Search This Blog

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Borderland Beat

Borderland Beat

Link to Borderland Beat

Texas Justice: “Comandante Wicho" sentenced to 50 years, his brother 35

Posted: 10 Mar 2015 06:42 PM PDT

Lucio Borderland Beat Republished from My Harligen News and DOJ

Jose Luis Zuniga-Hernandez, [left]47, aka Wicho or XW or Comandante Wicho, has been ordered to federal prison along with his brother Armando Arizmendi Hernandez, 37, aka Comandante Mando or XW2.  

Convictions were; conspiracy to import more than five kilograms of cocaine and more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana between January 2002 and July 2013, announced United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson along with Janice Ayala, special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in San Antonio. 


Both defendants previously pleaded guilty and, as part of their pleas, also agreed to a $5 million forfeiture. 

Today, Senior U.S. District Judge Hilda G. Tagle, sentenced Zuniga-Hernandez to 50 years in federal prison, while Arizmendi Hernandez [below right]will serve a 35-year-term. 

During a sentencing hearing that was held on Feb. 4, 2015, the court heard evidence regarding
sentencing enhancements or increases in the calculated sentencing guideline ranges. During the hearing, the government presented evidence that allowed the court to find that the sentences for both should be enhanced because they utilized automatic weapons, grenades, homemade cannons and body armor to provided security during the purchase, transportation and distribution of narcotics.

The evidence also proved that both commanded, directed and engaged in violent confrontations with other criminal syndicates to maintain control of the plazas in Mexico. Both received enhancements for importation of methamphetamine into the United States, for bribing law enforcement to facilitate the crimes committed, for maintaining premises for the purpose of manufacturing or distributing a controlled substance.

Both also received enhancements because they committed the offense as part of a pattern of criminal conduct or livelihood. Finally, the court also found that both should receive an enhancement because the evidence showed they were leader/organizers of a criminal activity that involved five or more participants and was otherwise extensive.


"The arrest and prosecution of these individuals dealt a significant blow to the Gulf Cartel," said Ayala. "Today's sentencing marks the culmination of a sustained and dedicated effort by HSI Brownville and Attache Mexico special agents, RGV Sector Border Patrol agents, other federal and state and local partners and the U.S. Attorney's Office towards the dismantlement of transnational criminal organizations impacting public safety on both sides of our border with Mexico."

Zuniga-Hernandez served as plaza boss of the El Control, Tamaulipas, Plaza, for a large period of time between 2008 through 2011 and, during that time, Arizmendi-Hernandez was second in command. Arizmendi-Hernandez became the plaza boss of El Control on Nov. 6, 2010, when Zuniga-Hernandez assumed control of the Matamoros Plaza upon the death of Antonio Ezequiel Cardenas-Guillen. 

On March 28, 2011, Rafael Cardenas-Vela came to Matamoros to take over the plaza management duties and Zuniga-Hernandez returned to the El Control Plaza (also in Matamoros municipality). At that time, Arizmendi-Hernandez resumed his duties as second in command of the Plaza.

Cartel Del Golfo (CDG) plaza bosses are appointed to specific regions to help coordinate the importation and distribution of multi-ton shipments of cocaine, marijuana and other illicit narcotics within Mexico and into the United States. They are the lead representatives for the CDG in a particular region or town, responsible for maintaining control of the region and ensuring the safe passage of narcotics. The plaza boss also extracts a "piso," or payment, from others who want to transport narcotics for importation into the United States or operate businesses in that region.  

The evidence presented at sentencing indicated that Zuniga-Hernandez and the CDG smuggled more than one ton of cocaine through the Matamoros/El Control plaza areas and more that 3000 kilograms of marijuana into the United States per month. Planes and clandestine air strips were used to fly the cocaine into Mexico for later importation and distribution within the United States. 

Under his command were approximately 120 lookouts and 60 estacas (a vehicle occupied by three or four armed individuals). Thus, 60 estacas would be anywhere from 180 to 240 armed individuals patrolling the plaza. 

On Oct. 27, 2011, Zuniga-Hernandez and Arizmendi Hernandez fled into the United States with Juan Rincon-Rincon and Luis Ivan Nino-Duenes after a gun battle in Mexico involving a power struggle between the plazas of the CDG. 

All were found and arrested by the U.S. Border Patrol (USBP) hiding near the Rio Grande River. Upon their arrest, agents found a gold, diamond and ruby encrusted 38 Super Colt handgun, more than $39,000 and several cell phones. Evidence on those phones showed discussions with "Apa" about the gun battle and what to do in response. "Apa" was identified as Jorge Eduardo Costilla-Sanchez, the head of the CDG. 

Also found were videos of Arizmendi Hernandez, Zuniga-Hernandez and other members of the CDG in preparation for and after the Oct. 27, 2011, gun battle.

Zuniga-Hernandez and Arizmendi Hernandez had stipulated that the total relevant conduct during their leadership was well in excess of 150 kilograms of cocaine and 1,000 kilograms of marijuana. 


Both have agreed they obtained at least $5 million in drug proceeds as a result of the conspiracy. 

Both men will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The case was result of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation conducted by HSI, Drug Enforcement Administration and the Cameron County Sheriff's Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Angel Castro and Jody Young are prosecuting.

Will Hipolito Mora Seek Seat in Congress In Next Election

Posted: 10 Mar 2015 05:25 PM PDT

Borderland Beat by DD
UPDATE;  3/10 5:10 PM
Update below story

When I saw the headlines that announced the release of Hipolito Mora from prison my spirits were buoyed considerably.  Not only that Mora was exonerated from the Castillo trumped up charges of murder, but that here was an example of maybe the Mexican judicial system was not totally corrupt and they were a few honest judges on the bench.

Americano being "detained"
But then I read that "Americano" was to be released also and my spirits quickly plummeted.  My cynical nature quickly assumed there had been a deal made. Maybe made when "Americano" surrendered himself.  Either a deal because of political connections or just an outright bribe for which he was promised he wouldn't have to serve more than 90 days or so.  We'll probably never what the deal was, but when it came time to release him according to the deal the govt. realized that the because of all of the scandals recently that the media would come after them like sharks in a feeding frenzy if they released him and kept Mora imprisoned. 

Whatever the reasons I am glad Mora is out of prison.  


Last year, before his imprisonment, Mora had said he wanted to pursue a seat as a deputy
in the Chamber of Deputies in Congress.  Last month I posted a story here on BB that said Mora's candidacy for federal deputy was still viable.  And that was while he was still in prison.  

Now that he is free, it seems that it would be even easier for him to pursue that goal.  The time has come and gone for parties to designate candidates who will be on the ballot representing their respective parties, but because of Mexico's peculiar election laws he could still get a seat in the Chamber of Deputies.

There are 500 seats in the Chamber of Deputies = all of them up for election in June of this year.  The existing deputies cannot seek re-election under Mexican law.  Under the new election reforms recently passed by Congress, starting with the next election, deputies will be allowed to seek re-election in the future.

In accordance with the election laws, 300 of those deputies will be elected directly by the people.  The other 200 are selected by the party and their names do not appear on the ballot.  These candidates are "plurinominales", a class of representatives who obtain a seat in direct proportion to the percentage of votes their party gets in the General election. 

Last year when Mora expressed his desire to contend as a candidate for deputyship in the elections of 2015, however he did not indicate what party he would prefer to represent.  Speculation was that it might be the Labor Party (PT) or National Regeneration Movement (Morena) as a possibility, however Citizens Movement (DD; a registered political party) hinted that they are with the ex-leader of the AUC as he seeks a seat on the  federal council.

Like many here on BB I have had questions about Mora and his conduct and statements over the last few months.  But I am giving him the benefit of the doubt considering the position he has been in.  For example when he was released the first time he was jailed, he gave statements that were obviously scripted by Castillo et al, but if some one holds your fate and possibly your life in his hands, most people would do what is necessary to survive.

If he can gain a seat in the Congress the first benefit for him will be that he can't be arrested while in office.  A single deputy in Congress is not going to solve the problems in Mexico  I don't know that Mora's political career will rise above the Chamber of Deputies.t  But it gives him a platform from which to speak.  It would legitimize and elevate the status of the AUDs and bring back the spotlight for them.  That may help a lot in getting Dr. Mireles released.  It wouldn't hurt Mireles to have a friend in Congress.
 If Dr. Mireles is released, I think there would be a good chance that we could see a meteoric polittical career of a true hero of the people that Mexico so desperately needs.

UPDATE;   From the Forum post by Pepe

Partido Movimiento Cuidadano Chooses Hipólito and Dr. Mireles' Sister for Federal Deputy Posts 

 Morelia, Michoacán.-

Daniel Moncada Sanchez, state leader of the Citizens Movement Party (PMC), confirmed talks with Chavez Hipólito Mora to accept a nomination to a federal deputy position.

At a news conference, flanked by Dante Delgado, coordinator of the National Operating Committee of the PMC, and Manuel Antunez, candidate for governor of Michoacán, the party leader responded to the nagging question of whether the "Orange Party" is taking advantage of the figure of the newly liberated former leader of the self-defense forces: "of course we are taking advantage of his figure, his struggle, his story because he was unjustly imprisoned."  

He then questioned sternly, "if political parties nominate candidates in collusion with drug trafficking and organized crime, as happened in with PRD and the mayor post for the port of Lazaro Cardenas, you guys say 'bad!'  And if we seek a tested, honest and fighting man, who gives his life for the safety of his family and his neighbors, you guys says 'bad!'  So, who should we nominate as candidates?"

Finally the young politician confirmed that in the coming hours and days they will be meeting in the region of Tierra Caliente with the founder and former leader, to insist that he be their standard bearer for the Federal Chamber of Deputies.

Also, although he insisted that he will talk about the matter with the National Operating Committee, Dante Delgado, he noted that the negotiation and the information is solely the responsibility of the state party leaders.

 Virginia Mireles Valverde, sister of the founder and former leader of the AD's in Michoacán, José Manuel Mireles, this morning was nominated as a candidate for federal deputy for the sixth district in Cuidad Hidalgo, by the the Citizen Movement Party (PMC).

During the work of the state assembly of the "Orange Party," the doctor by profession received the most prolonged and warm applause from all assembly members. In approaching the podium and speaking on behalf of the women in the party, Virginia Mireles spoke of the struggle of her brother, imprisoned in a maximum security prison in Sonora, warning that she chose the field of politics to seek better living conditions for the citizens of Michoacan.

The "Orange Party" candidate then celebrated Hipólito Mora and his followers for their release from prison, hoping that her brother could also regain his freedom.

In Assembly to approve the registration of the party's candidate for governor, held this morning in the lounge Cantabria, Dante Delgado Rannauro, coordinator of the National Operating Committee of the Citizens Movement Party was also present.

 Thanks Bjeff for the help with the cut/paste!

Hipolito Mora Speaking Out: "Commissioner Castillo said to tear apart Dr. Mireles"

Posted: 10 Mar 2015 10:07 PM PDT

by Lucio with information from Pepe and BB autodefensa archive posts
Bishop Raul Vera of Saltillo, Dr Mireles and Hipolito in D.F. at a "Yo Soy Autodefensa" conference

It appears Hipolito is no longer afraid to speak the truth.He has been pushed to the edge where anger and resolve replaces fear.  He is speaking out against Alfredo Castillo and his vendetta and obsession against Dr. Manuel Mireles, a close friend of Hipolito. Mireles remains imprisoned in Hermosillo, Sonora.

Here is some of what Hipolito said since his release of yesterday:

Americano
"On one hand I feel good, and otherwise disappointed to learn that 'El Americano' and his people will also go free,  there is ample evidence that they were the aggressors.  But unfortunately they will have freedom, "he said. 

"The release of 'Americano' is proof that there is no justice in Mexico, you have to be a delinquent and belong to a cartel to have strength, it is so sad.

Their crime is so clear, many witnesses, yet the judge dares to vacate a pack of murderers." (from Aristegui)
The founder of the AUC in Michoacán stated that the judge who ruled that decision has thrown away his career and cannot go out with his head held high.
  
Hipolito says that after the events of December, there's now a "personal dispute" with "El Americano."

The reality is that Hipolito and Americano shared a personal dispute before December, surrounding issues relating to Americano's mother, and Hipolito's niece (at left) who once lived with Americano.  There was a land dispute and a civil case won by Mora.  However the murder of Hipolito's son by the Americano group, takes the dispute to a much greater level.

"Everything that we accomplished is now thrown in the trash when you let criminals free," he said on the release of Torres "El Americano."
In disagreement and visibly upset, this was the last meeting that Dr Mireles was kept in the loop, from then on he was excluded, and Castillo met in secrecy with hand picked autodefensas, such as El Americano to destroy both the Autodefensa Union and Dr. Mireles


On Mireles and Castillo: commissioner Castillo

Castillo's target's  bulls eye was Dr. Mireles.  He was not content in destroying the autodefensa movement, he wanted to destroy Dr. Mireles and his reputation.  Even as Mireles sat in prison, spending more than half the time in a hospital because he is not receiving his insulin regularly, Castillo made an odd and outrages statement to the press, that Mireles wanted to conquer and control not only Mexico, but all of Latin America.

 
Hipólito revealed that former Commissioner Alfredo Castillo asked him to "tear apart" Dr. Mireles.
 
"That man (Commissioner Alfredo Castillo) really annoys me. He wanted to control Michoacán with a big lie, using slander. That man does not deserve to hold any position in the government because he hurts the innocent more than the guilty ... Mireles is imprisoned unjustly because he was arrested for carrying a gun ... Viceroy Castillo asked me to speak ill of Mireles, to really tear him apart in an interview I was about to give. It really pissed me off. I'll never speak ill of Dr. Mireles," he explained.

"Castillo asked me to speak ill of the doctor, to help him screw over Dr. Mireles ... to say the worst things about Mireles to justify detaining him. This is what he said to me: 'help me - tear him up on television,'" he explained.  


The twice imprisoned, both times Americano was at the center of the conflict,  Hipolito says he is meeting with a political group regarding  running for office.

Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)