Servando Gómez Martínez, widely known by his alias “La Tuta,” carved a notorious path through the landscape of Mexican organized crime. Emerging from the ranks of the Familia Michoacana cartel, Gómez Martínez ascended to lead the violent Knights Templar, leaving a trail of drug trafficking, extortion, and brutality in his wake. His story is one of ambition, calculated violence, and ultimately, a dramatic downfall that marked a significant shift in Mexico’s cartel wars. This profile delves into the history, criminal activities, and eventual capture of Servando Gómez Martínez, a figure who once held sway over the volatile state of Michoacan.
From Teacher to Terror: The Origins of “La Tuta”
Before becoming the feared drug lord “La Tuta,” Servando Gómez Martínez was known as “El Profe,” a schoolteacher in the Arteaga municipality of Michoacan. Born on February 6, 1966, his early life offered little hint of the criminal empire he would later command. Remarkably, even as he climbed the rungs of the Familia Michoacana, Gómez Martínez remained on the federal payroll as a teacher until December 2010, a stark illustration of the deep infiltration of cartels into Mexican society.
Gómez Martínez’s public persona was carefully crafted. He positioned himself as a defender of Michoacan, espousing the Familia Michoacana’s vigilante ideology. He claimed their purpose was to protect the state from external threats, specifically naming the Zetas cartel, ironically the very group that initially trained members of the Familia before their separation.
In a revealing 2009 phone interview with “Voz y Solucion,” a local TV program, Gómez Martínez publicly praised then-President Felipe Calderón and the Mexican Army. He audaciously stated the Familia’s conflict was solely with the Zetas and the Federal Police, accusing them of “attacking our families.” He portrayed the Familia as enforcers of morality, claiming they adhered to a strict code of conduct, unlike the Zetas, whom he disparaged as largely composed of “drug addicts.”
| ### La Tuta: Key Facts |
|—|—|
| Date of Birth: | February 6, 1966 |
| Associated Groups: | Familia Michoacana (formerly), Knights Templar |
| Criminal Activities: | Drug Trafficking, Extortion, Illegal Arms Possession |
| Legal Status: | Captured |
| Area of Operation: | Michoacan, Mexico |
The Templar’s Rise and Fall Under La Tuta
The landscape of Mexican cartels shifted dramatically after the reported death of Nazario Moreno Gonzalez (“El Chayo”) in December 2010. This event triggered a fracture within the Familia Michoacana. Servando Gómez Martínez broke away from the group, then under the leadership of Jose de Jesus Mendez (“El Chango”), to establish the Knights Templar cartel.
Mirroring the Familia, the Knights Templar adopted a pseudo-religious framework and a self-proclaimed moral code. They announced their arrival in March 2011 and initially seemed to eclipse the Familia, particularly after Mendez’s arrest. Many analysts at the time believed the Familia Michoacana was effectively dismantled. However, the Mexican government swiftly targeted the Knights Templar with intense pressure. Adding to their woes, citizen-led militia groups, fueled by desperation and anger against cartel violence, emerged throughout Michoacan in 2013 and 2014, further squeezing the Knights Templar.
Even as his criminal enterprise expanded, Gómez Martínez faced personal setbacks. In 2009, a wave of arrests swept up his nephew, girlfriend, mother, and brother. That same year, a New York grand jury indicted him on drug trafficking charges. Despite these pressures, “La Tuta” remained defiant, utilizing social media to issue public statements, including a vow to never surrender. However, his reign came to an end in February 2015 when he was captured in Morelia, Michoacan.
La Tuta’s capture delivered a decisive blow to the Knights Templar, effectively dismantling their structure as a dominant criminal force in Mexico.
Criminal Enterprise: Drug Trafficking and Extortion
Servando Gómez Martínez and the Knights Templar engaged in a diverse portfolio of criminal activities. Mexican authorities charged La Tuta with trafficking methamphetamine and marijuana, as well as illegal possession of military-grade weaponry and ammunition. Beyond drug trafficking, extortion became a core element of the Knights Templar’s operations in Michoacan, terrorizing local businesses and communities.
Area of Influence: Michoacan and Beyond
Michoacan served as the central base of operations for La Tuta and the Knights Templar. From this stronghold, they coordinated drug shipments, extending their reach through Baja California. Their influence also spilled over into neighboring Guerrero, highlighting their significant territorial control in southwest Mexico.
Enemies and Shifting Alliances
“La Tuta” publicly positioned himself as a bulwark against cartels like the Zetas, portraying them as aggressors against the civilian population. However, the rise of self-defense groups, sometimes with government support, turned the tide against the Knights Templar, driving them from numerous cities in Michoacan. As the Knights Templar fractured, many operatives reportedly migrated to other criminal organizations, including, ironically, the self-defense forces they once opposed.
A significant new threat emerged in the form of the Jalisco Cartel – New Generation (CJNG). This powerful and rapidly expanding cartel directly challenged the Knights Templar’s already weakened supremacy in southwest Mexico, further contributing to their decline.
Uncertain Future: Extradition and Terrorism Accusations
Beyond the drug trafficking charges in Mexico and the United States, Servando Gómez Martínez faces a unique and potentially more serious accusation in the US. He is reportedly wanted not only on drug charges but also for potential links to terrorism or membership in a terrorist organization. This designation, typically reserved for members of Colombian groups like the FARC and AUC, adds a layer of complexity to his case. However, given the historically strained relationship between the US and Mexico regarding extraditions, it remains uncertain whether “La Tuta” will ultimately face justice in a US court. His capture, nonetheless, marked the end of an era for the Knights Templar and a significant victory in the ongoing fight against organized crime in Mexico.
