‘10 Most Wanted’ Offender Sentenced to 21 Years for Firearm Offense Under Project Guardian

A felon formerly on Texas’ 10 Most Wanted list has been sentenced to more than 21 years in federal prison on a federal firearms charge, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Erin Nealy Cox.

“A convicted domestic violence, drug, and violent crime offender, this defendant should never have had his hands on a gun,” said U.S. Attorney Nealy Cox. “This case sends a message to armed criminals: When you’re a three-time offender, unlawful possession can lead to decades behind bars.”

“Mr. Travis is a confirmed gang member with a history of drug, firearm and violent offenses spanning more than 20 years,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey C. Boshek II. “My hope is the victims of his crimes find some solace his next 20 years will be spent behind bars.”

Terrol DeBaun Travis, 43, pleaded guilty in November 2019 to being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Mr. Travis was sentenced Friday to 262 months in federal prison by Senior U.S. District Judge John H. McBryde. He received a sentence enhancement under the Armed Career Criminal Act, which raises the maximum penalty for offenders with three previous convictions for a violent felony or serious drug offense.

According to plea papers, law enforcement officers observed Mr. Travis carrying a Ruger 9 mm handgun when attempting to effect his arrest at his residence in Fort Worth in July 2019.

The defendant – who was a fugitive with outstanding warrants for violating his parole – dropped the gun on his doorstep while attempting to flee. Moments later, he was apprehended about 10 feet from his front door. Agents later determined the pistol, which was loaded with a high-capacity magazine, was stolen.

A known member of the Crips street gang, Mr. Travis was convicted in 1995 and 2004 of felony possession with intent to deliver cocaine; in 2004 of arson; in 2014 of felony domestic violence; and in 2014 of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in relation to a drug dispute.

“You seem to have an affinity for engaging in criminal conduct with a firearm,” Judge McBryde said at Friday’s sentencing hearing. “That is a disturbing fact because it shows a propensity for violence.”

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives’ Dallas Field Division; the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force; the Fort Worth Police Department’s Fugitive Unit, and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frank Gatto and Levi Thomas prosecuted the case.

The prosecution was brought under Project Guardian, the Justice Department’s signature initiative to reduce gun violence using federal firearm laws. The case is also part of the U.S. Attorney’s Domestic Violence Initiative, a push to fight domestic violence using federal firearm laws, which prohibits convicted abusers from possessing guns. 

Galveston Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Computer Hacking

Today in Austin, 31-year-old Higinio O. Ochoa, III, of Galveston, Texas, was sentenced to 27 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $14,062.17 restitution for accessing protected computers without authorization announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Armando Fernandez, and Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven C. McCraw.

On June 25, 2012, the self-proclaimed associate of computer hacker groups known as “Anonymous” and “CabinCr3w” pleaded guilty to the charge. By pleading guilty, Ochoa admitted that, in February 2012, he hacked into computers belonging to the Texas Department of Public Safety; Alabama Department of Public Safety, Houston County, Alabama; and the West Virginia Chiefs of Police Association. Ochoa further admitted that he unlawfully downloaded personal and confidential information, deleted data, engaged in website defacement, made stolen information available to others, and boasted about his criminal activities online.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Alabama Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Devlin prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

Galveston Man Pleads Guilty to Computer Hacking Charge

Higinio O. Ochoa, III, age 30, of Galveston, Texas, faces up to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty this afternoon to Accessing a Protected Computer Without Authorization announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Armando Fernandez and Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven C. McCraw.

Appearing before United States Magistrate Judge Mark Lane in Austin, Texas, Ochoa admitted that in February 2012, he hacked into computers belonging to the Texas Department of Public Safety; Alabama Department of Public Safety; Houston County, Alabama; and, the West Virginia Chiefs of Police Association. Ochoa unlawfully downloaded personal and confidential information, deleted data, and engaged in website defacement. Ochoa, who claimed he was associated with hacker groups known as “Anonymous” and “CabinCr3w,” also admitted to making stolen information available to others and boasting about his criminal activities.

Ochoa is out on bond pending sentencing. No sentencing date has been scheduled.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Texas Department of Public Safety, and Alabama Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Devlin is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.

Andrews Man Sentenced to Prison for Distributing Hydroponic Marijuana

United States Attorney Robert Pitman announced that in Midland, 27-year-old Cody Lynn Timmons of Andrews, Texas, was sentenced to 151 months in federal prison, followed by eight years’ supervised release, after pleading guilty to federal drug and money laundering charges.

During his sentencing hearing before United States District Judge Robert A. Junell yesterday afternoon, Timmons was also ordered to pay a $400,000 monetary judgement as well as forfeit a 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe and an assortment of firearms used to carry out the defendant’s drug distribution scheme.

On March 16, 2012, Timmons pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute more than 100 kilograms of hydroponic marijuana, cocaine, and Hydrocodone pills; one count of distribution of hydroponic marijuana within 1,000 feet of a playground, namely, C.J. Kelly Park in Midland; one count of distribution of hydroponic marijuana to a minor; and one count of money laundering. By pleading guilty, Timmons admitted that from August 2010 until July 2011, he conspired with others—including his wife, Ashley, and his source for hydroponic marijuana, David Pace of Ruidoso, New Mexico—to distribute controlled substances in the Midland area.

To date, a total of 21 individuals have been convicted for their roles in this distribution operation. Eight, including Timmons, have received sentences ranging from probation to 151 months’ incarceration. The remaining 13 defendants, including Ashley Timmons and David Pace, are awaiting sentencing later this summer. During this investigation, authorities seized approximately 60 pounds of marijuana, approximately 25 firearms, and more than $45,000 in cash.

This case was investigated by agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, together with the Texas Department of Public Safety, Andrews (Texas) Police Department, Roswell (New Mexico) Police Department, and Ruidoso (New Mexico) Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney John Klassen.