Latest Legal News from the Federal Criminal Courts in the United States

May 8, 2007

NINTH DEFENDANT–JOSE CEDENO-ZETINA–SENTENCED IN AUSTIN BROTHEL CASE

United States Attorney Johnny Sutton announced that in Austin this morning, Jose Cedeno-Zetina (aka “Antonio Cedeno-Zetina”and “El Maya” ), a native of Mexico, was sentenced to eight years in federal prison for his role in an Austin prostitution ring. United States District Judge Sam Sparks also ordered that Cedeno-Zetina be placed under supervised release for a period of three years after completing his prison term.

On February 2, 2007,Cedeno-Zetina pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to smuggle, transport and harbor illegal aliens for financial gain and illegal re-entry by a previously deported alien.
Cedeno-Zetina was originally arrested on November 13, 2002, for operating a brothel catering to illegal aliens at 7904 FM 969 in Austin. He was sentenced to imprisonment for 15 months on March 20, 2003, after pleading guilty to transporting and harboring illegal aliens. After completing his sentence, Cedeno-Zetina was deported to Mexico on December 31, 2003, but he subsequently returned to the United States and was arrested again on Aug. 17, 2006, after working at another Austin brothel located at 9807 FM 969.

Today, Judge Sparks sentenced Cedeno-Zetina to concurrent terms of imprisonment for six years on each of the two new counts (conspiracy & illegal reentry) and imposed a consecutive sentence of two years imprisonment after revoking the term of supervised release imposed against Cedeno-Zetina in 2003.
On June 29, 2006, law enforcement raids were conducted by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Internal Revenue Service on brothels operating in Austin, Dallas and Oklahoma City. Cedeno-Zetina and 11 other co-defendants were charged by federal grand jury indictment for their involvement in that prostitution ring. To date, nine individuals have been convicted and sentenced; three remain fugitives.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation Division together with assistance from local law enforcement. The case is being prosecuted on behalf of the government by Assistant United States Attorney Gerald C. Carruth.