NOTES

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ONE

    1      Special Agent Scott Lawson: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

    2      Back then, in 2005: Alex Chadwick, “Drug Cartel Battles Escalate in Nuevo Laredo” (interview with Dallas Morning News correspondent Alfredo Corchado), NPR, July 26, 2005, http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4771483.

    4      Every day, more than twelve thousand: “International Trade,” Laredo Development Foundation, http://ldfonline.org/site-selection/international-trade/.

    4      The Zetas were a new kind of cartel: George Grayson and Samuel Logan, The Executioner’s Men: Los Zetas, Rogue Soldiers, Criminal Entrepreneurs, and the Shadow State They Created (New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction, 2012).

TWO

    9      They’d narrowly escaped: “Aterroriza la balacera,” El Mañana de Nuevo Laredo, October 22, 2009.

  10      Villarreal picked up his Nextel: DEA wiretap, October 21, 2009.

  11      As the illicit drug economy: Jason Lange, “From Spas to Banks, Mexico Economy Rides on Drugs,” Reuters, January 22, 2010, http://www.reuters.com/article/us-drugs-mexico-economy-idUSTRE60L0X120100122.

  12      Generals, law enforcement, and politicians: June S. Beittel, “Mexico: Organized Crime and Drug Trafficking Organizations,” Congressional Research Service, July 22, 2015, 7–9.

  12      But by 2000, the old arrangements: Ibid.

  12      The cartel’s military founders: George Grayson, “Los Zetas: The Ruthless Army Spawned by a Mexican Drug Cartel,” Foreign Policy Research Institute, May 13, 2008, http://www.fpri.org/article/2008/05/los-zetas-the-ruthless-army-spawned-by-a-mexican-drug-cartel/#note5.

  13      Nearly half of the trade between the two countries: Port of Entry: Laredo Impact on the Texas Economy, 2015, https://comptroller.texas.gov /economy/docs/ports/overview-laredo.pdf.

  15      By 2008, Lazcano had also tasked: George Grayson and Samuel Logan, The Executioner’s Men: Los Zetas, Rogue Soldiers, Criminal Entrepreneurs, and the Shadow State They Created (New Brunswick, NJ: Transaction, 2012).

  15      The Zetas were training: Alfredo Corchado, Midnight in Mexico: A Reporter’s Journey Through a Country’s Descent into Darkness (New York: Penguin Press, 2013).

  15      But by 2010 there was little: Molly Molloy, “The Mexican Undead: Toward a New History of the ‘Drug War,’” Small Wars Journal, August 21, 2013, http://smallwarsjournal.com/jrnl/art/the-mexican-undead-toward-a-new-history-of-the-%E2%80%9Cdrug-war%E2%80%9D-killing-fields.

  16      Even more troubling: “Transcript: Janet Napolitano Sits Down with CNN’s Wolf Blitzer,” The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer, March 19, 2009, via AZCentral.com, http://archive.azcentral.com/news/articles/2009/03/19/20090319brewertranscript0319.html.

  16      In one month: Court testimony of Mario Alfonso Cuellar.

  17      They were a large and sprawling family: Treviño family background from FBI intelligence brief.

THREE

  19      Homeland Security Investigations: Melissa del Bosque and Patrick Michels, “Homeland Insecurity,” Texas Observer, December 7, 2015, https://www.texasobserver.org/homeland-security-corruption-border-patrol/.

  19      Two months into his new job: Author interview with FBI agent Scott Lawson.

  21      An American had bid: Ben Hudson, “Highest Selling Broodmare Ever Brings $875,000,” Track, February 2010, http://www.heritageplace.com/sales_2010/Winter2010/HighestSellingBroodmare.pdf.

  21      Hodge had found the interview: Author interview with FBI special agent Jason Hodge.

FOUR

  23      Graham’s grandfather Charles “Doc” Graham: Brooke Prather, “‘Doc,’ an American Dreamer,” Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, February 4, 2015, http://animalscience.tamu.edu/2015/02/04/doc-an-american-dreamer/.

  24      Bred from small, sturdy Spanish horses: Robert Moorman Denhardt, Quarter Horses: A Tale of Two Centuries (Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1967).

  24      Tyler Graham was just breaking: Cynthia McFarland, “If I Ruled the Horse Business,” Track, March 2014, http://tqha.com/wp-content/uploads/If-I-ruled-the-horse-business-Tyler-Graham.pdf.

  26      Inside, Graham appeared unruffled: Description of office from author’s visit to Southwest Stallion Station in July 2013.

  26      Graham gestured for Lawson: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

  28      Graham explained that his friend: Tyler Graham court testimony, April 2013.

  28      He’d even dropped $12,000: Ibid.

  30      There was the Dallas drug bust: Court transcript for trial of Juan Francisco Treviño, December 1995.

  31      At one time, Miguel: Jason Buch, “Trial Exposed Zetas’ U.S. Ties,” San Antonio Express-News, January 29, 2012, http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/article/Trial-exposed-Zetas-U-S-ties-2798216.php.

FIVE

  35      Perez had spent the last five years: Author interview with FBI special agent Alma Perez.

  36      But in 2005: Marla Dickerson, “Mexican Police Chief Is Killed on His First Day,” Los Angeles Times, June 10, 2005, http://articles.latimes.com/2005/jun/10/world/fg-chief10.

  37      The two cities: U.S. embassy and consulates in Mexico, https://mx.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/nuevo-laredo/nuevo-laredo-history/.

  38      Of the more than 13,500 FBI agents: Figures provided by the FBI, March 15, 2017.

SIX

  39      Working his first kidnapping case: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

  44      With five years already: Author interview with FBI special agent Alma Perez.

  48      Graham said that that morning: Tyler Graham court testimony, April 2013.

SEVEN

  50      There were only two things: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

EIGHT

  53      He called a meeting: Carlos Nayen court testimony.

  53      In Nuevo Laredo, convoys: Blanche Petrich, “Nuevo Laredo Campo de Battala entre los Carteles,” La Jornada, June 14, 2011. http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2011/06/14/index.php?section=politica&article=004n1pol.

  54      And even worse, Miguel: Court testimony of Jesús Rejón Aguilar.

  54      The asking price of $21,500: Superseding indictment, December 4, 2012.

  54      Mario Alfonso Cuellar: Court testimony of Mario Alfonso Cuellar.

  55      Colorado and Barradas were so intertwined: Court testimony of Carlos Nayen.

NINE

  57      Lawson sat at the conference table: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

  57      The DEA’s Houston headquarters: Houston DEA website, www.dea.gov/divisions/contacts/hou_contact.shtml.

TEN

  61      Last time, they’d met: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

  63      “The All American Futurity”: Ruidoso Downs website, http://www.allamerican-ruidoso.com/.

ELEVEN

  66      After they checked into their room at the Best Western: Author interview with FBI special agent Raul Perdomo.

  66      Graham answered the door: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

  71      A world speed record: Ruidoso Downs website, http://www.allamerican-ruidoso.com/.

  72      It had been Ramiro Villarreal: Testimony of IRS special agent Steve Pennington at José Treviño detention hearing, July 2012.

  72      The LLCs were easy to incorporate: Stephen Fishman, “How to Form an LLC in Texas,” Nolo.com, http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/texas-form-llc-31745.html.

TWELVE

  79      Ramiro Villarreal mopped the sweat: Author interview with former DEA supervisory agent Leo Silva.

  79      In the past three years: Court testimony of IRS special agent Steve Pennington.

  79      With the help of a man: Author interview with Mauricio Paez.

  80      The day after the auction: Court testimony of DEA special agent Rene Amarillas.

  80      Miguel had been on the DEA’s radar: Author interview with former DEA supervisory agent Leo Silva.

  80      Villarreal begged to be let go: Author interview with Mexican law enforcement official, granted with agreement that the official remain anonymous for security reasons.

THIRTEEN

  81      By now, they were working: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

  82      A Mexican police commander: “Investigator in Missing Jet Skier Case Beheaded,” CBS News, October 12, 2010, http://www.cbsnews.com/news/investigator-in-missing-jet-skier-case-beheaded/.

  83      She’d stuck out the surveillance: Author interview with Alma Perez.

FOURTEEN

  87      Ramiro Villarreal had kept his end: Author interview with anonymous Mexican law enforcement official.

  88      They’d even hung giant banners: Diego Enrique Osorno, La guerra de los Zetas: Viaje por la frontera de la necropolítica (Grijalbo, 2013).

  88      The cartel also stockpiled weapons: Court testimony of Jesús Rejón Aguilar.

  88      Special Agent Amarillas: Author interview with anonymous Mexican law enforcement official.

  88      A few days after the failed operation: Ibid.

  89      But when Miguel directed: Court testimony of Carlos Nayen.

  90      In Nuevo Laredo, he waited: Author interview with former DEA supervisory agent Leo Silva.

  90      Miguel greeted Villarreal: Ginger Thompson, “A Drug Family in the Winner’s Circle,” New York Times, June 12, 2012, http://www.nytimes.com/2012/06/13/us/drug-money-from-mexico-makes-its-way-to-the-racetrack.html.

FIFTEEN

  91      He explained that Graham: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

  93      At Don Martin’s: Author interview with FBI special agent Alma Perez.

SIXTEEN

  95      By the end of 2010: E. Eduardo Castillo and Katherine Corcoran, “Two Powerful Cartels Dominate in Mexico Drug War,” Associated Press, October 1, 2011, via Fox News, http://www.foxnews.com/world/2011/10/01/2-powerful-cartels-dominate-in-mexico-drug-war.html.

  95      In early December, del Rayo: Author interview with Alfonso del Rayo.

SEVENTEEN

103      Lawson had been living in Laredo: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

104      He invited Perez over for dinner: Author interview with FBI special agent Alma Perez.

EIGHTEEN

107      When Lawson returned: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

108      But he did find a brief mention: “Escándalo de Pancho Colorado salpica campañas en veracruz,” Proceso, June 15, 2012, http://www.proceso.com.mx/310996.

108      He’d looked into Chevo Huitron: Court testimony of prosecutor Doug Gardner.

108      Injecting racehorses with everything: Ray Paulick, “Horse Dies After Winning Ruidoso Futurity; Trainer Banned,” Paulick Report, June 13, 2013, http://www.paulickreport.com/news/ray-s-paddock/horse-dies -after-winning-ruidoso-futurity-trainer-banned/.

109      The doped-up horses broke down: Walt Bogdanich, Joe Drape, Dara L. Miles, and Griffin Palmer, “Mangled Horses, Maimed Jockeys,” New York Times, March 24, 2012, http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/25/us/death-and-disarray-at-americas-racetracks.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0.

109      One of the industry’s most famous studs: Lazy E Ranch, http://lazyeranch.net/stallions.asp.

NINETEEN

111      Alfonso del Rayo had spent his Christmas holiday: Author interview with Alfonso del Rayo.

111      He’d served as a senator: “Fidel Herrera Beltrán,” Red Política, http://www.redpolitica.mx/yopolitico/perfil/fidel/herrera-beltran.

113      Lawson was sitting at his desk: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

TWENTY

115      Alfonso del Rayo took the first flight: Author interview with Alfonso del Rayo.

116      Blues Ferrari had a top-of-the-line pedigree: Court testimony of Russell Stooks.

117      “Sold for 310!”: “Heritage Place 2011 Winter Mixed Sale Is Highest Grossing in History,” Stallion eSearch, January 15, 2011, http://stallionesearch.com/default.asp?section=21&story=8875.

117      Jason Hodge and one of the task force officers: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

118      Tebow had gone from being excited: Court testimony of Jeff Tebow.

119      “The International demand”: “Heritage Place 2011 Winter Mixed Sale Is Highest Grossing in History,” Stallion eSearch, January 15, 2011, http://stallionesearch.com/default.asp?section=21&story=8875.

TWENTY-ONE

121      After the Heritage Place winter auction: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

121      The breeding of the champion: Court testimony of Tyler Graham.

122      Lawson still hadn’t brought up: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

125      The lobby of the Omni Hotel: Ibid.

TWENTY-TWO

129      Graham had lost Tempting Dash: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

129      Lawson picked up the vibrating cell phone: Ibid.

131      The historic and imposing: “History,” La Posada Hotel, http://laposada.com/history/.

132      Lawson sat nearby: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

133      “I’ll go talk to CBP”: Author interview with FBI special agent Raul Perdomo.

133      Stocky and in his late twenties: Surveillance photos provided by the FBI.

TWENTY-THREE

135      The Laredo division: Statistics provided by Laredo U.S. attorney’s office, May 8, 2017.

135      But without a federal prosecutor: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

TWENTY-FOUR

139      It was hard for Lawson: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

140      Hodge briefed Gardner: Author interview with prosecutor Doug Gardner.

140      The program had been created: “Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces,” U.S. Department of Justice, https://www.justice.gov/criminal/organized-crime-drug-enforcement-task-forces.

141      called the Waco Treasury Taskforce: Author interview with IRS special agent Steve Pennington.

TWENTY-FIVE

143      In twenty-five years: Author interview with IRS special agent Steve Pennington.

143      The IRS had fewer than: “Our Legacy & Importance to America,” History—IRS-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), http://www.fleoa.org/downloads/history_irs-ci.pdf.

144      especially after the passage: Glenn Kessler, “History Lesson: More Republicans Than Democrats Supported NAFTA,” Fact Checker, Washington Post, May 9, 2016, https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/wp/2016/05/09/history-lesson-more-republicans-than-democrats-supported-nafta/.

144      Williams had subpoenaed: Author interview with IRS special agent Billy Williams.

145      In the late 1980s: Mutual Legal Assistance Cooperation Treaty with Mexico, February 16, 1988, https://www.oas.org/juridico/mla/en/traites/en_traites-mla-usa-mex.pdf.

TWENTY-SIX

147      At his office in Waco: Author interview with IRS special agent Steve Pennington.

148      Over the years: Author interview with Waco Treasury Taskforce officer Brian Schutt.

TWENTY-SEVEN

151      Lawson phoned Graham: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

152      They had a wire room: Author interview with FBI Special Agent Alma Perez.

152      Graham told him to look: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

154      But if she took on the investigation: Author interview with FBI special agent Alma Perez.

154      She didn’t think Villarreal: Ibid.

TWENTY-EIGHT

157      Lawson’s frustration was only heightened: Author interview with FBI agent Scott Lawson.

157      After searching for a few minutes: Clau Viernes, “Muere sujeto calcinado tras accidente automovilístico,” RN Noticias, March 11, 2010, http://www.rnnoticias.com.mx/nuevo-laredo/muere-sujeto-calcinada-tras-accidente-automovilistico.

158      Chevo answered after a couple of rings: Author interview with Eusevio “Chevo” Huitron.

TWENTY-NINE

159      Horse racing in Mexico: Author interview with Mexican racetrack official on condition of anonymity.

159      Top cartel leaders: Court testimony of Carlos Nayen.

160      One rancher from Monterrey: Author interview with former supervisory DEA agent Leo Silva.

160      So it was a lucky break: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

161      About twenty minutes into their meeting: Author interview with FBI special agent Alma Perez.

161      The grooms, hot walkers, and exercise riders: Patricia Leigh Brown, “Behind the Racetrack, a Tough Existence for ‘Backstretch’ Workers, California Watch, September 4, 2011, http://californiawatch.org/dailyreport/behind-racetrack-tough-existence-backstretch-workers-12174.

THIRTY

163      Once Pennington and the Waco Treasury Taskforce: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

164      Pennington, sitting next to Brian Schutt: Author interview with IRS Special Agent Steve Pennington.

164      If the idea had come: Author interview with prosecutor Doug Gardner.

165      Lawson put down his pen: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

166      They got into Lawson’s Chevy: Author interview with FBI special agent Alma Perez.

168      His cell phone wouldn’t power up: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

169      Perez would have to work the case: Author interview with FBI special agent Alma Perez.

THIRTY-ONE

171      He and Billy Williams: Author interview with IRS special agent Steve Pennington.

172      Junker wouldn’t be working: Author interview with Waco Treasury Taskforce officer Steve Junker.

172      Just thirty-two, Williams: Author interview with Waco Treasury Taskforce officer Kim Williams.

173      Two weeks after Lawson: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

THIRTY-TWO

175      Tyler Graham had worked: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

175      But José would put none: Ibid.

175      A devastating drought: Consensual wiretap recording provided by FBI.

THIRTY-THREE

177      When Alfonso del Rayo: Author interview with Alfonso del Rayo.

178      In mid-July, Graham: Consensual wiretap recording provided by FBI.

179      In Veracruz, del Rayo: Author interview with Alfonso del Rayo.

179      In the first week: Consensual wiretap recording provided by FBI.

THIRTY-FOUR

181      Gone were the scuffed work boots: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

181      Graham found it hard to believe: Court testimony of Tyler Graham.

182      The next afternoon: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

183      Perez hoped he was right: Author interview with FBI special agent Alma Perez.

THIRTY-FIVE

185      In September 2011: Author interview with FBI special agent Jason Hodge.

185      At home, Perez had talked: Author interview with FBI special agent Alma Perez.

186      Lawson glanced at the front-page news story: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

THIRTY-SIX

189      Not long after their meeting: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

189      José asked Graham: Court testimony of Tyler Graham.

190      Again, José asked Graham: Court testimony of IRS special agent Steve Pennington.

190      The media covering the race: Track, July 2011.

190      José could scarcely contain his pride: Court testimony of IRS special agent Steve Pennington.

191      The Sinaloa cartel responded: “Los ‘Mata Zetas’ reivindica la matanza de Veracruz,” El País, September 30, 2011, http://internacional.elpais.com/internacional/2011/09/28/videos/1317209317_454012.html.

191      On November 23: “Las autoridades de Sinaloa localizan 23 cadáveres en tres municipios,” CNN Mexico, November 23, 2011, http://expansion.mx/nacional/2011/11/23/las-autoridades-de-sinaloa-localizan-20-cadaveres-en-dos-municipios.

191      The next day, the Zetas: “26 cadáveres son abandonados en vehículos en una avenida de Guadalajara,” CNN Mexico, November 24, 2011, http://expansion.mx/nacional/2011/11/24/cadaveres-en-tres-camionetas-son-abandonados-en-un-avenida-de-guadalajara.

192      In July 2011, the Mexican army: “Top Zetas Drug Boss ‘El Mamito’ Captured,” NBC News, July 4, 2011, http://www.nbcnews.com/video/nbcnews.com/43633033#43633033.

192      When Jaff arrived at his office: Court testimony of Arian Jaff.

THIRTY-SEVEN

195      Pennington thought of every investigation: Author interview with IRS special agent Steve Pennington.

197      Perez and Lawson drove up: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

198      In Dallas, IRS special agent: Author interview with IRS special agent Billy Williams.

198      While people above their pay grade: Author interview with IRS special agent Steve Pennington.

199      Working with Tyler Graham: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

THIRTY-EIGHT

201      It was like the DEA: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

201      Six months after Pennington: Ibid.

202      Perez found it difficult: Author interview with FBI special agent Alma Perez.

203      Cuellar explained that in 2007: Court testimony of Mario Alfonso Cuellar.

208      Miguel and Omar had killed: Author interview with FBI special agent Alma Perez.

209      After the interview: Ibid.

210      Vasquez said his main point of contact: Court testimony of José Vasquez Jr.

211      Cuellar’s warning about Miguel: Author interview with IRS special agent Steve Pennington.

THIRTY-NINE

213      When Lawson and Perez: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

213      “The way I look at it”: Author interview with FBI supervisory special agent David Villarreal.

FORTY

215      The investigation had finally: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

217      Lopez had briefly met José: Court testimony of ICE special agent Ed O’Dwyer.

FORTY-ONE

219      But as they moved into the spring: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

219      Perez was also having problems: Author interview with FBI special agent Alma Perez.

220      When it seemed like things: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

224      As the raid had progressed: Author interview with DEA special agent Kyle Mori.

224      With so much law enforcement heat: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

FORTY-TWO

225      After the raid, Carlos Nayen: Court testimony of Carlos Nayen.

225      With Nayen off the grid: Court testimony of Felipe Quintero.

225      Fernando Garcia, who had not been: Court testimony of Fernando Garcia.

228      José had grown increasingly suspicious: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

FORTY-THREE

231      Since January 2010, Pennington: Author interview with IRS special agent Steve Pennington.

232      Three weeks passed: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

232      Unbeknownst to Lawson and the team: Author interview with Ginger Thompson.

234      Steve Pennington took the news: Author interview with IRS special agent Steve Pennington.

234      After a tense month: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

FORTY-FOUR

235      Pennington and Billy Williams: Author interview with IRS special agent Steve Pennington.

236      For several weeks, supervisors: Ibid.

237      Perez’s three kids: Author interview with FBI special agent Alma Perez.

239      After their conversation: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

FORTY-FIVE

243      But Lawson couldn’t resist: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

245      With the wedding: Author interview with FBI special agent Alma Perez.

FORTY-SIX

247      The night before the raid: Author interview with FBI special agent Alma Perez.

247      Lawson was pacing: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

248      The U.S. Department of State: Jason Buch and Guillermo Contreras, “Agents Go After Zetas in Raids,” San Antonio Express-News, June 13, 2012, http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/article/Agents-go-after-Zetas-in-raids-3628244.php.

249      In San Antonio: Author interview with FBI special agent Alma Perez.

250      Even though they had indicted: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

250      It was still dark outside: Author interview with Laredo task force officer Ernie Elizondo.

251      As they left the outskirts: Author interview with FBI special agent Alma Perez.

251      It made him feel better: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

253      He pulled out a check: Author interview with IRS special agent Steve Pennington.

254      “I want you to just listen”: FBI 302 report provided during trial, April 2013.

255      Lawson could see he wasn’t: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

FORTY-SEVEN

257      In Oklahoma, Lawson: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

258      While Pennington worked with Lawson: Author interview with Waco Treasury Taskforce officer Brian Schutt.

258      Billy Williams, Steve Junker: Author interview with Waco Treasury Taskforce officer Steve Junker.

258      The task force had left: Author interview with Waco Treasury Taskforce officer Brian Schutt.

259      “If it’s one Suburban”: Author interview with Waco Treasury Taskforce officer Steve Junker.

261      Brian Schutt had his own: Author interview with Waco Treasury Taskforce officer Brian Schutt.

263      As soon as they returned: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

263      Alfonso del Rayo had been living: Author interview with Alfonso del Rayo.

264      But del Rayo had never: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

265      José’s winning streak: Steve Andersen, “Top Quarter Horse Owners Indicted in Connection with Mexican Drug Cartel,” Daily Racing Form, June 15, 2012, http://www.drf.com/news/top-quarter-horse-owners-indicted-connection-mexican-drug-cartel.

FORTY-EIGHT

268      In yet another entanglement: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

269      Pennington had no such outlet: Author interview with IRS special agent Steve Pennington.

269      For Perez, it was becoming: Author interview with FBI special agent Alma Perez.

271      Two weeks after Lawson spoke: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

FORTY-NINE

273      Through cooperating witnesses: Author interview with IRS special agent Steve Pennington.

274      The next morning, Fernald: Author interview with IRS special agent Michael Fernald.

276      Lawson’s friend, DEA special agent: Author interview with DEA special agent Bill Johnston.

276      The one downside: Author interview with IRS special agent Steve Pennington.

FIFTY

279      In October 2012, Heriberto Lazcano: Randal Archibold, “Mexico Kills a Drug Kingpin, but a Body Gets Away,” New York Times, October 9, 2012, http://www.nytimes.com/2012/10/10/world/americas/mexico-zetas.html.

280      The agents hadn’t received: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

282      A dedicated horsewoman: Author interview with IRS special agent Steve Pennington.

FIFTY-ONE

283      The police and the sheriff’s department: Author interview with Waco Treasury Taskforce officer Steve Junker.

284      IRS special agent Bob Rutherford: Author interview with federal prosecutor Michelle Fernald.

284      He’d argued for larger courtrooms: Ken Herman, “Our New Federal Courtroom: Too Big and Too Small,” Austin American-Statesman, May 11, 2013, http://www.mystatesman.com/news/opinion/herman-our-new-federal-courthouse-too-big-and-too-small/SyQmFaPj0oRFZIouD47BVL/.

285      This would be the most complex: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

287      But by now Finn: Ibid.

288      “This case is really”: Doug Gardner opening statement at trial.

290      Scott Lawson sat across: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

292      “There’s more to this story”: David Finn opening statement at trial.

297      Gardner moved in closer: Court testimony of Mario Alfonso Cuellar.

300      Vasquez explained to the jury: Court testimony of José Vasquez Jr.

306      Michelle Fernald stood up: Court testimony of José Carlos Hinojosa.

310      Lawson watched the noted defense attorney: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

312      Bliss explained to the jury: Court testimony of Dr. Shalyn Bliss.

FIFTY-TWO

315      On Monday morning: Author interview with FBI special agent Alma Perez.

315      Del Rayo walked down the aisle: Court testimony of Alfonso del Rayo.

318      This had been one: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

318      Fernald discovered that Colorado: Author interview with IRS special agent Michael Fernald.

319      First, Fernald broke down: Court testimony of IRS special agent Michael Fernald.

FIFTY-THREE

324      Alma Perez, sitting: Author interview with FBI special agent Alma Perez.

325      Now he was going to testify: Court testimony of Jesús Rejón Aguilar.

328      As Doug Gardner prepared: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

328      Lawson hadn’t seen Doc Graham: Ibid.

FIFTY-FOUR

333      Steve Pennington had spent: Author interview with IRS special agent Steve Pennington.

338      The next morning as they assembled: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

339      Earlier in the morning: Author interview with FBI special agent Alma Perez.

339      It would be Lawson’s job: Court testimony of FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

341      When Esper called Shae Cox: Court testimony of Shae Cox.

FIFTY-FIVE

343      Finn strode toward the jury box: David Finn closing statement at trial.

344      Doug Gardner would have: Doug Gardner closing statement at trial.

345      Neither Doug Gardner nor Michelle Fernald: Author interview with federal prosecutor Michelle Fernald.

345      The team convened: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

FIFTY-SIX

347      But two months after: Author interview with FBI special agent Alma Perez.

347      By late afternoon: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

FIFTY-SEVEN

349      He was facing a maximum sentence: Author’s own observation at sentencing.

350      “Throughout all of this”: Court testimony of Francisco Colorado Cessa at sentencing.

351      Colorado’s business partner Ramon Segura: Court testimony of Ramon Segura at sentencing.

352      His change in fortune: Court testimony of José Treviño at sentencing.

354      As Judge Sparks called: Author’s own observation.

355      Early the next morning: Melissa del Bosque, “Businessman’s Son, Partner Arrested for Bribery in Zeta Money Laundering Trial,” Texas Observer, September 6, 2013, https://www.texasobserver.org/businessmans-son-partner-arrested-outside-zeta-money-laundering-trial/.

FIFTY-EIGHT

357      It was hard for Lawson: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

358      As Jeff Tebow, the manager: Author interview with IRS special agent Steve Pennington.

360      Lawson had noticed: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

361      The $1.7 million price tag: Jason Buch, “Zetas Horse Sells for $1.7 Million,” San Antonio Express-News, November 1, 2013, http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/Zetas-horse-sells-for-1–7M-4947460.php.

361      But first they would celebrate: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

EPILOGUE

363      A month after John Simmons: Author interview with FBI special agent Scott Lawson.

364      In March 2015: Katy Watson, “Mexico Arrests Zetas Cartel Leader Omar Treviño Morales,” BBC News, March 5, 2015, http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-31731842.

364      Colorado, sparing no expense: Jazmine Ulloa, “Mexican Businessman Seeks to Withdraw Plea in Judge Bribery Case,” Austin American-Statesman, December 4, 2014, http://www.statesman.com/news/crime—law/mexican-businessman-seeks-withdraw-plea-judge-bribery-case/EHr1nktODohZLU3bW45DUO/.

364      Nayen’s testimony was especially damaging: Court testimony of Carlos Nayen.

365      The deaths in Mexico’s drug war: Jason Breslow, “The Staggering Death Toll of Mexico’s Drug War,” Frontline, July 27, 2015, http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/article/the-staggering-death-toll-of-mexicos-drug-war/.

366      Four months after Omar’s capture: “Mexican Authorities Arrest Father-in-Law of Former Zetas Cartel Boss,” San Diego Union-Tribune,! Hoy, July 19, 2015, http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/hoy-san-diego/sdhoy-mexican-authorities-arrest-father-in-law-of-2015jul19-story.html.

367      After the arrests of José: Author interviews with Waco Treasury Taskforce officers Steve Junker and Brian Schutt.