San Antonio-Based Texas Mexican Mafia Members Sentenced

United States Attorney Robert Pitman, FBI Special Agent in Charge Armando Fernandez and Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw announced that two San Antonio-based members and associates of the Texas Mexican Mafia (TMM), including an individual whom authorities believe held the organizational rank of “Free World General,” have been sentenced to lengthy federal prison terms for their roles in a drug distribution conspiracy.

Appearing before United States District Judge Xavier Rodriguez this afternoon, 45-year-old former TMM General Robert Carreno (aka “Lil Bit”) was sentenced to 300 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute approximately 48 kilograms of heroin. Guadalupe Ramos (aka “Lupio”), age 48, was sentenced to 210 months in prison.

From December 1, 2009, to July 20, 2011, the defendants were responsible for distributing at least 48 kilograms of heroin, which the TMM sold for $750,000.00. Also, Carreno oversaw the transportation of the heroin from Laredo to San Antonio, for further distribution by TMM members.

Other sentences handed down to co-defendants include: Gabriel Quiroz (aka “Biker”), age 46, sentenced to 168 months; Julio Villanueva (aka “Shorty Hawk”), age 56, sentenced to 262 months; Teresa Alonzo (aka “Tia”), age 63, sentenced to 58 months ; Manuel Gonzales (aka “Speedy”), age 36, sentenced to 188 months; Joseph Sanchez (aka “Cowboy”), age 41, sentenced to 121 months; and Santos Trevino (aka “Dedos,” and “Beatles”), age 20, was sentenced to 120 months.

Co-defendant Alexander Garza (aka “Animal”), age 35, is pending sentencing in May; and 39-year-old Tony Berlanga (aka “Tony”) is pending trial in May.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force, the Texas Department of Public Safety--Criminal Investigations Division, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), San Antonio Police Department, Bexar County District Attorney’s Office, New Braunfels Police Department and the 81st Judicial District Attorney’s Office.