TEXAS
Eleven Seguin-based Texas Mexican Mafia members and associates were indicted on federal drug charges.
During this investigation, authorities seized approximately three pounds of heroin, approximately 13 pounds of powder cocaine, one pound of “crystal” methamphetamine; one pound of marijuana and about $60,000 and six firearms.
The defendants face up to 20 years in federal prison if they are convicted. Those defendants arrested Friday remain in jail pending detention hearings.
Those arrested include:
Joey Mertz Gonzales (aka “Wheel Chair”), age 47, of Seguin
Jeffrey Ozell Sarabia (aka “Guero”), age 43, of Seguin;
Eddie Flores (aka “Lil E”), age 29, of Seguin;
Carlos Rios, age 45, of Live Oak, TX;
David Phillip Urdiales (aka “Termite”), age 37, of New Braunfels;
Cruz Carlos Acosta, age 36, of New Braunfels;
Noel Arce, age 44, of Mario, TX; and,
Mario Albert Leal, Jr. (aka “Lil Man”), age 34, of Seguin.
Authorities are still searching for: Adrian Francisco Barbosa (aka “Lil A”), age 29, of New Braunfels; John Gary Ortiz (aka “Big John”), age 30, of Seguin; and, Christopher James Davila (aka “Luck”), age 32, of Seguin.
A federal grand jury charged the defendants with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Rios is also charged with three counts; Acosta and Arce, two counts; and, the remaining defendants with one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. The indictment alleges that the defendants are responsible for distributing heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine in the Seguin and New Braunfels areas since 2010.
The defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.