Mexican Mafia's No. 3 man sentenced to 18 years

SAN ANTONIO (AP) - A Texas Mexican Mafia's gang captain has been sentenced to 18 years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to traffic more than a kilogram of heroin.

Jesse "Chuy" Ramirez, 33, was facing 30 years to life, but his sentenced was reduced because of his plea.

Officials say Ramirez was the highest-ranking of four gang members sentenced Wednesday.

Gang members who testified in the April trial of four co-defendants referred to Ramirez as a member of "la mesa" and "the house," meaning he controlled decisions and the 10 percent street tax the group collected from drug dealers.

A federal judge also sentenced Maria Elena "Hela" Flores, 45, to 11 years and three months in prison. Albert Delgado, 23, and Daniel "Dirty Dog" Valles, 41, each received five years and 10 months in prison for their roles in the conspiracy.

The case's other 24 defendants will be sentenced later this month or in July.