Dove Springs Gangstas Member Sentenced to Federal Prison for Racketeering Offenses Resulting in Murder

In Austin, a federal judge sentenced 22-year-old member of the Dove Springs Gangstas (aka “DSG”) member Richard Ortega to 30 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release for racketeering charges associated with the kidnapping and murder of Darian Longoria in December 2015 announced United States Attorney John F. Bash, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs, San Antonio Division, and Austin Police Chief Brian Manley.

“Today is one more step on the long road to justice for Darian Longoria.  My office is committed to achieving the Attorney General’s goal of stamping out gang violence,” stated United States Attorney John F. Bash.

On January 22, 2018, Ortega pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping in aid of racketeering, one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping in aid of racketeering and one count of possession/use/carrying a firearm in relation to a crime of violence resulting in murder.  By pleading guilty, Ortega admitted to membership in a criminal enterprise that engaged in acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, robbery and narcotics distribution primarily in and around Austin.  Ortega also admitted that he and others kidnapped 16-year-old Darian Longoria on or about December 7, 2015, in furtherance of their criminal enterprise.  During the kidnapping, they shot and killed Longoria.  On January 3, 2016, Longoria’s body was discovered along Onion Creek.

To date, eight individuals have pleaded guilty to federal charges in connection with the investigation into this criminal enterprise.  Ortega is the seventh defendant in this case to be sentenced.  Other sentences handed down include:  Orlando Arroyo (aka “Orly”)-20 years imprisonment; Jorge Avliez-Mondragon (aka “Bunny”, “Conejo”)--42 months imprisonment; Norma Luis-Frias--12 months imprisonment; Jacob Guzman--30 months imprisonment; Leslie Mendez-Munoz--21 months imprisonment; and Kathia Gomez—one year probation.  In addition to the prison terms, United States District Judge Sam Sparks ordered that Ortega and Arroyo pay, jointly and severally, $10,551.73 restitution to the Estate of Darian Longoria for funeral expenses.  Brian Aguayo, who pleaded guilty last November to one count of kidnapping in aid of racketeering and one count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping in aid of racketeering, remains in federal custody awaiting sentencing.  Aguayo, who is set for sentencing on June 22, 2018, faces up to life in federal prison.

“The tragic murder of 16-year-old Darian Longoria illustrates the horrific impact gang violence and drug trafficking have on our families and communities,” said FBI Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs. “Today, the leader of this violent criminal enterprise responsible for this act faced the consequences of his actions. The FBI, through the Violent Gang Safe Streets Task Force initiative, which includes our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, are committed to fighting for justice for all victims of gang and drug violence.”

The FBI Safe Streets Task Force and the Austin Police Department investigated this case.  Assistant United States Attorneys Matt Harding and Dan Guess are prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.  The FBI Safe Streets Task Force is comprised of investigators from the Austin Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety and Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO).