Mexican Mafia cases split up

Four men pled not guilty Monday to charges of involvement in the Mexican Mafia and several 2005 robberies in the Kerrville area. All four were facing trial in the 198th Judicial District Court, however, only the case against Jesus “Jesse” Jiminez of Ingram proceeded Monday.

The attorneys for Sammy Menchaca of Rocksprings, Robert Menchaca of Center Point and Robert Perez of Kerrville successfully sought for their clients cases to be separated out. The three now are scheduled to go on trial in May.

Prosecutor Amos Barton finally gave opening arguments Monday, after procedural issues Thursday forced a delay. The nine-woman, three-man jury was seated, then sent home Thursday following a two-day selection process.

Two other men — Librado Rodriguez and Stephen Flores — also have been indicted on related charges. Flores took the stand Monday afternoon as the prosecution’s first witness. During more than three hours of testimony, he admitted involvement in the Mexican Mafia and his part in three robberies in June 2005.