HOUSTON, TX – A Katy man, at the heart of a federal investigation following an FBI raid that uncovered a substantial arsenal of firearms, will remain in custody until his trial, a judge ruled today. Federal authorities suspect that Michael Seri played a crucial role in orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot, adding a layer of complexity to his legal troubles.
The alleged murder-for-hire scheme unfolded during a bustling morning commute, with new revelations surfacing in court today. This marks the first public acknowledgment by investigators of their intent to charge Seri in connection with the February incident. Prosecutors are leveraging evidence from this case to justify his detention on firearms charges stemming from the raid.
In the courtroom, it was disclosed that Seri allegedly masterminded a plan to target a man at the intersection of Grand Parkway and Mason Road. Although the victim survived the February shooting, Seri’s employee, Ricardo Obando, and his stepson are currently in custody facing attempted capital murder charges for their roles in the attack.
Testimony from a federal agent today revealed that Seri allegedly confided in a witness about paying Obando to carry out the shooting. The witness claimed that Seri withheld the victim’s identity and his motive but indicated Obando’s alleged affiliation with a notorious gang and his history as a hitman.
The witness further testified that Seri attempted to ensure the witness’s silence by providing financial support and covering legal expenses. Seri’s attorney questioned why, given the evidence, formal charges have not yet been filed against his client.
“The barometer for implicating someone in such a serious matter is a grand jury’s finding that a crime has been committed,” the attorney argued, suggesting the lack of formal charges raises questions about the prosecution’s case.
Currently, Seri faces charges solely related to the 57 firearms discovered during the raid. The federal judge ruled that Seri remains a potential threat, citing no conditions that could ensure community safety if he were released. Prosecutors highlighted that Seri’s wife has sought a protective order against him and that he attempted to influence a potential witness by instructing her to vouch for his character if questioned by agents.