Related Federal Cases
- Terror Cartel Leader Busted in Texas: Tren de Aragua’s Fall · New Mexico
- Ferrer-Hernandez Jailed for Fake ID Employment Scam · Iowa
- Fake Citizen Gets Seven Months, Deportation · Texas
- Gulf Cartel Boss Juan Francisco Saenz-Tamez Pleads Guilty in Texas Drug Case · Texas
- Longview Man Peddling Fake Silver Bars · Texas
Gambler’s Gambit: Delta Force Imposter Ripped Off Investors with Fake Cartel Threats
AUSTIN, Texas – In a shocking case of deception, a federal jury convicted Saint Jovite Youngblood, a 52-year-old Manor man, of four counts of wire fraud and one count of money laundering for swindling investors with fake threats from Mexican drug cartels.
According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, between April 2021 and July 2023, Youngblood, aka Kota Youngblood, committed wire fraud against his victims by claiming Mexican drug cartel members were planning to commit violence against them. Youngblood falsely claimed to have been part of the U.S. Army’s Delta Force special operations unit and offered protection to his victims from the cartels in exchange for money.
Youngblood also represented that funds obtained from his victim “investors” would be paid back with a significant return on the money. Instead, Youngblood allegedly used most of the money on junkets to Las Vegas to gamble in casinos.
The FBI investigated the case, and U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas made the announcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel D. Guess and Matt Harding prosecuted the case.
Youngblood was arrested July 31, 2023. He now awaits a date to be sentenced before U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman, facing up to 20 years in prison for each of the four wire fraud counts and up to 10 years for the money laundering count.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of impersonating military personnel and the devastating impact of financial scams on victims. Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
As the investigation continues, it is clear that Youngblood’s actions were not only a betrayal of trust but also a reckless disregard for the well-being of those he targeted. His conviction is a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors who work tirelessly to bring perpetrators to justice.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News