Four Gang Members Arrested In Gonzales On Federal Charges

Today, federal and local authorities arrested four gang members in Gonzales, TX, based on grand jury indictments returned on Wednesday alleging federal drug and firearms violations announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman, ATF Special Agent in Charge Robert Elder, Houston Division, and Gonzales Police Chief Tim Crow.

Those arrested based on federal grand jury indictments unsealed today include:

• 28-year-old Randon Romero, believed to be affiliated with the Texas Mexican Mafia, charged with one count each of felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition, carrying firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
• 33-year-old Tyrone Stovall, believed to be a member of the Bloods gang, charged with one count each of felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition, carrying firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine;
• 33-year-old Mario Banda, believed to be a member of the Texas Syndicate, charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; and,
• 28-year-old Roman Gabriel Luna, believed to be a member of the Texas Syndicate, charged with one count each of felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

“One of the best ways that federal authorities can effectively partner with local law enforcement is to use our resources to help remove violent and repeat offenders from the community for longer periods of time,” stated United States Attorney Robert Pitman.

Upon conviction, felon in possession of a firearm or ammunition calls for a maximum ten years imprisonment; carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, a mandatory consecutive minimum of five years imprisonment; and, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, up to 20 years imprisonment. 

All four defendants are scheduled to make their Initial Appearances at 3:00pm today before United States Magistrate Judge Henry J. Bemporad in San Antonio.  

These charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) together with investigators from the Gonzales Police Department.    Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Wannarka 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.