Twelve Indicted for Drug Trafficking in San Antonio Area

Twelve San Antonio residents face federal drug trafficking charges, announced U.S. Attorney Ashley C. Hoff and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux, Houston Division.

A federal grand jury indictment unsealed today charges the following defendants with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance:

Francisco Garza aka “Pancho,” 52, of San Antonio; 
Joe Angel Villarreal aka “Compadre,” 55, of San Antonio;
Frank Zepeda aka “Pancho,” 51, of San Antonio;
Jose Tabares, 53, of San Antonio;
Matthew Villa, 51, of San Antonio;
Michelle Zamarripa, 59, of San Antonio;
Jacqueline Alvarez, 57, of San Antonio;
Rodger Hernandez aka “Rocky,” 43, of San Antonio;
Jay Haggard, 34, of San Antonio;
Oscar Heredia, 37, of San Antonio;  
Jason Gutierrez aka “Big Mac,” 37, of San Antonio; and
Jacob Sanchez, 21, of San Antonio.

The indictment alleges that the defendants conspired in 2020 to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine.  The indictment also charges Haggard with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, namely a Taurus semi-automatic pistol on August 28, 2020.  According to court records, Haggard was convicted in 2006 and sentenced to four years imprisonment for aggravated robbery in Bexar County.

Yesterday, federal, state and local authorities arrested nine defendants.  Hernandez, Haggard and Heredia were already in custody.  During today’s arrests authorities seized approximately two kilograms of cocaine, over 30 pounds of hydroponic marijuana, methamphetamine, three handguns and approximately $235,000.  Prior to today, authorities seized approximately 21 kilograms of cocaine, 100 kilograms of methamphetamine, a firearm and approximately $124,000 along with other assets attributable to this organization.

“The arrests made yesterday in San Antonio conclude a comprehensive investigation by the DEA along with our law enforcement partners into the criminal activities of a drug trafficking organization, who were responsible for transporting and distributing methamphetamine and cocaine into our communities,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Comeaux.  “Nothing is more important than the safety and security of our citizens.  The DEA will continue to relentlessly pursue any individual or organization that threatens the well-being and stability of our communities.” 

All the defendants, excepting Gutierrez, face between 10 years and life in federal prison upon conviction of conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute.  Gutierrez faces between five and 40 years upon conviction.  Haggard faces up to 10 years in federal prison upon conviction of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

It is important to note that 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.

DEA, San Antonio Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Marshals Service, Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and Kendall County Sheriff’s Office  conducted this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation called Operation Dirty Confidential.  

The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering operationsprimarily responsible for the nation’s illegal drug supply.