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A 49-year-old Houston resident and former Waller County District Attorney Investigator, Mohammed “Alex” Ahmed Kassem, was convicted of attempting to distribute heroin and money laundering. The former investigator used his marked police vehicle to transport the illegal substances and was compensated $31,000. He faces potential life imprisonment and hefty fines. The case was investigated by the FBI with assistance from the DEA.
Former Waller County Investigator Convicted of Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering
On February 27, 2024, the United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of Texas, announced the conviction of a 49-year-old Houston resident, Mohammed “Alex” Ahmed Kassem, on charges of attempted possession with intent to distribute heroin and money laundering. This conviction follows a four-day trial during which a federal jury deliberated for eight hours before reaching a verdict.
Kassem, a former investigator with the Waller County District Attorney’s Office, was found guilty of escorting sham heroin and cartel drug money across state lines. The trial revealed that he utilized his marked police vehicle to transport these illegal substances and was compensated a total of $31,000 for his efforts.
Evidence presented during the trial included audio and video recordings of the transactions, related text messages, and bank records showing cash deposits into Kassem’s personal account after each payment. Furthermore, testimony indicated that Kassem concealed the money in his bulletproof vest and disguised the sham heroin in an evidence bag to avoid detection.
Former Waller County DA Investigatory Testifies
Despite his claims of having authority and implicit approval from the Waller County DA to conduct these activities, testimony from his former employer refuted these statements, leading the jury to reject his defense and find him guilty.
U.S. Attorney Alamdar Hamdani emphasized the severity of Kassem’s actions, stating, “When Alex Kassem wore his Waller County peace officer credentials and Waller County-issued firearm while transporting what he thought were drugs in his Waller County-issued vehicle and then accepted what he thought was cartel drug money, he breached the most sacred of trusts.”
Special Agent in Charge Douglas Williams of the FBI Houston Field Office also expressed condemnation, describing Kassem as “a criminal in disguise” who exploited his position as a licensed peace officer and investigator for personal enrichment.
Following the conviction, U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal scheduled Kassem’s sentencing for June 13. Kassem faces a potential life sentence for the heroin trafficking conviction, along with up to 20 years for money laundering and fines of up to $10 million. Additionally, he was remanded into custody after being previously released on bond.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Carolyn Ferko and Heather Winter.
This conviction serves as a reminder of the consequences individuals face for abusing their positions of trust and authority, and underscores the commitment of law enforcement to hold such individuals accountable for their actions.
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