Detention Hearing Held For Accused Drug Traffickers

Thirteen alleged members and associates of the Barrio Azteca gang were scheduled to appear before a judge at the federal courthouse Tuesday afternoon.

The suspects were arrested last week on charges of drug trafficking and other crimes.

Most of them waived their right to the arraignment. Several of those arrested were in court, including Fabian Rodriguez, Delia Cervantes, Desiree Gamboa Cardona and Lorenzo Espino.

Judge Richard Mesa approved the request for continuance from the attorneys for Rodriguez and Cervantes.

The bond was denied for Gamboa Cardona. Federal attorneys claim she is an associate of the Barrio Azteca gang and would purchase money orders then send them to prisons.

The judge also denied the bond for Espino. Federal attorneys said he and his brother, also a suspect who was arrested, are members of the Barrio Azteca gang and were working together to distribute heroin.

Rodriguez and Rigoberto Fragoso will have their detention hearing next Tuesday.

Cervantes is scheduled to have a hearing next Thursday.