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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.