San Antonio, Texas – A brutal chapter in the ongoing war on drugs came to a close today as David Botello, alias Torito, Bully, and Bully-Man, was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for his role in a massive meth trafficking conspiracy.
The 54-year-old gang leader, who was a “lieutenant of lieutenants” within the Texas Mexican Mafia, was brought down by a Drug Enforcement Administration investigation that began in July 2020. Botello’s downfall started with a simple traffic stop: on July 28, 2020, officers discovered he was driving without a license and in possession of around 150 grams of meth, nine cell phones, and $585.
Further investigation unraveled a network of drug dealing that reached far beyond the initial bust. Botello was charged with three counts out of a 14-count indictment, including conspiracy to distribute meth and being a felon in possession of a firearm – charges stemming from his previous convictions for murder and aggravated robbery with a deadly weapon.
On December 11, 2024, Botello pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute over 500 grams of meth. U.S. Attorney Justin R. Simmons praised the collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local agencies involved in the case, emphasizing their dedication to justice.
This victory is part of Operation Take Back America, a national initiative aimed at eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations while safeguarding communities from violent crime. The DEA, FBI, and numerous other law enforcement entities played crucial roles in this investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Yuen led the prosecution. Botello’s sentence sends a clear message: no matter how entrenched or powerful, justice will be served.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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