NATIONAL NEWS

Contact Us at:    (949) 494-7121 www.wibcom@aol.com  www.lagunajournal.com 

   THE WORLD'S  OLDEST ON-LINE NEWS GATHERING & INFORMATION SOURCE  DEDICATED TO RAISING PUBLIC AWARENESS WITH FREE EXPRESSION

The Journal Family of Publications Is A Leader In Internet Broadcasting, Streaming Live News, & Video Webcasts!

Positions Available at the Journal Family of on-line news sources

   

Michael Webster: Publisher/Editor. The Journal Family of publications headquartered at 301 Forest Ave. Laguna Beach, CA 92651

**************

LAGUNA JOURNAL

To sign up for  breaking news sent directly to your e-mail send your e-mail address to wibcom@aol.com  or Call 949 494-7121 and give your e-mail  address.

The Laguna Journal wants your national news stories, pictures and videos of national breaking news. Upload and share your stories, pictures or videos by sending them to : wibcom@aol.com   from your mobile device or email.

E-MAILS TO THE EDITOR:

BREAKING & LOCAL LAGUNA BEACH STORIES 

BREAKING GLOBAL NEWS

 

BREAKING EL PASO NEWS

 MENDOCINO COAST NEWS JOURNAL  BREAKING MENDOCINO NEWS

  THE EARLY PEOPLES JOURNAL BREAKING AMERICAN INDIAN NEWS

PARANORMAL NEWS

INTELLIGENCE ESPIONAGE AND TERRORIST NEWS 

GALLERY DIRECTORY & NEWS

LODGING DIRECTORY

RESTAURANT DIRECTORY

NIGHT SPOTS

MOVIES, TV & VIDEOS

LOCAL THEATRE

LAGUNA JOURNAL CLASSIFIED ADS

LAGUNA JOURNAL ADVERTISING RATES

LAGUNA JOURNAL ARCHIVES

MICHAEL WEBSTER'S OTHER WRITINGS

CURRICULUM VITAE MICHAEL WEBSTER

GLOBAL PRIVACY & ASSET PROTECTION JOURNAL    

PAST E-MAILS TO THE EDITOR

ADVERTISEMENTS

falling as fast as the snowfalling as fast as the snow.

 

FOR RESERVATIONS

8 6 6 . 5 5 0 . 0 8 4 1 |  www.visitsequoia.com   

Let the beauty of Sequoia National Park inspire you this winter.

For a limited time, enjoy a standard room at the 3-Diamond

Wuksachi Lodge for one low price. To take advantage of this

special offer, call today or visit us online.

Rooms

starting at

$79*

*Rate is valid Sunday - Thursday, January 2 through March 14, 2008. Subject to availability. Some restrictions may apply.

Hospitality by Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts © 2008 DNC Parks & Resorts at Sequoia, Inc.

Dr. Viviane S. Stein

Cosmetic & General Dentistry

31852 S. Coast Hwy., Suite 412 Laguna Beach, CA

949 415.1000

http--www.thesecretpays.com-Synergy2007-

NATIVE TRIBE-PRIMITIVES AMERICAN INDIAN JEWELRY

577 S. COAST HWY, LAGUNA BEACH, CA (949) 376-7632  or go to: NATIVE TRIBE-PRIMITIVES LTD  We now have Color Diamonds

Executive Chef Randy Lewis of Stevenswood Spa Resort

LEARN WHY ISAGENIX PRODUCTS CREATE RESULTS AND FIND OUT          HOW YOU CAN MAKE EXTRA                   INCOME                                                       For further information on Isagenix visit www.akkeeia.isagenix.com and call Amanda at 310-770-0011 for questions and free coaching.

Mr. Bones Fine Cigars & Tobaccos

325 Glenneyre Street

Laguna Beach, CA 92651

949 494-8665

www.mrbonesfinecigars.net

 

www.robeks.com
robekscostamesa@hotmail.com

***************************************

"Would You Want Cash Lines of Credit
from a few thousand to $250,000 (or More)...
NO
Risking Your Personal Assets, Lowering Your Personal Credit Score, or Damaging Your Personal Credit History?
"

This Proven System really works, You Can Get the Cash Lines of Credit You Need Now to Finance Start-up or Expansion, Operating Cash, and Grow Your Business All Without Personal Risk.  goto:

http://www.effortlessonlinemarketing.com/app/?af=582365
 ********************************************

FOR SALE BY OWNER

 Small ranch with old adobe structure, well and electric in.  Land of Enchantment New Mexico. Owner will carry paper. Asking $50.000. Phone 949 376-7632

½ acre of prime level land utilities to the property. Owner will carry. Asking $5.000 949 376-7632

PASS IT FORWARD Click this link http://www.thesecretpays.com/Synergy2007

Fresh lemon (Image Credit: PhotoDisc/Getty Images)

LemonFast Miracle Drink. Is formulated, to help turn your system from acid back to healthy alkaline and to cleanse your body and at the same time lose 2 lbs or more per day. Its created to give your internal body a rest by washing away unhealthy toxins and fat, starting at the cellular level. Made from fresh organic lemon. Also other fresh organic products. Bee pollen, whole Lemons, Limes, Teas, Sea salt, Krystal salt, Maple syrup, Cayenne Pepper, Raw Applecider Vinegar, Vitamins and Minerals. Strongly recommend mixing  Mango & Lemon juice to the Isagenix shake (to taste) for optimal results.  www.akkeeia.isagenix.com All can be ordered on or offline. Shipping all USA and many other countries. To order our products or the book/CD "LEMONFAST" Call, write, fax, or e-mail us. wibcom@aol.com

 

Weed & Brush Abatement For Fire Safety Protection

 

In an effort to minimize the damage caused by uncontrollable fires, parcels where weed abatement is likely to be necessary. Owners of private property be aware of the need to cut dead, dry vegetation that would aid the spread of a fire.

We cut and remove weeds and vegetation to bring your home or commercial building into CODE COMPLIANCE. For FIRE SAFETY, WEED & BRUSH ABATEMENT CONCERNS CALL 949 494-7121. Free Estimates.

There are many things that residents can do to make their homes less vulnerable to damage from a brush fire.

Please take time to consider the steps below for your property:

  • Clear dry grass, brush and leaves, near structures.
  • Use ice plants and other fire-resistant plants to landscape.
  • Clear all debris from the roof, gutters and spouts.
  • Remove dead limbs located over roofs and all limbs within 10 feet of chimneys.
  • Prune the lower limbs within six feet of ground on all trees 18 feet high or taller to keep ground fires from spreading to trees.
  • Relocate firewood at least 30 feet from all structures and 10 feet from all vegetation.
  • Keep plants, shrubs and trees away from power lines.
  • Keep gas and propane tanks at least 30 feet from all structures.
  • Replace shake roofs with fire-resistant roofing.
  • Cover chimneys and stovepipes with nonflammable screens with 2 inch (or less) mesh.

Make sure the number of your house is clearly visible at the curbside

 

WWW.FAIRTAX.ORG

MENDOCINO NEWS

MENDO MUSHROOMS

Find low rates and make online reservations for the Stevenswood Spa Resort in Mendocino, California. ... Resorts"Mendocino Resorts"Stevenswood Spa Resort

 Past E-MAILS TO THE EDITOR

 Who We Are

Sawdust Art Festival - Laguna Beach, California

ADVERTISEMENTS

Secure Private eBanking
If you really value your privacy, you can now get a real, secure offshore ebanking account and Visa debit card to withdraw funds.
Click here  http://www.firstglobaltreasury.com/idevaffiliate/idevaffiliate.php?id=106           http://www.stegostik.co.uk/FGToffer.asp?a=106

 *************************************************

www.stemcellmirale.info
 ********************************************

Where every OC and SD county listing can be found www.buyersonlycoastalrealty.com

************************************

WHEN IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA VISIT PRIMITIVES AT THE VILLAGE IN  LAGUNA BEACH ON THE GOLD COAST. OVER LOOKING THE PACIFIC OCEAN. 

 

TURQUOISE SILVER JEWELRY, KOKOPELLI, ZUNI, HOPI, NAVAJO, DREAM CATCHERS, KACHINA DOLLS, SILVER JEWELRY, BRACELETS, RINGS, NECKLACES, EARRINGS AND ARTIFACTS 

577 S. COAST HWY, LAGUNA BEACH, CA (949) 376-7632  or go to: NATIVE TRIBE-PRIMITIVES LTD  We now have Color Diamonds

***************************

LEARN WHY ISAGENIX PRODUCTS CREATE RESULTS AND FIND OUT          HOW YOU CAN MAKE EXTRA                   INCOME                                                       For further information on Isagenix visit www.akkeeia.isagenix.com and call Amanda at 310-770-0011 for questions and free coaching.

 

 View of the Laguna Beach coastline from the restaurant

LAGUNA VILLAGE

The sun sets over Catalina Island from the patio of The Cliff Restaurant Laguna Village Cafe Restaurant has re-opened as The Cliff Laguna Beach restaurant!

April 2006:  Oceanfront, open-air dining and cocktails return to the spectacularly-situated Laguna Village in Laguna Beach!  After a complete overhaul and updating of the premises, The Cliff Laguna Beach is poised and ready to greet you with a delightful selection of California cuisine:  lunch, dinner& shopping.

Where Great People, Art, Shops and Food all converge over looking the Gold Coast. Where at sunset you may be lucky and see the Green Flash.

Laguna Village 577 South Coast Hwy. Laguna Beach, CA

www.occasionsatlagunavillage

 

http://www.pixmeup.com/akkeeia

***************************** 

Your Ad Here

Just $50/ Month Or $525/Year

Includes:

Link Display Ads

Plus Full Web Listing & Link

For these end of year specials

Contact the Laguna Journal at:

wibcom@aol.com 

------------------------------ADVERTISEMENT-------------------------------

 

ATTENTION:

Governors, Mayors, City Council Members, City Managers, County Commissioners, Emergency Managers, Fire Chiefs, Police chiefs, Nation Wide.

NOTICE: IMPORTANT INFORMATION TO BE ADDED TO YOUR STATE/CITIES/COUNTIES EMERGENCY PLAN AS POSSIBLY AVAILABLE RESOURCES.

EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT, OPERATORS & WILDLAND FIREFIGHTERS AVAILABLE NATIONALLY AND IS STATICALLY STAGED AROUND THE COUNTRY INCLUDING ALASKA.

When you need emergency equipment for your jurisdiction's emergencies urgent and immediate needs call us. If you don’t see it here we may have it or can get it. Equipment & Crews immediately available are: Hotshot wildland fire fighters and engine crews. Wildland Fire Brush Trucks. Backhoes, Dozers, Excavators, loaders, Skid-Steers (Bobcats) – Forklifts, Graders, Scrapers. Trench Safety, Entry & Rescue Systems, Confined Space, Hand tools & Safety Supplies. Material Handling Equipment, Industrial Rough Terrain & Telescopic Reach-Cranes & HaulingTrucks, Dump, Water, Carry Deck, and Crane Trucks. Generators, water pumps. Load Banks, & Chillers. Portable Gas & Diesel Generators. Portable Kitchens, Tents, Flood Light Towers, 4000 Watt Metal Halide. Landscaping & brush abatement Equipment. Scissor Lifts, Boom Lifts, Scaffolding & Ladders, Welders, Saws & Core Drills.

Contact Synergy 2000 at www.michaelwebster.net  Call (949) 494-7121 e-mail at wibcom@aol.com

------------------------------ADVERTISEMENT-------------------------------

SYNERGY 2000

WILDLAND HOTSHOT FIRE FIGHTERS AND ENGINE CREWS WANTED

Experienced and Non - Experienced Firefighters. Also heavy equipment operators and Bus drivers. Apply: Go To www.wibcom@aol.com    for information and application. (949) 949-712

Become a member of Synergy 2000’s Hotshot Emergency 1st Responder Team. Send resumes and/or applications go to this website. www.michaelwebster.net  Or fax to Synergy 2000 at (949) 297-8648. Ph. (949) 494-7121. Must have current SSN. Age 18 to 35. We care not about your sex, color, race or religion. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Must be able to obtain U.S. Passport within 90 days after hire for world-wide service. Volunteer or paid. Synergy 2000 is affiliated with United States Civil Defense Assoc, (USCDA), Christian Emergency Core (CEC) and SOS International, (SOS) and contracts with individuals, companies, cities, counties, states and with the United States and other governments.

 

      ****************************

Dr. Viviane S. Stein

Cosmetic & General Dentistry

31852 S. Coast Hwy., Suite 412 Laguna Beach, CA

949 415.1000

*******************

 

 TO LIVE IN HARMONY WITH MOTHER EARTH go to:     www.akkeeia.isagenix.com

 
 
 
Red Road by Michael Webster"FIND THE VORTEX AND WALK THE RED ROAD SOFTLY ON MOTHER'S BACK AND IN BALANCE WITH HER NATURE THAN YOU! MAY CALL HER HOME." AKKEEIA Go to: www.michaelwebster.net click on Author/RedRoad

***************************

supercolor         imaging

230 Beach St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651 

(949) 497-6112  (949) 497-3765

***************************

Visit Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching for Southern California sport fishing and Southern California whale watching.

 

Visit Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching located at the Dana Point Harbor.
Visit Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching for a Whale Watching Orange County, Southern California Burials at Sea, fishing charter Southern California.

Dana Wharf Sportfishing & Whale Watching

*************************** 

Goko    Caf'e

Fresh  Healthy Natural

Delicious Home Made Meals Enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Coffees - Juice Bar  Shakes - Smoothies

907 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, CA 92651 

(949) 494-4880

**************************

FRANK'S

Service - Sales - Leasing Mercedes Benz  Porsche BMW

900 S. Pacific Coast HWY. Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (949) 494-9420 (949) 497-2273 desiree@irvinesubaru.com 

***************************

Carolyn's Barber Station

Forest Ave. Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Th-Fr 12-5pm Sat 10-5pm Call Alicia     *******************  

Get  the  word  out!
Advertise with
the Laguna Journal (949) 494-7121 wibcom@aol.com

**********************************************

TO NOURISH YOURSELF IN HARMONY WITH MOTHER EARTH go[Raven image]  to:     www.akkeeia.isagenix.com

****************************

While in Mendocino stay at Stevenswood Resort and Spa

www.stevenswood.com  and enjoy the Stevenswood private Botanical Gardens on the grounds and fest in the world-renowned restaurant at Stevenswood.

**************************

ACUPUNCTURE
HERBAL MEDICATION

Sahel "Sal" Nehrir L.Ac Ph.D.

Doctor Philosophy In Oriental Medicine
Board Certified Acupuncturist/Herbalist

Now Accepting House Calls
 

31641 S. Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach
Phone 949/510-9576

===================

TAI'S PAINTING CO

House Commercial Apt Industrial

Its time for You to paint. If you want the best quality professional painter please call (714) 741-9615 Fax (714) 534-5648 State Lic # 700283  

**************

THE SHOE CELLAR

Ecco-Mephisto-Clarks-

Sperry-Teva-Dansko

245 Forest Ave. Laguna Beach, CA 926519949) 376-0563 Fax 9949) 464-0763

***************

SUNGLASS GALLERY

Armani-Maui Jim-Revo-Persol-Oakley

Bret Blackburn & Harry Bagga Eye Protection Experts

205 Ocean Ave. Laguna Beach, CA 92651

(949) 494-5452

*****************

SECRET GARDENS OF LAGUNA 

1370 S. Coast HWY. Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (949) 376-GROW Fax (949) 376-4783

________________

ROPAGE BEAUTY SUPPLY & SALON

BEAUTY IS OUR BUSINESS

272 Forest Ave. Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Fax (949) 497-1003

*************

Hand Made

International Costa

 Azul Surf Co.

Authentic Equipment Since 1985

Rod Greenup Owner & Shaper

Headquarters 881 S. Coast Hwy. Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Ph/Fx (949) 497-1423 www.costa-azul.com 

=================

HAVOC On Consignment

Shirley Meusch

Designer, new and delicately used apparel Mon-Sat 10-6 Sun 11-4

374 Ocean Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA 9261

(949) 497-6822

===============

LM&P Auto Parts

Auto Parts & Machine Shop Service

1796 S. Coast Hwy. Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (949) 494-1039

**************

I.C. LONDON Lingerie * Bodywear

314 Ocean Ave. Laguna Beach, CA 92651   (949) 497-4254

***************

HI-TECH CLEANERS Full Service Dry Cleaners

370 Ocean Ave. Downtown Laguna Beach, CA 92651   (949) 494-7517

****************

supercolor         imaging

230 Beach St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651 

(949) 497-6112 Modem (949) 497-3765

*******************

TOES ON THE NOSE

SURF SHOP LAGUNA BEACH

Jim & Pam Cocores

903 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, CA 92651 (949) 497-3292 Fx (949) 376-0423

JPC LICENSEE

*******************

LAGUNA PROPERTIES

Bob BAKER BROKER/OWNER

(949) 494-8057. Ext. 14 Cell (714) 606-7861 Res. (949) 240-0144 Fx. (949) 494-6339 e-mail lagprop@flash.net  1096 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, CA 92651

================

Rock Martin Custom Designed Jewelry

Rock Martin Owner/ Designer EST. 1970 

268 FOREST Ave. Open 7 Days (949) 8622 Laguna Beach, CA 02651 

=================

Michael Webster

Venture Capitalist

BUSINESS CONSULTANT & POLITICAL STRATEGIST 

CALL FOR  CONSULTATION: 949 494-7121

301 Forest Ave. LAGUNA BEACH, CA 92651 e-mail - mvwsr@aol.com 

Local Business 

& Politics

BUSINESS MATTERS

* Tax Strategies * Corporations, LLC’s formed all 50 states and off-shore* Bank Introductions on and off-shore * Funding - Start-up/expansion * Trusts on and Off-shore * SBA loan packaging * Business appraisals * Feasibility Studies * Asset Protection * Business plans * Factoring

CITY HALL MATTERS

 Conditional Use Permit  Zone change/zoning ordinance  General Plan Amendments  Coastal Development  Geotechnical Reports Building Permits +Sign Permits +Variance

======================

Orange County Marine Institute

R/V Sea Explorer

" Investing in Tomorrow... " The Orange County Marine Institute, situated at the far west end of Dana Point Harbor , is a unique educational facility helping children and adults alike experience our ever-changing ocean environment. Explore the ocean wilderness aboard the 70-foot research vessel, R/V Sea Explorer equipped with underwater remotely operated cameras and video microscopes. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629. Call (949) 496-2274. Fax (949) 496-4296.

**********

LAGUNA LEATHER SHOP

LAGUNA VILLAGE (949) 497-3625

*************

Get the word out!
Advertise with
the Laguna Journal (949) 494-7121 wibcom@aol.com FOR AD RATES CLICK ON NIGHTSPOTS

****************************************

HOTEL LAGUNA

BEACH CLUB - 

CONFERENCE CENTER 

425 S. COAST HIGHWAY

 LAGUNA BEACH, CA 92651

 (949) 494-1151 

Fax (949) 497-2163

 Andersen Hotels, Inc.

_________________________

Inn At

 Laguna Beach

 211 North Coast Highway

Laguna Beach, California 92651

(800) 544-4479 / (949) 497-9722

Fax: (949) 497-9972

Email: info@innatlagunabeach.com 

**********************

Get  the  word  out!
Advertise with
the Laguna Journal (949) 494-7121 wibcom@aol.com 

****************************************

Sea Horse Resort

Leave the hustle and 

bustle behind... 

for a serene "get-away"

 to clear skies and

 ocean views... or a pause

 to refresh in your 

travel between 

Los Angeles and 

San Diego.

 Sea Horse Resort 

602 Avenida Victoria 

San Clemente, CA 92672

(949) 492-1720 Fax:

 (949)498-8857

  E-mail:seahorse@fea.net

Photos of our

 Accommodation Location Map

 

 

 
 
 

 
Breaking News YOUR SOURCE FOR NATIONAL & CALIFORNIA BREAKING NEWS

23 TEXAS MEXICAN MAFIA HIERARCHY CHARGED IN FEDERAL R.I.C.O. CASE
Conspiracy charge alleges responsibility for 22 San Antonio area murders

United States Attorney Johnny Sutton and FBI Special Agent in Charge Ralph Diaz announced the indictment against 23 San Antonio residents, all of whom are in leadership positions in the Texas Mexican Mafia, for violating the federal Racketeering Influenced Corrupt Organization (RICO) statute.

“Intimidation, violence and murder are standard operating procedure for these gangsters. This indictment is the first step in putting them out of business,” stated United States Attorney Johnny Sutton. “Since 2004, our office has put over 130 members of the Mexican Mafia in federal prison and we are committed to disrupting and dismantling this criminal organization.”

Federal and state authorities arrested TMM Captain Michael Vargas, aka “Mikio,” without incident late yesterday afternoon. Seventeen defendants charged in this indictment were already in custody prior to today. They are:

Jacinto Navajar, aka “Cache”, TMM General
Ruben Garcia, aka “Chorre”, TMM Sergeant
Ted Ansualda, aka “Porky”, TMM Lieutenant
Trinidad Gomez, aka “Trini Boy”, TMM soldier
Jesse Ramirez, aka “Chuy”, TMM Captain
Billy Silva, aka “Wild Bill”, TMM Asst. General
Leonard Tremillo, aka “Joker”, TMM Lieutenant
Vidal Longoria, aka “Corky”, TMM Lieutenant
Jose Martinez, aka “Bam Bam”, TMM Lieutenant
Joe Pena, aka “Pancho”, TMM General
Hector Martinez, TMM soldier
Jesse Ozuna, aka “Low”, TMM Lieutenant
Mark Alvarado, aka “Kickback”, TMM soldier
Trinidad Riojas, aka “Trini”, TMM Lieutenant
Mike Garcia, TMM Lieutenant
Carlos Ybarra, aka “Charlio”, TMM Lieutenant
Jesse Rodriguez, aka “Chuy”, TMM Sergeant

Authorities are actively searching for the five remaining defendants.

The one-count federal indictment, returned on January 29, 2008, and unsealed today, alleges that the defendants conspired together to further their criminal enterprise by committing 22 murders, 2 attempted murders, 1 solicitation to commit capital murder, robbery and extortion plus distributing heroin and cocaine. Upon conviction, each defendant faces life in federal prison.

Racketeering Acts:

The indictment alleges a pattern of racketeering activity committed by the defendants including the:

• shooting death of Florencio “Lencho” Vasquez in September 2000;
• shooting death of Anthony “Tony” Blanco in November 2000;
• robbery and subsequent shooting death Michael Sanchez in March 2001;
• shooting death of Ruben Hernandez in January 2002;
• shooting death of Ernest Guzman in May 2002;
• shooting death of Jose “Arte” Moreno in June 2002;
• shooting death of Henry “Guero” Cantu in December 2002;
• shooting death of Agustin “Augie” Macias in July 2003;
• shooting death of Jose “Speedy” Lopez in July 2003;
• shooting death of Raymond “Mon” “Nochipa” Rodriguez in September 2003;
• shooting death of Jesse “Psych” Medina in February 2004;
• shooting death of Robert “Beto” Gleason in March 2004;
• shooting death of Robert “Robe” Murillo Fernandez in August 2004;
• shooting death of Jesse “Pelon” Guevara in August 2004;
• shooting death of Mercy Brooks in September 2004;
• shooting death of Tony Rodriguez in November 2004;
• shooting death of Juan “Green” Perez in December 2004;
• shooting death of Roy Vera in December 2004;
• shooting death of Joe Santos in November 2004;
• shooting death of Rudy “Scooby” Contreras in January 2005;
• shooting death of Hector Martinez in January 2005;
• shooting death of Robert Sanchez in April 2005;
• attempted murder of Ruben Rodriguez in January 2002;
• attempted murder of Ernesto “Neto” Rodriguez in June 2007;
• solicitation of the capital murder of Lydia Castro in January 2003; • obtain large amounts of heroin and cocaine for further distribution and sale;
• control the distribution of heroin and cocaine by restricting drug trafficking among non-Texas Mexican Mafia members to those who paid extortion fees or a “tax;”
• protect “authorized” drug distributors from robbery, violence and competition; and,
• using violence in all forms and degrees to enforce the Texas Mexican Mafia drug distribution “tax.”

This Organized Crime/Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) case resulted from a three-year-long investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, San Antonio Police Department, Bexar County Sheriff’s Department with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Texas Department of Public Safety - Texas Rangers, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Bexar County District Attorney’s Office, Houston Police Department, Austin Police Department and Hondo Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Joey Contreras and Special Assistant United States Attorney Mary Green are prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.

The Mexican Mafia was formed in the early 1980's in the Texas prison system when predominantly Hispanic inmates banded together during a period of turmoil and violence within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. Over the years, the gang has focused its efforts to promote widespread criminal activity including narcotics trafficking, extortion and murder. Also known as “Mexikanemi” or “La Eme,” the organization was the subject of a 1993 federal indictment in the Western District of Texas which resulted in the conviction of Heriberto “Herb” Huerta, the then President of the organization, and a number of his fellow gang members on drug charges. In 1998, another federal indictment resulted in the conviction of Robert “Beaver” Perez, a Mexican Mafia General, and 15 other fellow gang members for their pattern of racketeering activity including six murders committed in 1994 and 1995 in the City of San Antonio and eight murders allegedly committed by gang members in 1997. The 1997 homicides included the shotgun killing of five people at a residence on West French Place on August 8, 1997. In 2004, 25 members of the Mexican Mafia were indicted and convicted of federal drug, firearm and money laundering charges. During the time of the conspiracy, the organization was responsible for distributing over 150 kilograms of cocaine and over 30 kilograms of heroin. Authorities also seized approximately 80 firearms and approximately $50,000 in cash

Related article:

Exclusive Mara Salvatrucha gang member caught in El Paso

Source: FBI's McAllen Intelligence Center