New charge filed in drug ring case

Excerpt

Federal authorities have filed a new cocaine distribution charge against an Amarillo man arrested this year in a drug raid linked to a Mexican cartel.
Omar Mendoza, 36, was charged Monday with cons…

Federal authorities have filed a new cocaine distribution charge against an Amarillo man arrested this year in a drug raid linked to a Mexican cartel.

Omar Mendoza, 36, was charged Monday with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine, according to federal court records released Tuesday.

The charge alleges that Mendoza conspired with persons known and unknown to possess and distribute cocaine.

In September, state, local and federal authorities announced the arrests of 13 people after a yearlong undercover investigation into large-scale cocaine and methamphetamine trafficking in Amarillo and the region.

Authorities said they seized $500,000 in cash, 10.4 pounds of cocaine, two pounds of methamphetamine and six firearms during the raids.

Last month, seven defendants in the case pleaded guilty to various charges before U.S. District Judge Mary Lou Robinson.

Miguel Carrasco, 33, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting.

Carrasco faces from 5 to 40 years in prison and a possible $4 million fine.

According to court records, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant and arrest warrant for Carrasco on Sept. 24 at his residence in the 1500 block of Southeast Ninth Avenue. Carrasco admitted he had about a half-pound of narcotics in a safe inside a bedroom.

Conrad Nava, aka "Chauncy," 36, pleaded guilty to one count of operating an illegal gambling business. He faces up to five years in prison and a possible $250,000 fine.

According to court records, an undercover officer played a casino-style game inside a business operated by Nava on Sept. 3 and received $120 in cash. On Sept. 24, officers raided Nava's house in the 1300 block of Southeast 16th Avenue and found $38,918 in cash, keys to the business and a possible gambling ledger.

Jessie Herrera Jr., 34, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting. He faces between five years in prison and a possible $5 million fine. According to federal court records, Herrera was arrested Aug. 24 after two police officers found a pound of methamphetamine in his vehicle following a traffic stop.

Traci Michelle Ramos, 23, pleaded guilty to one count of distribution and possession with intent to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine and aiding and abetting. She faces between five years and 40 years in prison and a possible $5 million fine.

According to court records, Ramos agreed to sell an undercover agent an ounce of methamphetamine.

Curtis Gonzales, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. He faces between 10 years to life imprisonment and a possible $10 million fine.

On Aug. 10, law enforcement officers intercepted a telephone call between Omar Mendoza and a man authorities suspect is linked to the Gulf Cartel in Mexico.

During the conversation, Mendoza complained about the quality of cocaine he received in a previous shipment, but ordered more. Gonzales later texted Mendoza and ordered what authorities said was more than 10 pounds of cocaine. In a Sept. 17 search of a 2007 Honda Ridgeline Gonzales was driving, officers found $225,260 in cash hidden behind the dashboard - money authorities said is linked to drug trafficking.

Shannon "Shawn" Drell Harris, 43, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a possible $1 million fine. According to federal court records, authorities intercepted an Aug. 19 phone call between Harris and Mendoza in which Harris reportedly asked to buy more than a half-ounce of cocaine.

Thiraphong Vongphrachanh, 22, pleaded guilty to one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking and faces between five years to life in prison, and a $250,000 fine.

Court records said Amarillo police officers on Aug. 27 pulled over a gray 1993 Honda Accord Vongphrachanh was driving, but the Accord sped off until it crashed into a chain link fence in the 6600 block of Northeast 24th Avenue. Officers arrested Vongphrachanh after a brief chase, during which officers said Vongphrachanh discarded a bag of methamphetamine.