FBI says alleged Azteca led gang in El Paso

By Danie Borunda / El Paso Times

Article Launched: 04/18/2008 12:00:00 AM MDT

A reputed Barrio Azteca gang lieutenant arrested last week was involved in an internal power struggle and at one point ran the gang's operations in El Paso, an FBI agent testified Thursday during a federal detention hearing.

Miguel Angel Esqueda, aka "Angelillo," is accused of racketeering, drug dealing and the extortion of local drug dealers by the collection of "taxes" estimated to have raised between $4,000 to $10,000 a month.

Esqueda, who is the 15th person charged in the ongoing Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) case, was denied bond by a U.S. magistrate judge.

"At the time (between 2004-2005), he was leader of the streets of El Paso and he issued orders and directives" to gang members, FBI agent Samantha Mikeska testified regarding Esqueda.

Mikeska said Esqueda and reputed gang capo David "Chicho" Meraz were backed by different factions within the gang and each was in charge of El Paso at different times.

"If David Meraz is a capo, he is the one directing the show, not an underling," Esqueda's lawyer Ray Velarde said, arguing his client should be granted bond.

Barrio Azteca leader found slain in Juárez

By Daniel Borunda / El Paso Times

Article Launched: 04/16/2008 12:00:00 AM MDT

One of the reputed leaders of the Barrio Azteca gang was found slain in Juárez last month, FBI officials in El Paso confirmed this week.

David "Chicho" Meraz, 49, was a capo, or captain, within the gang's paramilitary-style hierarchy. Years ago, Meraz was head of the gang's operations in El Paso, according to investigators' court testimony that is part of the ongoing federal racketeering case against the gang.

"He was a known Barrio Azteca leader," said Special Agent Andrea Simmons, an FBI spokeswoman.

Meraz, a lifelong resident of El Paso, had not been named in the current indictment that has lead to the arrest of 15 gang members and associates.

On the morning of March 27, Meraz's body, which is decorated with numerous tattoos including the phrase "Perdóname Dios mió" (Forgive me, my God), was found in the parking lot of the Lienzo Charro Adolfo Lopez Mateos in Juárez, Chihuahua state police said. Meraz had multiple stab wounds, including a slash to the neck.

Simmons said the bureau would not comment whether Meraz's killing was linked to the current investigation.

The Barrio Azteca operates on both sides of the border, where it is involved in drug dealing and the collection of "taxes" from street-level drug dealers in El Paso. Members of the gang sought by U.S. authorities have been known to take refuge in Juárez.