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Jensen Brothers Plead Not Guilty as Federal Court Weighs Bond, Criminal Ties
Brownsville court hears updates in crude oil smuggling case tied to Arroyo Terminal; Maxwell Jensen denied bond, Zachary released under restrictions.
Published April 30 2025
Jensen Brothers Plead Not Guilty as Federal Court Weighs Bond, Criminal Ties
High-Profile Federal Case Advances in Brownsville Court
BROWNSVILLE, TX — Federal court proceedings continued today in one of the Rio Grande Valley’s highest-profile white-collar crime cases, as Maxwell and Zachary Jensen appeared before a judge to face charges linked to a crude oil smuggling scheme involving the Arroyo Terminal facility in Rio Hondo.
The two brothers, part of a four-person family indictment, both pleaded not guilty to federal charges of smuggling goods into the United States by making false statements. The allegations center on a long-running scheme that federal prosecutors say involved falsified documentation to hide the true origin and nature of imported crude oil products.
Bond Decisions Reflect Diverging Profiles
The hearing revealed contrasting assessments of the two brothers’ risk profiles:
- Maxwell Jensen was denied bond due to what prosecutors described as a high flight risk, citing:
- Extensive international travel history
- Financial holdings in the Bahamas
- Alleged ties to criminal organizations in Mexico
- Zachary Jensen, in contrast, was granted bond with strict conditions. He received a $100,000 bond and must adhere to:
- Surrendering his passport and is prohibited from traveling nationally and internationally
- Residence requirement in Utah
Maxwell’s legal team is expected to continue challenging the bond denial in the coming weeks.
Jury Trial Expected Soon
The court is moving forward with preparations for a jury trial, though no date has yet been confirmed. Prosecutors indicated that additional evidence is being reviewed, and pretrial motions may influence how the case is presented.
Helpful Links and Contact Information
- U.S. District Court – Southern District of Texas: https://www.txs.uscourts.gov
- U.S. Department of Justice – Criminal Division: https://www.justice.gov/criminal
- FBI Brownsville Field Office: 📞 (956) 546-6922
For updates on this case or to report additional information, contact the U.S. District Court or the FBI office in Brownsville.
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