Kaufman County D.A. And Wife Found Murdered In North Texas

Mike McLelland, Cynthia Woodward McLelland and Mark Hasse

The bodies of Kaufman County DA and his wife were discovered at their home, which authorities say, that they were shot with an assault rifle.

By H. Nelson Goodson

March 31, 2013

Kaufman, Texas - On Saturday, the bodies of both Mike McLelland, 63, Kaufman County Criminal District Attorney and his wife, Cynthia Woodward McLelland, 65, were discovered at their home. Both the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Texas Rangers have launched a joined investigation into the homicides.

Kaufman Police Chief Chris Albaugh confirmed that police and the Kaufman County Sheriff's Office were also investigating the McLelland homicides. Apparently, the McLelland was shot multiple times with an assault rifle and his wife once. Investigators at the crime scene found multiple spent casings inside the home and no signs of forced entry was determined, according to the preliminary investigation report.

Federal authorities are trying to determine, if the McLelland murders are connected to last January 3, cold blooded homicide of Kaufman County Assistant District Attorney Mark Hasse. Hasse, 57, was gundown after parking his vehicle in the court annex parking lot and walked to the courthouse. Authorities suspect that two men connected to the Aryan Brotherhood group in the region had killed Hasse. Police have made no arrests in Hasse's homicide.

Authorities have added police portection for other Kaufman County DA's Office staff.

The McLelland's are survived by five children, two daughters and three sons, including a son, who is an officer with the Dallas Police Department. 

Quezada Owes $29K In Child Support, But Recently Claimed $338M Powerball Jackpot

Pedro Quezada

Child support warrant for Powerball multimillionaire stayed until Monday.

By H. Nelson Goodson

March 30, 2013

Passaic, New Jersey - The Passaic County Sheriff's Office confirmed that a child support warrant against Pedro Quezada, 44, has been stayed until Monday, when he is expected to be in court on a non-payment of child support hearing. On Tuesday, Quezada collected his Powerball jackpot of $338 million, but decided to take a lump-sum payout of $152 million after state taxes.

With the new income, Quezada will finally pay the overdue $29,000 of child support payments that he owes since 2009, according to court records. On Wednesday, he closed and placed his small Apple Deli Grocery up for sale. Quezada is originally from Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic. At age 17, he left the Dominican Republic with one of his aunts and ended up in Passaic. Recently, Quezada had spoken to friends about retiring soon.

Family members in the Dominican Republic expect him to move back to his native country. Quezada has five children and is currently married. He vowed to use his winnings to help out his family.

Bieber Facing $15,191 Fine For Attempting To Smuggle Pet Monkey Into Germany

Justin Bieber and Mally

Photo: Instagram/lastkingmm

Bieber detained and pet capuchin monkey seized by German Customs at Munich's airport.

By H. Nelson Goodson

March 30, 2013

Munich, Germany - Custom and health authorities confirmed that Canadian pop star Justin Bieber, 19, was detained on Thursday for attempting to smuggle his pet capuchin monkey named Mally into Germany without exotic animal health authorization permits. Mally was placed on quarantine and care until Bieber could get the required health permits to regain custody of the pet. He has four weeks to recover Mally or the monkey will be placed at an animal care facility permanently.

Bieber is facing exotic pet smuggling charges and a fine of $15,191.00 U.S. (£10,000) in Germany. He smuggled the monkey in his private rental Cessna Citation X, according to German Customs. Bieber flew from Los Angeles to Germany and landed at Munich's Franz Josef Strauss Airport where authorities discovered the monkey in Bieber's possession.

He flew to Germany for his scheduled concert at the Olympiahalle on Thursday.

Body Of New Year's Day Missing Man Found In Milwaukee River

Nick Wilcox

Wilcox's body was removed from the downtown section of the Milwaukee River.

By H. Nelson Goodson

March 29, 2013

Milwaukee, WI - On Thursday, the body of Nick Wilcox, 24, who went missing on New Year's Day was recovered from the Milwaukee River. Wilcox's body was found floating in the 1000 block of N. Old World 3rd Street section of the river by police around 6:00 p.m., just several blocks near the downtown section of the river where he went missing, according to police.

A driver's license found with the body and dental records positively identified the body as Wilcox. The Milwaukee coroner ruled his death as accidental drowning.

Christians Celebrated Good Friday With 29th Annual Via Crucis In Milwaukee

José Manuel Hernández, portrayed Jesus Christ during this year's Via Crucis. 

Photos: HNG

Hundreds of Christians attended the 29th Annual Via Crucis in the south side of Milwaukee as passover began.

By H. Nelson Goodson

March 29, 2013

Milwaukee - On Friday, the beginning of passover began for hundreds of Latinos and non-Latino Christians during Holy week that observed Good Friday with a Via Crucis, which is a re-enactment of the ritual that commemorates Jesus Christ suffering in the hours before his crucifixion. In Milwaukee, the Via Crucis began just after 1:00 p.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 2114 W. Mitchell St. and will end at St. Josaphat Basilica, 2333 S. 6th St. around 4:00 p.m. The event was sponsored by the Hispanic Ministry Office and Cultural Ministry of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee.

Parishioners and volunteers during the Via Crucis take up roles and undergo a mock crucifixion. This year, José Manuel Hernández from Jalisco played the role of Jesus Christ. While other volunteers read bilingual segments of the crucifixion at each station stop. 

Archbishop Jerome Edward Listecki joined the Via Crucis at the IX Station at St. Hyacinth Church.
This month, Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, 76, of Buenos Aires, Argentina became Pope Francis the First after being elected as the 266 non-European Pontiff of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis I became the first cardinal from South America to be selected as Pope in 20 centuries (nearly 1,300) and is seen as a reformer, an advocate for democracy and representing the poor. Catholics are also celebrating Pope Francis I as their new leader of the Catholic church.

The Stations, or Way of the Cross, are a traditional method of meditating upon Christ's Suffering and Death. In the Catholic church, you will find 14 images usually hanging on the wall. It is customary before each station to pray. The stations are, I. Jesus is condemned to death. II. Jesus takes up his Cross. III. Jesus falls the first time. IV. Jesus meets his sorrowful Mother. V. Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the Cross. VI. Veronica wipes the Face of Jesus. VII. Jesus falls a second time. VIII. Jesus meet the Women of Jerusalem. IX. Jesus falls the third time. X. Jesus is stripped of his garments. XI. Jesus is nailed to the Cross. XII. Jesus dies on the Cross. XIII. Jesus is taken down from the Cross. XIV. Jesus is laid in the tomb.

The object of the Stations is to help the faithful to make in spirit, as it were, a pilgrimage to the chief scenes of Christ's sufferings and death, and this has become one of the most popular of Catholic devotions. It is carried out by passing from Station to Station, with certain prayers at each and devout meditation on the various incidents in turn. It is very usual, when the devotion is performed publicly, to sing a stanza of the "Stabat Mater" while passing from one Station to the next.

On Sunday, is the observance of Easter by Western Christians. This years cost of the Via Crucis was estimated at more than $5,000, which included permits, and police escort throughout the south side route, according to the Hispanic Ministry Office.

José Manuel Hernández from Jalisco portrayed Jesus Christ during the 29th Annual Via Crucis/Live Stations of the Cross in Milwaukee, WI. Hundreds of people of all ages attended the annual procession event marking the beginning of Passover for Christians around the world. (Photo: HNG/HNNUSA)

2013 Via Crucis, A Milwaukee Live Stations Of The Cross

Jesus wants to know, if we are going to meet today at 1:00 p.m. at St. Vincent de Paul for his annual 2013 Via Crucis/Live Stations of the Cross in Milwaukee, WI.
Archbishop Listecki will join us during the IX Station at St. Hyacinth.
Click on image flyer for more info., courtesy of Hispanic News Network U.S.A. Facebook at link: http://bit.ly/XKqQf4

Starts at: St. Vincent de Paul Parish, 2114 W. Mitchell Street, Milwaukee, then will finish at: St. Josaphat Basilica, 600 block of W. Lincoln Ave., Milwaukee,  WI.

Event sponsored by the Archdiocese Intercultural Ministry and Hispanic Ministry

Lawsuit By 49 Plaintiffs Against MC Multiservicios Tax Service Dismissed

Multiple lawsuits dismissed, including 49 plaintiffs v. MC Multiservicios Tax Service.

By H. Nelson Goodson

March 28, 2013

Milwaukee,  WI - Multiple civil lawsuits that were filed in Milwaukee County by various parties involving the owners of MC Multiservicios Tax Service and the MG Income Tax have been dismissed, according to court records. The legal battle ended when local Attorney Thomas M. Bartell, Jr. from the law firm of Stupar & Schuster, S.C. representing 49 plaintiffs in a civil lawsuit for money judgement (Luis Gomez v. Jenny Contreras) filed on January 29, against Jenny Contreras and Juan Contreras, owners of MC Multiservicios was dismissed on February 18.
The case fell apart for Attorney Bartell Jr. when Attorney Victor Arellano who represented the Contreras claimed that one of Bartell's plaintiffs, Juan Vasquez Diaz denied "having any attorney/client relationship with your (Stupar & Schuster, S.C.) firm...Mr. Vasquez denies making any such claims against MC Multiservicios." Arellano claimed that other plaintiffs against his client were dismayed "about the actions you have taken without proper authority;" therefore, Arellano asked for copies of all legal retainers that have been signed by the plaintiffs, which some retainers were not available and later forced Bartell to submit a dismissal request of the case that he filed for 49 plaintiffs against the Contreras and MC Multiservicios, according to court records.
In the case, the Contreras will receive an undisclosed amount of money by the law firm of Stuphar & Schuster, S.C. who represented 49 plaintiffs,  including Miguel Garza, owner of MG Income Tax Service. 

In this case, the plaintiffs had alleged that MC Multiservicios had not refunded a part of their 2009 federal tax refunds, but multiple irregularities in the lawsuit resulted in an erupt dismissal of the lawsuit by Bartell Jr. in favor of the Contreras and MC Multiservicios. Bartell Jr. has not responded to an e-mail request by Hispanic News Network U.S.A. (HNNUSA) to comment on the merits and his decision to dismiss the lawsuit against the Contreras. 

Another lawsuit for intentional tort (Jenny Contreras v. Miguel Garza) was filed by Attorney Victor Arellano on behalf of the Contreras on November 16, 2012 against Miguel Garza, owner of MG Income Tax Service, but was later dimissed on March 11. In that lawsuit, the Contreras claimed defamation allegations. The Contreras decided to dismiss their lawsuit under a settlement agreement. In that case, Bartell Jr. who represented Garza removed himself from the case, court records show. When contacted, Garza would not comment citing nondisclosure agreement with the Contreras. 

In the third lawsuit filed for intentional tort on February 27, by the Contreras (Jenny Contreras v. Miguel Garza) against Miguel Garza, Bartell Jr. and Stupar & Schuster, S.C., was also dimissed by the Contreras on March 14, after a settlement in favor for the Contreras was reached. 

Attorney Arellano released an undated statement signed by Garza concerning the Luis Gomez v. Jenny Contreras case. (See attached image, click on image to enlarge)

Community organizers, Luis Urdaneta from United We Stay; Felix Martinez from Centro de La Causa Org. in Chicago; Rosa Yañez from the Eighteenth Street Development Corporation in Chicago and Ivan Flores, who held public meetings to get plaintiffs for the Luis Alvarado Gomez v. Jenny Contreras case, which was dimissed could not be reached for comment.
In an unrelated case, Attorney Arellano was reprimanded on March 21 by the Wisconsin Supreme Court for lying and soliciting a client. He was fined $10,000 and must pay the fine within 60 days. Arellano's law license was not revoked, which the Office of Lawyers Regulation was seeking in the complaint.

The lawfirm of Arellano & Phebus, S.C. released the following undated statement by Miguel Garza from MG Multiservicios and Income Tax Service, regarding to Jenny Contreras and Juan Contreras from MC Multiservicios and Income Tax Service retracting any claims of misconduct against the Contreras" and their business "because the allegations were/are not true."

Click on image to enlarge. (Photo: HNG/HNNUSA)

More Than 55 People, Including Children Presumed Dead in Tamaulipas

The Gulf Cartel faction that took over the cities of Reynosa, Miguel Aleman and Camargo have allegedly cleansed their fueding counterparts as a result of their internal fighting to take control of the region.

By H. Nelson Goodson

March 28, 2013

Miguel Alemán, Tamaulipas,  Mexico - On Thursday, Valor por Tamaulipas (VpT),  a local Facebook social page whose administrator has been marked for death and a reward of $47,000 dollars has been offered for his head is reporting that at least 60 people, including entire families with children has been killed. The victims were rounded up (kidnapped) by a faction of the Gulf Cartel (GC) on Saturday as a result of a three to four months long feuding battle between factions of the same GC.

The victims apparently were family members of those who were killed by the rival GC faction who have now taken over the cities of Reynosa, Miguel Alemán and Camargo. The winning GC faction began to cleanse the region of anyone left from the rival faction. 

Last, Saturday, gunmen went to homes and kidnapped victims who were taken to secure location to get dispose off. Their vacant homes have now been taken over by families of the winning GC faction, according to a VpT Facebook posting. No addresses or actual locations were provided by VpT.

VpT is alleging that the GC killed the victims that were kidnapped and their bodies were then burned. 

No local, state and federal police action was ever initiated to locate the missing victims that are now presumed dead, VpT reported. There is also no indication that anyone ever filed a missing report or contacted the authorities to investigate the kidnappings and the disappearances of 60 people in the area. Most likely the missing reports were never made for fear of reprisals. 

VpT has become one of the main sources to post news and alerts about the current violent activities of organized crime and feuding drug cartels in the region. The local main stream media have been forced to censor all organized crime activity for fear of death threats, actually making VpT the only news source for people in the region to get their updates of criminal activity in the area.

In the last six years, the Mexican government reported that more than 50,000 people have been killed in relation to the drug cartel wars. More than 26,161 people including children have disappeared without a trace in Mexico. Another 70,000 undocumented immigrants from Central and South American have been reported either lost or have disappeared in Mexico making their way to the U.S. border, according to Ruben Figueroa, from the Mesoamerican Immigrant Movement organization. 

Figueroa is one of the few who attempts to locate the immigrants, but has only found or located 80 of them. The Mexican government has done almost nothing to locate immigrants. Mexico is under siege by the proliferation of criminal organizations associated with drug cartels whose influence and corruption has reached all levels of the government.

Today, at least one member of a family living in Mexico knows of someone who has been killed, kidnapped, extorted, robbed, raped, disappeared or involved in drug trafficking and smuggling. President Enrique Peña Nieto and his administration have become almost helpless in eliminating the major drug cartels that are gaining control of Mexico.

Colorado Mara Salvatrucha Gang Member Voluntarily Returns To U.S. To Face Homicide Charges

Edwin Ernesto Rivera Gracias

Three other suspects were also convicted in connection with the homicide.

By H. Nelson Goodson

March 27, 2013

Denver, CO - On Wednesday, FBI Denver Acting Special Agent in Charge Steve Olson announced the return of FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitive Edwin Ernesto Rivera Gracias to Denver, Colorado. Rivera Gracias, a member of the Mara Salvatrucha gang (MS-13) was sought for murder in Colorado. He fled to El Salvador to elude capture and a $100,000 reward was offered for information leading to his arrest.
Rivera Gracias, wanted in Jefferson County, Colorado, for the August 17, 2011 brutal beating and stabbing homicide of Richard Limon, 68, of Denver, a long-time family acquaintance of his girlfriend. Rivera Gracias told acquaintances that he killed Limon because he had molested his girlfriend who is the daughter of Limon's wife, but no relation to him.

Rivera Gracias attempted to suffocate Limon by wrapping duct tape around his head, but finally stabbed the victim nine times because he wouldn't die.

Rivera Gracias voluntarily returned to the United States to face charges, according to the FBI. In coordination with Salvadoran authorities and the FBI's San Salvador Legal Attaché Office, the United States sent an aircraft to transport Rivera Gracias to Denver where he was turned over to local authorities for processing.

Three other suspects were also convicted in connection with Limon's murder, Tina Moya, 38, her daughter Nena and Raul Nunez-Soto, 46. Moya was convicted of second-degree murder and is awaiting sentencing. Nunez-Soto was also convicted of second-degree murder and is serving a 40-year prison term. Nena Moya was convicted of accessory to commit murder and is serving a two-year prison term.

Arizona Gun Shop Cancels Former Astronaut's Assault Rifle Purchase

Mark Kelly, a former astronaut wanted to purchase assault rifle to prove how easy it was to buy a weapon.

By H. Nelson Goodson

March 26, 2013

Tucson, AZ - On Monday, Doug MacKinlay, owner of Diamondback Police Supply, Co. posted on the company's Facebook (FB) account page, that he decided to rescind the March 5, purchase made by Mark Kelly, the husband of former U.S. Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords of an assault AR-15 style rifle. Kelly founded an advocacy group called, American for Responsible Solutions. The intend of purchasing the rifle was to show how easy anyone could by one, according to Kelly, who is pushing for stricker gun control laws.

MacKinlay returned the full amount paid for the rifle to Kelly on Thursday. He decided to donate the rifle to the the Arizona Tactical Officers Association to be raffle off and will donate $1,295 to the Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program.

Kelly would have had to wait at least 20 days after completing a federal form 4473 and an NICS background check, since the gun shop bought it from a private owner. Tucson has a city ordinance requiring the delay for such purchases, to allow enough time for the city to do a check to determine, if the weapon was used in a crime. Kelly intended to turnover the rifle to local police after the purchase.

Mackinlay wrote in his FB page, "While I support and respect Mark Kelly's 2nd Amendment rights to purchase, possess, and use firearms in a safe and responsible manner, his recent statements to the media made it clear that his intent in purchasing the Sig Sauer M400 5.56mm rifle from us was for reasons other then for his personal use. In light of this fact, I determined that it was in my company's best interest to terminate this transaction prior to his returning to my store to complete the Federal Form 4473 and NICS background check required of Mr. Kelly before he could take possession this firearm. A full refund was sent to Mr. Kelly, via express mail, on Thursday of last week.

The Sig Sauer rifle will be donated to the Arizona Tactical Officers Association where it will be raffled off to generate funds the association can use to purchase much needed tactical equipment for the organization's members. The A.T.O.A. represents the SWAT and Special Response officers of the state's law enforcement community who regularly place their lives on the line to protect the residents of this state.

Additionally, Diamondback Police Supply will make a $1,295.00 contribution (the selling price of the M400 rifle) to the Eddie Eagle GunSafe Program that teaches children, in pre-K through 3rd grade, four important steps to take if they find a gun. The emphasis of the program is on child safety, something that is important to all of us and at the core of the current debate on gun control," MacKinlay wrote in FB.

Seven Bodies Found Seated With Narcobanner In Michoacán

Seven men in Michoacán showed signs of being executed by a single gunshot to the head. In Tamaulipas, 50 people were kidnapped on Saturday in a single city by gunmen.

By H. Nelson Goodson

March 24, 2013

Uraupan, Michoacán, Mexico - On early Saturday, local police were called around 4:00 a.m. to the neighborhood of La Joyita where they found seven male bodies between the ages of 20 to 40 seated in plastic chairs with a narcobanner. Each of the bodies had a fatal bullet wound to the head and both hands and feet were bound with tape.

The narcobanner mssage said, "This will happen to every extortionist, dwelling and highway robbers, kidnappers and rapists. " No criminal organization, selfdefense community security or vigilante group has claimed responsiblity for the homicides.

In an on related disappearances in Miguel Alemán, in the state of Tamaulipas, at least 50 were kidnapped or picked up by gunmen from their homes on Saturday and taken to a clandestine security warehouse, the Valor por Tamaulipas Facebook page reported.
In the last six years, the Mexican government reported that more than 50,000 people have been killed in relation to the drug cartel wars. More than 26,161 people including children have disappeared without a trace in Mexico. Another 70,000 undocumented immigrants from Central and South American have been reported either lost or have disappeared in Mexico making their way to the U.S. border, according to Ruben Figueroa, from the Mesoamerican Immigrant Movement organization. Figueroa is one of the few who attempts to locate the immigrants, but has only found or located 80 of them. The Mexican government has done almost nothing to locate immigrants. Mexico is under siege by the proliferation of criminal organizations associated with drug cartels whose influence and corruption has reached all levels of the government.
Today, at least one member of a family living in Mexico knows of someone who has been killed, kidnapped, extorted, robbed, raped, disappeared or involved in drug trafficking and smuggling. President Enrique Peña Nieto and his administration have become almost helpless in eliminating the major drug cartels that are gaining control of Mexico.

Phares, A Popular Waiter Gets Rehired By Applebee's Corporate CEO

Timothy Phares and Rien L. Hendricks

Hendricks photo courtesy of the Barron County Sheriff's Department

Former Applebee employee agrees to return to work at the Rice Lake Applebee's burger restaurant after experiencing discriminatory and degoratory outburst by a customer.

By H. Nelson Goodson

March 23, 2013

Rice Lake, WI - On Saturday, Timothy "Tim" Phares, a well known waiter at the Rice Lake Applebee's Burger Restaurant decided to return to work after Apple American Group franchise CEO, Greg Flynn assured "his safety and welfare" and "zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind" at Applebee's restaurants. Phares had given his two weeks notice after a customer made an out burst remark targeted at him pertaining to his sexual orientation. The management apparently failed to take adequate action at the time to stop the harassment or tell the customer that the restaurant has a zero tolerance policy and won't tolerate any kind of discrimination towards any employee. 

Days later at another location (near a Perkins Restaurant), Phares was beaten with a 2x4 by Rien L. Hendricks, 35, whose wife worked at Applebee's. His wife drove Hendricks to where Phares was and after the battery assault attack left the scene. Phares' sister witnessed the beating and was able to identify Hendricks and his wife as the suspects involed in the incident to police.
Phares was attacked from behind, just after exiting a vehicle and heading to a late night breakfast at Perkins with his sister. His sister, Krista Kathrine wrote in a FB posting, "I saw my brother laying in a pool of blood on the pavement and literally thought he was dead...we need to pray for justice to be served. Whether Shannon (Rien's wife) and Rien had gay friends before or not, I don't give a s--t. There's no logical f--king reason to smash someone's face with a GD 2x4 unless they felt they were in harms way... Which they were not, he was attacked from behind while we were going to try to have some late night breakfast at a different restaurant. They made the choice to attack him, they need to pay the price."

Phares posted on March 19 in FB, "Rien Hendricks is the one that assaulted me with the 2x4, his wife was the driver. He broke my jaw and fractured my cheek bones!"

The incident was posted on Facebook (FB) and it went viral. People began posting comments on both the corporate and the Rice Lake Applebee's franchise FB accounts despite some minimal attempt to delete the comments. FB users just kept on posting them back and vowed to stop eating at Applebee's.

Hispanic News Network U.S.A. broke the story on the Internet. Applebee's Corporate executives finally responded to their customer base outcry to rehire Phares who is described as a "good," "excellent waiter" and "very nice person." 

Applebee's released the following statement on Saturday, "Thank you for your concern about the recent events involving a team member at our Rice Lake, WI location. Our local Operations leadership as well as our Apple American Group franchise CEO, Greg Flynn, have spoken with our Team Member to personally assure him that, as with all our Team Members, his safety and welfare are our primary concerns and that there is zero tolerance for discrimination of any kind in our restaurants. We are pleased that he has agreed to continue his employment at the Rice Lake restaurant. 

We will continue to look into this incident and cooperate with local law enforcement to provide them with any information requested to assist their investigation."
In a statement posted in the Applebee's Rice Lake FB account, Phares wrote, "Out of support for my family and the great TEAM that I work with I will not comment !! ( well I guess Im commenting lol ) I love my family and friends to much!! ♥ Peace & Harmony STOP VIOLENCE ITS NOT THE ANSWER!!!!! ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ OH AND COME SEE US WE ALL ROCK IT AT BEES !!!!"

On March 20, Hendricks appeared at the Barron County Court and was charged with one felony count of sustainable battery with intend of bodily harm in connection with Phares assault. A $10,000 signature bond was set for Hendricks. A preliminary hearing for Hendricks is set for March 25. 

Hendricks was taken into custody on March 17. Rice Lake police continue to investigate whether an additional suspect will be charged.

Attorney Arellano Reprimanded By State Supreme Court For Lying During Misconduct Investigation

Victor Arellano

Photo courtesy of Capitol Times

Arellano gets reprimand for lying, must pay $10,240.13 for OLR proceeding costs in the professional misconduct case filed by four women, but he will continue to practice law.

By H. Nelson Goodson

March 22, 2013

Madison, WI - On Thursday, the Office of Lawyers Regulation (OLR) confirmed that Attorney Victor Arellano, 67, was disciplined by the State Supreme Court judge for two counts, misrepresenting information (lying) to investigators and for soliciting to represent one of the complainants when she didn't request representation. The OLR case lasted almost 6-years to conclude. Twelve counts against Arellano were dismissed because Statues of Limitations ran out and for other reasons.

Arellano received a public reprimand, must pay $10,240.13 for OLR proceeding costs to be paid within 60 days. The reprimand won't keep Arellano from practicing law.

Arellano was also reprimanded in 2008 for private matter not in relation with this case. He began his law practice on September 27, 1985.

The decision to discipline Arellano stems from his intent to "obstruct the investigation by his misleading and false statements" and "chose to lie and to mislead the investigation by the OLR and the (nine member) district committee," the State Supreme Court decided. 

On February 28, 2011, the OLR filed a 14 count misconduct case seeking to revoke Arellano's law license. Arellano was accused by four women, including Marilyn Figueroa who testified that in 2000 he solicited to represent her and then staring up a sexual relationship in violation of attorney's rules of conduct. He also was accused of starting sexual relationships with three other women while representing them in various cases. 

Figueroa exposed a relationship with former Mayor John Norquist resulting in his abrupt resignation in 2002. Figueroa sued Norquist for sexual harassment and Arellano represented Figueroa in the case. She was later awarded $375,000 in the case after a settlement was reached. 

A second complainant, Natialia Santamaria released the following exclusive statement to Hispanic News Network U.S.A., "I want to acknowledge and thank the hard work of the Office of Lawyer Regulation and District 9 committee for their diligent and hard work on this serious and very complex  matter. From beginning to end this process took about 5 years and many pain staking hours of research and investigation on the part of the OLR, I am thankful for their work.

"Although the end result was not the one that I had envisioned, I am aware of how complex this case was; I do feel that the Referee missed some very relevant and important points or downplayed their significance, for that I am disappointed. It is a matter of public record how Arellano stalked and harassed me and members of my family, and made accusations against me that I have always maintained were untruthful. Although the Referee did state that Arellano's actions were "inappropriate and mean spirited" they did not give rise to the level of misconduct, as the victim of these acts, I gravely disagree.  I am very pleased, however, that if there was one act to be found in the grievant's favor, it was that Arellano lied to the investigators, a branch of the Supreme Court, and attempted to mislead the process. This significant finding gives credibility to my claims stemming to 2006 that Arellano lied to the authorities when he made false accusations against me and my person.  As the complaints stated, "Victor Arellano has had a life long pattern of lying and abusing the process", which included victimizing some of his female clients (all Latinas).  The fact that the Referee ruled that there was a Statute of Limitations on these claims does not invalidate the fact that they happened and speaks volumes to his nature and character of Arellano as a man and as an attorney; as a matter of public record, Arellano finally admitted he had a sexual relationship with the 4th grievant, E.W.

"The legal process failed many times in this lengthy drama between Arellano and myself, beginning in 2006 when I couldn't get a Restraining Order against Arellano and found myself instead lectured by the Judge that he "has know Mr. Arellano and his impeccable reputation ... for many years." In the same manner, I found myself hearing the same words by the Madison Police Department and District Attorney's office when they refused to consider that Arellano was lying about his accusations against me, it was always, Arellano's reputation that spoke louder than mine ... a single working mother. It is an interesting note that Arellano had the restraining order removed from CCAP, to this date, no attorney has been able to explain to me how he had that done.

"I am pleased that finally there is a record that clearly states that Arellano lied to authorities and I am pleased that this chapter is finally closed.

"Again I want to thank the OLR investigators and District 9 Committee for their work in their investigations and the  putting together of this case.  I want to thank Attorney Paul Schwarzenbart for his hard work in presenting our case to the Referee."

The third women, M. Isabel Garcia claimed the same scenario, that Arellano represented her in a divorced case and started up a sexual relationship with her in the Fall of 2005. On July 2006, she became pregnant and had a child with Arellano. Arellano denied the allegation in a court case, but DNA proved he was the actual father.

Garcia was also in the process of getting her legal status under a I-360 petition with the INS (U.S. Citizen and Immigration Services) and Arellano filed the paperwork with the INS. She claimed that Arellano misrepresented information on the I-360 petition filing allowed under an abusive relationship with her husband, a U.S. Citizen. Apparently, Arellano failed to claim that he was the father of their child in the Garcia's INS filing. Garcia didn't realized the information was omitted. When she asked Arellano, he told her that he didn't want to add his child, so that he wouldn't have to pay child support, according to the OLR complaint.  

When their relationship went sour, he filed for custody of the child.

Arellano was awarded custody of his son. Garcia is now living in Texas.

2x4 Assault Of An Applebee's Employee Goes Viral On Facebook

Timothy Phares

Posting on Facebook about an incident at the Rice Lake Applebee's burger restaurant and the 2x4 beating of an employee at a different location goes viral.

By H. Nelson Goodson

March 23, 2013

Rice Lake, WI - On Thursday, a Facebook (FB) friend of Timothy "Tim" Phares posted and wanted to share a photo of him exhibiting a facial injury and a brief detailed account of several incidents that have circulated and gone viral on Facebook. Phares who worked as a waiter at the Rice Lake Applebee's burger restaurant apparently was called out loud a "faggot" by a customer last week. The manager on duty failed to take action or to ask the customer to leave the restaurant. Phares became very upset that the management failed to act and gave his two weeks notice. According to a majority of posted comments from customers who Phares had served said, he was a "good," "excellent waiter" and "very nice person." 

Phares hasn't actually admitted to his sexual preference and his FB account page is private. The recent posting appears to have been posted by Kaisa Witkowski who forwarded the link to both Phares FB page and to the Applebee's Rice Lake FB pg.

The FB posting stated, "Tim was upset about this, so he decided to put in his 2 weeks notice. That same weekend, on the 16th, he was attacked at another eating establishment by a women he works with at applebees.

Although she did not physically attack Tim, she drove her husband to where Tim was, and her husband hit Tim in the face with a 2x4... after yelling "faggot". He left it there, and he and his wife drove off."

Phares' sister was at the scene and managed to call police. She was able to identify the suspects who were later located.

Phares suffered fractured bones to his cheek and a broken jaw, according to the FB posting.
On March 20, Rien L. Hendricks, 35, appeared at the Barron County Court and was charged with one felony count of sustainable battery with intend of bodily harm in connection with Phares assault. A $10,000 signature bond was set for Hendricks. A preliminary hearing for Hendricks is set for March 25.
Hendricks was taken into custody on March 17. Rice Lake police continue to investigate whether an additional suspect will be charged.
People who heard about the beating called Applebee's where he worked to ask about his welfare. The district manager then called Phares "and basically told him that he didn't appreciate it because Applebees has "nothing" to do with the incident. Tim tried to take back his 2 week notice, and the managers would not let him," according to the FB posting. The manager at the Rice Lake Applebee's is Tara Steinburg. Attempts to reach Steinburg and Phares were unsuccessful. 

Applebee's released the following statement,  "While this horrible incident did not take place at or near an Applebee's restaurant, we will provide any assistance we can to local law enforcement and continue to look in to the incident internally."

As of early Friday, comments condemning the lack of alleged actions by the manager and not rehiring Phares have been posted in the FB Rice Lake Applebee's page.

Other comments by FB users that have been posted indicate that they can't believe it actually happened. 

Three Suspects Charged For Extorting Immigrants Broading Tenosique Freight Train

Transient Immigrant Mauro Rodriguez from Tela, Atlantida, Honduras stands outside of La 72 Immigrant Refuge Shelter. 

Photos courtesy of Ruben Figueroa

Suspects part of an organized criminal ring associated with Los Zetas who have vowed to kill several immigrant rights activists, including a priest who operates La 72 Immigrant Refuge Shelter in Tenosique.

By H. Nelson Goodson

March 21, 2013

Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico - Three Central Americans have been charged with extortion for forcing undocumented immigrants to pay $100 dollars to broad a freight train, according to the Federal Public Ministry in Tenosique. The suspects charged were identified as José Alberto González, Jorge Alberto Alvarado, both from Honduras and José Osmaro Cruz Gálvez of El Salvador.

The suspects were taken into custody on Sunday, after state, federal and local authorities were alerted to death threats made to local immigrant rights activists who have reported for several months the criminal activities and extortion of immigrants in the train route.

A criminal organization (CO) composed of Central Americans and Mexican nationals operate in the Tenosique, Tabasco zone and its leaders who eluded arrest have vowed to kill and decapitate both Franciscan Father Tómas González Castillo and Ruben Figueroa, an immigrant rights activist for the Mesoamerican Migrant Movement who help immigrants crossing into Mexico on their way to central and northern Mexico. Father Castillo operates La 72 Immigrant Refuge Shelter in Tenosique, which offers complimentary food donated by supporters, spiritual support to immigrants, temporary shelter and a safe house from criminals. 

The CO controls freight train quota passenger payments and exploit undocumented immigrants trying to get on the train between Tenosique, Tabasco to Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz. The CO operates a multimillion dollar transportation and smuggling routes of undocumented immigrants (human trafficking) who often become victims of violence, rape, murder, kidnappings, prostitution rings, drug trafficking and armed robbery or forced servitude.

Recently, CO's have engaged in kidnapping hundreds of immigrants at a time and then attempt to collect ransom. Thousands of immigrants have disappeared between Tabasco and the state of Veracruz, which the CO is based. The missing undocumented immigrants are believed to have fallen victims of drug cartels, criminal organizations and corrupt law enforcement officials. There bodies are then buried in clandestine graves along the train route or disposed in acid drums. 

The drug cartels have recently evolved into mafias and their influence has reached epidemic proportions in every municipality and state in Mexico resulting in the proliferation of daily criminal activity that includes kidnapping, extortion and mass murder. 

Father Castillo says, they have requested for local, state and federal protection for La 72 Immigrant Shelter to prevent another San Fernando, Tamaulipas massacre where 72 immigrants were killed because they refused to join the local Zetas in their feud with the Gulf Cartel. Castillo believes a massacre is waiting to happen, especially when authorities have failed to provide adequate security around the shelter until Thursday. In a given day, about 60 to 90 immigrants spent the night at the shelter. 

With the recent dead threats to Father Castillo, the shelter volunteers and workers have raised their awareness to their surroundings. Only a squad car from the municipal police has been station near the shelter, since Sunday and additional lighting has been provided by the local government.

The Federal Police and municipal  police were assigned to provide security at La 72 shelter on Thursday,  Figueroa confirmed. The military in the region on occasion patrols the train route, which ensures the CO to continue operating in the zone with impunity.

Cartels are trying to take control of the multimillion dollar drug routes heading into the U.S. border.

Federal and local governments have assigned municipal and federal police officers to permanently patrol and secure La 72 Immigrant Refuge Shelter vicinity due to public, government officials, human rights organizations and mainstream, including blogger media coverage pressure to provide security.

Photo by Ruben Figueroa

30 People Help Collect Money To Free Bank Cashier From Kidnappers

Dozens of people, including family members hit the streets to collect enough money to pay ransom and free local Banamex cashier.

By H. Nelson Goodson

March 20, 2013

Tecpan de Galeana, Guerrero - The family and friends of Iris Nataly García, 23, a cashier for Banamex hit the streets hours after she was kidnapped on March 9, according to the Milenio newspaper. Garcia's car was found in the community of Tetítlan. The ransom amount for Garcia was not disclosed.

Those volunteering to collect money say, Garcia's family can't afford to pay the ransom. So, they are asking people to donate money. 

No information has been released, if Garcia has been released.

Death Threats Forced The Zócalo Saltíllo Newspaper Chain To Censor Narco News

The owners of the Zócalo Satíllo newspaper chain decided to censor all narco and crime news from being published. 

By H. Nelson Goodson

March 20, 2013

Saltíllo, Coahuila, Mexico - Last week, the Zócalo Satíllo newspaper chain, which includes newspapers in Piedras Negras, Monclova and Acuña cities in the state Coahuila announced in a front page editorial that it will longer publish crime news reports. Its editorial decision comes days after 50 narco banners with messages appeared in the area threatening the lives of the owners and operators of the newspaper chain. The Zócalo Saltíllo is taking action to protect the 1,000 employees and their families from death threats. 

In January 7, 2010, Valentin Valdéz, a crime reporter was murdered by members of a criminal organization. 

The Zócalo Saltíllo newspaper is another paper in Mexico that has decided to stop reporting about organized crime, drug cartels, drug trafficking and murders to protect its workers.

Several Killed During Gun Battle In Reynosa

A house was riddled with bullets during gunfight. 

Photos courtesy of Valor por Tamaulipas

Continuous gun battles in Reynosa between drug cartels fighting for control. 

By H. Nelson Goodson

March 20, 2013

Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico - On Tuesday, a gun confrontation among members of a criminal organization (CO) ignited blockades around the Balcones de Alcalá. The blockades were setup around 5:00 p.m. to block traffic flow into the zone. The gun fight began at about 4:30 p.m., according social network reports in the zone.

Armed men attacked and fired into a targeted home, which the outside walls and inside of the residence was riddled with hundreds of bullet holes. 

Authorities found blood on window curtains, clothes and rags on the floor. No information was released, if anyone was found dead or injured inside the home.

The CO's setup street blockades and throw metal spikes on the streets or roads to blow out tires of civilian vehicles in order to stall cars and cause traffic jams to prevent the military and police from reaching the drug cartel battle zones. Armed men and the military were seen in the area.

Multiple injuries and deaths were reported in the area by social network postings on Facebook and Twitter. No official report has been made by the military or federal, local and state police about Tuesday's incident. 

Two Suspects Charged For The Diamaris Gonzalez Homicide

Lenard Terrell Pickett, Joseph Lamont Williams and Diamaris Gonzalez

Pickett is charged for shooting Gonzalez after she struggled to keep her purse in a robbery attempt while waiting for a bus.

By H. Nelson Goodson

March 19, 2013

Milwaukee, WI - Police confirmed that a second suspect wanted for the 2011 homicide of Diamaris Gonzalez, 23, had been taken into custody after the suspect happened to be arrested in a southside house break-in. Lenard Terrell Pickett, 23, was charged in early March with two felony counts for felony murder and burglary of a building or dwelling. A cash bond of $250,000 was set for Pickett, if convicted his is facing up to 47 years in prison. The next court hearing for Pickett will be on March 25.

Pickett had eluded police, since 2011, after a witness identified Pickett as one of the suspects that attempted to steal a purse from Gonzalez at a bus stop. Gonzalez had just left her job and was waiting for the bus, when Pickett and his accomplice, Joseph Lamont Williams, 21, tried to rob Gonzalez. Gonzalez struggled to keep her purse and Pickett then fatally shot her.

Williams has been also charged with felony murder for Gonzalez' homicide. Williams bond was set at $100,000 and if convicted, Williams is facing up to 35 years in prison.

Gonzalez had just left work and was waiting for a bus at the 3300 block of N. Holton St. near Lena's Market where she worked.

Williams confessed to police on February 14 after being taken into custody, that he and Pickett decided to rob Gonzalez. When she resisted, Pickett then shot Gonzalez and they fled the scene empty handed. Gonzalez was fatally shot in the chest and died at the scene. Gonzalez had two children, a 1-year-old girl and a 3-year-old boy.

A boyfriend had used Gonzalez' car and it was towed. She usually drove to work, but on March 15, she had to ride the bus.

Undocumented Immigrant Gets Four Years In Prison For Robbering Female Joggers

Fermin Ramirez-Chavez

Photo: Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office

Chavez targeted, knocked down female joggers while they were running, then stole their items because he had a lost job and needed money.

By H. Nelson Goodson

March 19, 2013

Milwaukee,  WI - On Tuesday, Fermin Ramirez-Chavez, 25, was sentenced to 4-years in prison and 4-years probation after pleading guilty to two felony counts of attempted armed robbery with use of force. Chavez was arrested last year in August when a tip led police to a suspicious man at a park where a victim had been robbed.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has placed a hold on Chavez. Once Chavez completes his sentence, he will be deported to his native country. 

On August 9, Chavez robbed a female jogger at Warnimont Park in Cudahy and on August 24, robbed another woman at the Bay View Park in St. Francis, both robberies occurred in Milwaukee County parks. He told police that he had lost his job and needed money. So, he began to target female joggers by knocking them down while they were running and then stole cellphones, iPods and other items from them.

North Chicago Cop Charged With Wrong-way Fatal Crash Along LSD

Joaquin Garcia, Fabian Torres and Terrell Garrett

Photos: Facebook

Off-duty North Chicago cop was driving while intoxicated with a blood-alcohol content of twice the legal limit when he drove the wrong-way along Lake Shore Drive and crashed into two vehicles, killing two people.

By H. Nelson Goodson

March 19, 2013

Chicago, IL - On Saturday, off-duty North Chicago Police Officer Terrell Garrett, 35, was charged with two felony counts of aggravated driving under the influence and two felony counts of reckless homicide for the deaths of Fabian Torres, 27, and Joaquin Garcia, 25, on March 15. On Sunday, a Cook County judge set a bail of $500,000 for Garrett. He posted $50,000 (10%) and remains free on bail. He must wear an electronic monitoring device, prohibited from consuming alcohol and having a weapon. 

Garrett's blood-alcohol content results tested .184, twice the legal limit of .08, according to the criminal complaint.

Officer Garrett has been suspended and placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the case. On March 15, around 4:00 a.m., Garrett left a party celebrating his birthday and drove northbound into the southbound lanes of Lake Shore Drive the wrong-way. He then crashed into a Toyota Scion injuring a woman and crashed head-on into a black Jeep killing both Torres and Garcia near the LaSalle exit.

Garrett suffered a fractured hip and was hospitalised for his injuires.  

Garcia was scheduled to graduate in May from the Malcolm X surgical technician program, according to his mother. Torres was a freshman at DePaul University and was an insurance broker.

Both Torres and Garcia are being mourn by family, relatives, friends and members of the gay (LGBT) community in Chicago.

Local Zetas In Tabasco Vowed To Decapitate Franciscan Priest From "La 72" Immigrant Refuge Shelter

Father Tomás González Castillo and Ruben Figueroa

Photos: Facebook

Lives at stake for Franciscan Father Castillo and Figueroa, an immigrant rights activist at the Immigrant Refuge Shelter "La 72" in Tenosique, Tabasco. Local criminals associated with Los Zetas vowed to invade La 72 to kill both of them before sunrise on Monday.

By H. Nelson Goodson

March 18, 2013

Tenosique, Tabasco, Mexico - On Sunday, Ruben Figueroa, an immigrant rights activist for Mesoamerican Migrant Movement (MMM) posted on the MMM org website that they were alerted of a death threat by the local criminal organization affiliated with Los Zetas (COZ) that vowed to invade "La 72" Immigrant Refuge Shelter in Tenosique to kill both Figueroa and Franciscan Father Tomás González Castillo, La 72 shelter operator before sunrise. The death threat came hours after three members of COZ in the area were arrested by the military around 2:00 p.m. The COZ controls freight train quota passenger payments and exploit undocumented immigrants trying to get on the train between Tenosique, Tabasco to Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz. One of its leaders managed to elude arrest and apparently leaked word later on Sunday that his men would engage in an armed assault to takeover La 72  later at night. The COZ leader has ordered his men to kill Father Castillo and wanted him decapitated (his head), including Figueroa and others at the shelter for exposing their criminal activities to local and federal authorities. About 60 to 80 unarmed immigrants, including shelter volunteers are currently staying at the shelter.

The COZ operates a multimillion dollar transportation and smuggling routes of undocumented immigrants (human trafficking) who often become victims of violence, rape, murder, kidnappings, prostitution rings, drug trafficking and armed robbery.

Figueroa has requested authorities for 24 hour protection around La 72 compound. He notified the Federal Ministry Police, the Tabasco state Attorney General's Office (PGJ), Mexican Federal Police and the zone military about Sunday's death threats. They launched an operation by the train route that led to the arrest of three suspects.
Figueroa also sent out a news release from MMM org to alert other immigrant shelters in Mexico and request for solidarity, including support or reinforcements. La 72 shelter Facebook last posting was made just before 11:00 p.m. concerning the death threats.

Last Monday, Franciscan Father Castillo announced that a complaint was filed (PGR/TAB/TEN/206/D/2013) with the Mexican Federal Attorney General's Office (PGRF) by the Immigrant Refuge Shelter "La 72" in Tenosique. Father Castillo in the complaint is holding the federal, state and local governments and authorities responsible for the safety or deaths of anyone associated with La 72 and undocumented immigrants. Father Castillo, an immigrant and human rights activist says, they have requested protection and assistance from the Mexican military, federal, state and local authorities for La 72 workers, volunteers and immigrants using the refuge house during their journey to the U.S. 

Mexican government officials have been made aware of the dangerous situation and criminal activity in Tenosique for years and yet very little has been done by the authorities and the current Mexican President Peña Nieto administration. The government and its officials have done very little to provide security in the area and their lack of action can only mean that they might be involved or in collusion with the criminal organizations in control of the area. "We can not continue or get accustom to living in constant threat and criminal activity," Castillo stated in a news release. The elected officials and government must be held accountable too, according to Father Castillo. Castillo also called for public solidarity to help confront the insecurity Tenosique is facing today.  

Recently, a caravan or group of mothers representing missing undocumented immigrants from Central and South America visited La 72 refuge house to seek help in trying to locate their reported missing sons, husbands and daughters.

So far between March 2-4, the lives of the workers,, volunteers at La 72 refuge home and Rubén Figueroa from the MesoAmerican Migrant Movement were threaten by known members of a criminal organization (COZ) associated with Los Zetas. Figueroa, Father Castillo and a handful of La 72 volunteers have been providing food and temporary shelter for undocumented immigrants traveling through Tenosique. Figueroa can be found at La 72 helping immigrants during several seasons of the year.

Tenosique in a major travel point where thousands of immigrants catch a freight train to Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz on their way (route) through Mexico and the U.S. border. The train (bestia/beast) is known as the "Death Train or Tren de la Muerte." 

COZ have taken over the immigrant travel routes around Tenosique and charge an equivalent $100 to $300 U.S. dollars to jump on the freight train. Once the immigrants reach Coatzacoalcos in the state of Veracruz, they must pay the quota. The COZ's are based in Veracruz.

Some immigrants have been thrown from the moving train by criminals, if they fail or have no money to pay the quota. Once they reach Veracruz, most likely there is a good chance the immigrants can reach the U.S. border.

Members of COZ manage the travel arrangements and secure protection for the immigrants and constantly give updated reports to their criminal organization. It's become a multimillion dollar operation for the COZ.

The Tenosique area and routes has become a lawless territory where the COZ members kidnap immigrants for ransom, armed robberies occur, women get violated and raped, extortion is prevalent, where hundreds of immigrants have disappeared and murdered. Tenosique is also close to the Petén jungle region on the Guatemala border where legal and illegal merchandise, including drugs get smuggled into Mexico.

La 72 immigrant refuge house had to ban known members of the COZ from infiltrating the refuge home in order to keep the undocumented immigrants from falling victims of organized crime. The COZ has stationed lookouts (halcones) to spy on La 72 human rights activities, according to Father Castillo.

In early January, a complete file of information and testimony by victims of the illicit organized criminal activity was made available to authorities to expose what is taking place at the Tenosique immigrant travel routes. The Tenosique criminal activity information was provided to the State of Tabasco Attorney General's Office, including the PGRF; Tabasco's Governor Arturo Núñez; Carlos Alberto Vega Celorio, Mayor of Tenosique;  Mexican military zone 38 General Rígoberto García and his staff; members of the Tobasco South Frontier Commission and to Federal Senators, Layda Sanores and Ana Gabriela.

Father Castillo and human rights activists are also expected to meet with Raúl Ojeda Zubieta, the Secretary of Government in Tabasco about the current situation involving criminal activity and the risk to public safety that is taking place in the area.

Father Castillo also stated, that in July 2011, the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) made recommendations about security measures to be undertaken, but nothing was ever implemented and the human rights case was closed. Information about the NCHR recommendations was also requested from the InterAmerican Commission of Human Rights and no action has been taken either.

The Mexican Secretary of Government (Segob) was also requested to provide protection and security for human rights activists and journalists in the area, but no action has been taken by the Segob.

Wisconsin Governor Walker Not Ruling Out 2016 Presidential Bid

Scott Walker

Governor Walker considers moving in to White House.

By H. Nelson Goodson 

March 17, 2013

Washington, D.C. - On Friday,  Governor Scott Walker (R) who won reelection in a recall bid last year indicated he will most likely be one of the early candidates to declare his bid for president in 2016. During the Conservative Political Action Conference in Washington, Walker admitted he is not ruling out a bid for the White House.

In an interview with Politico about his ambition to run for president, Walker said, "Would I ever be (interested)? Possibly. I guess the only thing I'd say is I'm not ruling it out...For me, it's really a measure of what I've accomplished and what more I could accomplish if I was in a different position."

Walker also couldn't determine, if elected governor in 2014 for a second term, he would actually finish his term.

The GOP conservative convention highlight is that attendees were overwhelming divided on issues, but most support the core principles of the Republican Party. 

Most voters see the GOP conservatives as anti-everything, according to former Florida Governor Jeb Bush (R). "We're associated with being anti-everything," Bush said. "Way too many people believe that Republicans are anti-immigrant, anti-woman, anti-science, anti-gay, anti-worker. Many voters are simply unwilling to choose our candidates because those voters feel unloved, unwanted, and unwelcome in our party."

U.S.Senator Marco Antonio Rubio (R-FL) another potential 2016 presidential candidate failed to address immigration reform at the convention. Most GOP conservatives oppose a path to citizenship for nearly 13 million undocumented immigrants and an additional 6 million immigrants composed of family members who would like to immigrate to the U.S. 

Immigrants seeking a better life would like to escape poverty from a lack of jobs in Mexico, including insecurity, 10's of thousands of homicides resulting from feuding drug cartels around the country and President Enrique Peña Nieto's government corruption at the local, state and federal level. 

Chinese Sanitary Workers Removed Over 12K Pig Carcasses From Huangpu River

Some of the pig carcasses tested positive with epidemic diarrhea virus and with PCV, a common virus for pigs, but harmless to humans.

By H. Nelson Goodson

March 17, 2013

Shanghai, China - On Saturday, the Chinese government state media reported that, since last week more than 12.5K pig swollen and rotting carcasses have been removed from the Shanghai Huangpu River. Yu Kangezhan, Director of the Chinese Agriculture Ministry told the state media, that the carcasses fished out of the river pose no threat to 23 million people who get their drinking water from the river. By March 8, about 8,965 pig carcasses were removed from the river by sanitary workers in the Songjiang district. By Friday, another 3,601 carcasses had been recovered from the river.

Some of the pig carcasses tested positive with the epidemic diarrhea virus and with Porcine Circovirus (PCV) disease, a common virus for pigs, but harmless to humans, according to Kangezhan.

The Shanghai Municipal Agriculture Commission (SMAC) confirmed, the pigs were discovered floating in the river last week and believes that the carcasses originated from Jiaxing where 103K pig farms are located. 

The state media reported that pig farmers from Jiaxing had raised more than 7M pigs in 2012. The Chinese government and police for months have been cracking down on the sale of contaminated pork meat in the food markets in the province. No swine flu has broken out, Kangezhan told the Chinese state media.

IRS Deputized 30 Florida Law Enforcement Agents To Combat Fraud

IRS in Florida added 30 agents to their statewide fraud task force by swearing in police officers and sheriff deputies as federal agents.

By H. Nelson Goodson

March 16, 2013

Tampa, Florida - On Friday, 30 new federal deputy agents were sworn in by the Florida based Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS deputy agents were recruited from 10 state and local law enforcement agencies that included police officers and sheriff deputies. They will be part of an identity theft tax refund fraud task force that will join another 20 agents in the IRS criminal investigation unit.

In the last few years, criminal organizations or criminals have used stolen identities to filed fraudulent tax refunds costing the government millions. State and local authorities investigating identity theft cases couldn't easily get personal taxpayer information from the IRS to help prosecute cases.

Law enforcement agencies will now have IRS deputy agents in their departments to access taxpayer information for investigations concerning identity theft and interstate tax fraud cases, including sending fraudulent acquired tax refunds out of the country.

Officers were recruited from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement,  Brooksville, Clearwater, Largo, St. Petersburg and Tampa Police Departments and sheriff deputies from Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee and Polk Counties.

The IRS reported, that to stop identity thieves up front, the IRS has made a significant increase for the 2013 tax season in the number and quality of identity theft screening filters that spot fraudulent tax returns before refunds are issued. The IRS has dozens of identity theft screens now in place to protect tax refunds.

These efforts helped the IRS in 2012 protect $20 billion of fraudulent refunds, including those related to identity theft, compared with $14 billion in 2011.

Conspiracy Plot To Kill Milwaukee Cops Fails To Convict Gang Member

Joe Frazier

A jury acquitted La Familia gang member in conspiracy plot to kill two Milwaukee officers.

By H. Nelson Goodson

March 15, 2013

Milwaukee, WI - On Thursday, a jury acquitted Joe L. Frazier, 21, of conspiring to kill two Milwaukee police officers. The jury found Frazier not guilty of all counts. 

The state failed to provide proof that Frazier, a suspected La Familia gang member intended to go forward in an allege plot to actually commit murder. Frazier had been charged with three counts of conspiracy to commit intentional homicide and was the first defendant of five to go on trial in the case.

Milwaukee police accused five suspects of plotting to kill two officers and several other would be victims. Frazier's trial showed that police and the state had a weak case and puts the rest of the trials of co-defendants in jeopardy. Without Frazier's conviction who police say was the trigger man, gaining any convictions from the four remaining defendants will be difficult to achieve.

The murder plot was discovered in September after several tips to police were made about the plan of members of La Familia were planning to commit multiple murders. 

Three men and a woman, Eliezer Cruz Jr., 20, Michael Geluk, 21, Gabriel Guerrero, 24, and Maricela Gullicksen, 29, were also each charged for conspiracy to commit first-degree intentional homicide.

Reynosa Gulf Cartel Confirmed Its Leaders, El Gringo And El Puma Were Killed

Photo courtesy of Valor por Tamaulipas

Two Gulf Cartel leaders killed in feud to control Reynosa.

By H. Nelson Goodson

March 15, 2013

Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico - On Friday, the Mundo Narco dot com (MN) reported that the Gulf Cartel had confirmed, that two of its leaders El Gringo and El Puma were killed during last Sunday's gunbattle in Reynosa between several factions of the same cartel. The MN also posted that according to official sources, that four vehicles with about 40 corpses were recovered.

Apparently, the GC managed to take their dead or casualties with them. Some look outs (halcones) and members of the factions headed by both El Puma and El Gringo were eliminated from Bugambilias, San Valentin and Granjas zones. Those who survived the infighting and had worked for the deceased GC leaders are now working for the new leadership that allegedly took over Reynosa.

Another leader known as El Tachas was seriously injured.

Last Sunday, El Gringo, who was one of the leaders of the Gulf Cartel in Reynosa was reported killed in a confrontation with Los Metros a faction of the Gulf Cartel. The Gulf Cartel had been feuding among family factions for months, since another leader, M4 was killed under orders of El Gringo.

The Cartel Narco dot com (CN) reported, that Mario Armando Ramirez Treviño, aka, El X-20 or El Pelón from Los Metros ordered for El Gringo to be eliminated. Treviño is now the new leader of the Gulf Cartel operating in Reynosa, according to social media postings and CN.

Photo of El Gringo courtesy of Cartel Narco.

Four Security Guards Kidnapped From The Reynosa Soriana Periférico Mall

Armed gunmen kidnapped four security guards responsible for stopping a Soriana Periférico Mall invasion on Sunday by armed intruders to prevent bloodshed of customers. 

By H. Nelson Goodson

March 15, 2013

Reynosa, Tamaulipas, Mexico - On Monday, six vehicles with armed gunmen enter the Soriana Periférico Mall and kidnapped at least four mall security guards, according to recent postings in the Valor por Tamaulipas (VT) Facebook page. The mall guards were taken because they prevented gunmen from invading the strip mall last Sunday during a major gunbattle confrontation between two factions of the Gulf Cartel (GC) feuding for control of Reynosa and the multimillion dollar drug trafficking routes leading to the U.S.

The Soriana Periférico Mall closed it doors on Sunday once the infighting between the GC broke out and no one was allowed to enter or leave the mall to protect the safety of the customers and store employees inside. The typical suburban mall houses multiple stores that includes Famsa, an appliance store, Woolworths, a huge food court and a movie theater. 

No information has been released by the Soriana Periférico Mall management or the Reynosa police concerning the kidnapping reports of the guards circulating on the local social networks in Reynosa. The kidnapped guards have not been identified or have been seen since Monday. One guard managed to escape from the mall without being taken by the gunmen. He is not expected to return to work any time soon.

The gunmen were also searching for the security supervisor as well, but failed to locate him.

Reynosa has a population of 500,000 residents. Pharr and McAllen, Texas are just a few miles North of Reynosa.

34 Drug Cartel Suspects, Including 17 Community Police Taken Into Custody In Michoacan

The suspects were heavily armed and openly patrolled a town in Michoacan.

By H. Nelson Goodson

March 14, 2013

Mexico City, Mexico - The Mexican federal Attorney General's Office (PGRF) announced that last Thursday, 34 drug cartel suspects, including 17 community security officers (CSO) and two teenagers were taken into custody by the military for having ties to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (JNGC). The PGRF says, a total of 47 weapons were confiscated, including 36 high power weapons that were distributed to the suspects and the group was financed by the JNGC.

The military also freed Otoniel Montes, the Municipal Public Safety director and five of his staff members who were taken into custody last week by the CSO. The CSO took over the police station and jailed Montes and his staff, accusing them of having ties with criminal organizations.

The JNGC is known to sponsor CSO units in Jalisco, Michoacan and Colima. The military has tolerated armed CSO's in the region who provide self-defense patrols to keep drug cartels and criminal organizations from their communities, but most are armed with machetes and low grade weapons compared to the high-powered weapons confiscated from the suspects taken into custody. 

Th JNGC is feuding with the Caballeros Templarios Cartel (CTC) in the region. A week ago, a narco message was posted by the CTC in the area alleging that the CSO's operating in Buenavista Tomatlán had ties to the JNGC.

Communities in the states of Guerrero and Michoacan have set up their own armed CSO's to provide security for their small towns. The CSO movement has been spreading to other communities in Mexico and the military is faced with determining, which CSO's are operating within the law and which ones are being financed by criminal organizations. Armed CSO's in Mexico are illegal to operate, but sometimes they're the only means to provide public safety in small and rural areas where the military is absent to provide security.

The suspects were charged for organized crime and possession of high power weapons exclusively reserved for the military. 

The weapons included, 12 -AK-47's, 6 -AR-15's, 1 - 9mm Uzi, 2 -Cal. 5.7- P90's, 2 -.22 Cal. long rifles, 2 -30 Cal. carbines, 11 shotguns and 15 handguns, 5 -9mm's, 2 -45 Cal., 6 -38 Cal. and one 5.7 Cal. handgun. Also confiscated by the military were several small bags of marijuana, 2,500 cartridges of various types of ammo, 106 magazines and two bullet proof vests.

The suspects were arrested in La Ruana, located in the municipality of Buenavista Tomatlàn, Michoacan. They were identified as,

- Jesús García Bejarano, 29, 

- Pedro Montes Zavala, 31, 

- Leobardo Ramírez Reyes, 49, who has a history of criminal convictions, 

- Pedro García Anguiano, 58, 

- Manuel Valencia Orozco, 

- Marcelo Valle del Toro, 31, 

- Edgar Iván Sánchez Tavera, 20, 

- Mario Gutiérrez Tinoco, 24, 

- Ismael Cisneros Vázquez, 22, 

- Juan Luis Hernández Chávez, 27, 

- Víctor Manuel Ibarra, 20, 

- Gustavo Mendoza Ortega, 32, 

- Julio César Santacruz Morales, 

- Ramiro Aguayo Ramírez, 

- José Ricardo Cervantes,  

- José Carlos Cerda, 19,

- Miguel Ángel Villalobos Sánchez, 20, 

- José Guadalupe Sánchez López, 25, who also has prior convictions,

- Pedro García Bejarano, 36, 

- Artemio Almazán Díaz, 

- José Alberto Ayala Chávez, 17,

- Gonzalo Alberto Ayala Bucio, 16, 

- Miguel Ángel Pimentel Martínez, 26, 

- José Carlos Vizcaíno Mendoza, 29, 

- Alfonso Pulido Figueroa, 31, also has prior convictions, 

- Víctor Manuel Moreno Mendoza, 

- Jesús Villa Ríos, 33, 

- Eduardo Chávez Godínez, 20, 

- José María Hernández, 48, 

- Julios César Estrada Gómez, 30, 

- Artemio Espinoza López, 31, 

- Adrián Eduardo Zamora Cortés, 19, 

- Daniel Mora Torres and 

- Ramón Quintana Chávez, 22. 

Mexican Marines Freed 104 Central Americans Held Captive By Zetas In Nuevo Laredo

Tip led to the rescue of 104 undocumented immigrants from Central American held captive by Zetas in Nuevo Laredo.

By H. Nelson Goodson

March 14, 2013

Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico - The Mexican Secretary of Marines (Semar) confirmed that a tip led to the rescue of 104 undocumented immigrants from Central America held captive in a Nuevo Laredo home by Zetas. Semar said, 91 men, 13 women, which 102 were from Honduras and 2 from El Salvador had been kidnapped by members of a criminal organization known as Zetas.

A nearby resident in the neighborhood 105 Aniversario de Nuevo Laredo called Semar and said, that armed men had been seen dragging people from vehicles and forcing them into a home. On March 7, Semar launched a rescue operation and managed to rescue the immigrants from a Zeta held security home. 

The immigrants told Semar, that they had been held captive since March 3.

The immigrants were provided medical treatment, food and are expected to be deported back to their native countries.

Between 2008 to 2012, Semar has rescued 331 undocumented immigrants that were kidnapped and held captive by various criminal organizations.

Immigrants who fall victim to organized crime are forced to pay extra to be smuggled through Mexico. Some are forced to join and work for criminal organizations or are held for ransom. Others end up in prostitution rings and drug trafficking operations. In many occasions, immigrants are usually killed after their families from their native countries pay a hefty ransom.