NDTX Round-Up January 28

GUILTY PLEA – DANIEL SANCHEZ-MENDOZA

On January 21, Daniel Sanchez-Mendoza, 27, pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Sanchez-Mendoza was pulled over by law enforcement for a traffic violation, and after consenting to a search, was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and heroin. In a later warranted search of Sanchez-Mendoza’s home, law enforcement found heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and three firearms within the apartment. Another firearm and part of an assault rifle were found in a storage unit used by Sanchez-Mendoza. He faces up to 20 years in federal custody. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Dallas Police Department and is prosecuted by AUSA Linda Requenez.

SENTENCING – KHAKI CAEKAERT

On January 14, Khaki Caekaert, 63, was sentenced to 9 years in federal custody for possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Caekaert was found to be in possession of a kilogram of methamphetamine and 1.5 kilograms of heroin in his store located on Fuller Drive in Dallas. He also possessed 13 firearms and 3 explosive devices at this location. Law enforcement estimated that Caekaert had sold an ounce of methamphetamine each week for the two years prior to his arrest. This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by AUSA PJ Meitl.

GUILTY PLEA – KARA LAMPKIN

On January 21, Kara Lampkin, 36, pled guilty to conspiracy to use a facility of interstate commerce in aid of a racketeering enterprise. Lampkin managed Relax2013, a brothel, at the direction of Jason Vo. She posted online advertisements to recruit sex workers, scheduled appointments, vetted both customers and workers to ensure they were not law enforcement, and managed the profits of this business. She ensured that both the advertisements and the business records were disguised and vague enough to avoid detection by law enforcement. Lampkin faces up to 5 years in federal custody. This case was investigated by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is prosecuted by AUSA Ryan Raybould.

SENTENCING – ZACHERY SEMAJ LEATCH        

On January 23, Zachery Semaj Leatch, 25, was sentenced to 2 years and 3 months for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm in a school zone. Leatch was found to be in possession of a pistol while at a youth basketball game. When police arrived on the scene, Leatch’s girlfriend warned him and Leatch set the gun on the floor before walking to the police officers. He admitted to possessing the firearm on a recorded jail call. This case was investigated by the Mesquite Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by AUSA John Boyle.

SENTENCING – ROBERT GUERRA IV

On January 23, Robert Guerra IV, 36, was sentenced to 15 years in federal custody for attempted production of child pornography. An undercover officer entered several chat rooms on Kik Messenger, posing as a 13 year old boy and later a 14 year old girl. Guerra attempted to solicit graphic content from the undercover detective. Guerra set plans to meet with the fake girl in person, however Garland Police officers and FBI agents were waiting to arrest him at the location. This case was investigated by the Grand Prairie Police Department, the Garland Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation and prosecuted by AUSA Camille Sparks.

SENTENCING – JAMES EARLE CUDE

On January 23, James Earle Cude, 55, was sentenced to 14 years in federal custody for receipt of child pornography. Cude, a former band director at North Mesquite High School, admitted to using the instant messaging app Kik to download videos and images of the sexual exploitation of minors. He used various apps to initiate chats with dozens of minors, requesting inappropriate photos and suggesting sexual meetups. He was arrested while waiting for a meetup with an individual he believed was a 13-year-old boy, who was actually an undercover agent. This case was investigated by the Collin County Sheriff’s Office, Dallas Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by AUSA Camille Sparks. Click here to read more about this case.

GUILTY PLEA – EDWARD TORRES-SANCHEZ

On January 21, Edward Torres-Sanchez, 20, pled guilty to possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Torres-Sanchez was observed leaving his apartment with an unidentified white bag. Later, upon pulling Torres-Sanchez over for a traffic violation, Dallas Police Department officers found that he was driving without a license or insurance. Torres-Sanchez was lawfully arrested, and the ensuing search of his car resulted in the discovery of methamphetamine. Torres-Sanchez is also responsible for methamphetamine and drug proceeds found in his vehicle, as well as selling methamphetamine to an undercover officer. He faces up to life in federal custody. This case was investigated by the North Texas Strike Force and prosecuted by AUSA John Kull.