AZMEX SPECIAL 30-10-15

AZMEX SPECIAL 30 OCT 2015

Record amounts of heroin smuggled through Arizona as overdose deaths rise

 BY SONNY SCOTT/CRONKITE NEWS |

October 30, 2015 @ 5:36 pm

http://ktar.com/story/729853/record-amounts-of-heroin-smuggled-through-arizona-as-overdose-deaths-rise/  

PHOENIX — Heroin is the number one drug threat in major communities across the country, with overdose deaths continuing to increase as more heroin is moved across the Southwest, according to a 2015 intelligence report by U.S Drug Enforcement Administration.

"Consequently, the western states' roles as heroin transit areas are increasingly significant," the report says. "DEA and local law enforcement reporting from several western states indicates heroin is transiting those areas in greater volumes and in larger shipment sizes."

One of those major trafficking routes is here in Arizona where Pima and Pinal Counties are on the front lines of anti-smuggling efforts.

"Texas has a river … California, San Diego have a wall which actually does help and New Mexico, there's a portion of it that is mountainous so it's difficult to cross over," said Pinal County Attorney Lando Voyles. "But Arizona has the widest, longest open border so we have 60 percent of the drug trafficking for the entire United States coming through our section of the border."

Numbers from the Phoenix DEA division show seizures of heroin in Arizona steadily have increased from 163 kilograms in 2010 to 576 kilograms so far this year- or nearly 360 pounds, compared to nearly 1,300 pounds.

"So heroin is a drug that … the cartels have recently purified, so it's not black tar anymore," Voyles said. "Now it's like white powder that kids think is safe. So they will snort it, eat it and don't have to inject it like they used to and so, there has been a spike in that."

Deaths involving heroin also are increasing at a much faster rate than other illicit drugs, the DEA's intelligence report says. In 2013, 8,620 Americans died from heroin-related overdoses, nearly triple the number in 2010. In Arizona, heroin-related deaths increased from less than 50 in 2004 to nearly 200 in 2014, according to the Arizona Department of Health Services.

"I read a statistic in DEA that 80 percent of all heroin users started their addiction from prescription drugs. So if we can take that element out of it … that's a significant impact for the onset of heroin addiction," said DEA agent Erica Curry, a spokesperson for the agency. "We try to make Arizona a less desirable route for drug traffickers and that's what we want to do, is hit them so hard that they don't want to come through Arizona."

Chris Platt, a detective with the Pinal County Sheriff's anti-smuggling unit said cartels constantly change up their trafficking methods to avoid detection. Sometimes, they call 9-1-1 to report a fake accident to divert law enforcement agencies from the drug routes along Arizona's interstate highways.

"It seems like over the past couple years, it's really picked up just from what you see and what you hear," he said. "We're dealing with more of the aspect when it gets picked up from already traveling through the desert on one of the interstates and it's going through Pinal County up through Phoenix."

Voyles, Pinal County's prosecutor, said his office and law enforcement also work with authorities on Tohono O'odham tribal lands in the Sonoran Desert of south central Arizona.

"We now we have authority to go on the reservations where the (trafficking) scouts are sitting on the mountain tops," he said. "We pulled those scouts off the mountain tops and we pushed those traffickers outside of our county," he said.

Pinal County and the Tohono O'odham reservation share the border with Mexico.

The DEA's Curry said the area is sparsely populated which "creates a lot of opportunity for the Mexican cartels to exploit the vast desert area to bring the drugs into the country."

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the number of people using heroin is smaller than those who use other drugs like cocaine and pain pills. But those heroin numbers nearly doubled between 2007 and 2013 – increasing at a much faster rate than any other drug.

Dawn Mertz, executive director for Arizona High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, said that heroin abuse starts with opioid prescription drug misuse.

"When they can't get anymore of those, heroin is cheaper and they become hooked on heroin," Mertz said.

END

AZMEX UPDATE 24-10-15

AZMEX UPDATE 24 OCT 2015

Note:  The area has been contested for several years now.

SEVEN EXECUTED BY ORGANIZED CRIME

SASABE THE SCENE OF BARBARISM AND MURDERS

24 / Oct / 2015

Alfonso CAMPOS-RUBIO 

http://www.nuevodia.com.mx/Nota.aspx?p=4832

Hermosillo

Again multiple executions with bullets, including a decapitated person  near Rancho La Sierrita, municipality of Caborca, a few meters from the international border line with Arizona, United States.

Sonora State Police spokesman said that after receiving the report of what happened, they, accompanied by municipal, federal police and soldiers, were sent, finding about 53 kilometers from the town of El Sasabe, a township of Saric, in toward Sonoyta.

Confirmed that seven people were dead, in an advanced stage of putrefaction and one of them decapitated, only identifying a ex-convict for drug trafficking in that country, Cipriano Obeso Berrelleza, 38, originally from Caborca ​​and resident of Altar, where the apparently he used migrants to cross to the USA with twenty kilos of drugs each.

Relatives who saw him for the last time in that town on Saturday October 17, reporting him as missing four days later, suspecting that the movement of drugs, especially marijuana, has been the cause of multiple murder.

FINISH

More: http://www.elimparcial.com/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Sonora/24102015/1020146-Hallan-siete-cuerpos-en-arroyo-de-El-Sasabe.html

Man shot,deprived of life 

Details Published on Saturday October 24, 2015,

Written by Drafting

http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/notas.php?nota=60583

Huatabampo.

The scene was attended by the Deputy Public Prosecutor's Office.

Elements of the State Police investigate the facts which killed Arnoldo Escalante Valdez, 52 years old, whose body was found about 17:05 pm yesterday on a dirt road leading from the ejido El Campito to Agiabampo .

The victim, who lived in the ejido Gustavo Diaz Ordaz, municipality of Ahome in Sinaloa state, was located in a secondary irrigation canal and had several wounds from bullets.

In the place where he was found murdered, staff of the Attorney General of the State found several handgun shell casings.

The scene was attended by the Deputy Public Prosecutor's Office who ordered the lifting and transporting the body to conduct the proceedings of law.  Likewise, the Representative issued an order Social research elements of PEI to find the person or persons responsible private life have Arnoldo Escalante Valdez.

FINISH

Note: If you avoid the crossfire, there's more.   Caborca, in northern Sonora.   About 60 miles south of the border, area between Nogales & Lukeville.  On a primary smuggling route.  There is talk that Sonora has  (sorry no link)  the 2nd highest rate of TB in Mex.  Mostly computer english. 

Neighbors require prompt attention in Caborca

Details Published on Saturday October 24, 2015,

Written by Marco A. Manriquez / El Diario 

http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/notas.php?nota=60549

Agua Prieta.

The people of San Luis neighborhood and nearby  colonies fear an epidemic outbreak of dengue.

The neighbors have complained for five years before suing the health authorities and municipal for a solution on land adjacent to their homes in San Luis because it is a real nest of poisonous bugs and mosquitoes; and incidentally it serves as a den of thugs that will only lead idle and will "tronárselas" hidden under the bushes out there in the dark place.

This was determined by vigorously, Mrs. Norma Alicia Hernandez Hernandez, neighbor by calle General Ignacio Pesqueira , between Avenues Tubac and J, of that settlement and its surroundings.

Very bothered and accompanied by respected Mr. Marcelino Torres Alvarez and her grandchildren, as well as some high school students who at the time went by, the representatives of the inhabitants of that neighborhood  agreed that the caborquense mayor, Karina Garcia Gutierrez has done excellent work as head of the current municipal administration, but must also bring order to this matter that already has five years  been suffering from all kinds of animals.

"Two-legged animals to come we will be'jodiendo 'because even steal from all neighbors and we do not' scrubbed 'do', lived between laughter and courage Dona Norma.

Joining with the conversation, Marcelino Torres said with a characteristic rustic accent, mosquitoes attack  them 'because health authorities have not been fumigating the area.

If we add the poisonous snakes we had to exterminate from fear of attacking a family and still have to endure the fires generated by weeds proliferating throughout the property belonging to the engineer Javier Rios.

 Torres Alvarez  said, while stressing that it is much filth there is in place, that even found dead dogs and other animals or pets that people will throw in the 'pigsty'.

He added that the girls and boys of the Technical Secondary School No. 8, as well as children of primary school 201, in Pueblo Viejo, are endangered, if not for animals, another for boys without a job or benefit using the bushy vegetation to hide and to offend, no authority, so far, has perceived them or arrested, much less in charge of Health, which is the primary responsibility that must be addressed because it is in play a lot, which is the caborquenses safety, living there or they have to go through that smelly and gloomy place, the owner seems to have many influences so nothing has been done.  

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More: http://www.lacronica.com/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Noticias/24102015/1020156-Mexicali-concentra-80-de-casos-de-dengue.html

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AZMEX F&F EXTRA 20-10-15

AZMEX F&F EXTRA 20 OCT 2015  

Note:  Those behind the scheme have yet to face justice.

Man sentenced to 27 years in border agent's 2010 slaying

Posted: Oct 20, 2015 5:48 PM MST

Updated: Oct 20, 2015 5:48 PM MST

By The Associated Press

 

TUCSON, AZ (AP) -

A man who pleaded guilty to killing a U.S. Border Patrol agent whose death exposed a botched U.S. gun-smuggling operation was sentenced to 27 years in prison.

Rosario Rafael Burboa-Alvarez was sentenced Monday for first-degree murder in the 2010 death of Agent Brian Terry, the Arizona Daily Star reported. It comes weeks after two others who were part of an armed crew trying to steal marijuana from smugglers were convicted in Terry's death.

Burboa-Alvarez is accused of assembling the "rip-off crew," two of whom remain fugitives. Another man also has pleaded guilty in connection to Terry's death and was sentenced to 30 years in prison last year.

Prosecutors argued that Burboa-Alvarez was a co-conspirator even though he was in Mexico at the time of the shooting. As part of a plea agreement, prosecutors took the death penalty off the table.

The crew encountered agents in the Arizona desert on Dec. 14, 2010, and exchanged gunfire that killed Terry. Authorities later discovered that two of the guns found at the scene of the shootout had been part of a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives operation.

In the sting operation, the federal government allowed criminals to buy guns in Phoenix-area shops with the intention of tracking them once they made their way into Mexico. But the agency lost track of more than 1,400 weapons they allowed smugglers to buy.

The probe set off a political firestorm, led to congressional investigations and became a major distraction for President Barack Obama in his first term.

Former Attorney General Eric Holder was held in contempt after he refused to divulge documents for a congressional investigation into the matter. Since then, the Justice Department has focused on arresting and trying all suspects involved.

Note: This story has been corrected to show that Burboa-Alvarez was sentenced to 27 years in prison, not 24.

Information from: Arizona Daily Star, http://www.tucson.com

Read more: http://www.kpho.com/story/30311150/man-sentenced-to-27-years-in-border-agents-2010-slaying#ixzz3pA4cd5by 

Posted: Oct 20, 2015 4:02 PM MST

Updated: Oct 20, 2015 4:02 PM MST

Mexican-National sentenced to prison for aggravated assault on Forest Service officer

Written By Anna Arakelova

Tucson's NBC affiliate

http://www.kvoa.com/story/30310704/mexican-national-sentenced-to-prison-for-aggravated-assault-on-forest-service-officer 

A Mexican-National from Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico, was sentenced to over 43 years in prison on Monday for aggravated assault of a U.S. Forest Service Officer in 2014.

According to court documents, on August 23, 2014, Jesus Eder Moreno-Ornelas, along with another individual, were approached by a U.S. Forest Service officer working in the Coronado National Forest area.  During the confrontation, prosecutors said Moreno-Ornelas attacked the officer and took his gun, while physically assaulting the officer. He fired several shots before the officer regained control of the gun.

He was sentenced to 520 months in prison after being found guilty by a federal jury of aggravated assault of a federal officer, the use of a firearm in connection with a violent crime, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, two counts of attempted robbery of government property, and illegal re-entry after deportation.

At sentencing, there was evidence of premeditated intent to kill the victim and that Moreno-Ornelas had threatened a witness prior to the trial. Moreno-Ornelas was a convicted felon who was in the United States illegally after having been previously deported.

END

 

AZMEX UPDATE 20-10-15

AZMEX UPDATE 20 OCT 2015

Note: Local interest mostly. No, it just never stops.


Posted: Oct 19, 2015 7:45 PM MST
Updated: Oct 19, 2015 7:50 PM MST
N4T Investigators: Car thieves targeting Fords, shopping malls
Written By Paul Birmingham

http://www.kvoa.com/story/30301420/n4t-investigators-car-thieves-targeting-ford-trucks-shopping-malls

If you've ever had your vehicle stolen, you know the feelings it brings out. You feel angry, frustrated, and just want your car back. For one Tucson man, waking up with his car missing was a rude awakening. It's also left him with an unsettling feeling.

Rick Kapple learned a tough lesson about how easy it is for car thieves to strike at any time, and in any place. Even someplace he thought was secure.

"I opened the garage door, and saw that the car was missing, the first thing through my mind was holy cow, my car was just stolen. I mean, I knew instantly that's what happened,"

Kapple's 2011 Ford Fusion was stolen in September of last year. Pima County Sheriff's Deputies were alerted about activity on Kapple's credit card.

Detectives sent out surveillance photos, and authorities in Las Vegas nabbed the suspects.

Kapple ultimately got his car back, but it was cold comfort.
"I had it back for about a couple days, and I realized I just didn't want it anymore. It had a funny smell to it. It had some damage to it, and I just didn't feel comfortable driving it anymore," Kapple said.

Sergeant Kevin Kubitskey, with the Pima County Sheriff's Department tells the News 4 Tucson Investigators, cars being stolen out of people's garages is not a common occurrence. Usually, thieves choose to strike in public places like shopping malls.
"Those are the areas you're going to see most of your activity, and most of the vehicles being stolen from," Kubitskey said.


Shopping malls provide a target-rich environment, where criminals they can take their pick of vehicles to rip-off. They then head south down Interstate 19.
"We do see a lot of vehicles, usually a particular type of vehicle, which is mostly trucks. We'll see them cross over the border into Mexico after they've been stolen, and before they've been reported," Kubitskey said.

Kubitskey also tells the News 4 Tucson Investigators, they're seeing as many as two to three trucks, usually Ford f-150's, stolen every day in Pima county. The vehicles that aren't taken south of the border are put to use by criminals here in southern Arizona.
"Most of the time, if it's used in some sort of criminal act, or it's been used to further their criminal activity, they'll generally take it to the desert and burn it," Kubitskey said.

Kubitskey says there are simple things you can do to keep from becoming a victim. That Includes not keeping valuables in your vehicle overnight, and investing in a steering wheel lock.
"That's a huge deterrent. When they see that they have to mess with something like that in order to steal the vehicle, usually that deters them from even trying," Kubitskey said.

For his part, Kapple tells the News 4 Tucson Investigators, he bought a new car of the same make and model. He also tells us, the suspects stole more than his transportation - they also took his peace-of-mind.
"Now they knew who I was, and where I lived. Although they're both in jail, you know, who knows what crazy intentions people might have," Kapple said.

The suspects were both convicted, and are doing time in an Arizona prison.

END



Moved to Hermosillo, maximum Zetas chief Miguel Angel Trevino Morales, el Z 40, July 15, 2013.
Trevino Morales was transferred to the federal prison in Hermosillo on 30 September.
Photo: Digital Bank.
By: Agencies | 10.16.2015 2:53
MEXICO, DF (Agencies)

Miguel Trevino Morales, "40", top leader of the Zetas was transferred from the federal prison at Altiplano to Hermosillo, according to information from legal sources.

Also on September 30 came another criminal Abigael González Valencia, "el Cuini" financial chief of the New Generation Jalisco Cartel.

Diego Garcia Simental, "El Teo," the head of assassins for Arellano Felix, and Jaime Gonzalez Duran "el Hummer" and Lucio Hernandez Lechuga, "el Lucky", founders and regional leaders of the Zetas, are held in the federal penitentiary.

Javier Garza Medrano, "el Porrón" or "Commander 14" command of the Gulf Cartel, is another of the new tenants in Hermosillo.

The rotation occurred on 30 September, simultaneously with the extradition to the United States of thirteen convicts, including Edgar Valdez Villarreal, "La Barbie" command of the Beltran Leyva gang.

VARIOUS MOVEMENTS

Other transfers were made, are those of the Federal Social Rehabilitation Center Number 13 in Miahuatlan, Oaxaca.

According to legal sources, the Detached Administrative Office for Prevention and Rehabilitation (Oadprs) criminals from Altiplano moved to Oaxaca characters like Hector Beltran Leyva, "H" and Omar Trevino Morales, "el 42".

Also Mario Armando Ramirez Trevino, "el X-20", the last leader of the Gulf Cartel, and Miguel Angel Guzman Loera, "el mudo", brother of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman.

To Oaxaca were also taken offenders of highly violent profiles as Mario Nuñez Meza, "el M-10", head of gente nueva the paramilitary group "El Chapo" in Chihuahua, and Mario Antonio Garcia Simental, "El Chris" a Arellano Felix operator.

And Salvador Martinez Escobedo, "la ardilla" former operator of the Zetas and identified as the prime suspect in the massacre of 72 migrants in San Fernando, Tamaulipas, in August 2010.

end



Seize 30 kilos of methamphetamine
Details Published on Tuesday October 20, 2015,
Written by Sun

http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/notas.php?nota=60300
Tijuana, BC.

The drug was bound for the city of Tijuana, BC and he brought from Guadalajara.
More than 30 kilos of methamphetamine were transferred to the city of Tijuana, BC hidden in the cabin two trailer, were seized by federal agents, only one driver was arrested.

Official reports indicate that this is Gabriel Pacheco Veloz, driver of the delivery company Transportes Julian de Obregon, who was made available to a Public Ministry of Federal Jurisdiction.
This after agents of the Federal Ministerial Police, were alerted by an anonymous tip about the drug shipment that was being transported by a truck of the company.

As the vehicle Kenworth, 469EN4 license plates of the SPF, from the city of Guadalajara Jalisco, to Tijuana, Baja California, which circulated around the Santa Ana-Caborca.

After being located said cargo truck, officers located several packages totaling 24 kilos of methamphetamine, so the driver was arrested Gabriel Veloz,

Later, another truck from the same company who also headed to Tijuana, on the road section Santa Ana Caborca, was seized and inspected by the authorities, locating inside two bags with the same narcotic which gave a weight of 10 kilos, the which came in a package.

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PGR destroys more than eight tons of marijuana in Sonora
Details Published on Thursday October 15, 2015,
Written by Drafting / El Diario
http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/notas.php?nota=60046

The Attorney General's Office (PGR), with the support of the Secretariat of National Defense (SEDENA), destroyed by incineration, eight tons, 878 kilos, 455 grams of marijuana in the city of Sonoyta, Sonora.

The event was made by the Deputy Regional Control, Criminal Proceedings and Amparo (SCRPPA), through its Delegation in Sonora, in the Club of Hunting and Shooting "The Venadito" with the presence of representatives of Internal Control PGR, who testified to the authenticity and weight of the narcotics destroyed

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About 75 tons of marijuana destroyed
Details Published on Monday October 19, 2015,
Written by Sun
http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/notas.php?nota=60194

Chihuahua, Chihuahua.

Elements of 42nd military zone destroyed nearly 80 tons of marijuana.
In the town of Rincon de Cosoachi, municipality of Guadalupe y Calvo, Chihuahua, elements of the 42nd military zone destroyed 75 tons of unrefined marijuana, reported the Secretariat of National Defense in a brief statement.
The agency explained that during aerial surveys, on Thursday 14 October, four marijuana fields with an area of ​​1.7 hectares, an operation was made to destroy the drugs by hand and incineration method were identified.
Additionally, the statement said, in the vicinity of the fields were located three collection centers, in which about 75 tonnes of unrefined marijuana were found, proceeding to their destruction by incineration method.

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Trasladan a Hermosillo a jefe máximo de los ZetasMiguel Ángel Treviño Morales, el Z 40, en esta imagen del 15 de julio de 2013. Morales Treviño fue trasladado al penal federal de Hermosillo el pasado 30 de septiembre. Foto: Banco Digital.
2137 11 34 Enviar Ampliar Reducir
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Por: Agencias | 16/10/2015 2:53
MÉXICO, D.F.(Agencias)

Miguel Treviño Morales, "El 40", jefe máximo de los Zetas fue trasladado del Altiplano al penal federal de Hermosillo, según información proporcionada por fuentes legales.

También el 30 de septiembre llegó al mismo penal Abigael González Valencia, "El Cuini", jefe financiero del Cártel de Jalisco Nueva Generación.

Diego García Simental, "El Teo", el jefe de sicarios de los Arellano Félix, y Jaime González Durán, "El Hummer", y Lucio Hernández Lechuga, "El Lucky", fundadores y jefes regionales de los Zetas, están recluidos en el penal federal.

Javier Garza Medrano, "El Porrón", o "Comandante 14", mando del Cártel del Golfo, es otro de los nuevos inquilinos en Hermosillo.

La rotación ocurrió el pasado 30 de septiembre, en forma simultánea a la extradición a Estados Unidos de trece convictos, entre ellos Édgar Valdez Villarreal, "La Barbie", mando de la banda de los Beltrán Leyva.

VARIOS MOVIMIENTOS

Otros traslados realizados, son los del Centro Federal de Readaptación Social Número 13, en Miahuatlán, Oaxaca.

Conforme a fuentes legales, el Órgano Administrativo Desconcentrado de Prevención y Readaptación Social (Oadprs) trasladó del penal del Altiplano al de Oaxaca a personajes como Héctor Beltrán Leyva, "El H", y a Omar Treviño Morales, "El 42".

Así como a Mario Armando Ramírez Treviño, "El X-20", el último líder del Cártel del Golfo, y a Miguel Ángel Guzmán Loera, "El Mudo", hermano de Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán.

A Oaxaca también fueron llevados delincuentes de perfil altamente violento, como Mario Núñez Meza, "El M-10", jefe de Gente Nueva, el grupo paramilitar de "El Chapo" en Chihuahua, y Mario Antonio García Simental, "El Chris", operador de los Arellano Félix.

Así como Salvador Martínez Escobedo, "La Ardilla", ex operador de los Zetas y señalado como el principal sospechoso de la matanza de 72 migrantes en San Fernando, Tamaulipas, en agosto de 2010.


Decomisan 30 kilos de metanfetamina
Detalles Publicado el Martes 20 de Octubre de 2015,
Escrito por Sun

http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/notas.php?nota=60300
Tijuana, BC.

La droga tenía como destino la ciudad de Tijuana, B.C. y la traía procedente de Guadalajara.
Más de 30 kilos de metanfetamina que eran trasladados a la ciudad de Tijuana, B.C. ocultos en la cabina de dos tráiler, fueron asegurados por agentes federales, solo uno de los conductores fue detenido.

Informes oficiales señalan que se trata de Gabriel Veloz Pacheco, chofer de la empresa de paquetería Transportes Julián de Obregón, quien fue puesto a disposición de un Ministerio Público del Fuero Federal.
Lo anterior luego de que Agentes de la Policía Federal Ministerial, fueran alertados sobre a través de una denuncia anónima sobre el cargamento de droga que era transportado por un camión de dicha empresa.

Siendo el vehículo de la marca Kenworth, con placas de circulación 469EN4 de la SPF, proveniente de la ciudad de Guadalajara Jalisco, con destino Tijuana, Baja California, el cual circulaba por la carretera Santa Ana-Caborca.

Tras ser localizado dicho camión de carga, los agentes localizaron varios paquetes que sumaron 24 kilos de metanfetamina, por lo que el conductor Gabriel Veloz fue detenido,

Posteriormente otro camión de la misma empresa que también se dirigía a Tijuana, sobre el tramo carretera Santa Ana Caborca, fue retenido y revisado por las autoridades, localizando en su interior dos bolsas con el mismo narcótico la cual dio un peso de 10 kilos, la cual venia dentro de un paquete.

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Destruye PGR más de ocho toneladas de marihuana en Sonora
Detalles Publicado el Jueves 15 de Octubre de 2015,
Escrito por Redacción / El Diario
http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/notas.php?nota=60046

La Procuraduría General de la República (PGR), con el apoyo de la Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional (SEDENA), destruyó mediante incineración, ocho toneladas 878 kilos 455 gramos de marihuana, en la ciudad de Sonoyta, Sonora.

El evento lo realizó la Subprocuraduría de Control Regional, Procedimientos Penales y amparo (SCRPPA), por conducto de su Delegación en Sonora, en las instalaciones del Club de Tiro y Caza "El Venadito", con la presencia de representantes del Órgano Interno de Control de la PGR, quienes dieron fe de la autenticidad y peso del narcótico destruido

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Destruyen cerca de 75 ton de marihuana
Detalles Publicado el Lunes 19 de Octubre de 2015,
Escrito por Sun
http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/notas.php?nota=60194

Chihuahua, Chihuahua.

Elementos de la 42 zona militar destruyeron las casi 80 toneladas de marihuana.
En el poblado del Rincón de Cosoachi, municipio de Guadalupe y Calvo en Chihuahua, elementos de la 42 zona militar destruyeron 75 toneladas de marihuana en greña, informó la Secretaría de la Defensa Nacional en un breve comunicado.
La dependencia detalló que durante reconocimientos aéreos, el pasado jueves 14 de octubre, se identificaron cuatro plantíos de mariguana con una superficie de 1.7 hectáreas por lo que se realizó un operativo vía terrestre para destruir el plantío a mano y con el método de incineración.
Adicionalmente, señaló el comunicado, a inmediaciones de los plantíos fueron localizados tres centros de acopio, dentro de los cuales se encontraron aproximadamente 75 toneladas de mariguana en greña, procediendo a su destrucción por el método de incineración.

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AZMEX I3 19-10-15

AZMEX I3 19 OCT 2015

Note: "few consequences" i.e. "none"

Little enforcement for E-Verify law in Arizona
ASSOCIATED PRESS |
October 17, 2015 @ 11:37 am

http://ktar.com/story/702634/little-enforcement-for-e-verify-law-in-arizona/

PHOENIX (AP) — A new study has found that a number of Arizona employers are failing to check the status of new workers using a federal database.

The Arizona Capitol Times reports that about 58 percent of new employees statewide are run through the E-Verify system, according to a Cato Institute study.

The Washington, D.C.-based libertarian think-tank found there has been a lack of enforcement since Arizona approved a 2008 law making the check mandatory.

Cato Institute analysts say there are few consequences for business that fail to comply.

Mississippi, Alabama and South Carolina are the only other states that currently mandate E-Verify for employers.

Their rate of compliance is similar to Arizona's.

Sen. John Kavanagh, who co-sponsored the legislation, says the federal government needs to do a better job of enforcement.

___

Information from: Arizona Capitol Times, http://www.arizonacapitoltimes.com

AZMEX SPECIAL 16-10-15

AZMEX SPECIAL 16 OCT 2015  

Mexico, U.S. to open jointly staffed border stations

MEXICO CITY

 

http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/10/15/us-mexico-usa-border-idUSKCN0S92VD20151015 

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Jeh Johnson (L) and Mexico's Finance Minister Luis Videgaray exchange documents after signing an agreement to announce a program of pre-inspection border stations during a news conference in Mexico City, Mexico October 15,...

Mexico and the United States said on Thursday they will open two jointly staffed border stations on Mexican soil in a bid to streamline trade and improve communication at the frontier, which has suffered due to tensions over migration.

U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson and Mexican Finance Minister Luis Videgaray announced the program at a news conference in Mexico City, saying it would help speed up commerce at a congested border.

The pre-inspection stations will allow goods to be reviewed only once, instead of two separate times by U.S. and Mexican agents, they said. "I view pre-inspection with trusted partners like Mexico as the wave of the future," Johnson noted.

The plan has been under discussion for several years but was held up by a diplomatic flap over whether U.S. agents could carry guns in Mexico.

A shared facility has been operating since last year on the U.S. side of the border in Texas, at Laredo airport, allowing companies to ship goods into eight airports in Mexico, Johnson said.

Videgaray said a new facility to process agricultural goods from Mexico would be opened near the Otay Mesa crossing in Tijuana on the border with California.

Another joint facility will operate near the crossing at San Jeronimo in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, across the U.S. border from Santa Teresa, New Mexico, he said.

The San Jeronimo station will serve a nearby factory run by Taiwan's Foxconn Technology Group, the world's largest contract electronics manufacturer.

Mexico's Congress in April approved a change in the law to allow U.S. agents to carry arms in Mexico in certain places, removing a hurdle to the establishment of the centers.

Trade between the United States and Mexico has surged since the North American Free Trade Agreement two decades ago, but trade groups complain that investments in border infrastructure have lagged while congestion has increased, costing companies billions of dollars in business due to delayed shipments.

"This is a significant change in how the U.S. and Mexico work together," said Christopher Wilson, deputy director of the Woodrow Wilson Center's Mexico Institute.

"It's a step along the road to single border crossings. We could be there in a handful of years."

FIN

AZMEX UPDATE 12-10-15

AZMEX UPDATE 12 OCT 2015

Note:  photo at link, not sure if it from this incident.

Marines seize  arsenal in Empalme; arrest woman

Details Published on Monday October 12, 2015,

Written by Sun

http://www.eldiariodesonora.com.mx/notas.php?nota=59781

Empalme.

They seized an arsenal of high-powered firearms, tactical equipment and a grenade launcher.

The Navy and the State Public Security Police seized an arsenal of high-powered firearms, tactical equipment and a grenade launcher in a home in Empalme, a town located 140 kilometers from Hermosillo;  a woman was arrested.

In a report from the State Public Security Police, it was reported to have carried out a joint operation between the two police agencies in a home located on Constitution Avenue between Calle Nicolas Bravo and Juarez.

The operation started with a arrest of a woman named Melissa Anahí "N" aboard a gray 2014 Jeep Cherokee, which had been reported stolen August 4, 2014.

On Saturday night October 10, she was outside of the searched home where 13 rifles, a grenade launcher, a handgun, five drum magazines, 13 portable radios, 3,429  .40 caliber rounds of ammunition were seized, 90 20 gauge shotgun cartridges, jackets and uniforms, among other materials.

The arrested woman, arms and other tactical equipment were made available to the Public Prosecutor of the Federation for the demarcation of responsibilities.

fini

 

Note:  A problem that is not going away.  This one in TX, same happens in AZ.   Citizens need to be sure it really is law enforcement.  Protocols? 

Feds join hunt for police-impersonating men involved in shooting

Officer impersonation a common occurence

Posted: Monday, October 12, 2015 9:00 pm

MAY ORTEGA | STAFF WRITER 

 May Ortega

Posted on Oct 12, 2015

http://www.themonitor.com/news/local/feds-join-hunt-for-police-impersonating-men-involved-in-shooting/article_2449a266-3fe9-5487-8a12-29627bd37a55.html  

Federal investigators have joined the search for a trio of suspects following a drug-related shooting near Donna last week. The men involved, and still at large, were described as heavyset, Hispanic men dressed in police tactical gear -- a factor that is raising concerns among law enforcement.

After a failed drug deal, shots rang out on the expressway on Friday, police said. One vehicle involved was seen speeding, with police lights flashing. Police later found more than 500 pounds of marijuana and -- following a search -- arrested one suspect, who was also dressed in a law enforcement uniform. His identity has not been released due to the ongoing investigation.

No injuries were reported during the shooting.

The apparent impersonation of law enforcement marks the third such incident in the region since August. On Sunday, a group of four to five men dressed as police broke into a pastor's home in Harlingen, beat and robbed him. This followed a third impersonation in Weslaco Aug. 19 when a man attempted to pull someone over. Some of these cases also involved the use of police lights.

Obtaining a police uniform that's convincing to a typical civilian - and sometimes experienced officers - is not challenging.

An eBay search for "Hidalgo County Sheriff patch" yields several results, some bearing a striking resemblance to the official brown and gold patch worn by local officers. The best imitations are priced at less than $25. Patches for Cameron County police are selling for $5 each.

It takes about $50 to buy a complete police costume, local department patches included. If an impersonator wants some extra protection -- like last week's suspects -- the Green Beret, a local store, sells bullet proof vests for about $100.

San Juan Police Chief Juan Gonzalez said there are several resources available for criminals intent on imitating officers.

"Anybody can buy these patches, go to a print shop or an embroidery place to get these things done," he said.

These high-quality products can be confusing for the public, Gonzalez added, given that local officers are frequently working in and out of uniform.

"Sometimes these outfits are so convincing that our most experienced offers have trouble distinguishing them," he said. "It's even harder for normal people to tell."

This is not the only aspect of the recent crime weighing on Gonzalez' mind.

"These types of violent events are happening in broad daylight more often," he said.

The Donna shooting left not only one vehicle riddled with bullets, but a bystander's vehicle was shot once as well. The time of these occurrences, combined with suspects mimicking police, can confuse people, Gonzalez said.

"If people see these types of things, they should not hesitate to call 911," he said.

end

AZMEX F&F EXTRA2 2-10-15

AZMEX F&F EXTRA2 2 OCT 2015

Note: WRONG

Updated Oct 2, 2015 - 2:05 pm
CBP head: Conviction brings closure in Arizona death of border agent
ASSOCIATED PRESS | October 2, 2015 @ 1:43 pm

http://ktar.com/story/675209/cbp-head-conviction-brings-closure-in-death-of-border-agent/

Commissioner Gil Kerlikowske said the guilty verdicts of two murder suspects can't soothe the pain of the loss of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry, but they can help bring closure. (AP Photo)

TUCSON, Ariz. — The head of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection says justice was served after two men were convicted in the murder of Border Patrol agent Brian Terry.

Commissioner Gil Kerlikowske issued a statement on Friday, one day after 37-year-old Ivan Soto-Barraza and 26-year-old Jesus Leonel Sanchez-Meza were convicted of murder in federal court in Tucson. CBP is the parent agency of the Border Patrol.

Kerlikowske said the verdicts can't soothe the pain of the loss of Terry, who was 40 years old when he was fatally shot on Dec. 14, 2010 in southern Arizona. But they can help bring closure.

Terry's death exposed a bungled gun sting in which federal agents allowed criminals to buy guns with the intention of tracking them. But it lost most of the guns, including two that were found at the murder scene.

END

AZMEX F&F EXTRA 2-10-15

AZMEX F&F EXTRA 2 OCT 2015

Note: More on the verdict and statements. Also another source indicates sentencing will be in Dec.
Very little media or "activist" interest despite an estimated 1,000 plus "Hispanics/Latinos/Mexicans" killed with weapons provided to drug gangs by Obama administration .
Gracias



Posted: Oct 01, 2015 12:06 PM MST
Updated: Oct 01, 2015 2:20 PM MST
Two suspects convicted in Brian Terry murder
Written By Associated Press
http://www.kvoa.com/story/30165228/two-suspects-convicted-in-brian-terry-murder

A jury has found two men guilty of murder in the killing of a U.S. Border Patrol agent whose death exposed the botched federal operation known as Fast and Furious.

The jury found Jesus Leonel Sanchez-Meza and Ivan guilty of all counts. Jurors had begun deliberations Wednesday afternoon, a week after the trial began in federal court in Tucson.

Sanchez-Meza, also known as Lionel Portillo-Meza, and Soto-Barraza were part of a five-man crew that planned on robbing drug smugglers when they encountered Agent Brian Terry and three others on Dec. 14, 2010.

A gunfight ensued, and Terry died of a single gunshot wound. Two guns found at the scene were part of the Fast and Furious operation that allowed criminals to buy weapons that federal authorities intended to track.



Terry's family released the following statement following the conviction:

"My brother Brian Terry had a special love for freedom and courage. For the past two weeks we have sat in the courtroom facing two of the men that took that freedom and courage from him.

The verdict delivered by the jury today is testimony of the vicious and violent assault that took place upon Brian and his fellow border patrol agents in Peck Canyon on the night of December 14, 2010.

Moreover, Brian would've been very pleased to see his brother agents testify over the last two weeks and their display of love for him almost five years after his death.

We would like to thank the team of prosecutors from the US attorney's office that prosecuted this case and the Border Patrol and FBI agents that have continued to investigate the case and continue to pursue the two fugitives.

We would also like to thank the government of Mexico for their assistance in the apprehension and extradition of these two defendants. We would hope that the government of Mexico continues to actively pursue the two fugitives that we believe are living in Mexico today and also responsible for Brian's death.

Although Operation Fast and Furious was not permitted to be discussed in the courtroom over the past two weeks, it still looms large in our lives.

The many mistakes made by ATF and Department of Justice officials that originated this ill conceived gun trafficking investigation have resulted in a clear and present danger to law-enforcement and the general public on both sides of the border.

Ultimately, it was these officials who allowed weapons to flow to the drug cartels and ultimately into the hands of the man that killed Brian Terry. These government officials should also be held responsible in the court of law.

The Terry family will continue to pursue justice in this respect. Finally, I would like to thank the members of the jury for their work in this trial and the community of Tucson for their support of the Terry family through the years."



The attorney for the the defendants also released a statement following the guilty verdict:

The most difficult aspect to stomach about the guilty verdicts is that my client was never extended a plea offer. We specifically asked for a plea to Second Degree murder and the Government would not settle on anything that could result in a sentence less than life in prison. The two defendants (the mastermind and the most likely shooter) who had exposure to the death penalty and had far more culpability than Mr. Soto-Barraza will be sentenced to 30 years.

fin

AZMEX F&F EXTRA 1-10-15

AZMEX F&F EXTRA 1 OCT 2015

Note: "all suspects involved" except for those responsible for it.

2 men found guilty in 2010 murder of Border Patrol agent Brian Terry
ASSOCIATED PRESS |
October 1, 2015 @ 12:16 pm

http://ktar.com/story/673246/2-men-found-guilty-of-murder-in-2010-border-agents-death/

TUCSON, Ariz. — Two men were convicted of murder charges Thursday in the killing of a Border Patrol agent whose death brought to light the bungled federal gun-tracking operation known as Fast and Furious.

The jury found Jesus Leonel Sanchez-Meza, also known as Lionel Portillo-Meza, and Ivan Soto-Barraza, guilty of all counts. They face a sentence of life in prison.

The 2010 killing of agent Brian Terry exposed the Fast and Furious operation in which agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives allowed criminals to buy guns with the intention of tracking the weapons. But the agency lost most of the guns, including two that were found at scene of Terry's death. The operation set off a political firestorm, led to congressional investigations and became a major distraction for President Barack Obama in his first term.

The judge in the murder case restricted any mention of Fast and Furious, but it still marked the first trial for any defendants in the case. Two suspects have already pleaded guilty, and two others remain fugitives.

The defendants faced charges including murder, conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery, attempted interference of commerce by robbery, assault on a federal officer and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence.

Terry was part of a four-man Border Patrol team from an elite tactical unit that had been in the Arizona desert for two days on a mission to arrest "rip-off" crew members who rob drug smugglers along the border.

As they came across Sanchez-Meza, Soto-Barraza and three others on a rip crew, an agent yelled "policia" and the bandits refused to stop. An agent then fired non-lethal bean bags, and members of the rip crew began firing from assault rifles, authorities said.

Terry never had a chance to fire. He died of a gunshot wound that entered through his back.

Prosecutors say DNA and fingerprint evidence belonging to Sanchez-Meza and Soto-Barraza were found on backpacks, food and beverages left behind at the scene. The men told an FBI agent that they were part of the rip crew.

Defense attorneys said the men were acting in self-defense in response to the bean bag rounds fired by the agents. The lawyers said they had no comment after the verdict.

The killing led to intense political rhetoric as Republicans sought to hold the Obama administration accountable over the Fast and Furious operation. They conducted a series of inquiries into how the Justice Department allowed guns to end up in the hands of criminals.

Former Attorney General Eric Holder was held in contempt after he refused to divulge documents for a congressional investigation into the matter. Since then, the Justice Department has focused on arresting and trying all suspects involved.

END



Two found guilty in shooting death of border agent
Posted: Oct 01, 2015 11:35 AM MST
Updated: Oct 01, 2015 12:01 PM MST
By Michael Cooper
http://www.tucsonnewsnow.com/story/30164882/two-found-guilty-in-shooting-death-of-border-agent

ARIZONA (Tucson News Now) -
Two of the men accused of killing a U.S. Border Patrol agent in 2010 have been found guilty on all counts.

Ivan Soto-Barraza and Lionel Portillo-Meza faced nine counts, including murder and assault on a federal officer, in connection with the shooting death of Brian Terry in December 2010.

Six people have been accused in the killing. Two have already pleaded in the case while authorities are still searching for two other suspects.

Soto-Barraza and Portillo-Meza, who is also known as Jesus Leonel Sanchez-Meza, were allegedly members of a "rip-off" crew that planned to rob marijuana smugglers in the Arizona desert when they encountered agents patrolling the area on Dec. 14, 2010.

A gunfight ensued and Terry was killed.

Terry's death exposed the federal "Fast and Furious" operation, in which federal agents allowed criminals to buy weapons.

The plan was to track the firearms into Mexico, but instead, the agents lost track of most of them.

Two of those weapons were found at the site of the gun battle where Terry was killed.

end

AZMEX F&F EXTRA 30-9-15

AZMEX F&F EXTRA 30 SEP 2015

Note: interesting photo at link, and usual AP lies / spin


Updated 1 hour, 38 minutes ago.
Trial of 2 in killing of Border Patrol agent nears finish
ASSOCIATED PRESS | September 30, 2015 @ 10:37 am

http://ktar.com/story/671076/trial-of-2-in-killing-of-border-patrol-agent-nears-finish/

ATF officials display seized weapons in Phoenix in 2011. Lax laws prevented the agency from effectively targeting the flow guns across the border. (AP File Photo)

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — The trial of two men in the killing of a Border Patrol agent during a 2010 shootout in the Arizona desert wound down in federal court on Wednesday.

Prosecutors rested their case Monday and the defense did so Wednesday without calling any witnesses. Both sides then made closing statements. The jury could begin deliberations later Wednesday.

Jesus Leonel Sanchez-Meza, also known as Lionel Portillo-Meza, and Ivan Soto-Barraza are accused of belonging to a "rip crew" that was planning to rob drug smugglers when they encountered Brian Terry and other agents. A gunfight ensued and Terry was killed.

Prosecutor Todd Wallace Robinson told jurors that DNA and fingerprint evidence, along with confessions from both defendants, prove they are guilty on all nine counts. Charges include first-degree murder.
"It doesn't prove beyond a reasonable doubt, it proves it beyond any doubt whatsoever," Robinson said in a closing statement.

Defense attorney Ramiro Flores said in his closing that the defendants were acting in self-defense and that they did not initiate the firefight. He criticized the agents' tactics, questioning why agents were so far from the rip crew when their goal was to arrest them and why they provided conflicting testimony about the timeline of events. "They are all saying different things about the announcement, about the shooting, about how these individuals carried their rifles," Flores said.

The two defendants were the first to go on trial in the killing of Terry, whose death brought to light the bungled federal operation known as Fast and Furious that allowed criminals to buy weapons that federal authorities intended to track.

Instead, federal agents lost about 1,400 guns, including two found at the scene of Terry's killing.

Terry was part of a four-man Border Patrol team from an elite tactical unit which went to the area to arrest rip crew members. The team was set to be relieved an hour after the shooting occurred.

The gunfight began when an agent yelled "policia" at the men and they refused to stop. An agent then fired bean bags, which are not deadly, and members of the rip crew began firing from assault rifles, authorities said.

It appears Terry never had a chance to fire. He died of a gunshot wound that entered through his back.

Republicans sought to hold the Obama administration accountable over the Fast and Furious operation, conducting a series of inquiries into the how the Justice Department allowed guns to end up in the hands of criminals.

Former Attorney General Eric Holder was held in contempt after he refused to divulge documents for a congressional investigation into the matter. Since then, the Justice Department has focused on arresting and trying all suspects involved.

The judge ruled before the trial started that information about the operation would be excluded from testimony.

Two other men charged in the case — including a man who assembled the crew but who was not present that night — have pleaded guilty and two others are fugitives.

end

AZMEX F&F EXTRA 29-9-15

AZMEX F&F EXTRA 29 SEP 2015

Note: video & graphics at link.

Posted: Sep 29, 2015 5:07 PM MST
Updated: Sep 29, 2015 5:07 PM MST
Suspect in Brian Terry murder trial set to testify
Written By Lupita Murillo

http://www.kvoa.com/story/30146519/suspect-in-brian-terry-murder-trial-set-to-testify

TUCSON- A federal trial is moving forward for two men charged in the killing of Border Patrol agent Brian Terry. The defense is expected to present their case starting Wednesday, after the prosecution rested on Monday.

In a surprise move, one of the two men accused of killing Terry is expected to take the stand Wednesday morning. After a three hour session with attorney Ramiro Flores, Jesus Leonel Sanchez-Meza will be testifying on his own behalf.

The other defendant, Ivan Soto-Barraza, won't be taking the stand.

Terry was gunned down in 2010 near Rio Rico. Investigators say a so-called "rip-off" crew was there to rob marijuana smugglers, but got into a shootout with border agents instead.

Federal prosecutors say both Sanchez-Meza and Soto-Barraza have confessed to being part of the "rip-off" crew.

The jury is expected to receive their instructions Wednesday afternoon.

END



Fast and Furious trial: Former FBI agent testifies suspects in killing admitted role in theft plan
Former FBI agent testifies suspects in killing admitted role in theft plan
Posted: Tuesday, September 29, 2015 8:33 am
Associated Press |

http://www.trivalleycentral.com/casa_grande_dispatch/arizona_news/fast-and-furious-trial-former-fbi-agent-testifies-suspects-in/article_6f9b73b0-66bf-11e5-b5f8-773ff70e30d8.html

TUCSON — Prosecutors trying two men for the 2010 killing of a U.S. Border Patrol agent rested their case Monday after a former FBI agent testified that the men confessed to being among armed thieves who planned on robbing marijuana smugglers on the night of the killing.
Retired FBI agent Todd Polley interviewed Jesus Leonel Sanchez-Meza, also known as Lionel Portillo-Meza, and Ivan Soto-Barraza after they were arrested in Mexico in 2012 and 2013, respectively.

The men are accused of being members of a five-man "rip crew" that had planned to rob drug smugglers when they encountered Brian Terry and three other agents on Dec. 14, 2010. A gunfight ensued and Terry was killed.
Defense attorney Ramiro Flores has said the defendants fled when shots were fired and did not initiate the firefight.
Two guns found at the scene were traced to a botched federal gun sting that allowed criminals to buy weapons with the intention of tracking them. Instead, federal agents lost most of the weapons.
Sanchez-Meza and Soto-Barraza are the first defendants in the case to go on trial. Two others — including a man who assembled the crew but who was not present that night — have pleaded guilty and two are fugitives.
Polley said Soto-Barraza told him he was carrying a loaded assault rifle on the night Terry was shot.
"The weapon was to be used to rip off drug backpackers," Polley said.
But Flores challenged the accuracy of Polley's statement, saying the agent had only loosely translated what Sanchez-Meza said and had already prepared the suspect's written declaration before speaking with him.
For example, Polley testified that Sanchez-Meza said he'd been "patrolling" the area for drug smugglers, which Flores said as not a verbatim translation of what his client said.
"That was your spin on his rendition of his declaration," Flores said. "Why not stick to the words he actually used?"
Polley was the final witness for the prosecution. Other witnesses have said DNA and fingerprint evidence found at the scene match Sanchez-Meza and Soto-Barraza. The defense will begin presenting witnesses Wednesday.
In early testimony, former agent William Castano broke down in tears as he described desperately trying to save Terry's life.
Castano was the leader of a four-man crew from an elite tactical unit on an operation aimed at arresting rip crew members. The team was set to be relieved an hour after the shooting occurred.

end

AZMEX UPDATE 28-9-15

AZMEX UPDATE 28 SEP 2015

Note: Busy AZMEX Monday, no just can't make these things up.

Falling drug bundle pierces carport, crushes doghouse
By Murphy Woodhouse
Nogales International Sep 25, 2015
http://www.nogalesinternational.com/news/falling-drug-bundle-pierces-carport-crushes-doghouse/article_3389b792-62eb-11e5-92a7-93fd7e10019a.htm

The drug bundle crash-landed in plastic doghouse. Luckily the dog was not inside at the time.

In the first hours of Tuesday, Sept. 8, a tremendous boom woke Bill and Maya Donnelly at their home on Crawford Street, a few hundred yards from the U.S.-Mexico border in downtown Nogales.

Bill shrugged it off as monsoon thunder, but Maya wasn't so sure. Nevertheless, both soon went back to sleep.

After Bill and the couple's children headed off to work and school the following morning, Maya looked out the kitchen window toward the home's carport and saw splintered wood and other signs that Hulk, their large German Shepherd, had been up to no good.

"I went out to investigate, and sure enough, I looked up to see the hole, and then my eyes trailed down and the big dog's house was destroyed. It made a hole in that hard plastic doghouse and the bundle was inside...," Maya recalled.

That bundle contained 23.8 pounds of marijuana, worth an estimated $9,500, that had passed cleanly through the carport roof's several wooden layers and pulverized Hulk's home, which he fortunately was not fond of.

"Thank goodness (Hulk) is a wanderer at night and was not in his house," Maya said, adding: "He was probably at the gate watching the plane go by."

The Donnellys said the Nogales Police Department officers who responded told them that one of the most likely explanations for the incident was that an ultralight aircraft smuggling marijuana into Arizona from Mexico had accidentally let part of its load go early before dropping the rest further north of the border.

Bill Donnelly said that scenario made sense to him, adding that flying just one bundle seems like "an awful lot of risk for a little reward."

Ultralights are small, single-seat aircraft for which no licensing or training is required to operate in the United States.

The Donnellys said NPD officers searched their property and other nearby areas for additional bundles but found nothing. The officers took possession of the single bundle.

In the incident report provided by NPD, one of the officers noted that the bundle "had a plastic bracket, taped with black electrical tape," which had possibly been used to affix the load to an aircraft. The report also states that the marijuana was to be held for investigation by the local HIDTA Task Force.

More than not killing one of the family's dogs, Bill Donnelly said he was grateful the load hadn't fallen a little further east. "Thank God it didn't land on our house," he said. "Or over one of the kids' rooms."


Drop and go back
NPD Chief Derek Arnson and Sheriff Antonio Estrada said that ultralight aircraft are one of the tools of the local drug smuggling trade, but neither had ever heard of a load being lost in such dramatic fashion.

"Ultralights, we've seen those on occasion," Arnson said. "They'll take a couple, two, three bundles. You can hear those kind of buzzing. They come at nighttime and they don't land, they just drop and go back to Mexico."

In 2011, a sheriff's deputy spotted an ultralight dropping a load near Ruby Road. While the aircraft got away, law enforcement found 1,753 pounds of marijuana. In a similar incident in 2009, Border Patrol agents and a U.S. Customs and Border Protection helicopter successfully apprehended an ultralight pilot in the San Rafael Valley and seized 205 pounds of marijuana.

CBP did not respond to a request for comment on the use of ultralights in Southern Arizona.

Ultralights are not the only aerial smuggling method being used in the area. Taking a cue from medieval warfare tacticians, smugglers are also suspected of employing catapults to heave drugs across the border. In 2011, NPD spokesman Carlos Jimenez told the NI that a catapult-like device was possibly being used to hurl marijuana bundles across the border to Escalada Drive, though the contraption was never found.

The police report on the most recent incident did not mention such a possibility.

Family project
Though the plummeting load could have been much more serious, Maya Donnelly said she and her family don't "feel any less safe."

Bill said the deductible for their home insurance is a little too steep, so he intends to make the carport repair a family affair. "At this point Maya and I are going to do it together, and make it a family outing," he said with a laugh.

end




At one border crossing, passport now required

Posted: Sunday, September 27, 2015 3:59 pm | Updated: 3:59 pm, Sun Sep 27, 2015.
By Carla Leon, Cronkite News Service

http://www.yumasun.com/news/at-one-border-crossing-passport-now-required/article_3007f656-656b-11e5-b19f-c391c0ee0bac.html

SAN YSIDRO, California – At the Puerta Este border crossing, U.S. citizens and other foreigners walking into Mexico must now show their passports.
"I do business in Baja California, and I do business here in California, so I cross the border every day," said Alex Casian, a San Diego resident.
Casian and border residents worry the passport requirement will create a backlog on the border this time for those heading into Mexico.
"If you're making it harder to cross the border, then it is making it harder for all the businesses down there to receive people and actually do our services," Casian said.
Travelers also have to fill out a form. If they plan to stay longer than a week, they also have to pay a $20 fee for a six-month permit.
According to the federal officials in both Hermosillo, Son., and Tijuana, B.C., there are currently no plans to put in place such a system at the crossings at Los Algodones, Baja Calif., or San Luis Rio Colorado, Son.
Casian builds websites and does marketing for hotels in the San Diego area.
"It's going to affect the U.S. and Mexico because people won't shop on either side of the border," said Arturo Ramirez, who relies on tips he earns carrying shopping bags across the border with his cart.
So far, Mexico is only enforcing the passport rule at the newly renovated San Ysidro border crossing. That $6.9 million structure includes a separate immigration line for foreigners and will serve as a model as Mexico expands the passport requirement along the border.
"It is important for the border states in the United States and the border states in Mexico to have better infrastructure in order to be ready for the future," said Roberto Rodriguez Hernandez, consul general of Mexico in Phoenix.
Motorists will not have to show their passports to Mexican immigration officers at the border. And if lines grow too long, the requirement may be waived for pedestrians during peak crossing times.
But passport requirement is expected to help both Mexico and the United States improve border security.
"Since 15 or 20 years ago they were thinking to ask for passports. But now it happens for safety reasons for both countries," Rodriguez Hernandez said.

end



Drug Smuggling in Pinal County: Tactics constantly changing
Sheriff's Office ready to counter new methods to avoid detection
Drug smugglers had wrapped bales of marijuana, seized during a recent bust in Pinal County, in camouflage.
Posted: Monday, September 28, 2015 8:19 am
By KEVIN REAGAN, Staff Writer

http://www.trivalleycentral.com/casa_grande_dispatch/area_news/drug-smuggling-in-pinal-county-tactics-constantly-changing/article_435e3376-65f4-11e5-9d57-234489ddaebc.html

FLORENCE — The peak season of drug smuggling is picking up in central Arizona, and the Pinal County Sheriff's Office is trying to keep track of new methods employed by transporters.
Sgt. Brian Messing, supervisor of the Sheriff's Office's Anti-Smuggling Enforcement Unit, said the end of September through December is when they see much more activity on the drug routes crossing through Pinal County. Every year, he said smugglers find creative ways to avoid detection.
"They come up with new ideas to try and throw us off," he said. "Their goal is to gain as much time on us."
A PCSO detective stopped a pickup truck on Sept. 18 along Interstate 8 containing a group of smugglers wearing homemade camouflaged carpet-boots, which are thought to cover up a smuggler's footprints.
Messing explained this tactic of attaching carpet to footwear or car tires is seen by investigators on occasion. The strategy isn't new to the region. The Sierra Vista Herald reported in 2010 that U.S. Border Patrol agents caught 13 smugglers traveling on foot near Sells with carpet laced to the bottom of their shoes.
Messing said the strategy can buy the smugglers some ground time, but deputies and investigators have trained their eyes to detect trails that look suspicious.
Smugglers also often camouflage their bundles so they can be hidden from aircraft and foot detection until they are picked up by carriers, or not easily spotted while being carried.

Most of the recent busts in western Pinal County around Interstate 8 and Stanfield have involved vehicles that have picked up marijuana and smugglers after being carried across the border and the desert for days. Smugglers told deputies after the Sept. 18 bust that they had traveled for six days across the desert.
Messing has been working for the Sheriff's Office for the last 22 years. He said drug smuggling has exploded with activity in the region just in the last six years.
Human smuggling has gone down during that time, and Messing explained it might be because the drug cartels don't want human smugglers crossing their territory.
Another difficulty in finding smugglers is tracking the numerous scouts who sit on desert hilltops and navigate transporters through trails that avoid law enforcement.
There can be up to 20 scouts dispersed throughout a 20-mile radius and can remain at their post for as long as six weeks, according to Messing.
He added smugglers will try confusing law enforcement by frequently changing their routes. He said some have been known to return to trails not crossed in several years.
What other tricks smugglers may have up their sleeves, Messing said it's still too early to know for sure.
"They're just starting up their season, so we'll see," he said.


end


Phoenix police investigate home invasion
Posted: Sep 29, 2015 5:15 AM MST
Updated: Sep 29, 2015 8:06 AM MST
By Jennifer ThomasCONNECT
http://www.azfamily.com/story/30139661/phoenix-police-investigate-home-invasion?autostart=true

PHOENIX (KPHO/KTVK) -
Phoenix police are investigating a home invasion near 79th Avenue and Thomas Road.

Police said several Hispanic males forced their way into a home around 1 a.m. Tuesday. One of the men was dressed in body armor and had an assault rifle.

A man, woman and two children were home at the time. The man was tied up and a gun was pointed at the woman and a daughter, but they were not injured.
The suspects demanded money and drugs. Police said they ransacked the home and the family's cars before taking some items and fleeing.

The suspects were inside the home for about 30 minutes.

Sgt. Jonathan Howard said there were indicators of drug activity in the home.
Police are trying to determine if this is linked to a possible home invasion near 46th Avenue and Thomas Road.

Howard said officers responded to a shots-fired call and found signs of forced entry. They contacted the occupants who reported that the suspects had fled. There were no injuries.

Officers are still investigating both incidents.

end




Inician jornada contra dengue en Sonora
Inician jornada contra dengue en SonoraLas actividades de prevención se extenderán al Poblado Miguel Alemán, Bahía Kino y a otros municipios. Foto: Redacción/GH
Por: Agencias | 27/09/2015 11:40

http://www.elimparcial.com/EdicionEnLinea/Notas/Sonora/27092015/1011800-Inician-jornada-contra-dengue-en-Sonora.html

INFORMACIÓN RELACIONADA
Piden autoridades a ciudadanía sumarse a lucha contra el dengue
Llevarán jornada de descacharre a las colonias
Piden autoridades a ciudadanía sumarse a lucha contra el dengue
Es clave la limpieza para prevenir casos de dengue: Salud
Tiene Salud 10 mdp para enfrentar dengue
HERMOSILLO, Sonora(Agencias)

Este domingo se inició en la capital sonorense una campaña masiva contra el mosquito transmisor, para evitar más casos de dengue y chikungunya después de las lluvias provocadas por la tormenta tropical 16-E.

Las labores comenzaron en 30 colonias de esta ciudad con incidencia de dengue.

Los trabajos incluyen limpieza y descacharre de patios en domicilios, entrega de insecticida abate y fumigar las colonias.

Las actividades de prevención se extenderán al Poblado Miguel Alemán, Bahía Kino y a otros municipios afectados por las lluvias generadas por el fenómeno meteorológico.

En particular, en esta jornada participa personal del Sector Salud quien levanta información epidemiológica la cual servirá para darle seguimiento al plan.




TRAÍA HEROÍNA A NOGALES
27/Sep/2015
Alfonso CAMPOS-RUBIO
http://www.nuevodia.com.mx/Nota.aspx?p=4036

HERMOSILLO.-

Como resultado del seguimiento a una denuncia ciudadana, los oficiales de la Agencia de Investigación Criminal, de la PGR, se constituyeron en la caseta de cobro conocida como La Jaula, entre Navojoa y Estación Don, donde a bordo de un transporte de pasaje colectivo detectaron a un sujeto con dos plantillas en los zapatos, en las cuales llevaba 310 gramos de heroína, se informó.

El vocero de la Procuraduría General de la República en Sonora agregó que lo anterior se suscitó a bordo de uno de los vehículos de Autotransportes de Guasave, procedente de Guamúchil, Sinaloa, con destino a la fronteriza Nogales.

Donde al revisar dicha unidad, observaron que el ahora detenido empezó a comportarse nerviosa y sospechosamente, por lo que procedieron a cuestionarlo en torno a dicha actitud, contestándoles con evasivas y contradicciones, para luego examinar sus vestimentas y calzado, encontrándosele en esto la droga mencionada.

Por lo que inmediatamente después fue detenido y turnado al Agente del Ministerio Público de la Federación en Navojoa por su presunta participación en el delito contra la salud, añadió el informante.

FIN

AZMEX F&F EXTRA 28-9-15

AZMEX F&F EXTRA 28 SEP 2015

Note:  very little to no interest shown by local media.  

Posted: Sep 28, 2015 1:31 PM MST

Updated: Sep 28, 2015 1:31 PM MST

Ex-agent: Suspects in agent's death admitted theft plan

Written By Associated Press

 http://www.kvoa.com/story/30134432/ex-agent-suspects-in-agents-death-admitted-theft-plan  

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - A retired FBI agent says two men on trial in the killing of Border Patrol agent Brian Terry confessed to being among armed thieves who planned on robbing marijuana smugglers.

    

Former agent Todd Polley testified Monday about interviewing Jesus Leonel Sanchez-Meza, also known as Lionel Portillo-Meza, and Ivan Soto-Barraza after they were arrested in 2012 and 2013, respectively.

    

Prosecutors say they were members of a so-called "rip off" crew planning to rob marijuana smugglers when they encountered a team of Border Patrol agents in the southern Arizona desert.

    

A gunfight ensued, and Terry was killed.

    

His death exposed a botched federal gun sting that allowed criminals to buy weapons with the intention of tracking them. The government lost track of the guns, and two were found at the gunfight location.

END

AZMEX F&F EXTRA 25-9-15

AZMEX F&F EXTRA  25 SEP 2015  

Sep 25, 8:45 PM EDT

Judge casts doubt on evidence in border agent's killing

ASTRID GALVAN 

Associated Press

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_FAST_AND_FURIOUS_TRIAL_AZOL-?SITE=AZCAS&SECTION=STATE&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT 

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -- A federal judge in the trial of two men accused in the death of a Border Patrol agent questioned Friday whether the prosecution can prove the defendants committed some crimes alleged in the charges.

Judge David C. Bury said prosecutors would need to provide sufficient evidence on several of the nine charges the men face, including first-degree murder.

Jesus Leonel Sanchez-Meza, also known as Lionel Portillo-Meza, and Ivan Soto-Barraza are the first to go on trial in the killing of Border Patrol agent Brian Terry, whose death brought to light a government operation that allowed criminals to buy weapons with the intention of tracking them.

Instead, federal agents lost about 1,400 guns, including two found at the scene of Terry's killing.

The judge questioned the charges of attempted interference of commerce by robbery filed by the prosecution over claims that the men participated in a "rip crew," a gang that robs drug smugglers.

The government alleges that Sanchez-Meza and Soto-Barraza were two of the five-man crew that was planning to rob smugglers when Terry and three other agents interfered.

The agents were part of an elite tactical unit that had been in the southern Arizona desert for two days on a mission to arrest a rip crew.

The judge questioned whether there was sufficient evidence that the men were in a rip crew when there "is no drug courier, there is nobody to rob."

Bury requested a positions statement and trial will resume on Monday with the final two prosecution witnesses.

Also on Friday, FBI Agent Michelle Terwillger testified that DNA and fingerprints from backpacks left at the scene belonged to Sanchez-Meza and Soto-Barraza.

Defense attorney Ramiro Flores has said the defendants fled when shots were fired and they did not initiate the firefight.

The gunfight began when an agent yelled "policia" at the men and they refused to stop. An agent then fired bean bags, which are not deadly, and members of the rip crew began firing from assault rifles, authorities said.

It appears Terry never had a chance to fire. He died of a gunshot wound to his back.

Terwillger's testimony comes two days after former Agent William Castano broke down in tears as he described desperately trying to save Terry's life.

Castano was the leader of the operation. The team was set to be relieved in an hour when the shooting occurred.

end

Note:  Desert dwellers will find this one especially interesting.

Posted: Sep 25, 2015 1:57 PM MST

Updated: Sep 25, 2015 1:57 PM MST

Investigator testifies in trial of men in agent's death

Written By Associated Press

 

http://www.kvoa.com/story/30118740/investigator-testifies-in-trial-of-men-in-agents-death 

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) - A crime scene investigator has testified about collecting evidence from a fatal shootout that resulted in the death of a Border Patrol agent.

FBI agent Michelle Terwillger testified Friday in Tucson federal court in the trial of two men charged in Brian Terry's 2010 death.

It is the first criminal trial in Terry's killing, which brought to light a federal operation that allowed criminals to buy weapons with the intention of tracking them. Instead, they lost about 1,400 guns, including two found where Terry was killed.

Terwillger said it's hard to find crime-scene evidence in the desert.

He said investigators couldn't locate all the shell cases from 11 rounds fired by one agent at five men authorities say were planning to rob drug smugglers.

end

Brian Terry trial expected to last two weeks

By Ally Aldrete. 

CREATED Sep 24, 2015

http://www.scrippsmedia.com/kgun9/news/Trail-continues-for-death-of-Brian-Terry-329347021.html 

 TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - The trial continued on Thursday for two men involved in the shooting death of Border Patrol agent Brian Terry in 2010.

Prosecutors say they have DNA evidence these two men were at the scene of Terry's murder.

Jesus Leonel Sanchez-Mesa and Ivan Soto-Barraza are both in Federal Court for trial.  

Two of the guns found on scene that night were linked to a federal program called "Operation Fast and Furious," that sold guns to criminals in hopes of tracking them after.

On Thursday, Terry's family spoke to us about what the trial has been like.

"It is difficult, we are hearing about how Brian died, the firefight that led to his death and the efforts to save Brian after he was shot," said Robert Heyer, the cousin of Brian Terry.

The trial is expected to last about two weeks.

Two other men from the scene are still on the loose.

END

AZMEX I3 24-9-15

AZMEX I3  24 SEP 2015

Note:  As usual, no info on actual ages or gender of the "children".

Border Patrol: 177 percent jump in unaccompanied minors at Mexico-US border

SHARE STORY BY KTAR.COM | 

September 24, 2015 @ 2:35 pm

http://ktar.com/story/658091/border-patrol-177-percent-jump-in-unaccompanied-minors-at-mexico-us-border/ 

PHOENIX  — Data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection released this week showed a large increase in the apprehension of unaccompanied children and families at the Arizona-Mexico border.

While overall apprehensions of unaccompanied children fell 46 percent on the Southwest border, the Yuma Sector experienced a 177 percent increase — the largest increase reported by the nine sectors of the Southwest border. The sector includes Arizona's Yuma, La Paz and Mojave counties.

Likewise, while the Southwest Border reported an overall decrease in apprehensions of family units of 46 percent, the Yuma Sector reported a 130 percent increase, the second-highest increase reported from the nine border sectors.

Over 35,000 unaccompanied children were reportedly apprehended in fiscal year 2015, according to the data.

The data compared apprehensions between October 2014 and August 2015 to apprehensions reported during the same time period last year.

The numbers are, "surprising uptick" and a "concern" for the administration, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said, as reported by the Associated Press.

Last year, thousands of children poured across the border into the United States, especially Texas. Hundreds of the unaccompanied minors were taken to a facility in Nogales, Arizona, where they slept in a large Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility.

A lot of the children came from Central America to seek asylum.

END

AZMEX F&F EXTRA 24-9-15

AZMEX F&F EXTRA 24 SEP 2015

Updated Sep 23, 2015 - 7:07 pm

Former agent testifies at start of Fast and Furious trial

SHARE STORY BY ASSOCIATED PRESS | 

September 23, 2015 @ 1:43 am

http://ktar.com/story/654147/suspects-charged-in-border-agents-slaying-to-face-trial-2/ 

FILE - In this Dec. 15, 2010, file photo, an American flag on a nearby resident's home waves in the breeze near a U.S. Border Patrol truck blocking the road leading to a search area near where agent Brian Terry, 40, was killed northwest of Nogales, Ariz. Two men charged with murder in the death of agent Terry that revealed the bungled gun-smuggling investigation known as Fast and Furious go on trial Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2015. The men were charged in the killing of agent Terry during the Fast and Furious operation in which federal agents allowed criminals to buy guns with the intention of tracking them. Instead, agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives lost track of 1,400 of the 2,000 guns involved in the sting operation, including two weapons found at the scene of Terry's killing. (Greg Bryan/Arizona Daily Star Via AP, File) MANDATORY CREDIT; GREEN VALLEY NEWS OUT;

TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — A former Border Patrol agent broke down in tears as he described desperately trying to save the life of a colleague who was shot during a firefight that exposed the bungled federal gun operation known as Fast and Furious.

William Castano was among the first witnesses Wednesday in the trial of two suspects charged in the 2010 death of Brian Terry. It is the first criminal trial in Terry's killing, which brought to light the government's operation that allowed criminals to buy weapons with the intention of tracking them. Instead, they lost about 1,400 guns, including two found where Terry was killed.

Castano became emotional in federal court in Tucson as he walked the jury through the night of Dec. 14, 2010, when he, Terry and two other agents were on a mission to arrest gangs known as rip crews that target marijuana smugglers.

The agents yelled "policia" after spotting the weapon-toting crew, Castano said. They later fired rounds from beanbag guns at the smugglers, and a gunfight ensued. Terry was hit in the back. Castano cut open Terry's shirt to locate the wound, using a flashlight to guide him.

"I put my hand all over his body to see if I could feel blood," he said.

Terry lost consciousness and other agents arrived to help carry him down a hill, which was no easy task given his muscular, 215-pound frame, Castano said. Castano lost his composure while testifying.

Opening statements began earlier in the day in the trial of Jesus Leonel Sanchez-Meza, also known as Lionel Portillo-Meza, and Ivan Soto-Barraza. Two others have already pleaded guilty in the case, and another two remain fugitives.

Defense attorney Ramiro Flores was quick to point out that the agents deployed their beanbag shotguns first and three of the men ran away.

"Someone triggered that firefight, and it wasn't these individuals here," Flores said of the defendants.

Flores said he would touch on the Border Patrol's use-of-force policy during the trial. The agency has come under heavy criticism over allegations that agents too often use deadly force against immigrants, often in response to those who throw rocks.

Prosecutor Todd Wallace Robinson said DNA pulled from water bottles and sweaters left behind by the alleged rip crew matched Sanchez-Meza and Soto-Barraza, and that the men confessed after being found in Mexico several years later that they were part of the crew.

"All five members of the rip crew were carrying weapons, and they were carrying them for one purpose and one purpose alone, and it was to rob smugglers," Robinson said.

Sanchez-Meza and Soto-Barraza face charges of first- and second-degree murder, assault on a federal officer, conspiracy to commit robbery, attempted interference with commerce by robbery and carrying a firearm during a crime of violence.

Terry's death brought to light the Fast and Furious operation, which quickly became a hot political issue in Washington. Republicans sought to hold the Obama administration accountable over the operation, conducting a series of inquiries into the how the Justice Department allowed guns to end up in the hands of criminals.

Former Attorney General Eric Holder was held in contempt after he refused to divulge documents for a congressional investigation into the matter. Since then, the Justice Department has focused on arresting and trying all suspects involved.

Manuel Osorio-Arellanes, one of the men present but likely not the shooter, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was sentenced in February 2014 to 30 years in prison.

Rosario Rafael Burboa-Alvarez, accused of assembling the armed crew, struck a plea deal last month that will likely result in a 30-year prison sentence, with credit for time served. He will be sentenced in October.

Two other suspects are still on the loose.

end

Note:  KVOA a Tucson TV station.

Posted: Sep 23, 2015 6:04 PM MST

Updated: Sep 23, 2015 6:24 PM MST

Brian Terry murder trial gets underway

Written By Sean Mooney

http://www.kvoa.com/story/30102621/brian-terry-murder-trial-gets-underway 

TUCSON -

The jury heard the opening statements Wednesday for the trial of the men accused of murdering Border Patrol agent Brian Terry.

Nearly five years after the shooting, federal prosecutors said in their opening statement that the two men on trial, Ivan Soto Barraza and Lionel Portillo-Meza, also known as Jesus Leonel Sanchez-Meza, killed Terry near Rio Rico in 2010.  

Prosecutors contend that the defendants were members of a "rip-off" crew who were planning to rob marijuana smugglers, according to investigators.

The defense claims the two were just defending themselves after Border Patrol agents opened fire at them.

Controversy continued to follow the case after the judge ruled that all references to the failed weapons operation by the Department of Justice, "Fast and Furious", were banned from the trial.

Robert Heyer, Chairman of the Brian Terry Foundation and a family member, said despite the omission of all references to "Fast and Furious", they believe the remaining evidence will be enough to convict the accused men.

"Our focus is the successful conviction of these two defendants," said Heyer. "If that means, with respect to this particular prosecution of these two defendants, that Operation 'Fast and Furious' remain separate, then the Terry family is fine with that."

Heyer said some graphic images were presented by the prosecution in their opening statement. He said that despite how difficult it was for the Terry family to view the materials, they are determined to see justice served in the trial.

end

Note:  the flip side.  

It would seem the Tucson Daily "Worker" aka "red star" has little interest in the Terry murder trial and the F&F links.  (for our younger readers that is a reference to publications of the late, departed USSR aka soviet union. Look up Ivestia & Pravda )

US border agent who killed Sonora teen is indicted

Federal grand jury indicts border agent in fatal shooting

12 hours ago  •  By Curt Prendergast

http://tucson.com/news/local/border/us-border-agent-who-killed-sonora-teen-is-indicted/article_4819ef67-5af1-540b-9ddd-84b8cf786206.html 

A federal grand jury indicted Border Patrol agent Lonnie Swartz on a second-degree murder charge Wednesday afternoon.

The charge stems from an Oct.  10, 2012, incident in which Swartz fired through the border fence into Nogales, Sonora, and fatally wounded 16-year-old Jose Antonio Elena Rodriguez.

Sean Chapman, who is representing Swartz in a civil lawsuit filed by the Elena Rodriguez family, said the U.S. Attorney's Office informed him of the charge Wednesday afternoon.

Luis Parra, who represents the Elena Rodriguez family, said he also was informed by the U.S. Attorney's Office of the charge.

Swartz will plead not guilty at the arraignment scheduled for Oct. 9, Chapman said.

"He will fight the charge," he said. "I expect this case will go to trial."

The U.S. Attorney's Office did not immediately return a request for information.

The shooting occurred around 11:30    p.m. when Nogales police officers and U.S. Border Patrol agents responded to a call of suspected smuggling at the border fence that separates the downtown area of the twin cities.

The Border Patrol said the agents saw two people abandon a load of drugs and run into Mexico. The agents were then barraged by rocks thrown from Mexico and fired across the border, the agency said.

An autopsy report from Mexican authorities indicated Elena Rodriguez was shot at least eight times, with all but one bullet striking him in the back.

Witnesses to the shooting said Elena Rodriguez was walking down the street that runs along the base of a 30-foot rock face. The border fence stands another 20 feet on top of the rock face.

More than two years after the shooting, U.S. District Judge Raner C. Collins ordered Swartz's name be released in November 2014, saying public access outweighed concerns expressed by Chapman over Swartz's safety.

At least 10 people have died in Border Patrol-related shootings in Southern Arizona since 2010, and another five have been injured.

Nationally, there have been more than two dozen deaths. None of the agents involved has been convicted or publicly disciplined.

Locally, three agents have been criminally charged in more than 20 years, but in all three cases the agents were cleared.

In 1992, then-agent Michael Elmer was charged with the murder of Dario Miranda Valenzuela, who was shot in the back west of Nogales, Arizona.

The shooting was not reported until 15 hours later. Elmer was acquitted of second-degree murder in a state trial that year and in 1994 was found not guilty in a civil-rights trial.

In 2005, agent Denin Hermosillo was charged with negligent homicide in the shooting death of Julio Cesar Yenez Ramirez, who was suspected of smuggling marijuana. The case was dismissed in January 2006.

In 2007, agent Nicholas Corbett was tried for the death of Javier Dominguez Rivera in the desert between Bisbee and Douglas near the U.S.-Mexico line. After two hung juries, the Cochise County attorney dropped the charges. Corbett said Dominguez Rivera tried to smash his head with a rock, but prosecutors said the young man was kneeling to surrender when killed.

Since then, the county attorney's offices in Pima and Cochise have declined to prosecute agents in four other cases, saying they could not prove the killings were not justified. The Department of Justice concluded the same.

END