NDTX Round-Up for March 10

GUILTY PLEA – DARIFAH DAVIS

On March 3, Darifah Davis, 36, pled guilty to theft of government funds. For nearly three years, Davis filed for and was awarded disability insurance benefits. She falsely claimed to not be working during this time, and as a result, received over $51,000 in Disability Insurance Benefits that were not due to her. She faces up to a year in federal custody. This case was investigated by Social Security Administration and is prosecuted by AUSA Danielle Jones.

GUILTY PLEA – CHARLES AUBREY HURT

On March 3, Charles Aubrey Hurt, 63, pled guilty to felon in possession of a firearm. He was previously imprisoned for 3 years for possession of methamphetamine and 7 years for unauthorized use of a motor vehicle. He admits to distributing over 500 grams of methamphetamine in late 2019. Law enforcement searched his residence and found methamphetamine, heroin, and a firearm.  Hurt agreed to the forfeiture of 7 firearms that were in his possession. He faces up to 10 years in federal custody. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and the Texas Department of Public Safety and is prosecuted by AUSA George Leal.

SENTENCING - CARLOS HUMBERTO MATAMOROS VASQUEZ

On March 2, Carlos Humberto Matamoros Vasquez, 24, was sentenced to 5 years in federal custody for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute marijuana. Vasquez admitted to distributing marijuana from Bubba’s Beer, Smoke, Wine and Glasswerks. Law enforcement seized 33 pounds of marijuana and over $468,000 from the residence that he shared with his coconspirator. This case was investigated by Drug Enforcement Administration and the Mesquite Police Department and is prosecuted by AUSA George Leal. 

GUILTY PLEA – ALEXANDER WALDVOGEL

On March 5, Alexander Waldvogel, 39, pled guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Waldvogel’s coconspirators purchased a marijuana dispensary in California and illegally shipped marijuana to Texas further illegal distribution. Waldvogel received marijuana shipments for further distribution. During one stage of the criminal operation, Waldvogel possessed approximately 108 kilograms of marijuana or marijuana derived products in his apartment. Waldvogel faces up to 5 years in federal custody for the offense. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office and prosecuted by AUSA Chad Meacham.

SENTENCING – JOSHUA BLAKE BROWNING

On March 5, Joshua Blake Browning, 38, was sentenced to 3 months for escaping from custody and possessing contraband in prison. Browning escaped a federal prison camp where he was serving time for the possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Additionally, while serving his time in prison, Browning illegally possessed a mobile device. The case was investigated by the United States Marshall Service and is prosecuted by AUSA Suzanna Etessam. 

SENTENCING – KYLE DANIEL PEARCY

On March 2, Kyle Daniel Pearcy, 26, was sentenced to 10 months in federal custody for aiming a laser pointer at an aircraft. Pearcy knowingly aimed a laser pointer at a helicopter operated by the Dallas Police Department after midnight in August 2019. He aimed the laser pointer five times for short bursts totaling 13 seconds, causing crew members to squint their eyes to protect their vision. The case record labeled this case as a “knuckleheaded act of stupidity.” This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigations and is prosecuted by AUSA John de la Garza.