By Adriana M. Chávez
El Paso Times
EL PASO, Texas — A member of a violent prison gang pleaded guilty on Monday to racketeering charges stemming from an investigation into the U.S. Consulate murders in Juárez last year.
Federal prosecutors said Jorge Diaz, 33, also known as “Payaso” and “Narizon,” pleaded guilty to a charge of racketeering conspiracy before U.S. Magistrate Judge Norbert Garney.
Prosecutors said Diaz, an El Pasoan, is a member of the Barrio Azteca gang, the organization thought to be responsible for the March 13, 2010, murders in Juárez of U.S. Consulate employee Leslie Ann Enriquez; her husband, El Paso County detention officer Arthur Redelfs; and Jorge Alberto Salcido Ceniceros, the husband of a U.S. Consulate employee.
According to court documents, Barrio Azteca members and associates are known to import heroin, cocaine and marijuana into the U.S. from Mexico, and to charge a street tax, or “cuota,” on businesses and criminals operating on their turf. The money is then funneled to imprisoned gang leaders to pay for prison commissary accounts, or to pay for fines or defense attorneys.
The profits are also allegedly used to purchase drugs, guns and ammunition for the gang.
According to Diaz’s plea agreement, he maintained extortion fees and coordinated the distribution of money to jailed gang leaders. He also admitted knowing that the gang and its associates trafficked more than 30 kilograms of heroin and 150 kilograms of cocaine.
As part of the terms of the plea agreement, Diaz will receive a 20-year prison term if it’s approved by U.S. District Judge Kathleen Cardone.
In March, 35 Barrio Azteca members and associates were indicted on various counts of racketeering, money laundering, obstruction of justice and drug charges. Ten were also charged with the U.S. Consulate murders in Juárez.
Eleven of those indicted, including Diaz, have already pleaded guilty, and none of them have been directly tied to the consulate murders.
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