South Austin Gang Member Draws 30-Year Prison Term In Killing

SOUTH AUSTIN, TX — A South Austin man was sentenced to 30 years in prison Thursday after pleading guilty in connection to a 2015 killing in Dove Springs, U.S. Department of Justice officials said.

Richard Ortega, 22, a member of the Dove Springs Ganstas (also known as DSG), Ortega in January pleaded guilty to one count of kidnapping in aid of racketeering, another count of conspiracy to commit kidnapping in aid of racketeering and a third for possession, use or carrying of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence resulting in murder. The case is connected to the death of Darian Longoria, 16, whose body was found along Onion Creek in January 2016.

“Today is one more step on the long road to justice for Darian Longoria," U.S. Attorney John F. Bash said in a prepared statement. "My office is committed to achieving the Attorney General’s goal of stamping out gang violence."

In pleading guilty, Ortega effectively 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, Bash said. Additionally, Ortega admitted he and others kidnapped Longoria on or about December 7, 2015, in furtherance of their criminal enterprise, law enforcement officials said.

Longoria was shot and killed during the kidnapping.

To date, eight people have pleaded guilty to federal charges in connection with the investigation into the criminal enterprise, with Ortega being the seventh defendant in this case to be sentenced, officials said. 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;
• Kathia Gomez—one year probation.

In addition to the prison terms, U.S. 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, according to the press advisory. 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, 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 comprises investigators from the Austin Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety and Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO).

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