[1] The Texas Syndicate has approximately 1,300 members, the majority of whom are Mexican American males aged between 20 and 40. of cocaine, and distributing more than 80 pounds per week. Its members, who have a heavy presence in Austin, refer to each other as cuernos horns because they tend to be attired, or tattoo themselves, with the logo of the University of Texas Longhorns, gang experts said. The Texas Syndicate (Spanish: Sindicato Tejano) is a mostly Texas-based street and prison gang consisting of predominantly Mexican American membership. He said that while old-school gangsters were known for keeping a low profile, a new breed is more brash and willingly draws the attention of law enforcement. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. the Allred prison unit outside of Wichita Falls. "I done lost everything for it," said Mendoza, who grew up in Baytown and goes by the street name Barney. Sixto Salinas, age 34 Drive-by shootings and other threats to the general public usually are frowned upon by the gang's leaders in prison for bringing more police scrutiny, so some of the recent violent acts have been attributed to factions of younger members, some investigators said. As of 2000, the Texas Syndicate had about 1,000 members in prisons and jails state-wide, with many more on the outside. Gang members have a direct working relationship with associates and/or members of the Gulf Cartel. Our past efforts have been very productive and we look forward to future successes in making Dallas a safer city for all its residents.. In Mendoza's case, that means forever. In 1989, Noe Beltran was a leader of the Texas Syndicate prison Alvarez, Jimenez-Jaimes, Accord, and May were already in custody prior to yesterday. Our nation-wide commitment to reducing gun crime in America, Report Waste, Fraud, Abuse or Misconduct to the Inspector General, Find Help and Information for Crime Victims, Register, Apply for Permits, or Request Records, Monitor Selection for Corporate Criminal Enforcement. READ ALSO: DEA maps show where. Today, the Texas Syndicate is both a prison and a street gang. As of 2000, the Texas Syndicate had about 1,000 members in prisons captain, lieutenant, sergeant of arms, and numerous soldiers. The top ranking member is known as a sillon, which translates to chairman. At the heart of that case: A Syndicate gangster turned federal informant was taken to Hooters by his buddies. , Lt. Santos Cadena, Commander of the Dallas Police Department Gang Unit said, The Dallas Police Department Gang Unit is firmly committed to working with our federal counterparts to aggressively pursue the prosecution of violent gang members, such as those named in todays indictments. to drug trafficking, extortion, prostitution, protection, gambling, These folks have 22," federal prosecutor Robert Wells Jr. told Valley jurors in a case in which three Syndicate members got life. Her husband, Henry Vidaurri, 31, was seriously wounded when the two were caught in a barrage of bullets in front of their home on Beverly Street on July 2, as they tried to get their 9-year-old son out of harm's way. U.S. Attorney Roper said, This case is an excellent example of the collaborative efforts of the federal government and local law enforcement working together to aggressively deal with drug, gun and violent gang activity here in North Texas. Michael Golson, Sr, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in Dallas, said, This was a cooperative effort to combat armed narcotics traffickers and to make the streets of North Texas safer., The partnership between the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, local law enforcement agencies and the U.S. Attorneys Office has brought about these criminal charges. (Kin Man Hui/kmhui@express-news.net), Any violations of the gang rules can result in harsh penalties, including death. Javier Soliz, a.k.a Payaso, 37 The Texas Syndicate, more than La Eme or Nuestra Familia, has been more associated or allied with Mexican immigrant prisoners, such as the "Border . Thousands of the gang's members are locked up in state and federal prisons, but even more are on the streets today, their wrath chilling. Released or parole members who generate money for the gang must surrender a 10% tax ("the dime") of all proceeds toward the Texas Syndicate in prison. The Texas Syndicate (TS) "is highly structured and is estimated to have 1,300 members, most of whom are Mexican-American males between the ages of 20-40," according to the Justice Department. DALLAS - A federal indictment was unsealed on Friday that charges 14 members of the Texas Syndicate prison gang with conspiring to participate in a violent enterprise responsible for murders, attempted murders, conspiracies to commit murder, robbery, drug trafficking, and other crimes in North Texas and other areas, announced U.S. Attorney Richard B. Roper of the Northern District of Texas. Members of the Texas Syndicate are bound by a set of strict rules which ensure loyalty and participation in the enterprises criminal activities and are subject to strict and harsh discipline, including death, for violating the rules. The Syndicate claims not to kill innocent people, but does go after those who betray them. All of the defendants remain in federal custody. and receiving a unanimous vote. Members who join usually are in the gang for life, officials said. What do we need to combat organized crime? 826 Hispanic members operate across Texas, including specific reportings (stophoustongangs.org), The Texas Syndicate gang's sign is sometimes the image of the horns of the Texas Longhorns. [3] Syndicate members have been known to carry out contract killings for Los Zetas, the paramilitary wing of the Gulf Cartel. Buy Now. "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 . While the number of effective affiliates within the federal prison system continued to grow, the Texas Syndicate began expanding their operations to the outside world. Whether youre shopping Way Day 2023 or Walmart, theres an al fresco set for you. 1:41PM. During this investigation, authorities seized over 100 kilograms of methamphetamine and multiple firearms attributed to this organization. During todays arrests, authorities seized a total of 15 firearms, approximately 20 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine, quantities of cocaine and an undeterminedamount of U.S. currency. [1], Development of the Texas Syndicate was initially motivated by self-protection against the historical "building tenders" in prison. Munch, age 29 Coronado has previously been charged and convicted on multiple felony offenses, including unauthorized use of a vehicle, attempted aggravated assault, assault of a family member and multiple drug possessions. Join the Observer community and help support DPS: Texas Syndicate (TS) is a violent prison gang that originated in the California penal system over 40 years ago. Authorities blame the Texas Syndicate for gunning down Troy Lambirth, 47, who was fatally shot in his car in the pre-dawn hours of March 26 on Loop 410 at the Exchange Parkway exit. Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Rodriquez, Cassiano and Velasquez, along with eleven other Texas Syndicate members and associates, conspired since 2002 to commit three murders, one attempted murder, extortion, plus distribution of controlled substances. He has also covered immigration, minority affairs and legal affairs as part of the projects team here and for other print, TV and radio outlets. (stophoustongangs.org), The Texas Syndicate is known to keep strict discipline among its members, and not tolerate disrespect to prison guards or other authorities. Four of the men mentioned in the indictment -- Marco Medina, David Gutierrez, Emilio Noyola and Sixto Salinas -- were arrested last week in a joint operation between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Dallas Police Department's gang unit; and the F.B.I. of certain numbers interspersed throughout the letter are combined Mendoza, who has been an enforcer for the Syndicate, went out on his own when he stabbed a Baytown man who was not a Syndicate enemy. The mafia got weakened so much and lost its street cred, said one source familiar with the latest investigation. Comprised of Texans involved in HIV prevention and care, Texas HIV Syndicate members engage in collective learning through ongoing conversation and exploration of topics that affect . "We don't tolerate none of our members who do that," Mendoza said in a face-to-face interview at a state penitentiary about 25 miles outside Huntsville. building tenders disappeared, the Syndicate's activities turned Pour en savoir plus sur la faon dont nous utilisons vos donnes personnelles, veuillez consulter notre politique relative la vie prive et notre politique en matire de cookies. Authorities contend that in the past decade, members of the Texas Syndicate, which is the state's original prison gang, have carried out at least 50 murders, solved or unsolved, in addition. "Violate any one of them and you're subject to death.". Four defendants, Marco Medina, David Gutierrez, Emilio Noyola and Sixto Salinas were arrested last week. Sex Offender Faces up to 40 Years after Being Nabbed in Online Child Porn Sting. U.S. Attorney Roper praised the excellent investigative work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the North Texas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Agency and the Dallas Police Department. He instead charged at the deputy while continuing to swing the weapon, a district attorneys office spokesman said. "When Moses came down from Mount Sinai, he had only Ten Commandments. A full member is known as a carnal, slang for close friend. The street gangs caught up with me," said Mendoza, who while in prison used ash, shampoo and a needle to ink his first Syndicate tattoo. Pantera, age 35 Guillermo has also worked in Central America, Mexico, New Mexico, Arizona and California and his work has appeared in various publications, including the Los Angeles Times, New York Times, New York Post, Newsday, Denver Post and the Albuquerque Journal. More than 40 have been indicted in federal courts. If convicted, all face a maximum statutory sentence of life in prison: Roy Arredondo, Jr., a.k.a. ( Brett Coomer / Houston Chronicle), The Texas Syndicate was started more than 40 years ago in the California prison system and later spread to Texas. A locked padlock "The class and character of the members they bring in now is nothing like it was," said Darby, who has two murder convictions, including killing an ex-member who testified for the government. Marshals Fugitive Task Force, the Austin American-Statesman reported . Big Homie, age 34 Attorneys Matt Harding and Dan Guess are prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government. At the same time, rules in prison became stricter. Primitivo Ybarra, a.k.a. Make a one-time donation today for as little as $1. They've been charged with "conspiring to participate in a violent enterprise responsible for murders, attempted murders, conspiracies to commit murder, robbery, drug trafficking, and other crimes in North Texas and other areas." (Kin Man Hui/kmhui@express-news.net), When known members of the Texas Syndicate are sent to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, no matter whether they have been convicted of murder or stealing a car, they serve their prison time isolated in harsh one-man cells where they are locked up at least 23 or more hours a day. He was suspected of snitching, and bragging at a nightclub about being a member. Founded In: 1970s He was joined by members of several law enforcement agencies involved. "Even though they are considered criminals and that kind of stuff, the ones I grew up with, it was all about respect.". Law officers also allege the gang is responsible for the shooting deaths of purported Texas Syndicate members George Escobedo, 59, and George Davenport, 31, in 2008. They work as subcontractors for Mexican cartels to enforce and transport drugs on U.S. soil. gang, promoted to captain at Ellis II Unit prison just north of toward the gang in prison. The Texas Syndicate is a dominant prison gang in Texas. Attorneys Chad Meacham and Jerri Sims. against the historical "building tenders" in prison. Weasel, age 43 Members of the Texas Syndicate are bound by a set of rules that ensure loyalty and participation in the enterprise's criminal activities and are subject to strict and harsh discipline, including death, for violating the rules. The last member of the Texas Syndicate on a 20-defendant federal indictment has been sent to prison, and federal officials say the sentencing effectively shut down the prison-based gang in San Antonio. Manuel Mancha (center) coldly stares at cameras while joining six other alleged Texas Syndicate members for a hearing. Get the latest updates in news, food, music and culture, and receive special offers direct to your inbox. Gangster, age 36. The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Criminal Chief Assistant U.S. Texas Syndicate members frequently refer to each other as "carnal" (brother) and maintain a distinct identity by establishing and enforcing specific TS rules, holding meetings, utilizing TS gang signs (horns), and by maintaining a close relationship with fellow gang members and their associates throughout the state. Because four murders are included in the charges, the case could become a death-penalty prosecution if Attorney General Eric Holder signs off on it a first for the DEA in San Antonio, Fernandez told reporters. The main objective of the Texas Syndicate was that of offering protection to other native Texan inmates. The Justice Department says the "Texas Syndicate is one of the largest and most violent prison gangs active on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border.". Several of the above-listed defendants were convicted in the Northern District of Texas in a large-scale drug distribution conspiracy case, U.S. v. Roy Arredondo, et al., 3:05CR075, and are presently serving federal prison sentences ranging from 15 years to life in prison. Become a member to support the independent voice of Dallas Although the rules of the Texas Syndicate exclude shady or devious characters, members who commit murders, aggravated assaults, robberies, or traffic in illegal drugs are not classified as being of bad character. and jails state-wide, with many more on the outside. The Texas Syndicate, unlike the Mexican Mafia or Nuestra Familia, has been more associated or allied with Mexican immigrant prisoners. Plano Family Grieving a Daughter Stolen by Fentanyl Offers a Warning: Ken Robinson Says He's Leaving His $16 Flower Mound House Without a Fight, District 8's Tennell Atkins Is Up for Reelection. Yet another, nicknamed Third Eye for a scar on his forehead, was shot in Houston as he sat outside a strip joint in his black Ford Mustang. Sources said they believe the gang was trying to execute another member, Andrew Dirty Vidaurri, and fatally shot his sister-in-law, Priscilla Ann Vidaurri, 32, by mistake earlier this year. Hits are sanctioned against fellow gangsters by a majority vote of other members in a prison unit or city. The rules require that a member continue his participation in the organization even after his release from prison. Davenport was found dead in the 600 block of Waverly Avenue in Martinez Creek, shot in the head multiple times, the San Antonio Express-News reported. 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. Marco Medina, a.k.a. Released or parole members who generate money The Texas Syndicate or Syndicato Tejano was the first prison gang to heavily impact the prison system in Texas. $39.99. This is a carousel. In 1994, Arnulfo Nino was leader in the federal prison at Fort Outside, the gang works as many others criminal organizations in the US. A second defendant, Benjamin Piedra a.k.a. Unless he renounces his membership and tells everything he knows - which he says he won't. When violent criminals band together to run their criminal organization like a business, this office will use every statute at its disposal to defeat the objective of the criminal enterprise. Mendoza claimed he was defending himself because Benavidez had a gun. independent local journalism in Dallas. Guillermo has been with the Express-News for 20 years, and has covered federal court and its investigative agencies for most of that time. In 1983, Eliseo Martinez was alleged unit-leader of the Syndicate Block the on-ramps, open . Randy Salazar, alleged leader of the Syndicate in Austin as Upon their release from prison, gang members returned to Texas, renamed themselves the Texas Syndicate (TS), committed crimes, and wound up in TDCJ, where they developed an extensive. Texas Syndicate members are required to follow a "Constitution," Mendoza's biological father - a man he never knew - was also in the Texas Syndicate. 3 of 18 4 of 18 Spurs tattoos for gang members. The indictment alleges that the conspiracy began in the mid-1990's and continued up to the date of this indictment. Throughout most of its early life, the Texas Syndicate was primarily a prison gang, with little to no contact with the outside world. The indictment alleges that the defendants are responsible for distributing controlled substances from July 2020 to September 23, 2020. Raymond Ramirez (foreground) is one of four alleged members of the Texas Syndicate that had a hearing Tuesday on charges of racketeering. The motive is unclear, but is believed to have resulted from a run-in on the road. Homicide, age 34, Arnulfo Rodriguez, a.k.a. Texas Legislature Online Senate Members Help | FAQ | Site Map | Contact | Login Mendoza had been drinking, and the two had an argument that quickly escalated. However, they still Among the Syndicate's more infamous killings for which a ranking member was executed by the state of Texas in 2009 - is the case of a gang member wrongfully suspected of being a snitch. The most significant gangs, listed as Tier 1 or those posing the greatest gang threat all have a presence in Travis County. [2] As a street gang, heavy activity has been reported in Austin, Corpus Christi, the Rio Grande Valley and the Dallas Fort Worth area in Texas. Emilio Noyola, a.k.a. at Oakdale. It was the first Texas prison gang to embrace such Italian mobster traditions as strict rules and harsh discipline. Arnulfo Rodriguez, a.k.a. The Dallas Police Department and our federal partners realize that by combining our areas of expertise and resources, we are able to achieve a greater level of efficacy in combating violent gangs in Dallas. The Texas Syndicate also operates in state and federal prisons across the United States, with significant activity being reported at FCI Oakdale in Louisiana and San Quentin State Prison in California, as well as some representation in the Florida Department of Corrections. 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