Second suspect to plead guilty to murder of Balcones Heights police officer

Jerry Idrogo reaches deal with federal prosecutors for role in gang crimes

SAN ANTONIO – An alleged member of the Texas Mexican Mafia has reached a deal with federal prosecutors to plead guilty to the murder of a Balcones Heights police officer and another man.

The murders and drug dealing alleged in court papers are wrapped up under a RICO - Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations - conspiracy. They allege Jerry "Spooks" Idrogo killed Billy Mares Padilla in August 2013 for the gang.

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It also accused Idrogo of the May 2014 murder of Julian Pesina, who was an off-duty Balcones Heights police officer leaving a tattoo shop he co-owned. Sources have told KSAT-12 Pesina was selling drugs for the gang and owed them money. At the time of his death, he had tattoos worn by members of the Texas Mexican Mafia on his body.

Idrogo is expected to plead guilty to those murders and charges he sold heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine. A plea date has not been scheduled.

The man accused of ordering the murders, Ruben "Menace" Reyes, pleaded guilty last week to four killings. He's expected in court for sentencing in September.

Two other men are awaiting trial. Jesse Santibanez and Alfredo Cardona, also alleged Texas Mexican Mafia members, are charged with murdering other members.