Attempted Murder Rocks USP Big Sandy

LONDON, Ky. – In a shocking turn of events, two members of the Texas Mexican Mafia were sentenced to lengthy prison terms for their role in a brutal assault on two fellow inmates at the United States Penitentiary (USP) Big Sandy.

Eric ‘Big E’ Flores, 38, of San Angelo, Texas, and Salomon Martinez, 44, of Eagle Pass, Texas, were handed down sentences of 110 and 100 months respectively by United States District Judge Robert E. Wier. Their co-defendants, Rodney ‘Joker’ Galindo, 38, of Odessa, Texas, and Michael ‘Taz’ Morin, 52, of Austin, Texas, received even harsher sentences of 300 and 262 months respectively for their roles in the attempted murder and possession of a prohibited object in the facility.

The victims, who were members of the Arizona Mexican Mafia, were repeatedly stabbed with metal shanks in a cell block on June 17, 2018. The first victim sustained permanent and life-threatening injuries, including a depressed skull fracture and traumatic brain injury, while the second victim sustained serious injuries that included a fractured scapula and significant stab wounds.

The evidence presented in court established that the defendants were members of the MEXIKANEMI, a subset of the Texas Mexican Mafia. The investigation was conducted by the USP Big Sandy Special Investigative Services Office, and the United States was represented by Assistant United States Attorney Jenna E. Reed.

In a joint statement, Robert M. Duncan, Jr., United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky and Hector Joyner, Warden of USP Big Sandy, announced the sentences. The defendants must serve 85 percent of their prison sentences and will be under the supervision of the United States Probation Office for three years upon their release.

As part of their sentences, Flores and Martinez were ordered to pay victim restitution in the amount of $3,955.57, while Galindo and Morin were ordered to pay $611,992. The sentences send a clear message that violence and intimidation will not be tolerated in our prisons.

The case is a stark reminder of the dangers of gang activity and the importance of holding those responsible accountable for their actions. As the Grimy Times continues to investigate the inner workings of the Texas Mexican Mafia, one thing is clear: the rule of law will prevail, and those who break it will be brought to justice.

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