Forty-Seven Defendants Charged in Imperial Valley Takedown of Drug Trafficking Network Linked to Sinaloa Cartel

NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – June 5, 2024

EL CENTRO – Fourteen indictments were unsealed in federal court today charging 47 alleged members of an Imperial Valley-based, Sinaloa Cartel-linked fentanyl-and-methamphetamine distribution network with drug trafficking, firearms and money laundering offenses.

In a coordinated takedown this morning, more than 400 federal, state, and local law enforcement officials arrested 36 defendants and executed 25 search warrants in Imperial County, San Diego, Fresno, Los Angeles, Phoenix and Salem, Oregon. As of this afternoon, the search continues for 11 fugitives.

Including seizures today and throughout the long-term investigation, authorities have confiscated more than four kilograms of fentanyl, which amounts to about two million potentially fatal doses; more than 324 kilograms (over 714 pounds) of methamphetamine; significant quantities of cocaine and heroin; and 52 firearms, including handguns and rifles.

The investigation also resulted in the arrest of Alexander Grindley for alleged methamphetamine trafficking while employed as a U.S. Border Patrol agent, and multiple spin-off investigations in this district and others.

Crimes charged in the indictments include drug trafficking, money laundering and gun-related offenses. Court documents indicated the defendants were operating throughout the Imperial Valley—in Brawley, El Centro, Westmoreland, Imperial, Calexico, Niland, Holtville, Calipatria—and in Mexicali, Mexico.

“With this takedown, the Justice Department has dealt yet another blow to the Sinaloa Cartel and its associates,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “I am grateful to the more than 400 law enforcement officers whose work in this operation resulted in dozens of arrests, charges against 47 defendants, and the seizure of firearms, meth, cocaine, heroin, and two million potentially lethal doses of fentanyl. We will continue to be relentless in our fight to protect American communities from the cartels.”

“This investigation tore apart a drug trafficking network responsible for supplying dealers in communities across the region,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “But there is still much work to be done. If you’re a parent, and today’s price of fentanyl terrifies you, talk to your kids about the dangers of drug use. If you’re an addict, and your dealer was arrested today, seek treatment. And if you’re a dealer but your supplier was arrested today, look out – we are coming for you next.”

“The Department of Homeland Security and our federal, state and local partners are unrelenting in our work to keep deadly fentanyl off our streets and bring those who traffic in it to justice,” said Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas. “The indictments unsealed today are the direct result of our multipronged and coordinated law enforcement approach – one that utilizes all of our government’s resources and capabilities. Together, we are preventing fentanyl and other deadly drugs from being produced, distributed, or consumed, and saving countless lives.”

“Today’s coordinated operation, involving, over 400 federal, state, and local law enforcement officials, marks a decisive blow against an Imperial Valley-based, Sinaloa Cartel-linked distribution network and significantly disrupts the flow of dangerous drugs into our communities,” said Katrina W. Berger, Executive Associate Director for Homeland Security Investigations. “This operation is a testament to the power of law enforcement collaboration and our unwavering commitment to bringing these criminals to justice.”

“Today, the El Centro Border Patrol Sector teamed with allied law enforcement agencies to support both Homeland Security Investigations and the United States Attorney’s Office of San Diego in this operation,” said El Centro Sector Chief Gregory Bovino. “Our successful collaboration should be a reminder to criminal organizations in the Imperial Valley and elsewhere that justice will be served.”

“This operation shows what can be accomplished when there is collaboration between federal and local law enforcement agencies,” said Imperial County District Attorney George Marquez. “The Imperial County District Attorney’s office will continue to work together with our partners to bring to justice those that harm or are a danger to our community.”

According to the indictments and search warrants, the defendants belonged to various trafficking organizations that were part of an extensive network supplying all of Imperial County and beyond with dangerous drugs.

According to court records, on June 30, 2021, agents seized two pounds of methamphetamine and a cache of ghost guns and ammunition, including: 15 lower receivers, three upper receivers, multiple barrels and stocks, 18 magazines, 40 Luger 9mm rounds and approximately 400 rounds of .223 Red Army ammunition, which are made in Russia. None of the firearms or firearm parts had any identifying serial numbers or markings. They were all ghost guns.  Wiretap intercepts showed that defendant Cory Gershen supplied other members of the organization with ghost guns in exchange for methamphetamine. The investigation also revealed the assault rifles (depicted below) were destined for the organization’s source of supply in Mexico. 

Multiple AR-style firearms, parts, pistols, magazines, unfinished firearm parts used to create ghost guns, and a cache of Russian made ammunition.

On June 30, 2021, agents seized additional ghost guns, ammunition and methamphetamine from another member of the same drug trafficking organization. Specifically, agents seized two AR-style ghost guns and a Colt .380 semiautomatic handgun and additional Russian rifle ammunition from defendant Guadalupe Molina-Flores, one of the alleged members of the trafficking organization. According to a search warrant, after seizing the firearms, agents searched Molina-Flores’ residence and found 309.4 grams (0.68 pounds) of methamphetamine. 

Two more AR-style rifles, a pistol, magazines, and Russian made ammunition.  Notably, these were exchanged for drugs.

Fentanyl continues to be a prolific killer. Imperial County experienced 24 opioid-related overdose deaths in 2022, the most recent full year of data available from the California Department of Public Health. The annual mortality rate for 2022 was 13.57 deaths per 100,000 residents—an increase of 41 percent over 2021.

The investigation revealed that the price per fentanyl pill has plummeted.  For example, in June 2021, targets of the investigation were obtaining fentanyl pills in Imperial Valley at approximately $1.65 to $1.75 per pill.  By December 2021, the prices being discussed had dropped to approximately $1.25 per pill.  By May 2024, the same pills were being sold at only 45 cents per pill—less than one-third of the price three years earlier. The precipitous drop in price reflects the increased supply and availability of fentanyl being smuggled into the United States and the close ties between targets of this investigation and their Sinaloa Cartel supplier of fentanyl pills. 

This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

*An indictment, complaint or information in a search warrant is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 24cr0455-CAB

Maria Isabel Ferrat                                         34                    Brawley, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1))                   

Maximum Penalties: Twenty years in prison and a $1 million fine. 

DEFENDANTS                                             Case Number 24cr0456-CAB

*Guadalupe Molina-Flores, AKA “Lupe”     43                    Westmoreland, CA

Stephanie Joann Hernandez, AKA “JoJo”     42                    El Centro, CA

*Emmanuel Becerra, AKA “E-Man”             36                    Westmorland, CA

Jeremy Clayton Harris, Sr.                             44                    El Centro, CA

Jack Daniel Myers                                          41                    Westmorland, CA

Cory Gershen                                                  36                    Jacumba, CA                                                  

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Fentanyl and Heroin (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846)

Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1))       

Felon in Possession of Ammunition (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1))

Using, Carrying or Possession of Firearm in Commission of a Drug Trafficking Crime
(18 U.S.C. 924(c)(1)(A)(i))   

Maximum Penalties: For conspiracy charge and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine charges: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine. For felon in possession of ammunition charge: Ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. For using, carrying or possession of firearm in commission of a drug trafficking crime: Five years in prison mandatory consecutive to the related drug trafficking offense and $250,000 fine. 

DEFENDANTS                                             Case Number 24cr0504-CAB

Eduardo Mendoza, AKA “Casper”                31                    Niland, CA

Francisco Javier Mendoza, AKA “Pancho”   33                    Niland, CA

Carlos Cezar Mendoza                                   36                    Yuma, AZ

Christopher John Coffman                             59                    Brawley, CA

Daniel Estevan Mendoza                                30                    Brawley, CA

Tyran Malik Sullivan                                     40                    Brawley, CA

Katelyn Singh                                                 32                    Holtville, CA

Cynthia Diaz                                                   35                    Imperial, CA

Robert Leroy Humble                                     49                    Brawley, CA

Terry Kyle Christiansen                                 52                    Imperial, CA

Melvin Betha                                                  25                    Niland, CA

*Dylan Gutierrez                                            24                    Calexico, CA                              

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Fentanyl (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846)

Maximum Penalties: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine.  

DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 24cr0849-CAB

*Maricela Selk                                                            47                    Brawley, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846)

Maximum Penalties: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine.             

DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 24cr0854-CAB

Christopher Landon Bustin                            40                    Chula Vista, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846)

Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1))

Maximum Penalties: For possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine charges:  Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine. For felon in possession charge: Ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine

DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 24cr0855-CAB

Ernie David Davila                                                     43                    Holtville, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1))

Maximum Penalties: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine.               

DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 24cr0856-CAB

*Karla Franco                                                             42                    Los Angeles, CA

Frederick Joseph McKenna, AKA “Downer”            32                    Pico Rivera, CA

Gabino Mora                                                               31                    Pico Rivera, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846)

Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1))

Maximum Penalties: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine.

DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 24cr0857-CAB

Alexander Bennet Grindley                            53                    Brawley, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1))

Maximum Penalties: Twenty years in prison and a $1 million fine.              

DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 24cr0858-CAB

Robert Thomas Isaac, AKA “RT”                  48                    Brawley, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Heroin and Fentanyl (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846)

Maximum Penalties: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine.  

DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 24cr0909-TWR

*Bryan Ayala Alvarez, AKA “Pingo”                       41                    Brawley, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846)

Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1))

Maximum Penalties: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine.  

DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 24cr0910-CAB

*Alfred Aldapa Juarez, Jr.                              32                    Brawley, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1))

Maximum Penalties: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine.  

 DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 24cr0911-CAB

*Pedro Alberto Rioseco, AKA “Pete”                       42        Calexico, CA

Jesus Antonio Escoto-Troncozo, AKA “Chocho”     45        El Centro, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846)

Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1))       

Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1))

Using, Carrying or Possession of Firearm in Commission of a Drug Trafficking Crime
(18 U.S.C. 924(c)(1)(A)(i))   

Maximum Penalties: For conspiracy charge and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine charges: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine. For felon in possession of ammunition charge: Ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. For using, carrying or possession of firearm in commission of a drug trafficking crime: Five years in prison mandatory consecutive to the related drug trafficking offense and $250,000 fine. 

DEFENDANTS                                             Case Number 24cr00093-RSH

Sergio Reyes-Green                                        32        Brawley, CA

James Wade Hanks                                         53        Brawley, CA

Jesus Fernardo Romero, AKA “Chuy”          28        (In Custody)

Yomayra Patricia Penuelas                             37        El Cajon, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Conspiracy to Import Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. §§ 952, 960, 963)

Importation of Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. §§ 952, 960) 

Aiding and Abetting (18 U.S.C. § 2) 

Conspiracy to Launder Money (21 U.S.C. § 1956(h), 1956(a)(2)(A) and (a)(2)(B))

Maximum Penalties: For methamphetamine charges: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine. For the money laundering charges: Twenty years in prison and a fine of $500,000 or twice the amount of criminal derived property, whichever is greater. 

DEFENDANTS                                             Case Number 24cr00094-RSH

Mario Alberto Urena, AKA “Vaca”                           34        Brawley, CA
Pablo Enrique Trejo, AKA “Bolas”                           45        Calexico, CA

*Carlos Felipe Ruedas-Celaya                                   45        Calexico, CA                                          

Estevan Ramirez Gonzalez                                        26        Phoenix, AZ
*Francisco Javier Ramirez-Garcia, AKA “Pitufo”    56        Calexico, CA
*Javier Jacquez                                                                       48            Calexico, CA
Araceli Rangel-Torres                                                28        Mexicali, Mexico
Miguel Angel Flores                                                   31        Fresno, CA
Carlos Valencia Mendoza                                          29        Mexicali, Mexico

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846)

Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846)
Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846)

Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1))

Aiding and Abetting (18 U.S.C. § 2) 

Conspiracy to Launder Money (21 U.S.C. § 1956(h), 1956(a)(2)(A) and (a)(2)(B))

Maximum Penalties:

For conspiracy charges: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine.

For the possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine charges (except Count 3): Life in prison with a mandatary minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine.

For the possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine charge in Count 3: Forty years in prison with a mandatory minimum of five years and a $5 million fine.

For the money laundering charges: Twenty years in prison and a fine of $500,000 or twice the amount of criminal derived property, whichever is greater. 

*Fugitives

AGENCIES

Homeland Security Investigations

Drug Enforcement Administration

Department of Justice, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces

Department of Justice Office of Enforcement Operations

United States Border Patrol

U.S. Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations

U.S. Customs and Border Protection - Air and Marine Operations

ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives

United States Postal Inspection Service

DHS Office of Inspector General

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

California Highway Patrol

Brawley Police Department

El Centro Police Department

Calexico Police Department

Imperial County Sheriff’s Office

Imperial County District Attorney’s Office

Imperial County Probation Department

Imperial Police Department

Westmorland Police Department

Calipatria Police Department

Imperial Valley - Law Enforcement Coordination Center

Imperial County Child Protective Service

San Diego County Sheriff’s Office

United States Marshals Service