Indictments following FBI operation

TYLER – Federal charges have been brought against two women who have ties to an East Texas company where an FBI operation was carried out on Tuesday. Magistrate Judge K. Nicole Mitchell announced the federal indictments of Keyla Valdivia and Virginia Ponce Gamez on Wednesday during a court appearance at the federal courthouse in Tyler. They both filed not guilty pleas. Multiple agencies, including the Smith County Sheriff’s Office and the Texas Department of Public Safety, responded to Ximena’s Furniture at 10623 Highway 69 North and 10713 US 69 North. Neither the FBI nor local law enforcement agencies have publicly confirmed the nature of the operation. Gamez is charged with conspiracy to transport undocumented immigrants, trafficking and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Valdivia is charged with conspiracy to harbor undocumented people and conspiracy to commit money laundering.