Authorities Arrest 24 In Maverick And Zavala Counties On Federal Charges
EAGLE PASS, Texas - Federal, state and local authorities have arrested 24 individuals in Maverick and Zavala counties based on federal drug trafficking and money laundering charges announced United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr., and Drug Enforcement (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Joseph M. Arabit today.
Those arrested today include:
Genaro Balboa-Falcon, age 47 of Mexico, and Joseph (a.k.a. “Cain”), age 30 of Crystal City, are considered fugitives.
A nine-count federal grand jury indictment, returned on Tuesday and unsealed this morning in Del Rio, charges the above-named defendants--with the exception of David Davalos, Jr. and Maricela Alvarado Davalos-with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. The indictment charges David Davalos, Jr. and Maricela Alvarado Davalos with using a cellular telephone to facilitate drug trafficking. David Davalos, Sr., Jacinto Davalos, and Bruce Davalos are also charged with one count of maintaining a residence for the distribution of cocaine. Genaro Balboa-Falcon, Sonia Balboa, Sucel Balboa, Baldemar Balboa, Wilibaldo Mora, Sr., Jorge
Rivera, Pura Esquivel and Teresa Lopez are also charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The indictment alleges that since October 1, 2012, the defendants were part of a cocaine distribution conspiracy operating primarily in the Eagle Pass and Crystal City areas. The indictment also seeks the criminal forfeiture of nine real estate properties-two in Eagle Pass and seven in Crystal City-alleged as proceeds derived from the illegal drug trafficking activities. The indictment also seeks a $5.98 million money judgement which represents the alleged proceeds derived from, and the value of property involved in, the criminal enterprise.
During this investigation, authorities have seized more than 2.5 kilograms of cocaine, approximately 660 pounds of marijuana, 36 firearms, 35 vehicles, a bullet-proof vest, and approximately $110,000 in U.S. currency attributed to the criminal enterprise.
Upon conviction of the drug conspiracy count and in accordance with individually charged cocaine amounts, Genaro Balboa-Falcon, Sonia Balboa, Wilibaldo Mora Sr, Jorge Rivera, David Davalos Jacinto Davalos and Bruce Davalos face between 10 years and life in federal prison; Sucel Balboa, Baldemar Balboa, Wilibaldo Mora, Jr., Pura Esquivel, Teresa Lopez, Angel Ramirez, Gerardo Figueroa, Robert Telles, Ramiro Ramirez, Ronald Davalos, Rogelio Davila, Jr., Rogelio Davila, Sr., Arturo Hernandez, Joseph Garza, Arnoldo Almedia, Simon Contreras, and Abelardo Rodriguez face up to 20 years in federal prison.
Upon conviction of maintaining a residence for the purpose of drug trafficking, the defendants face up to 20 years imprisonment. Upon conviction of conspiracy to commit money laundering, the defendants face up to 20 years imprisonment. David Davalos, Jr. and Maricela Alvarado Davalos each face up to four years in federal prison upon conviction of the use of a cellular telephone to facilitate drug trafficking charge.
All of the arrested defendants remain in federal custody at this time. Detention hearings are scheduled for August 29, 2016, before United States Magistrate Judge Victor Roberto Garcia in Del Rio. This investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement (DEA), Zavala County Sheriff’s Office, Maverick County Sheriff’s Office, Dimmit County Sheriff’s Office, Eagle Pass Police Department and the U.S. Border Patrol. The U.S. Marshals Service, Federal Bureau of (FBI), Homeland Security (HSI), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and (ATF) and the Texas Department of Public Safety assisted in making the arrests.
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. -
