FBI looking for multi-state racketeering, murder suspect

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) — The FBI is looking for a man they say was involved in a multi-state racketeering scheme.

The FBI said Tuesday 47-year-old Juan Mendez is formerly of Mission and is an alleged associate of the Gulf Cartel.  He is wanted for his alleged involvement in drug racketeering and murder in the aid of racketeering between 2015 and 2018 in Texas and Indiana.

A federal court in Houston last May issued an arrest warrant for Mendez for racketeering conspiracy, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, murder in aid of racketeering and kidnapping resulting in death charges.

Mendez also has a warrant out of Fort Wayne, Indiana, for drug distribution and possession charges.

The FBI describes Mendez as having brown hair and brown eyes, stands about 5’7″ or 5’8″, and weighs anywhere from 190 to 250 pounds.  He has scars on his abdomen, chin, head, right knee and right forearm.  Additionally, he has a mole on his right cheek and is known to wear glasses.

Federal investigators say he has ties in the U.S. to Mission and Fort Wayne, Indiana, and to the Mexican cities of Monterrey, Reynosa, Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

If you have any information about his whereabouts, you are encouraged to contact the FBI at 956-984-6300.