Federal and State Authorities Arrest 9 Today in Connection with Austin-Based Heroin Trafficking Organization

This morning, federal, state and local authorities arrested nine individuals in the Austin area, including ring-leaders Xavier Martinez (aka “Javi”) and Eulalio Samarripa (aka “Chico”), for conspiring to distribute heroin announced United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr. and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Joseph M. Arabit, Houston Division. 

A one-count federal grand jury indictment unsealed in Austin this afternoon alleges that since April 2014, the defendants have conspired to distribute more than 500 grams of heroin. 

Those arrested this morning include:

Xavier Martinez (aka “Javi)
Age: 47
Residence:  Bastrop

Lisa Martinez                                                
Age: 46
Residence: Bastrop

Xhavier Martinez          
Age: 25
Residence: Bastrop           

Bobby Martinez
Age: 51
Residence: Austin

Darrell Cano
Age: 49
Residence: Bastrop

Eulalio Samarripa (aka “Chico”)
Age: 48
Residence: Austin

Sandra Davila
Age: 41
Residence: Austin

Ray Armonta
Age: 30
Residence: Austin

Zaragosa Marez (aka “Gus“)
Age: 51
Residence: Austin

Upon conviction, the defendants face sentences of between ten years and life in federal prison.  All of the defendants remain in federal custody pending detention hearings later this week.

This eleven-month investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration together with the Austin Police Department, Bastrop County Sheriff’s Office, Travis County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety. 

Assistant United States Attorney Mark Marshall is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

An indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt.  The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.