U.S. Magistrate Judge Dorina Ramos ordered Thursday that Jesus Barrientes-Rodriguez be held without bond while he faces drug trafficking conspiracy charges. Ramos set bond at $100,000 for his wife, Elizabeth Michell Barrientes, who was also implicated in the case.
According to an affidavit from the FBI, Barrientes-Rodriguez was the Mexican Mafia's captain and ranking member in the Rio Grande Valley.
Texas' Mexican Mafia originated in the state prison system, but also has far-reaching street operations. The affidavit says the FBI used a confidential source to infiltrate the gang and make several heroin buys from the couple at their home in Pharr.
