SAN ANTONIO – Three Texas Mexican Mafia members have been indicted in federal court in connection with the shooting death of Balcones Heights police Officer Julian Pesina.
The federal grand jury in San Antonio indicted Jesse Santibanez, 26; Jerry Idrogo, 34; and Alfredo Cardona, 36, on charges of using and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, according to a statement issued by the Department of Justice late Thursday afternoon.
All three are already facing state charges in connection with Pesina's death.
According to the statement, the trio "knowingly used and discharged a firearm in relation to the murder of Pesina."
Investigators said the trio are accused of taking part in Pesina's slaying on the night of May 4, 2014. Pesina was gunned down outside his tattoo parlor by two men and Idrogo was accused of being the getaway driver, according to an arrest affidavit.
Court documents allege that Pesina had claimed membership in the TMM, and was selling narcotics and paying taxes to the TMM. Pesina's employment as an officer with the Balcones Heights Police Department led to his fatal shooting at the hands of Santibanez, Idrogo and Cardona, court documents show.
Santibanez remains in federal custody following his initial appearance in federal court Thursday afternoon. Idrogo, Cardona were already in custody on related state charges. Initial appearances in federal court for Idrogo and Cardona have yet to be scheduled.
All three face a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison upon conviction.
For more on the Texas Mexican Mafia's presence in San Antonio, click here.