A federal grand jury in the Western District of Texas has returned an indictment charging 14 defendants, including Los Zetas leader Miguel Angel Trevino Morales (aka “40”) and his brothers, Oscar Omar Trevino Morales (aka “42”) and Jose Trevino-Morales, in connection with a conspiracy to launder Los Zetas drug distribution proceeds by purchasing, training, breeding, and racing American quarter horses in the United States….
The indictment alleges that since 2008, Miguel and Oscar Trevino Morales would direct portions of the bulk cash generated from the sale of illegal narcotics to Jose and Zulema Trevino for purchasing, training, breeding, and racing American quarter horses in the United States. The indictment identifies millions of dollars worth of transactions in New Mexico, Oklahoma, California, and Texas involving a large number of quarter horses. Jose Trevino, Zulema Trevino, and others used “front” companies to conceal and disguise the true ownership of the quarter horses.
“This investigation reveals the varied attempts by Mexican drug cartels to further their criminal enterprises by any means necessary. As such, the FBI and its partners stand ready to combat all efforts by transnational criminal organizations to undermine our national security wherever and whenever they may be uncovered,” stated FBI Special Agent in Charge Fernandez.
The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of numerous quarter horses, to include: Tempting Dash, winner of the Dash for Cash at Lone Star Park race track in Grand Prairie, Texas, on October 24, 2009; Mr. Piloto, $1 million All American Futurity winner at Ruidoso Downs on Labor Day 2010; Dashin Follies; Coronita Cartel; and Separate Fire. Furthermore, the indictment seeks the forfeiture of farm and ranch equipment; horse racing equipment; real property in Lexington, Oklahoma and in Bastrop County, Texas; and funds contained in three bank accounts allegedly used in the defendants’ scheme. The indictment also seeks a monetary judgment in the amount of $20 million, representing the amount of money derived from the defendants’ scheme.
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