A former FBI “Ten Most Wanted Fugitive” and leader of the El Paso/Juarez-based Bario Azteca gang pleaded guilty today in federal court in El Paso, Texas, for his role in the March 2010 U.S. Consulate murders in Juarez, Mexico, in which three people associated with the U.S. Consulate were murdered when gunmen shot into the vehicle in which they and their children were riding.
Eduardo Ravelo, also known as Tablas, 57, of Juarez, Mexico, pleaded guilty today in the Western District of Texas to racketeering conspiracy (RICO), conspiracy to distribute and import drugs, money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to commit murder in a foreign country, and murder in aid of racketeering. A sentencing date has not yet been set by the court. At sentencing, Ravelo faces a mandatory penalty of life in prison.
“Eduardo Ravelo was responsible for Barrio Azteca brazenly orchestrating the murders of three individuals associated with the U.S. Consulate in Juarez, Mexico,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Today, after years of evading capture, he is finally being held accountable for heinous crimes that Barrio Azteca committed during the course of cartel wars in Juarez, including attacks on U.S. employees. The Criminal Division will not tolerate violent attacks on those who support our embassies and consulates abroad, and we will work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice.”
“Ravelo’s admission of guilt today ensures accountability for his role in the murder of U.S. Consulate employees,” said U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons for the Western District of Texas. “Today’s plea also ensures he is held responsible for his leadership of a vicious criminal enterprise that terrorized the city of Juarez and contributed to the poisoning of our communities on this side of the border. This case has spanned decades, and this latest development reflects our commitment to pursuing and prosecuting violent criminals like Ravelo regardless of how long it takes for the long arm of justice to grab hold.”…