09 Oct 19 Charged in Alleged Cocaine Operation in Alice

Nineteen people have been charged in an alleged cocaine and crack cocaine trafficking operation in Alice, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas.

Each defendant is charged with conspiracy involving more than 5 kilograms of cocaine and more than 280 grams of crack. All have had their first hearings in federal court.

What Agents Found

Court documents say agents carried out 11 search warrants across the city. They reported recovering more than 35 guns, thousands of rounds of ammunition and close to $100,000 in cash. They also found cocaine, crack, drug ledgers and scales with drug residue on them.

How the Operation Allegedly Worked

Authorities say the group sold drugs mainly from several homes in Alice. The investigation started in March 2024 and tied the Villagran family and people connected to them to multiple distribution sites across the area.

The charges allege that higher-ranking members pooled their money to buy cocaine by the kilogram from outside suppliers, some in Mexico, and then passed it along for sale.

They also allege that senior members kept workers in line through violence, confining them in trap houses and making them hand off drugs through small door openings.

Penalties and Prosecution

Anyone convicted faces at least 10 years in prison and as much as life. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Griffith is handling the prosecution.

The case falls under the Homeland Security Task Force, a federal effort aimed at cartels, gangs and other criminal organizations. The South Texas group draws on ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, the DEA, ATF, the U.S. Marshals Service and other agencies.

Those Charged

Joel Sanchez, 31; David Villagran Jr., 34; Rene Villagran, 36; David Villagran Sr., 51; Jose Romeo Sanchez, 37; Esteban Mata, 29; Matthew Cantu, 39; Sierra Watrin, 30; Jewel Watrin, 32; Joshua Rios, 44; Esiquio Juarez, 53; Richard Garza, 66; Christopher Johnson, 20; Jake Rangel, 28; Sierra Rodriguez, 23; Joel Flores, 52; David Cantu, 39; Lucia Gonzalez, 34; and Cindy Gutierrez, 42.

The charges are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.