SAN ANTONIO – Five men who were arrested during a federal crackdown on Mexican Mafia operations in Seguin and New Braunfels appeared in federal court Tuesday morning.
Jeffrey Ozell Sarabia, 43; Cruz Carlos Acosta, 36; Noel Arce, 44; Eddie Flores, 29, and Mario Leal, Jr., 34, all were listed on the court docket for a detention hearing. But only Flores and Leal underwent the court proceeding. The other suspects reportedly waived their right to a hearing.
The proceeding, which began shortly after 9 a.m., took about 20 minutes.
The sole witness called to testify was Brian Onofre, an FBI agent and a member of the Safe Streets Task Force. Onofre was involved in the investigation that lasted about two years and centered around the alleged activities of the Mexican Mafia in New Braunfels and Seguin.
Onofre testified that Flores is a documented member of the Mexican Mafia who sold crack cocaine in Seguin. He said Leal supplied drugs to the organization.
Onofre said at the time of Leal's arrest, task force members found five weapons and a two ounces of crack cocaine inside his home.
The hearing Tuesday morning was to determine whether bond would be set for either of them. U. S. Magistrate Judge Pamela Mathy denied bond, saying that they both already were out on bond when they allegedly committed their respective crimes.
They, along with the three other suspects, who waived their rights to the hearing, will remain in custody for now.
About a dozen suspects were rounded up in Seguin Friday. The others include, Joey Mertz Gonzales, 47; Carlos Rios, 45; David Phillip Urdiales, 37; Nathan Gomez, 34; Bryan Pelcastre, 28; Jerry Sarabia, age 32; Damien Clack, 30; Sam Flores, 33, and Jose Saenz, 41.
Onofre testified that the investigation determined that they suspects were part of a group that controlled the entire illegal drug trade in Seguin and New Braunfels. Gonzales is believed to be the leader of the operation.
Onofre said since the bust last week, drug activity in those communities has decreased "significantly."