Authorities say a Barrio Azteca gang member, currently incarcerated in Texas, has pleaded guilty to participating in a racketeering conspiracy to distribute drugs inside the prison system.
They also say 37-year-old Hector Galindo pleaded guilty to collecting funds obtained through the extortion of businessmen and criminals outside the prison.
Galindo began serving a 25-year prison term in 1992. He was indicted last year with 34 other gang members and associates on counts including murder, racketeering, drug offenses, money laundering and obstruction of justice. Seventeen others have also entered guilty pleas.
Barrio Azteca is a gang based in West Texas and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. Members are accused of the March 13, 2010, slayings in Juarez of a U.S. consulate employee, her husband and the husband of another consulate employee.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
