3, Chrystal Douglas, 35, was sentenced to 9 years in federal custody for maintaining a drug involved premises. Douglas allowed her coconspirator to conduct methamphetamine sales at her home in Arlington. In exchange, Douglas would receive personal use amounts of methamphetamine. Sometimes, Douglas was unaware of the amounts of methamphetamine being bought and sold in her house. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by AUSA Shawn Smith.