Local Drug and Money Laundering Ring Busted

TYLER — Six suspects have been arrested following a lengthy investigation into illegal gambling, money laundering and drug trafficking in the Eastern District of Texas. On July 15, a combined task force of federal, state and local law enforcement executed six federal arrest warrants and four federal search warrants in the Tyler and Gladewater areas as a result of a joint investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Smith County Sheriff’s Office, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Texas Racing Commission.

The operation resulted in the arrest of all six defendants and the seizure of over $30,000 cash, methamphetamine, and several firearms. Omar Bonifacio Bonilla, 32, Renault Lansing Kay, 47, Jessica Maria Bonilla, 31, Joel Orlando Bonilla-Loya, 36, Guillermo Rivera-Bonilla, 58 and Sheena Shavette Perry, 31,(pictured) all of Tyler, were arrested and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge K. Nicole Mitchell on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, prohibition of illegal gambling businesses, and conspiracy to money launder:
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Homeland Security-Deportation and Removal Operations, Tyler Police Department, and the Texas Department of Public Safety also assisted in the arrests and searches. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frank Coan and Richard Moore.