Yassine case suspect reportedly flees

AUSTIN (KXAN) - One of the suspects in the Yassine night club case is reportedly on the run. Karim Faiq was previously released on bail and has since failed to report for several court appearances as early as May.

Charged with cocaine distribution, Faiq was released on $25,000 bond after his arrest in March.

It all stems from the lengthy federal drug case surrounding Yassine Enterprises, a group of nine bars now closed and without liquor licenses. Federal officials brought charges against 11 people who had connections to the nightclubs, which include Malaia, Roial, Fuel, Treasure Island, Hyde, Kiss & Fly, Spill, Stack Burger Bar and Pure.

The Comptroller's Office seized the bars and collected $1.4 million in assets before returning the keys to the property back to the landlord.

The landlords can rent the property to other tenants.

Owner Hussein Ali “Mike” Yassine, his brothers Mohammed Ali “Steve” Yassine and Hadi Ali Yassine and seven others face several federal drug, firearms and money-laundering charges after a March raid. Charges were also filed against an 11th, unnamed person – though officials have been quiet about that person’s involvement.

Jury selection is slated for Oct. 1, though delays could reportedly push the trial to next spring. In addition, the opening of Austin’s new federal courthouse could cause further delays. A change of venue has also been mentioned as a possibility.

Other suspect updates:

• Alejandro Melendrez – plea agreement of 46 months in federal prison and three years of supervision probation for a single narcotics charge. A second charge was dropped.
• Edgar Orsini and Sami Derder – names not on court schedules at this time. Questions remain about the timing of their trials.