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Medicare Agent in Waco, TX
Trying to pick a health insurance plan can be a chore for anyone. For many people, just mentioning the word "open enrollment" sends shivers down the spine. It seems like there's always a nagging feeling that you're wasting money, choosing a plan with poor in-network care, or both. One would think that health insurance gets easier as you approach retirement age, but the truth is that picking an initial Medicare coverage plan can be daunting.
Unfortunately, the confusing process of signing up for Medicare causes many seniors to forego healthcare coverage altogether. After all, Medicare enrollment can involve several federal agencies, including the Social Security Administration (or SSA) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (or CMS).
At Senior Medicare Insurance Services, our passion is guiding seniors through the confusion of Medicare. That way, they can enjoy retirement with peace of mind knowing they are protected and ready for life after 65. We work with dozens of insurance companies, giving our clients the chance to choose a plan that best fits their lifestyle.
We choose to design our senior insurance plans with a focus on optimal benefits structure, lower costs, and personalized service. Some independent insurance agencies see their aging customers as nothing more than a financial transaction waiting to happen. In contrast, we treat each of our clients with respect and dignity as we help them navigate the confusing waters of Medicare. Combined with individualized service, we help older Americans make well-informed decisions about insurance. Whether you're in need of senior Medicare Supplement Plan insurance in Waco, TX or simply have questions about signing up for Medicare, our team is here to help.
- Helping Seniors Make Better-Informed Medicare Decisions
- What is Medicare?
- The amount of money you pay for your health care depends on several factors, including
- Senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Waco, TX
- Important Information About Senior Supplement Plan Insurance
- Medicare Agent in Waco, TX
- How Medicare Advantage Plans Work
- Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance Rules
- Paying for Your Medicare Agent
- The Senior Medicare Insurance Services Commitment
What is Medicare?
If you're approaching the golden years of your life, it's important you understand what Medicare is if you don't already.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program reserved for people older than 65 who have worked full-time for at least ten years. The Medicare program is paid for by a combination of worker payroll tax, premiums paid by Medicare enrollees, and the U.S. government.
There are four parts of Medicare:
This type of Medicare is free for most U.S. citizens. Medicare Part A helps older adults pay for care in a nursing facility, hospital visits, and some forms of in-home senior care.
This tier costs around $100 per month. It covers different outpatient services like lab tests, preventative care, doctor's visits, mental health care, clinical trials, and some forms of surgery.
This type of Medicare is most often called Medicare Advantage. This tier of Medicare allows seniors to choose health plans provided by insurance companies like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. Individuals who use Medicare Advantage commonly use Medicare supplement plan insurance to help pay for health care costs that Original Medicare won't cover, like coinsurance, deductibles, and copayments.
Sometimes called "PDPs," these plans add drug coverage to standard Medicare, some Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS), some Medicare Cost Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans (MSA).
The amount of money you pay for your health care depends on several factors, including:
- What kind of care you need, and how often it is needed.
- The type of Medicare coverage you choose.
- Whether there are alternative insurance policies that will help fill gaps in your coverage
- Whether a doctor agrees to charge you the same amount that Medicare will cover for a medical service
At Senior Medicare Insurance Services, we offer a number of health insurance solutions for seniors. Two of our most used services include Medicare Advantage plan insurance and Medicare supplement plan insurance.
Senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Waco, TX
Sometimes called Medigap, the purpose of Medicare Supplement Insurance is to help fill in "gaps" that might not be covered by Original Medicare. You can think of a Medigap policy as a supplement for your Original Medicare benefits.
Private companies like Senior Medicare Insurance Services sell this type of insurance right here in South Carolina. While Original Medicare will pay for much of the cost associated with health care services you need, it may not cover all of your expenses. Generally, Medigap policies do not cover costs stemming from eyeglasses, private-duty nurses, dental care, hearing aids, or long-term care.
Depending on the Medicare Supplement Plan that you choose, it may cover out-of-the-country medical services when you travel abroad. Assuming you have Original Medicare coverage, your policy will cover its share of Medicare-approved health care costs. Once your Original Medicare coverage reaches its limit, your Medigap policy will pay its share of the fees.
Our Medigap policies are drafted to meet your specific needs, and can help cover remaining health care costs such as:
Deductibles
Copayments
Coinsurance
Important Information About Senior Supplement Plan Insurance
To dispel some confusion, you should know that a Medigap policy is not the same as a Medicare Advantage Plan. The latter helps you receive Medicare benefits, while the former supplements the benefits you obtain through your Original Medicare plan. As you begin to explore Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, keep the following important information in mind:
As you begin to explore Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, keep the following important information in mind:
- To qualify for a Medigap policy, you must first have Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
- Payments on your Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan will be made to the private insurance company that you choose, like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. These payments are made every month and are paid in addition to the monthly payment you make for Medicare Part B.
- If you are the holder of a Medicare Advantage Plan, it is illegal for an insurance company to sell you a senior Medicare Supplement Policy. If you plan on switching back to an Original Medicare plan, you may be able to purchase a Medigap policy.
- If you have health problems as you age, your standardized Medigap policy is guaranteed to be renewable. So long as you pay your monthly premium, your insurance provider cannot cancel your policy.
- Medigap policies only cover one person. If you have a spouse or family member that would like coverage, they must purchase a separate policy.
- You may only buy a Senior Medicare Supplement Plan from an insurance agent that is licensed to sell them in your state. Senior Medicare Insurance Services has been licensed to sell Medigap policies in South Carolina for years. We have helped countless seniors get the Medicare coverage they need and continue to do so to this day.
- In the past, Medigap policies were able to cover costs related to prescription drugs. As of January 1st, 2006, prescription drug coverage is not available on Medicare Supplement Plans. The best way to get coverage for your prescription drugs is to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, often called Part D. Contact our office today to learn more about paying premiums on Medigap and Medicare plans.
For many people, the best time to buy senior Medicare Supplement Plan Insurance in Waco, TX is during the 7 months Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This period starts the day you turn 65 years old, so long as you hold Medical Insurance (Medicare Part B). Generally, during the enrollment period, you get more policy choices and better pricing. Once the enrollment period is over, you may not be able to purchase a Medigap policy. Contact Senior Medicare Insurance Services today to determine if you qualify for a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan.
Medicare Agent in Waco, TX
A Medicare Advantage Plan is a kind of Medicare health coverage designed to provide seniors with all their Part A and Part B Medicare benefits. Many Medicare Advantage Plans will often include coverage of the following:
- Preferred Provider Organizations
- Special Needs Plans
- Private Fee-for-Service
- Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans
- Health Maintenance Organizations
In addition, most Medicare Advantage Plans give seniors coverage for their prescription drug needs. When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan through Senior Medicare Insurance Services, your Medicare benefits are covered through your plan and will not be paid for by traditional Medicare.
How Medicare Advantage Plans Work
Sometimes called "MA Plans" or "Part C," Medicare Advantage Plans are considered an "all in one" solution to Original Medicare. Senior Medicare Advantage Plans are only offered by private companies that are approved, like Senior Medicare Insurance Services. Seniors who enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan are still on Medicare. However, these individuals enjoy bundled plans that give seniors the benefits of hospital insurance (Medicare Part A), medical insurance (Medicare Part B), and sometimes drug coverage (Part D).
Medicare Advantage Plans are very popular because they cover all Medicare services and make life a little easier for seniors who have trouble understanding the nuances of Medicare.
When you contact Senior Medicare Insurance Services to choose your Medicare Advantage Plan, ask your agent about Medicare prescription drug coverage. Unless you already have drug coverage (Part D), you should seriously consider Part D coverage to help reduce costs associated with prescription drugs. You may also want to consider a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan to help fill gaps in coverage that Original Medicare will not cover.
Medicare Advantage Plan Insurance Rules
Medicare works by paying a set amount of money to the companies that offer Medicare Agent in Waco, TX. That money is used to pay for the care services that you need. Because Medicare Advantage Plans are different, you should expect out-of-pocket costs to vary depending on the plan you choose.
Different plans have different rules for how you receive services, such as:
If you must go to facilities, suppliers, or doctors that belong to your Advantage Plan for non-urgent and non-emergency care.-
Whether you must get a referral to see a specialized doctor
Companies that offer Medicare Advantage Plans must follow strict rules, which are set by Medicare and can change every year.
Paying for Your Medicare Agent
How much you pay for your Medicare Advantage Plan varies and depends on a few different factors. In most cases, if you need a kind of medical service, you will need to rely on the doctors and providers in your plan's service area and network to pay the lowest amounts. In some cases, if you choose to use a service outside of your plan's network of coverage, you may have to pay out-of-pocket.
We encourage you to contact our office today to learn more about Medicare Advantage Plans, how they work, what your options are, and how often you will have to pay out-of-pocket, if at all.
The Senior Medicare Insurance Services Commitment
Since our company was founded, we have led the insurance industry by providing our clients with the most valuable, helpful insurance solutions available. We are fully committed to our current and prospective clients by:
Choosing to focus on personalized, one-on-one service. When you work with our team, know that we will always design your health insurance plan with your best interests in mind.-
Listening to your specific needs. -
Responding to all inquiries and questions promptly and with a friendly attitude. -
Providing you with the best customer service in the senior health insurance industry, whether you have questions or are ready to move forward with a Medicare plan.
Our mission is to help give seniors the best Medicare assistance available so that they may understand the Medicare process and make an informed health coverage decision. We have the knowledge, skills, and experience to assist anyone interested in Medicare. Our personal goal is to become a lifetime resource for our clients and give them greater confidence in choosing their insurance plans.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 8 organizations which offer 57 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
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Latest News in Waco, TX
Driver safely removed after 18-wheeler left hanging over I-35 bridge in Elm Mott
Jessica Rajkumarhttps://www.kwtx.com/2026/10/03/crews-working-rescue-18-wheeler-hanging-over-bridge-i-35-elm-mott/
Waco Fire Deputy Chief Philip Burnett says their crews were called to the scene shortly after 7:40 a.m.First responders say they found the tractor unit suspended over the guardrail on the southbound side of I-35, with the driver inside the cab.The position of the tractor made access to the driver challenging and required specialized rescue operations, according to Pechacek.Elm Mott Fire Rescue Chief 361 arrived on scene and established command. Waco Technical Rescue and the Waco Hazmat Response Team were requested to ass...
Waco Fire Deputy Chief Philip Burnett says their crews were called to the scene shortly after 7:40 a.m.
First responders say they found the tractor unit suspended over the guardrail on the southbound side of I-35, with the driver inside the cab.
The position of the tractor made access to the driver challenging and required specialized rescue operations, according to Pechacek.
Elm Mott Fire Rescue Chief 361 arrived on scene and established command. Waco Technical Rescue and the Waco Hazmat Response Team were requested to assist due to the complexity of the incident.
During the accident, one of the tractor’s diesel fuel saddle tanks was dislodged and fell onto the main lane of FM 308 beneath the I-35 overpass.
The tank ruptured, releasing an estimated 40 gallons of diesel fuel onto the roadway and surrounding ground.
Waco Hazmat arrived and initiated containment operations and the team was able to contain the majority of the fuel runoff and worked to limit further environmental impact.
Emergency management and environmental cleanup resources were notified and requested to assist with fuel recovery and scene cleanup, according to Pechacek.
The driver was not pinned or physically trapped in the truck when crews arrived.
Technical rescue personnel gained access through the passenger side of the cab after securing the truck.
The driver was assisted into the basket of Ladder 1 and transferred over the guardrail to awaiting AMR personnel, Pechacek said.
The driver was evaluated and signed a refusal of transport.
Following the driver’s removal and completion of the rescue operation, Waco units cleared the scene.
Ross Fire Department remained on scene to assist with traffic control, secure the right-hand lane and oversee ongoing cleanup operations along I-35.
Units remained on scene as Elm Mott Fire Rescue worked with county officials and the TxDOT to reopen I-35, according to Pechacek.
Crews towed the truck off the highway around 10:15 this morning.
Southbound traffic delays were expected to continue for some time as traffic moved slowly through the area.
Agencies that assisted included Elm Mott Fire Rescue, Ross Fire, Waco Fire Department, Texas Department of Public Safety, the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office, Waco-McLennan County Emergency Management and AMR.
Waco City Council approves key measures driving riverfront development boom
Abbey Fergusonhttps://www.kwtx.com/2026/08/19/waco-city-council-approves-key-measures-driving-riverfront-development-boom/
WACO, Texas (KWTX) - The Waco City Council took several key steps tonight to advance major residential and commercial developments along the Brazos River, signaling a continued multi-million-dollar push to transform the city’s waterfront.The council approved a critical amendment to the downtown riverfront project and moved forward on plans for a massive new master-planned community. The decisions come amid the city’s ongoing $26 million redevelopment of the Waco Riverwalk, a linear pedestrian trail stretching on the west s...
WACO, Texas (KWTX) - The Waco City Council took several key steps tonight to advance major residential and commercial developments along the Brazos River, signaling a continued multi-million-dollar push to transform the city’s waterfront.
The council approved a critical amendment to the downtown riverfront project and moved forward on plans for a massive new master-planned community. The decisions come amid the city’s ongoing $26 million redevelopment of the Waco Riverwalk, a linear pedestrian trail stretching on the west side of the Brazos River from the Union Pacific Railroad bridge to the Baylor University School of Law.
Among the key approvals was a fourth amendment to the Master Development Agreement with Catalyst Urban Development, LLC. The amendment officially shifts the focus of Phase 2 of the development—located at Webster Avenue and the Brazos River—from a hotel to a mixed-use residential and commercial project.
The property will now feature an apartment and restaurant complex, with the developer saying the switch could help create vibrancy along the riverwalk.
Given the city’s existing support of other hotel projects constructed or under construction downtown, officials determined a hotel was not recommended for the site at this time.
The amendment also extends the completion timeline of the private development to align with the city’s active construction on the adjacent riverwalk.
Contractor Fain Group LLC is currently rebuilding the pedestrian path, utilizing heavy machinery to drive metal sheet retaining walls into the bank behind the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum and pouring new concrete near the Foster Pavilion. The $26 million Riverwalk overhaul is expected to wrap up by late 2027. The newly pivoted phase II of the Catalyst project will begin construction following that.
The council also approved a Master Development Agreement with Making Waves Waco, LLC, Tamed the Beast, LLC, and Desperado Development, LLC.
The agreement outlines the development of the “Waco Surf Desperado Development,” a high-quality, master-planned community. The expansive project is slated to include luxury 3-D residential housing, commercial spaces, parks, and open recreational areas.
Air quality index (AQI⁺) and PM2.5 air pollution in Waco • 2.3K Followers • 21:00, Oct 07 Local time
iqair.comhttps://www.iqair.com/air-quality/usa/texas/waco
AddWorld/USA/Texas/WacoAir quality in WacoData attributionData provided by a satellite-derived model65*US AQI⁺ModerateMain pollutant:O₃116 µg/m³23°5 km/h47 %Hourly forecastWaco air quality index (AQI⁺) forecastNow6523°5km/h 47%23:006422°5km/h 48%Thu00:00642...
Add
World/USA/Texas/Waco
Air quality in Waco
Data attribution
Data provided by a satellite-derived model
65*
US AQI⁺
Moderate
Main pollutant:
O₃
116 µg/m³
23°
5 km/h
47 %
Hourly forecast
Waco air quality index (AQI⁺) forecast
Now 65 23° 5 km/h 47% | 23:00 64 22° 5 km/h 48% Thu | 00:00 64 21° 5 km/h 54% | 01:00 62 22° 7 km/h 64% | 02:00 61 21° 7 km/h 74% | 03:00 61 21° 7 km/h 78% | 04:00 59 20° 7 km/h 83% | 05:00 58 21° 6 km/h 75% | 06:00 58 21° 7 km/h 68% | 07:00 52 21° 8 km/h 67% | 08:00 50 21° 9 km/h 63% | 09:00 49 22° 10 km/h 58% | 10:00 53 22° 9 km/h 55% | 11:00 53 24° 8 km/h 56% | 12:00 53 26° 9 km/h 50% | 13:00 54 28° 10 km/h 48% | 14:00 54 30° 8 km/h 46% | 15:00 54 30° 9 km/h 44% | 16:00 54 31° 9 km/h 43% | 17:00 54 31° 9 km/h 43% | 18:00 54 30° 10 km/h 45% | 19:00 58 29° 7 km/h 51% | 20:00 58 27° 6 km/h 59% | 21:00 58 26° 7 km/h 61% | 22:00 54 25° 5 km/h 65% | 23:00 54 24° 2 km/h 74% Fri | 00:00 54 23° 4 km/h 80% | 01:00 46 23° 6 km/h 77% | 02:00 46 22° 6 km/h 77% | 03:00 46 21° 6 km/h 81% | 04:00 52 20° 6 km/h 88% | 05:00 52 19° 6 km/h 91% | 06:00 52 19° 7 km/h 92% | 07:00 51 18° 8 km/h 95% | 08:00 51 18° 7 km/h 97% | 09:00 51 21° 5 km/h 72% | 10:00 39 24° 7 km/h 57% | 11:00 39 28° 10 km/h 43% | 12:00 39 29° 14 km/h 37% | 13:00 27 30° 18 km/h 33% | 14:00 27 31° 19 km/h 31% | 15:00 27 31° 17 km/h 31% | 16:00 39 31° 14 km/h 37% | 17:00 39 31° 14 km/h 41% | 18:00 39 30° 13 km/h 46% | 19:00 42 29° 9 km/h 52% | 20:00 42 25° 13 km/h 44% | 21:00 42 24° 10 km/h 47% | 22:00 57 24° 9 km/h 48% | 23:00 57 23° 7 km/h 49% Sat | 00:00 57 23° 3 km/h 47% | 01:00 53 23° 2 km/h 47% | 02:00 53 22° 2 km/h 48% | 03:00 53 22° 3 km/h 49% | 04:00 52 22° 5 km/h 50% | 05:00 52 21° 7 km/h 51% | 06:00 52 21° 6 km/h 52% | 07:00 51 20° 7 km/h 53% | 08:00 51 20° 7 km/h 55% | 09:00 51 22° 6 km/h 50% | 10:00 51 24° 5 km/h 44% | 11:00 51 26° 3 km/h 39% | 12:00 51 28° 4 km/h 35% | 13:00 28 29° 3 km/h 33% | 14:00 28 30° 3 km/h 31% | 15:00 28 31° 3 km/h 29% | 16:00 56 31° 4 km/h 29% | 17:00 56 31° 4 km/h 29% | 18:00 56 31° 4 km/h 35% | 19:00 59 27° 9 km/h 40% | 20:00 59 25° 15 km/h 49% | 21:00 59 24° 14 km/h 53% |
Daily forecast
Waco air quality index (AQI⁺) forecast
| Today | 56 | 31° 21° | 10 km/h | 54% | |
| Thu | 46 | 31° 18° | 19 km/h | 53% | |
| Fri | 49 | 31° 20° | 15 km/h | 42% |
Air pollutants
What is the current air quality in Waco?
| PM2.5Fine particles (≤ 2.5 µm)10.7 *µg/m³ |
| O₃Ozone116µg/m³ |
PM2.5 concentration is currently 2.1 times the World Health Organization annual PM2.5 guideline value.
Health recommendations
Sensitive groups should reduce outdoor exercise |
Close your windows to avoid dirty outdoor air Get a monitor |
Sensitive groups should wear a mask outdoors Get a mask |
Sensitive groups should run an air purifier Get an air purifier |
Pollen
What is the pollen count in Waco today?
Index
Low
Tree None | 0% |
Grass None | 0% |
Weed Low | 25% |
Source:
wetter.com
Pollen forecast in Waco
Most polluted locations near Waco
Worldwide AQI⁺ ranking
Get comprehensive data about air quality in Waco
Begin your journey for cleaner air #IQAir
I-35 closure in Waco begins for Valley Mills flyover removal
Brynn Meadehttps://www.kwtx.com/2026/08/06/i-35-closure-waco-this-weekend-valley-mills-flyover-removal/
WACO, Texas — TxDOT closed both directions of the I-35 main lanes between 12th Street and New Road beginning late Friday night into an all-day procedure on Saturday as crews remove the South Valley Mills Drive flyover structure, part of the long-term My 35 Waco South construction project.The closure is expected to last through early Sunday morning, with Saturday expected to see the most significant traffic impact, according to TxDOT Waco District Public Information Officer Jake Smith.Why the flyover is coming down...
WACO, Texas — TxDOT closed both directions of the I-35 main lanes between 12th Street and New Road beginning late Friday night into an all-day procedure on Saturday as crews remove the South Valley Mills Drive flyover structure, part of the long-term My 35 Waco South construction project.
The closure is expected to last through early Sunday morning, with Saturday expected to see the most significant traffic impact, according to TxDOT Waco District Public Information Officer Jake Smith.
Why the flyover is coming down
Smith said the flyover structure must be removed to make way for a new Diverging Diamond Intersection. He said the main lanes must be fully closed during the removal because of the structure’s height and the risk of falling debris.
“This is a critical piece, or critical operation, that our contractors are performing this weekend,” Smith said. “And during that closure, the contractor will be performing this really important step that progresses us towards the new construction of the Diverging Diamond Intersection.”
Smith said the timing was chosen in part because it predates a significant amount of school activity.
Alternate routes and what drivers should expect
TxDOT is directing through traffic to use South Loop 340, Business 77, or the I-35 frontage roads. Smith encouraged drivers to check drivetexas.org or map services before heading out.
“Your best bet as a traveler for safety is to just know before you go,” Smith said.
During the closure, northbound drivers can use the newly constructed frontage road to bypass the Waco traffic circle. Southbound drivers will be directed to the south-running frontage road and can reenter the highway after Irving Lee Street.
Nearby businesses brace for the weekend
Leonard Witt, manager of Affiliated Auto Glass near the South Valley Mills circle, said the construction has already made it difficult for customers to access the business.
“With all the construction here, it’s just hard to get in and out. It’s packed in here all the time,” Witt said.
Witt said he expects little to no business Saturday due to the closure and the rerouting of traffic away from the circle.
“I’m probably going to have to maybe if you guys stay home, really, because I’m probably not going to have much business this weekend,” Witt said.
He said he and a competing business nearby have been in contact with each other about the shared impacts of the My 35 project. Witt said his message to TxDOT is straightforward.
“Just the sooner the better. Get it done as fast as they can basically because it’s pretty detrimental to the business here,” Witt said.
The bigger picture
Smith said the Diverging Diamond Intersection is designed to reduce conflict points by up to 50% compared to a traditional intersection and is intended to address safety, mobility, and capacity along the I-35 corridor. He cited a Diverging Diamond Intersection in Round Rock as an existing example in Texas.
TxDOT said its communications team conducted outreach to hundreds of businesses, residents, local municipalities, and law enforcement prior to the public announcement of this weekend’s closure.
Waco Jewelers owner, conspirator indicted on money laundering charges tied to Texas robbery ring
Jessica Rajkumarhttps://www.kwtx.com/2026/07/22/waco-jewelers-owner-conspirator-indicted-money-laundering-charges-tied-texas-robbery-ring/
WACO, Texas (KWTX) - A federal grand jury has indicted the owner of Waco Jewelers on Valley Mills Drive and a second man on money laundering charges connected to a string of jewelry and pawn store robberies across Texas.Michael Wayne Habern Jr., 53, owner of Waco Jewelers, and Clemond Busby, 65, also known as “Bull,” each face 11 felony counts stemming from an alleged conspiracy to launder money through cash transactions involving stolen jewelry.The sealed indictment, filed July 14, in Waco’s federal court, wa...
WACO, Texas (KWTX) - A federal grand jury has indicted the owner of Waco Jewelers on Valley Mills Drive and a second man on money laundering charges connected to a string of jewelry and pawn store robberies across Texas.
Michael Wayne Habern Jr., 53, owner of Waco Jewelers, and Clemond Busby, 65, also known as “Bull,” each face 11 felony counts stemming from an alleged conspiracy to launder money through cash transactions involving stolen jewelry.
The sealed indictment, filed July 14, in Waco’s federal court, was unsealed Wednesday morning after the men made initial appearances in court.
In Count 1, Habern and Busby are charged with conspiracy to launder money, alleging they bought stolen good from statewide robberies and failed to report them as required by federal law.
The indictment says Habern operated Waco Jewelers at 801 N. Valley Mills Drive and that the business has been registered with the state as a crafted precious metals dealer.
The document outlines Texas administrative rules requiring dealers to create detailed transaction reports when purchasing crafted precious metals.
Federal prosecutors allege that beginning in 2024, at least five individuals accused of committing robberies arranged through Busby to meet with Habern at Waco Jewelers or in nearby parking lots — sometimes the same day as a robbery — to sell stolen jewelry.
The indictment alleges the jewelry was sometimes delivered with store tags still attached and, at times, in display cases taken during the robberies.
Prosecutors allege payments were made in cash and that required state transaction reports were not completed for one or more of the transactions.
The indictment lists robberies at businesses including Zales outlets and stores and several pawn shops in San Antonio, Tyler, Cedar Hill, Austin, Copperas Cove and Round Rock, with alleged theft amounts ranging from thousands to more than $500,000.
In Counts 2 through 10, Habern and Busby are also charged with being accessories after the fact, alleging they received, purchased or disposed of jewelry taken during specific robberies to help offenders avoid apprehension.
Count 11 charges misprision of a felony, alleging they had knowledge of a federal felony and concealed it.
If convicted, each man could face up to 20 years in custody on the conspiracy count, up to 10 years on each of the nine accessory charges, and up to three years on the misprision count.
They also face more than $1.5 million in fines.
Court documents show the government will seek to forfeit at least $1.5 million in assets if the defendants are convicted.
The indictment includes a notice that prosecutors intend to seek forfeiture if the defendants are convicted, including a money judgment of $1,587,724.70.
It also states the government may seek forfeiture of substitute assets if property tied to the case cannot be located or has been transferred.
Habern’s defense attorney, former McLennan County District Attorney Abel Reyna, said they will examine the allegations.
Reyna stressed that “right now they are only allegations.”
The prosecutor’s office have not responded to a request for comment yet.
Arraignments for both defendants are scheduled for Tuesday, July 28.
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