Blog dedicated to reporting on Mexican drug cartels
on the border line between the US and Mexico
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Monday, May 6, 2013

Zetas Cartel Money Laundering Trial Week 3 "Mamito" Testifies

by  Chivis Martinez and Havana  for Borderland Beat
The Los Zetas cartel money laundering trial kicked off its third week of testimony with the testimony of Jesús Enrique Rejón Aguilar aka “El Mamito” or Z-7.   The trial has provided dozens of witnesses, over the three weeks of testimony, from peripheral characters providing interesting insider information; however Rejón is the first top leader of the Zetas to testify, he was ranked number three in the leader hierarchy.  
Rejón was one of the founders of Los Zetas.

Rejón entered the courtroom wearing prison garb, in this case, a loose white shirt and light gray pants similar to sweats. He appeared not to be shackled or cuffed.  He would still be considered good looking but definitely worse for the wear.  He was  sporting a 2-3 day beard growth,  and closely shaved head.  He took the stand with a demeanor of both confidence and resignation. 

When our courtroom source was asked about Rejón’s  demeanor he reported;   “ [he was] Just resigned to being there and getting the testimony over with, remembering to cooperate but not let the attorneys get away with anything even if he knew he was smarter than the attorneys, he was attentive to every question. He was just going through with it as best he could to get out of jail before he is too old.  He was serious”
He was a member of the Mexican Special Forces, known by the acronym GAFE, and was stationed in Saltillo the capital city of Coahuila.  It was while he was assigned in Saltillo when he met another founding member, Arturo Guzmán Decena aka Z-1 (at left), Guzmán asked Rejón to be a part of a new enforcer group of 14 former officers that would work with the Golfo cartel (CDG).  The name of the new group was Los Zetas.  
When Rejon arrived in Tamaulipas he was assigned under the command of Miguel Treviño Morales where he remained until his arrest.  Miguel is the current premier leader of Los Zetas and was indicted in case being tried, Miguel is Jose Treviño’s brother.
On July 4, 2011, Rejón was arrested in Atizapán, de Zaragoza a suburb of Mexico City; subsequently he was extradited to the US to face drug trafficking charges.  He pled guilty in February of this year and is serving a 10 to life sentence, he admitted on the stand he was testifying for a reduced sentence.  He is also suspected of being involved in the murder of ICE agent Jamie Zapata a murder he at one time admitted to, but later retracted that statement.
Rejón was suspected of killing numerous people and is known for his 2004 extravagant, but unsuccessful attempt  to free Golfo leader, Osiel Cardenas Guillén, from a maximum security prison in Mexico.  Mexico government documents reveal that the attempt involved helicopters and scores of Zetas on the ground. 

 Ultimately Cardenas was extradited to the US where he plead guilty, as he apologized with tears streaming down his face, receiving a 25 year sentence which he is currently serving.
In 2010 Zetas split from the Golfo Cartel, and the two cartels have been vicious opponents since the break,  in an ongoing conflict over the NE territory of Mexico.
Rejón was apprehended with 5 kilos of cocaine and 1000 kilos of marijuana when he was arrested.  . In Mexico he was charged with; organized crime, possession of prohibited weapon for-military-use-only and prohibited ammunition for-military-use-only.
Rejón told the jury that Los Zetas were moving cocaine into the States and in this time frame. He said moved 40 tons or more and made 350 million dollars plus for the Zetas. According to the witness, "[The Zetas'] expenses out of 350 million were the cost of their war against  Golfos."
When asked about admitting on Mexican TV to killing the ICE agent , Rejón explained to the jury that after his arrest he was kept blindfolded for days before he was forced in front of TV cameras to give a coerced statement.  
The charge was thrown out.
Fourteen months later, on Sept. 12, 2012, he was extradited to the US to answer charges of killing ICE agent Jaime Zapata. He pled guilty to conspiracy charges, facing 10 years to life, and is presently awaiting sentencing.
Rejón assured defense attorney Mike DeGuerin that there has been no payment or promises for testifying for the American government. He admitted he already testified in the trial of Aerelio Cano Flores, "El Yankee“, but said he was hoping the judge will reward his "good will" with leniency when sentencing.
The witness agreed under oath that he fought some territory battles: "I don't know. I was in at least 10" against opposing Cartel de Sinaloa, and he admitted that he kidnapped, tortured, and killed those crossing plazas without paying fees. Under cross examination, in a matter of fact manner, he admitted killing men and women, as well as torturing men, but stipulated he did not torture women.
"Other groups are allowed to move drugs though your territory, sometimes they pay fees, if not they got kidnapped, killed or whatever is needed to be done. I was told to kidnap 10-15 people for trafficking drugs without permission. They were killed. I was told to kill."
Injured agent Victor Avila mourns at Zapata's casket
He continued testifying about the killings and clarified a misconception, "I wasn't ever supposed to kill Betancourt anyway. I was told to kill the wife of Alejandro Betancourt," he admitted. "But I didn't think she had done anything, I wasn't convinced, so I didn't....I ended up being punished in hand cuffs for a while."

Alejandro Lucio Betancourt,  a former Army General staff intelligence officer, was a pilot  and friend to Osiel Cárdenas.   Betancourt was picked up in 2001, and agreed to becoming a mole for the government.  He was given the code name "Geraldine" by the feds.  It was through information given by Betancourt that in 2003 Osiel was captured at  a birthday party for his daughter, after an intense shootout.  Betancourt was immediately placed in the witness protection program.
On the stand, Rejón said he killed about 20 people, although the defense attorney, Mike DeGeurin, repeatedly referred to the number as 30 never wavering. The witness just responded with a nod at the attorney, in a bored manner that conveys,  "whatever", clearly he was “over it” and didn’t want to  bother quibbling about mere numbers of deaths he'd caused, numbers that may not even begin to resemble an accurate count.

Continuing with history, Rejón snarled, "It wasn't like I defected from the Gulf Cartel. I always worked for the armed branch, Los Zetas, and stayed working for Los Zetas after the split in 2010." He agreed he was given the title Z-7.
He supervised all sectors at the national levels, moving drugs to the US, providing bribes to the Mexican military, transporting drugs for the military, killing or kidnapping, whatever needed to be done.
Miguel Treviño (Z40) gave him the orders. At the time Miguel was second in command for the armed branch and supervised everything: all people and weaponry. They worked together and friendship developed between him and Miguel and his brother Omar Treviño (Z42). For two years, they saw each other nearly every day.
Rejón had been interested in quarter horses for many years, long before Miguel. He had a partnership with Alejandro Barradas. The witness explained that it was "a hobby to have the fastest quarter horses," which he kept on property in Miguel Aleman. Barradas' death had something to do with El Lucky in Veracruz. (Between the translator and Rejón’s explanation something unclear was mumbled).
Apart from his obligations and associations with Los Zetas, Rejón met other persons along the way who shared similar passion for quarter horses.  
The prosecutor asked Rejón what he called Ramiro Villareal. Looking puzzled, he replied, "Amigo." When asked if he called him "Gordo," he replied, "I never called him that."
Rejón worked over a period of time with Ramiro Villareal, acquiring about 350 quarter horses. He studied catalogues and bloodlines, buying horses through Villareal. He said, "Villareal was supposed to get me Tempting Dash. “I told him to buy me Tempting Dash 'cause of the good bloodline. He said he would, but 40 got it, he said, 'no, I got it!'"  The witness still appeared genuinely disgusted.
The prosecution exhibited many wiretapped phone calls, looking for the witness' input.
In his testimony today, Monday, he said,  Miguel Treviño, and his brother Omar, number 2 leader of Los Zetas, laundered drug proceeds through a horse racing operation in the United States, buying horses to race and fixing races their horses ran in.

He told jurors that Miguel purchased the horse Tempting Dash, In the US from Jose Ramiro Villareal.  Villareal aka “Gordo” was killed on orders of Miguel Treviño. 


Rejón said Miguel did not want himself to be the registered owner of the horse; he wanted it registered in the name of his brother, Jose Treviño.  His reasons were that Jose was “clean” and not involved in drug trafficking.
One recorded call played aloud in the courtroom (subtitles provided) was between Ramiro Villareal, and his assistant La Pili, who referred to the "guy in glasses" being furious. The witness says, "That was me. Ramiro was supposed to buy me that horse and 40 claimed it. Sure I was mad."
The witness told the jury that around late 2007, early 2008, Miguel Treviño Morales became interested in racing quarter horses. It was expensive but 40 noted it was a good hobby and good for cleaning money. 
The prosecution played taped conversations between Omar Treviño aka 42 and Villareal about bribes at racetracks. Another taped conversation spoke of "applying jolts" to horses when jockeys have battery buzzers taped to their wrists or their hands to increase the horse's speed. Jockeys immediately discarding the buzzers on the track when finished,. 
When asked about Villareal's death, Rejón said, "40 killed him and made it look like an accident."  He continued, "no, it wasn't because he was cooperating with the US, he didn't know that. It was because Villareal knew so much about the horses, he knew everything. He didn't want to be brought down by Villareal if he got caught"
Rejón spoke of Pancho Colorado and his relationship with Z-14. He said, "They were compadres and Z-14 helped him with his company in Veracruz." He was at the investigation/reorganization meeting at Colorado's ranch after the death of Z-14. 
Rejón testified that he attended many match races, "maybe 80" with 40 and 42 in Mexico, and Colorado Cessa was there sometimes, too. "He bought horses for them."
The jury proceeded to listen to many recorded calls with 42, who spoke with Villareal about bribing gatekeepers at Tempting Dash's 2009 Dash for Cash race, which she one.  Villareal spoke of the deal with the gate keepers: $500 for each starter and $4000 if they won the race
One curious conversation was between Villareal and Omar Trevino after Tempting won a Dash for Cash new track record. Villareal was saying he had to go have his photo taken. Two or three times, the jury listened to an elated Omar requesting Villareal send him a sign in the photo. Two days later, on Wednesday, the Jury was shown by FBI investigator Steve Lawson the photo of the Treviño kids, flashing 40 and 42 signs in the winner's circle.
Attorney DeGeurin asked Aguilar if he had been accused of killing a police officer. Somewhat confused, Rejón said, "Yeah, but I'm not sure what officer?"
When asked more specifically about killing one ICE agent and wounding another on the highway in San Luis Potosi, Aguilar responded, "I was questioned about this, I knew it was members of Los Zetas. I told them the facts."  
Rejón told lawyer Mike DeGeurin that the Gulf Cartel got most of his horses. When asked if he made 50 million dollars off his activities, he replied "most got lost with businesses," but he admitted he still has money in a safe (or safe place) somewhere.  
When DeGeurin stated, "You probably don't feel inclined to tell me where." Rejón answered slowly but matter of factly, "I see no reason to do that."

At one point Rejón was asked if he knew Banda MonoCodo…no answer.  Then almost at the end of the prosecution's redirect, Assistant District attorney Gardner asked Rejón how much was  Banda El Recodo  fee  to play. 

He answered, "they cost 40 (Miguel Treviño), $250,000"
Gardner told the jury he was curious about the cost the band charged because they were the band at Alejandra’s Treviño's wedding.



The witness was also asked why defendant Colorado Cessa sent him cigars. 

"He sent me cigars because of my faith," he further elaborated saying "Santeria is based on the Lacumi beliefs of the Yoruba in Africa... then it came through Cuba with slaves. I sent people to do a cleaning on the part of Colorado."  
He was asked about ritual of animal sacrifice which he ignored probably because it was posed more as a statement than a question.

The last remark on District Attorney's Gardner's redirect was, "Santeria doesn't justify killing people...” It was met by silence and Judge Sparks excused the witness.

Tyler Graham, 29, was the next to sit in the witness chair, he's been manager/agent of Southwest Stallion Station for 7 years. It's a large, well respected stable in Elgin, Texas and a long established leader in breeding quarter horses.

The breeding farm and stable was started by the witness' grandfather, Dr. Charles Graham. Dr.Graham is also a co-owner of the famous horse auction house, Heritage Place, "Where Champions Are Sold," and Graham sits on the SSS board. He grew up around the horse racing industry all his life and there isn't much he doesn't know about the business.
He graduated from Texas A and M with an animal science degree in 2006 and started working at the family business, Southwest Stallion Station, afterwards. 
Tyler Graham explained that Southwest Stallion Station wants the best possible studs to attract the best mares for the future. "That combination will bring the best possible racing quarter horses and the most money for Southwest Stallion Station," he told the jury. "You need great sires and great dams--a 50/50 winning combination, but still there is no guarantee."
Graham has learned to recruit stallion owners like teams recruit athletes, which is what he was attempting to do with Jose Treviño and Tempting Dash when she won the Dash for Cash race in 2009. That race is said to be the one which earned Defendant Jose Treviño $400,000, which he used to start his horse breeding and racing business. 

Graham knew all about Tempting Dash and had been following her progress since Ramiro Villareal had purchased her originally for $25,000, back when she was named Huesos. Chevo Huitron had trained horses for Graham and told him about other Futurities Tempting Dash had won in Mexico.
By the time Graham (at left) was pursuing Tempting Dash to breed at Southwest Stallion Station, he had he already known Villareal and many others involved in this case for many years. "The quarter horse industry is only so big," he explained" And Southwest Stallion Station plays an important role. 
The government was aware of the Treviño quarter horse business. The FBI had been conducting surveillance and witnessed Tyler bidding at the 2010 Heritage Place fall auction, where they won Dashing Follies for $875,000. Tyler Graham said, "Rudi Treviño asked me before the sale to get Dashing Follies, the bidding started quick at $500,000, then very fast going up in $25,000 increments.
Jose and Nayen were there and Rudi was on the phone and kept nodding." "Rudi also told me to buy Coronita Cartel, which was $200,000, and two Whealands for $25,000. The horses were paid for on Monday morning with wire transfers to Heritage Place. The next week, Jose, Rudi and Nayen came by Southwest Stallion Station to see Dashing Follies and Coronita Cartel and the two Wheatlands."
FBI investigator Scott Lawson contacted Tyler Graham in 2010 to help with a money laundering investigation since Graham had close ties with so many players in the government investigation.
"They approached me, not 'cause I did anything wrong, because I didn't, but they needed some inside help." He signed an OIA, otherwise illegal agreement, which has to be renewed every 90 days. 
Graham kept in regular contact with the FBI, exchanging information as they consciously and painstakingly built their case. In April 2011, about a year after Graham's initial meeting with the government, the FBI wanted him to buy a Nextel phone, for which they reimbursed him, and from that point on all his calls were taped for the ongoing investigation. 
Graham testified that he met defendant Fernando Garcia in Spring 2010. Carlos Nayen and he were interested in buying a lot of horses in the 2010 and soon afterwards they started sending quarter horses to Southwest Stallion Station for breeding and boarding. Graham said he was aware they were also changing horse names, some into names of fast cars.
 "It was confusing and made it difficult to keep track of 'em." Garcia and Nayen asked Graham to open an American bank account, to make it easier for them to pay for the horses. In the summer of 2012, he opened an IBC account in Bastrop, TX, because it was the closest bank. A total of $54,000 was deposited in six increments of $9,000. Graham was informed by his bank officer that IBC was closing the account.
He took the money and applied it to their growing horse expense bill at Southwest Stallion Station.  When he talked to Jose about this, was mad and called Carlos immediately about the matter, quickly and in Spanish.
The calls, many of which seem quite damning, continued between Graham and members of "the organization," which is what the government calls the group associated with Jose Treviño. One call after another features members of the organization discussing payments, deposits and ongoing struggles to get people and horses paid for. 
There's a call from Victor Lopez, saying he needs to meet for a cash drop in Laredo. Graham says he'll arrange it and get back to him.
Another one has Victor Lopez saying he needed a list of all the embryos they had and who were the parents. 
There were calls discussing screwed up wire transfers.
One call, with a frustrated Graham telling Fernando and Victor Lopez that $223,000 in wired payments is fine but the balances keep increasing, since more horses keep coming in and stud fees for Jose's breeding get paid directly to Jose and aren't applied to the growing balances.
Carlos kept buying breedings, and Colorado Cessa's accounts were kept separate.
At the end of this long testimony it seems that there is anything the defense can do to put any doubt in this witness' testimony. He appears unflappable, a prosecutors' dream witness.
When the defense asked about his recorded calls, he clarified, "I didn't record calls. My phone calls were being recorded." And regarding being a confidential informant, "they never called me that. I don't know what they called me. A concerned citizen? They approached me, not the other way around”.
IRS Special Agent Steve Pennington gave his testimony Tuesday afternoon. He speaks of the defendants in the government's money laundering case as "front men" (or "nominees") because they carry out duties for “the organization" buying quarter horses.  
He cited Francisco Colorado Cessa as a nominee buyer as well as the Huitron brothers, Eusebio and Jesus, and horse agent Fernando Solis Garcia. The jury has seen evidence of structured deposits in their bank.
Pennington analyzed cash transaction reports and evidence of large deposits going into Jesus and Eusebio Huitron's Wells Fargo account in Laredo. Much of their depositing style fits the parameters of structuring deposits. They co-mingled funds from mixed sources, both clean and dirty, to disguise their motives.
In 22 months there was $505,000 deposited into Jesus and Eusebio's accounts and a large number of checks written to defendants signed by Jesus Huitron. But Pennington said, "There never appeared any invoices from those entities."
Jesus Huitron's attorney, Brent Mayr, tried to say it was impossible to prove Jesus or Eusevio Huitron who used the computer, because the fact is, they don't. He said that Jessica Huitron, Jesus' daughter, did the billing, and he pointed to evidence of her notarizing two documents to further cast down. There could be some doubt about their computer skills but...
Jurors listened for hours, most of Tuesday morning and afternoon, as prosecutors traced the money trail from horse auctions, breeding farms, horse races and numerous  banks.
Steve Pennington said, "An IRS auditor looks at the level of receipts. Then he looks a level below to see if the money is legitimate."  
The witness reiterated and explained  currency is earned from drugs being sold in the US, being transported to Mexico, deposited directly as cash in US banks, or wired directly as payment for horses. The defendants laundered drug money, buying horses through nominees, and spent their time shifting through many owners to disguise the source of the money. The process enabled Treviño to collect winnings from horse races, sales, stud fees, breeding and so forth.
Pennington determined that $25 million was spent on the purchase of quarter horses in auctions and private sales, but only one was bought by Jose Trevino. 
The IRS investigator noted that two Spanish language accounts in Laredo, Texas, one being Gerardo Garza Quintero's and the other, Edith A Lopez's, had huge deposits coming in and a large number of checks going out. Edith A. Lopez has been linked to Los Zetas.
From Jose Treviño's Lexington, Oklahoma ranch, the IRS Investigator found a stack of unsigned breeding contracts with Victor Nieto, Nayen Hernandez, Santa Fe Rodan, Efrain Garcia (at left) name on them. There were no billings or breeding contracts at the Zule Farm for Carlos Nayen, who had been buying horses for Tremor Enterprises since 2011.
In 2011, 35 mares were purchased under Jose Trevino's company and tracked by the original sales records and AQHA Records. The horses were housed at SSS and were eventually transferred and registered to 66 Land.
The mares were shipped to Lexington to be a part of Jose Trevino's new "Oklahoma Bred" breeding program at Zule Farms. But analyzing the paper trail, it appears he never paid for the mares except with a bounced check. The mares, many pregnant, were seized at the raid on June 12, 2012.
Lead FBI Investigator Scott Lawson spent Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning exhibiting photos accumulated in his two year surveillance of the defendants at various horse auctions and sales. He spoke of Tyler Graham and the evidence he shared with the FBI as providing nearly 60% of the evidence.
In order to provide more proof of linkage, Lawson's testimony was largely made up of surveillance photos, wiretapped phone calls, photos and documents he pulled from off defendants' computers.
Continued on next page......

The following represents a fraction of the exhibited evidence:
Photos of Victor Lopez, who on two occasions, unknowingly giving money in Laredo, TX to an undercover agent, designating the funds were to be delivered to Tyler Graham at Southwest Stallion Station.
The first drop of $35,000 happened in January, 2011 in La Posada Hotel parking lot in Laredo, TX. More photos taken on August 24, 2011, show the second time Victor Lopez gave money, $59,700, to be delivered to Tyler Graham to an agent in a truck parked in Mall de Norte.   
A financial spread sheet of Colorado Cessa's horse purchases found on Fernando Garcia's computer representing 1.4M spent at horse a horse auction, which exhibited payments from ADT.
Documents reflect Colorado Cessa purchasing 121 horses. Forty-one of the horses were in his name and boarded at Southwest Stallion or at trainer Paul Joan’s facility.
Photos of Fernando Garcia in numerous winner’s circles--ten times over the amount to prove linkage.
Auction catalogues from Heritage, 2011 Riodoso and Los Alamitos auctions with horse hip numbers circled and listed as "Buenos." Many of these horses were confiscated from Treviño's horse ranch June 12, 2012, and sold by the government for over 8M.
A bill for Cheve Huitron's broken leg from training horses in Mexico sent from Fernando Garcia to electronic mail address; Anri2391@hotmail. The email address is the one Victor Lopez/Carlos Nayen used.
Photos of Fernando Garcia in approximately a dozen winner’s circles, the photos depicted various defendants.
Photos of Nayen, Solis Garcia in Veracruz boarding a private jet Poncho Colorado contacted to fly from Houston to Los Alamitos with defendant Colorado Cessa.
 From Lexington, Oklahoma, 100 boxes of evidence, 8 computers and 10 telephones.
Sales agreement of Garcia Bloodstock Fernando's company selling Mr. Piloto to Tremor Enterprises before the 2009 All American Futurity.
No billing invoices were found at any of the businesses. 
Winners circle photos,  that include various combination groupings of the co-defendants imaginable, including the "New Track Record" for Tempting Dash with son Jose Treviño Jr. and daughter Alexandra flashing 40 and 42 signs.


The day ended again with questions regarding witness for the prosecution Hector Moreno's testimony. The defense wants to have his testimony discarded because of pending kidnapping and murder charges in Mexico.
The defense has documents filed in Piedras Niegras, Coahuila, which is where Moreno lived. The prosecution wants it in, not only because of his horse racing ledger, but he is also an important part of Poncho Cuellar's crew, with plenty of valuable information.
Lead Defense attorney David Finn believes the arrest documents are valid. He thinks Hector deliberately deceived and left a false impression with the jury. Judge Sam Sparks wants the Mexican arrest warrants authenticated by the State Department before he makes a ruling. The defense is questioning again whether Moreno took money for his testimony. Not holding back his weariness over the issue, Judge Sparks, halfheartedly said the defense will have their chance with Moreno when he testifies again. It is not known when, but they will try to get him back.
Recall: Witness Hector Moreno
On Thursday, Moreno once again took the stand. He answered questions as to whether he knew he was facing charges for kidnapping and murder in in Mexico. He said that the first he heard of it was in the San Antonio newspaper.
He also testified he was given money for a permit, which was probably an U.S. resident visa. He was excused.
Witness Shae Cox
Attorney Richard Esper called trainer Shae Cox, former mentee of Eusevio Huitron, who described him as an incredibly hard working horse trainer with top horsemanship, while conceding his lack of education and refinement had held him back to some degree.
She described her experiences traveling with Huitron, training and racing horses on the quarter horse racing circuit. When asked about his honesty, Cox said, "He doesn't have time not to be honest."
Cox described straightening out a clerical mess Chevo was entangled with at Elgin Veterinary Clinic regarding horses and their proper owners. It took days to untangle, emphasizing that although Cox's former boss had no head for accounting, she still respected him enough to help him avoid problems in the future.
 Assistant US Attorney Douglas Gardner refuted the witness' description of Huitron's honesty by listing doping charges, a bribery charge at Redema Park and suspensions within the quarter horse industry. Some charges Cox knew of, others not, one she dismissed as everyone does it. Completely unfazed, Cox said, "I still think he is honest." 
Witness John Casler
Next to take the stand was John Casler, a former real estate broker who sold the homes Jesus Huitron built for ten years. During that time, Casler said he became familiar with  Huitron's family. Casler said Jesus was never in the office, that he always spent his time on the job sight overseeing the details, which made his homes easy to sell.
The witness said Jesus really knew nothing about the race horse business and didn't believe "Jesse" had any time for anything besides his family and home building because his devotion to each was so thorough.


Witness Ruby Segura
A real estate agent who worked with Jesus Huitron (at left) selling the spec houses he built, Segura said Jesus spent no time in his office and lived on the job site.

She said she knew Jesus had a ranch with horses but that was all. "He lived and breathed homebuilding. 
The prosecution and defense have now both finished presenting evidence in this federal money laundering trial against five codefendants who stand accused of laundering money for Los Zetas Cartel. Jurors will return next Wednesday to begin listening to final arguments.
Below is the interrogation video made at the time of Rejón's capture in Mexico


Displaying a flat affect during the interview, he then smiles when thinking of his mother
Narration in English

Interrogator: What is your name? 

Rejón: Jesús Enrique Rejón Aguilar, aka El Mamito or El Caballero

Interrogator: What is your date of birth, where are you from and how old are you?


Rejón: June 9th, 1976. I’m 35 years old, and I’m from Sabancuy, Campeche.


Interrogator: What do you do for a living?
Rejón: Drug trafficking.
Interrogator: For which organization?
Rejón: Los Zetas.
Interrogator: How did you join this organization, when?
Rejón: I deserted from the army, in 1999, I went to Reynosa and I met Decena, aka. Zeta 1.
Interrogator: Who created Los Zetas?
Rejón: It was Osiel, through Zeta 1. [Osiel Cardenas leader of CDG]
Interrogator: When they were originally created, how many members were there?
Rejón: At first we were seven. Then seven more were added to the original fourteen members.
Interrogator: Were you one of the founders?
Rejón: Yes.
Interrogator: Which number were you?
Rejón: Zeta 7.
Interrogator: What happened when Osiel was captured?
Rejón: When Osiel was captured, what happened later was that Jorge Costilla Sanchez [el Coss] took control of the organization.
Interrogator: What happened when Los Zetas separated from the Golfo?
Rejón: They [CDG] began to do business with La Familia Michoacána, El Mayo Zambada with el Chapo Guzman and people from Jalisco. They created their alliance, and when we broke away, they were already organized and began to kill our people. That’s when the organization was split in two: Los Zetas and Golfo Cartel.
Interrogator: And this is when the separation began between Golfo and Zetas?
Rejón: That’s when the separation began.
Interrogator: Are you basically at war with everyone?
Rejón: They, the Golfo, created an alliance [with them], and we’re at war with El Mayo, El Chapo, La Familia Michoacána, and Jalisco. We’re at war with all of them.
Interrogator: You know La Familia is from Michoacán, El Chango Mendez (leader of La Familia who was discovered to be distributing weapons purchased from the U.S. BATF) went to Aguascalientes to dialog with Los Zetas, was he asking you for protection?
Rejón: He was trying to reach out to us.
Interrogator: Why?
Rejón: To dialog because they killed all his people and he asked for our support.
Interrogator: Would that have been possible?
Rejón: In my opinion, whoever betrays you once, can betray you again, so it wouldn’t have been a good idea, but I don’t know what the commanders would think about that.
Interrogator: And La Tuta? [Leader of Knights Templar] Is there a relation between him and Los Zetas?
Rejón: No. His organization is with Golfo, so he’s our enemy.
Interrogator: The relationship between La Tuta, La Familia Michoacána and the Knights Templar with Golfo makes them your enemies?
Rejón: Yes, because they’re killing our people and we’re trying to stop them.
Interrogator: With respect to the relationship between Arturo Beltran and La Familia, then Beltran falls, then el Chayo falls, then Chango, what do you think happened in Michoacán?
Rejón: Michoacán collapsed because in essence, they didn’t keep their word. There was never a deal reached with them. In fact, when Arturo [Beltran] went down, there was a cease-fire, but they (LFM) broke it, and they went to war against Arturo and sought refuge with el Valencia.
Interrogator: So, after that everyone started to split off and work for themselves?
Rejón: Yes. That’s when the war started. By that time, we were already working for ourselves.
Interrogator: How did you all begin to work independently?
Rejón: Since we no longer had ties with anybody, we began to bring the material (drugs) ourselves.
Interrogator: How do you obtain the drugs? Which Colombian cartel do you work with?
Rejón: I do not know. That’s handled by different personnel. But it has always been brought through Guatemala because the Colombians are not trustworthy.
Interrogator: They bring it from somewhere else?
Rejón: From Guatemala. It can be bought from Colombia, Panama, or Guatemala. We buy it from Guatemala.
Interrogator: And where do you get your weapons?
Rejón: From the United States. All weapons come from the U.S.
Interrogator: How are they brought here?
Rejón: Crossing the river. We used to bring them through the bridge, but it’s become harder to do that.
Interrogator: Who purchases the weapons?
Rejón: They are bought in the U.S. The buyers have said that sometimes they would acquire them from the U.S. Government itself.
Interrogator: And nowadays, who distribute them to you?
Rejón: It’s more difficult for us to acquire weapons nowadays, but we find ways. But it’s easier for Golfo to bring them across the border.
Interrogator: Why?
Rejón: We don’t know why, but they bring them in the trunk of their cars without being checked One can only think that they must have reached a deal with the government.
Interrogator: How often are they smuggled?
Rejón: Today it’s more difficult so it’s more sporadic, like every month, every 20 days, or every month and a half. It’s done whenever there’s an opportunity.
Interrogator: And the drugs?
Rejón: The drugs are handled by a group of accountants. They handle that in private. It’s compartmentalized. Only they know how and when it’s smuggled to the United States. I suppose, with the way that things are right now, they probably smuggle the drug shipments every two or three months.
Interrogator: How is the drug shipments smuggled to the U.S.?
Rejón: They bring it to the U.S. through Laredo, but that’s done by a designated group handled by the accountants. They are responsible for all that.
Interrogator: Let’s talk about San Luis Potosi, do you remember the attack on the ICE agents?
Rejón Yes. They [Zetas] were traveling in a caravan of bullet-proof vehicles. They mistook them for other people and cut them off.
Interrogator: What’s happening in Tamaulipas?
Rejón: In Tamaulipas, there’s a war because of the separation of the cartels. But we’re on hold because there is too much government [soldiers] presence.
Interrogator: Tell me about the armored vehicles. How were they made? How many of these vehicles were under your command?
Rejón: Three, ..Five at one time.
Interrogator: And out of these five vehicles, what type were they?
Rejón They were armored trucks typically known as monsters.
Interrogator: Were you ever prepared for being captured?
Rejón: One always knows that sooner or later, we will be captured.
Interrogator: Is there someone you would like to ask for forgiveness?
Rejón: For?
Interrogator: For your actions, or disappointing somebody, perhaps your children or your family?
Rejón: (this question seems the only time he reflects emotion) Yes. My Mother, because since all of this has happened, I haven’t seen her, for 17 years.
Interrogator: Knowing that you haven’t seen your mother and that she’s still alive, how do you feel?
Rejón: It’s hard. It’s painful, but oh well…..
If you missed "Week 1" link here for "Week 2" link here
Note from Chivis:
We will be posting closing arguments by Friday and  will be on verdict watch. 

119 comments:

  1. Hell yeah you guys are awesome!!!!!

    Chivis and Havana, I know it's been a HUGE task to get all this information together, but we appreciate every word. Really happy you're so dedicated :)

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  2. scared in usa
    A small note my family has been granted another month of amnesty as they review the case. Still no word on my father if he is alive or not since april. the youngest children are able to smile and laugh. my sisters are very withdrawn and afraid after what the attackers did to them i imagine. my mother is not herself the men doing what they did to her, being forced to watch the beatings of my father. my mother having to watch men and my sisters and they forced my father to watch it all. i saw what they did to the farmers as they took the land. i wonder how long till cartels have enough men in the usa to do the same here?

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  3. Wow, excellente article! if someone can give information as to how Los Zetas work it must be Mamito

    Great work Chivis and Havana!

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  4. Wow, this is full of really interesting info from inside the Letra organization. Thanks to both of you Chivis and Havana.

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  5. damm good reporting

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  6. This is first rate reporting, you two have proven yourselves, congratulations. The Mamito testimony was the crescendo of the trial.

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  7. @Tijuano May 6, 2013 at 11:38 PMDay 3: Mamito on hot seat. can he be the next Sammy Gravano.

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  8. I just wanna know where is Lazcano in all this mess seems like no one ever talks about em I'm not glorifying him but from what I know he was one bad mofo

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    Replies
    1. Hes one bad dead mofo now!

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    2. He is six foot under, unless you believe the conspiracy stories (which are just that)!

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  9. Thank you everyone...

    Tijuano he was the "star player" in this case. I always thought of him as so interesting, his Santeria religion was said to go to the dark side reflected in his killings, I was surprised there was mention in the trial about it.

    Thanks Kid..The amount of info in the trial about Letra was a surprise, I thought it would be boring banking and business testimony and little cartel info. I was pleasantly surprised.
    If you missed week 1 and 2 I recommend them especially the parts about 40.

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  10. I think you mean Banda El Recodo. La madre de todas las bandas not "monocodo". From the lil Town of El Recodo Sinaloa near Mazatlan.

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  11. Awesome great job BB,so interesting this trial,i don't like these thugs but at least they had some taste in finer things in life,not just about skinning people and as such...great work Havana and Chivis great work!!!

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  12. I wonder if Z40 still is the leader of anything or if he did the smart thing and disappear with a pile of cash? I mean, if you live this lifestyle you end up dead eventually. These guys make alot of cash, lets say you`re a cartel man and you have made 200 million dollars, you have that laying around. I`m assuming they do all this shit for the money, yes? That`s the point of it all, cash. Not taking the cash and disappearing would be moronic, it`s not like you need more. Same thing with Chapo, he`s been in the business for a long time, made alot! of money. To just continue in the same track, selling more drugs, to me would be just plain stupid, there`s no reason too unless you`re incredibly greedy, stuck in the lifestyle or you spend it faster then you make it.

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    Replies
    1. You cannot simply run away. You have eternal enemies and high tech government agencies tracking you. These guys need more and more money to pay off security and political protection. As soon as they try to leave the game its prison or death within days.

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  13. @2;25 I hear you, but money is really not the only reason they do it. Power, respect are big players. Also just disappearing with a ton of money is actually pretty hard and you give up your network of informants and security. In some ways it might be safer on the run. Also most of them don't expect to live forever. I'm pretty sure 40 is ready to die.

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  14. No they don't have money because they spend it all protecting themselves and impressing everybody the ones who are rich are the goverment players who they bribe drug dealers live day by day sometimes they borrow money till thier loads come and get sold in the US !!!

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  15. First, amazing that all the Mexican government has on Mamito is some weapons violations. Unreal. Your government sucks. Second, what is the origina of his nickname MAMITO?

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  16. Lots of grammar mistakes, such as sentence fragments and run on sentences in this " article".

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    Replies
    1. Ur a dumb ass !!! don't know why you have quotations!!

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    2. It is not an english class so who the fuck cares!!!

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  17. This dumb ass admits to murder and torture 30 people and he thinks he will get some time off.he will die in prison.

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  18. How come rejon was not a leader rather than z 40. Wasn't he one of the frist one in the group?

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    Replies
    1. This is what I heard Lazca Lazca got along with the thug bothers. Z-40 was strategically smart and organized with follow through in Tamps and especially Z-42 would kill anything with legs with no thoughts- Mamito had a thought process and didn't always act like a 'warrior' but was good managing the flow of drugs until
      The Zetas started being overly greedy, unreasonable, killing too many loyalists that didn't need to be killed. That made others run to the US. And that is what I know-

      Delete
    2. Thats correct mamito would only kill people who deserved to be killed...he didn't agree with killing innocent people..they looked at him as a weak link.

      Delete
  19. The Grahams are boss hogs in the Bastrop-Elgin areas.

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    Replies
    1. 9:25 AM - what does a Boss hog in Elgin, Texas mean? They rule the horse trade from care, breeding, races, auction/sales. They've cornered the market, so to speak?

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    2. This coverage surpasses everything so far in the Us and Mexico. It made my lunch hour go by in a flash. Wish I could read it during work! Thanks to you all!

      Delete
  20. Wow! Good work here with this story! There is more to munch on than any other source in the country!. Borderland Beat shines- and btw-el mamito coverage is just incredible. Don't mean to go ga- ga here but thanks.

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  21. Looks like Z40 and mamito attended a lot of horse races together and were never caught or spotted...Seems like mamito did a good job of bribing military personnel. luck eventually runs out as in the case of mamito. mamito said Trevino double crossed him by buying the horse he wanted and kept it for himself. maybe Trevino gave up mamito???

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  22. Pretty much blown away by this. Your source has some experiene here. Realy well done!

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  23. Wouldnt be suprised if his family dies soon, snitching on his cartel

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  24. The original Zetas the Special Forces Gafes are all dead or arrested.Mamito will not live.40 will take em out

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    Replies
    1. Do you mean 40 will snitch on him?

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  25. You have done an awesome job with this trial, thanks a lot Havana and Chivis and your courtroom source. Fascinating to see so much information about the zetas come out, I also expected this to be a much more boring trial.

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  26. Sombreros off to Havana and Chivis! I am glued to this story. It is way above all others I have read in details.
    I can't help wonder if that Tyler Graham is always looking over his shoulder now? I definitely would be. Zzzzzzzzzs are everywhere in Texas.

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  27. Incredible and well worth the wait. Borderland Beat is serious on this one! Good foresight Buggs and Chivis.

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  28. You are right-Mamito-is really heavy! I was impressed and thought Poncho Cuellar was important to the case but El Mamito-really a blow. Stellar details here-I
    have to commend you on this job.

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  29. Now we see just how important Trevino is and has been to the Z.Even back then he was commanding the original Z.Trevino is as important in the make up of the Z as anyone you could mention.I wonder how much time Mamito will end up getting,imagine the things he is not telling everyone,also,anyone know what sentence did El Flander eventually get?Appreciate the effort and story,interesting stuff,and a pity Mamito will not be talking more.Some of these dudes could write books for real,would they sell?Hell yes.

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  30. As for Lazca, he is mentioned in I think the second article, testimony paints a picture that the two leaders were close.

    But Z40 and Lazca split the "business", in an operational sense, trafficking vs diversification, each operating one ..

    Thank you very much for the kind comments. We did receive one hater comment suggesting we plagiarized from mainstream. That is offensive as well as inaccurate.

    The first week I did read other sources which I listed at the bottom, BUT our courtroom presence was frustrated because I was asking about this or that because I did not see it in the notes. Turns out mainstream was dependent on a lot of pretrial testimony and mix a lot of it in. There is nothing wrong with that, and I was able to find the material, but I decided to stay away from it and build the story on the trial testimony and evidence, and keep it at that.

    So The following week I stopped reading anything other than research stuff from Mexico relevant to the trial and legal documents, racing information documents and reports... and I have not looked at another source since then. The work is 100% ours. That is why there are no source credits at the bottom as in the first week.

    Don't be a dummy, of course some will sound familiar because we are in a courtroom dependent on what we are seeing and hearing of the same source. But you will not find what is theses reports because I wrote the articles with the Mexican Drug War reader in mind. I would ask if something would be interesting to you, not the US citizen that thinks Z40 may be what one sprays on door hinges, and not knowing he is the premier leader of a Mexican Criminal Organization.....paz, chivis

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    Replies
    1. When you say "we" do you mean you yourself , Havana or your mysterious " source"?

      Delete
    2. This is SO interesting and makes all the horror of Mexican Cartels real! I read about it and I know those things happen but your report brings it to another dimension. Just wish the United States would see this as important as all the issues they squabble about because we all have loved ones and nothing feels safe. Surely the president and congress, etc. Know how dire this situation is. Thanks again for all your hard work and pics!

      Delete
    3. Lmao on the door hinges remark chivis!!! We know who z40 is now thanks to u guys and your hard work.i very much appreciate the stories and info cause god knows we dont get it in the u.s.the media here for some reason refuses to cover the mexican drug war.al quaida all over the news but not mexicos problems or problems on our border

      Delete
  31. Great work Havana Pura, Chivis, courtroom source

    Gotcha! The worst thing the Zetas Cartel family and cartel members could have done is start a business in the U.S. The feds are probably always watching the Treviño Morales family regardless of their affiliation with the Z's or not. They were being watched and heard since T. Graham agreed to have his cell tapped by the FBI. This case is a slam dunk for the prosecution! Mamitos testimony pretty much seals the fate of the defendents in this trail. Mr. Rejon was the #3 man in the cartel and for the most part organized and carried out day-to-day operations; in fact, he mentions how Z-40 purchased horses for their company through the proceeds from drug trafficking profits. It don't get anymore damning than that. Now the question I have for Mr. Rejon is this: did he have anything to do with the disappearences of Laredoans from Laredo,Tx. in the middle of the first decade of the 2000's. He claims to have fought the Sinaloa Cartel. Battles between the Zetas and Sinaloa occured in N.Laredo about the same time of the disappearences of citizens of Laredo. Does the FBI need to investigated Manito for other crimes?


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    1. Now that is a good question maybe he knows what happened to yvette martinez and brenda cisneros?

      Delete
    2. Everyone in Nuevo Laredo knows that Z40,Z42, Taliban and taliban's in law aka Rafita Ramírez are behind those kidnappings.

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    3. The martinez and cisneros kidnapping ur talking about?

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    4. BB will not report on the thousands of kinappings of females for sex slaves to the gangs they are bought and paid for by the cartels believe that!!!

      Delete
  32. To the person who corrected the band name...thank you very much!! the prosecutor screwed up the name so even the witness did not know who he was talking about. Our source said what he wrote may not be correct.

    Attys had a difficult time with Mexican names

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  33. Y sigue rifando Borderland Beat. iY a todos los envidiosos, vayan a la chingada! Rest assured your not getting this story at any other narco blog.

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    Replies
    1. Hay no blog con estas detalles como aqui. Rest assured!

      Delete
  34. Trevino better whack mamito before mamito gets out and takes out Trevino. Mamito is trained assassin!!!

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  35. Lots of grammar mistakes, such as sentence fragments and run on sentences in this " article".
    Almost as bad as yours, good thin we are here for the information and not to judge grammar...

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  36. La extradicion no deveria de exisistir, porque tiene que meter sus narizes los Estados Unidos en todo?

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    Replies
    1. Por que desgraciadamente nuestro govierno corructo los deja vivir como reyes en las priciones mexicanas, tienen todo mujeres, droga, armas, licor, buena comida, asta parece que tienen camas king size teles todo los culeros tienen y en usa viven en las rejas como son sin privilejios y como rataz y delincuestes seran castigados si conprende amigo.

      Delete
  37. So la zorra 40 turn mamito over cuase mamito wanted that dash horse and he was mad cuase 40 took it first...z40 was probably scared manito would kill him for that would of being nice if he would off.

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  38. You know Banda El Recodo, la madre de todas las banda, has some connections. The Latín entertainment media has never mentioned them playing for the Z cartel. They made blood money. But then again so do other bandas, grupero banda, and pop artists from Mexico.

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  39. This Trial is making my hometown look bad, sorry Laredo.

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  40. Oh no! Who let the grammar police out of the basement?

    This article is an outstanding piece of reporting, I notice no glaring mistakes in grammar but perhaps it is because I find the post so riveting.

    Note to Grammar Policeman: Take your meds

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  41. "9:25 AM - what does a Boss hog in Elgin, Texas mean? They rule the horse trade from care, breeding, races, auction/sales. They've cornered the market, so to speak?"

    Boss Hog is southern fried character from the TV series Dukes of Hazard. He's fictional character who runs the county and has his hands in everything.

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  42. What prison is Mamito in? Is he in Supermax?

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  43. Chivas, have you heard if any of this trial, or investigation, has anything to do with the Jovitas herion bust? Jovitas was a restaraunt and entertainment venue in south Austin owned by a fellow named Pardo. Thirteen people were sentenced today, some up to eighty years. Pardo was also a minor local entertainment and politcal celebrity for years in Austin - he died before trial but the thirteen others didnt.

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  44. Mamitos payback for lazcanos death and claiming tempting dash as his horse we all know z40 set up all the original gafe members Mamito and lazcano were real close.

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  45. Arguing over whether it was 20 or 30 he killed. Try 3000 at Mamito's hands and at his orders. That would be a low estimate for 30 murders a day at his hands and by his orders was very common!
    Men and women and lots of children. 300 families in cahila murdered, brutally and systematically erased from this world by mamito and 40!
    40 must be shaking his head in disbelief.
    or perhaps 40 is thinking if he says that he only killed 30 he can cut a deal for 10 years with the feds.
    Totally beyond any form of reality. The twilight zone in federal court!!!!

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    Replies
    1. 2:34 - read it closer- mamito said 20- defense attorney kept saying 30 - Mamito looked disgusted resigned- like he was thiinking 'whatever' knowing that it didn't even resemble anywhere near the real number

      Delete
  46. Trevino family worse than al queda! A monster cancer, a plague on america that needs to be aggressively treated!!!

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  47. unfourtunately this will not put a dent on the Zeta's wealth and power. This is only a trial for laundering a mere 25million out of billions of dollars that they make. How about going after the Texas companies that buy the oil and coal that the Zetas sell to them? That they wont do.

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  48. People like Rejon snitch because of ppl like the 40 brothers who try to betray and steal everything from everybody u ever see alcapon abergo old Skool gangsters snitch hell no because they were loyal bosses not just about themselfes like this scums now days snitching fools no loyalty !!!

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    Replies
    1. Yea back in the day la cosa nostra wouldnt snitch for ANYTHING or anybody.they took the vow of omerta and were dead serious about it.the italians would tell you they didnt see anything if it happened right in front of them.these guys nowdays arent even close to being like that

      Delete
  49. May 7, 2013 at 1:08 PM Because of crimes comitted in the US, that´s why it´s their business, and thanks to extradition many of these criminals are actually put in jail instead of paying their way out of trouble or being set free because the authorities or the PGR fucked up during the arrest or couldn´t build a case, also while locked in the US they don´t become owners of the prison as it happens in Mexico.

    Say what you want but the Mexican justice system is a joke and I want all these criminals out of the streets, if the US can lock them up then the only thing I have to say is thank you.

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  50. READERS:

    I just added to the post the interrogation video of Mamito, with English translation narrative. It is very interesting if you have not seen it I would suggest taking a look.....Paz, Chivis

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  51. Thanks Chivis for all u do! This was a huge, mega huge undertaking-if there are typos or a grammatical mistake or two, who cares. We more than get it and get more from reading it than we would if Havana and Chivis, hadn't given us the opportunity which I, for one, am very appreciative.

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  52. Rip Comandante enano jefe de coahuilla y comdnte diablo en piedras negras ....fiero

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  53. I guess when they try to break osiel out he was still in mexico at the time?

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  54. "not the US citizen that thinks Z40 may be what one sprays on door hinges"
    Is everyone really this blinkered?Do we really think it is as bad as this?They have never heard of Z40,Lazcano,Cardenas,Gulf Cartel,Sinaloa Cartel?If it is the case,it is scary,you would have thought people would know just for knowledge if nothing else,and the slight fact of it being Mexico,our neighbor?Ok,we don't get along,but,it is Mexico!!Then again,we are not the greatest when it comes to geography of"any"kind.

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  55. I figured out why his name is mamito!!!! It's cause he misses his mami !!!! LOL

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  56. Grateful in AustinMay 7, 2013 at 6:56 PM

    Hey Chivis did you take the court house photo? I live in Austin and know that is the building, so I am thinking Chivis is the courtroom source and photographer, just a hunch. Great job both of you, no way this information was taken from other news sources because this is no where, so STFU to the hater, prove your claim, or move on down the line.

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  57. Hey Austin!

    Good eye there, well I asked our source for a couple of court house photos for something I was making for the top photo. He wrote back "Hell No! I will get in so much trouble doing that"

    He thought I asked for INSIDE the courtroom. :)
    So he took two photos on the OUTSIDE. Which is what I wanted. I made a screenshot of Mamito from the video and embedded it into the courthouse photo for our lead photo. The timeline chart I made when he pled guilty and forgot, until I did image search and saw it, and thought "that's cool" forgetting that I had even done it. It even has the BB2013 in the chart. jajaja getting old is a bitch.

    @5:47 test your friends, work buddies whoever is in your world and ask them "what or who is Z-40" and you will see what I mean. The drugwar of Mx is one of the greatest threats to the US, and few really know details about it, take the trial, it should be a huge interest to the US and few of the big guns are doing any coverage, and what is done is minimal.

    And about Jovitas, there is nothing in the notes but I sent an email to our source to see if anything was mentioned. I will let you know.

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    Replies
    1. Chivis. I love you senorita. Gracias for this. Z40 is a bigger snitch than Chapo. At least Chapo has never ratted out any big timers. Its proven that La Barbie ratted out El Jefe De Jefes and Nacho was in the wrong place at wrong time imo. If Chapo was such a snitch, Mayo, Azul, and countless others would be locked up. 40 rats out anyone who comes close to holding power in los z. He ratted out Lazca, and Mamito for gods sake. They wernt brutal enough against women and children.

      Delete
  58. Lol and they call people from Sinaloa snitches.

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  59. 40 betrayed alot of commanders Including mamito, hummer, lucky and ammarillo to name a few. 40 had to betray those guys because he knows that they are stand up guys and he could of never gotten to the top with them being commanders. you forget that mamito has a lot of commitment to his squad everyone in the border knew how those commanders where and how ironic that they got caught without a single bullet being fired. those used to be the good ol days, know you can't even have fun around the frontera chica and reynosa.

    -zurdo

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    1. Correcto Zurdo!

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    2. So true I agree lazcano would still be alive thats how all the infighting started z40 starting picking and setting up all the original gafe members 1by 1 z40 would never have made it to the top he had to get rid of all the lazcano loyalists z40s the real trick after he set everyone up the last one was lazcano its a no brainer folks.

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  60. Am not cheering for these guys but sounds like mamito was a very important guy in the z orginization

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  61. After reading this and other articles, i have to wonder if the Zetas should now be known as the Treviño Morales Cartel, I mean, all the original ZETAS are gone, and many say Z40(previously known as L-40) snitched on most of them. It sure sounds logical. Like other readers have said, if the other OG ZETAS were still free, it´s hard to believe z40 would´ve made it to the top.

    By the way, anyone remembers the name of the group Treviño belonged to before being named z40? I know it started with an "L" hece the L-40 code, but can´t remember what it was.

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    Replies
    1. Miguel Treviño change his code name to L-40 after he was kicked out of the Zetas, he was kicked out of the Zetas when they found he was snitching big time.

      Delete
    2. L=El , L-40= El 40=The 40

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  62. Copy and paste and poor translating and poorer writing. This website is really faking the funk.

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    Replies
    1. Shut up! This is a fantastic and very informative site. If you don't like it, then don't log on here.

      Delete
  63. Chivis I would love to hear more about the what's really going on michoacan with fake police communitary being use by cjng.. And there's a lot of prove out there it's been confirmed I seen some video call the hell in Buenavista where the people of the region are fleeing from there homes from all the abuse of the these so call police auto defense which are
    People not originally from those areas but from other state of Mexico.. There another video of a man in military force to death and his family safety to join the cjng forces for their own interest where he explains the federales and Mexican army and marines and some DEA agents are infiltrated and on the payroll of the
    Cjng services and I believe all this true because all this had generated town against a town in michoacan where they are making it a complete hell zone .. Innocent people are being armed forcefully from outsiders and corrupt military personnel that making a complete caos!!

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  64. Are any of the original guys still around? I had thought that Gustavo González Castro (EL EROTICO) was still around.

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  65. @Tijuano good point there like "The Beltran Leyva Brothers" Los Beltran Leyva.The only thing i know is that 40 and 42 made another cartel named "Cartel del Norte" must be the Trevinos brothers with all there high ranking people and associates.Or it could be Lazcano's people?.....

    I still don't believe Lazca is death there is something 40 and 42 are hiding but can't think what.

    Two Brothers!



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  66. "L" de Lavacarros de Laredo hence the name L40.

    Gente de sombrero Durango/Sinaloa

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  67. I also do have to comment and I hardly ever do it. This trial coverage has been great. I feel so fortunate that we have it. It is above and beyond the truncated versions. Obviously, it is time consuming. I appreciate the time and effort you all spent putting it together. Really, thank you.

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  68. @ Chivis - Jovita's bust sentencing-

    http://austin.ynn.com/content/top_stories/291819/judge-sentences-13-defendents-from-jovita-s-drug-bust

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  69. @Tijuano i think it was lobos/L-40 that was karis group

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  70. @May 8, 2013 at 9:41 AM:

    Thanks, I just can´t remember, i had a book where it was mentioned but can´t find it.

    According to Wikipedia it was "Los L" or "Cobras", I remember reading about one Cobra-40 years ago, but can´t remember if this is the same guy. I know "Los Linces" is the equivalent of the original zetas on the Juarez Cartel(former military personnel now working as cartel enforcers).

    Los Cobras were supposed to be guys without military training who were employed by the original zetas as low level enforcers.

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    Replies
    1. @ 9:41AM your right, "Mata Amigos" gave the Nuevo Laredo CDG hitmen code name Lobos/Ls(L-40), Reynosa people were Rojos/Rs(R-1), Matamoros people were Metros/Ms(M-3)

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  71. @Tijuano

    There are two stories of why the "L",
    Both were to define one group from another.
    Z being the code of Decena as a high ranking fed police officers (GAFE)in charge of a city, in his case Miguel Aleman, Tamps.

    When they organized Zetas, and named the group it was a play off that code, and all the former military I think around 30 got the code Z and were assigned to Osiel. "L"s were non military at that time. It could be that L stood for Laredo. I am not sure.

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  72. Lazcano vive !!!!!

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  73. Chivis, you are such an excellent writer, I have a serious question: why don't you write a book?

    When I began at BB a year ago I knew so little but I was quick to learn through your posts. You take nothing for granted, keeping the beginner in mind in explaining places, names and history while keeping the more knowledgeable person interested. That is a difficult balance. Even your personal story would be one hell of a read. I sent you a couple of publishing contacts, those I know personally, perhaps you did not see the emails. I am "SDR". I will send them again for your consideration

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  74. As always, fantastic information. Thanks.

    I do have a question that is slightly away from the topic, but know that this is the place to ask and get the right answer! Jose is a naturalised American citizen, so I wondered whether Miguel and Omar are too.

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  75. I see you found the sentencing for Jovitas case
    but here you go


    In Austin On Friday, U.S. District Judge Sam Sparks issued the following sentences:
    • Jose Pardo, 69, sentenced to 30 years
    • Michael Martinez, 67, sentenced to 30 years
    • Jorge Carrillo, 45, sentenced to 15 years, 8 months
    • Dionicio Sanchez, 63, sentenced to 11 years, 3 months
    • David Sosa, 43, sentenced to 10 years, 10 months
    • Amanda Pardo, 46, sentenced to 10 years
    • Terry Ayers, 65, sentenced to 10 years
    • Alfredo Alvarez, 63, sentenced to 9 years, 2 months
    • Chris Mier, 32, sentenced to 4 years, 3 months
    • Tatiana Huang, 26, sentenced to 4 years
    • Kilpatrick Williams, 46, sentenced to 3 years, 5 months
    • Leah Day, 25, sentenced to 1 year
    • Jeffrey Faun, 36, sentenced to 1 year
    In addition to their prison terms, several defendants were ordered to pay hefty fines. Amanda Pardo was ordered to pay $15,000. Carrillo, Huang and Meir were ordered to pay $6,000 each, and Williams, Day and Finn were ordered to pay $3,600.
    All defendants were also ordered five years of probation upon their release.
    Another defendant, Lucy Estrada, is scheduled to be sentenced on Friday.
    The defendants were arrested after a year-long, multi-agency investigation, dubbed "Operation Muerta Negra," or "Black Death.”

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  76. @Chivis:

    Thanks, I´ll dig up that book for sure and see what else i find from the early Z´s

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  77. I think it is really weak that Mamito is ratting on Z40. I mean, shouldn't he try to kill him instead of testifying. Also shouldn't Z40 have killed him instead of turning mamito in.

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  78. all you guys talking about how 40 wouldn't have made it to the top if any original Zetas were around are just hating or have really really poor reading comprehension skills...in the article about the trial, Mamito who was an original Zeta and founder of organization, admits to being placed under Z40's command at the behest of Z1. That means Z40 had already worked his way to the top while most of the originals Zetas were still around. Quit hating and do something with your lives instead hating on some dude you never met, because your on the nuts of some other dude you never met....pinches payasos

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    1. Payasa la más ruca de tu casa, el que no conoció a la mierda del 40 eres tú, al Mamito lo pusieron bajo las órdenes de la cuachota del Miguel por que no conocía el área de nuevo laredo, después de un mes hizo a un lado a la 40 por relaje y fue cuando empezó el pedo en Laredo México.

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  79. Chivis,

    saw your comment below and wanted to comment that my mom always goes to Michoacan since that is where we are from. I told her astory i read here about la Tuta and she thought it was some woman I met. I was blown away that she didn't know who that was having just returned from there.

    test your friends, work buddies whoever is in your world and ask them "what or who is Z-40" and you will see what I mean. The drugwar of Mx is one of the greatest threats to the US, and few really know details about it, take the trial, it should be a huge interest to the US and few of the big guns are doing any coverage, and what is done is minimal.

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  80. Thank you 6:01 for proving my point.

    Sad isn't it?

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  81. Lazca needs to come out of retirement and handle shitt!!!!!

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  82. "In fact, when Arturo [Beltran] went down, there was a cease-fire, but they (LFM) broke it"

    Correction: In fact, before Arturo [Beltran] went down, there was a cease-fire, but they (LFM) broke it." thats what mamito says in the video, before.

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  83. The Mexican Mafia EME run with zetas in Laredo Texas

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    1. Fuck you! They don't run anything here. Most of the Mexican mommas can't even stop their sisters from selling it at La Cabaňa, and you don't find any punk ass zetas in the neighborhoods, why don't you and get your old lady, right now is at el gastronómico dancing with the shoeshine boy.

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  84. These Rats!!! having tormenting the people from Mexico for a long time now, I have an uncle that had a legitimate business and now he is missing and they came and took his property and there is nothing anyone can do in Mexico because the Government cannot protect them and furthermore, they seemed to have abandoned the hard working people, so long as the rich in Mexico City are fine they could care less about anyone else. I hope these Cockroaches spend the rest of their lives in prison.

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  85. NOTE: HAVANA WAS OUR COURTROOM SOURCE...She attended the trail each day for start to end...she sent me notes and i wrote the posts. It was difficult because everyday had to have a start and finish, and on to the next. But it was fun and rewarding.

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  86. 2. Corporations can easily attain new clients.

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