24 Indicted in Massive Utah Meth Ring

SALT LAKE CITY – Twenty-four individuals are facing federal charges following a sweeping indictment unsealed Wednesday, alleging a large-scale conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine throughout the Salt Lake Valley. The case, a joint operation between the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force and the DEA, has already yielded a haul of 41 pounds of meth and 17 firearms, painting a picture of a well-organized and heavily armed drug trafficking operation.

U.S. Attorney John W. Huber, DEA District Agent in Charge Brian S. Besser and FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric K. Barnhart announced the 13-count indictment Friday, detailing a conspiracy involving the distribution of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. The indictment also includes four counts of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, four counts of distribution of methamphetamine, three counts of felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of possession of an unregistered firearm. The investigation, dubbed a coordinated Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force operation, involved a network of local law enforcement agencies, including the Salt Lake City, West Valley City, Sandy, and West Jordan police departments, the Utah Department of Public Safety, the Unified Police Department, the Metro Gang Unit, the Murray Police Department, the U.S. Marshals, the ATF, and ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations.

Among those charged are Raul Enrique Lizarraga Lopez (aka Maestro), Silvio McKenzie-Gainza, Cesar Gutierrez, Melissa Delgado, Ciro Santamaria-Zepeda, Makasini Lomu (aka Maka), Siosifina Ositamani (aka Fina Halai), Sompheth Thaodara (aka Diamond), Michael Shane Tisdale, David Tyson Madden, Man Tat Le (aka Asian Le), Gary Bronson Dean (aka Gary Dean Bronson), Timote Fangupo (aka Double Barrel), Mario Cerna (aka Havoc), Morgan Harris (aka Ace), Brandon Callaway, Cerina Gutierrez, Jon Martinez (aka Droopy), Greg Montoya, Jake Duran (aka Troublez), Jeremy Najera, Justin Dahlquist, Linda Sosa, and Steven Trujillo. Authorities revealed that one defendant possessed 13 firearms and assorted ammunition despite a prior felony conviction barring firearm ownership.

The indictment stems from two separate complaints. The first, U.S. v McKenzie-Gainza, et al, focused on a strategic FBI investigation that uncovered a large-scale methamphetamine distribution network in Salt Lake County. Agents identified distributors moving multi-pound quantities of the drug, tracing the supply source back to California. They anticipated a significant delivery over the weekend of May 12-13, 2017. A second complaint, U.S. v Calloway, et al, involved undercover narcotics purchases by the DEA and local partners, resulting in the acquisition of approximately 4 ¼ pounds of methamphetamine from various individuals around Salt Lake City. Analysis of evidence linked these individuals to the same California supply source.

Eighteen of the 24 defendants were already in custody at the time of the indictment, following the filing of the initial complaints. However, federal arrest warrants remain outstanding for Melissa Delgado, Ciro Santamaria-Zepeda, Timote Fangupo, Mario Cerna, Morgan Harris, and Jeremy Najera. Fangupo is currently held in state custody on unrelated charges. Linda Sosa was released on supervised release conditions. Seventeen of those arrested remain behind bars awaiting further court proceedings.

It’s crucial to remember that these are merely allegations. Each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it unfolds, providing updates on the prosecution and the potential consequences for those implicated in this dangerous drug trafficking operation. The streets of Salt Lake City are a little less saturated with poison thanks to this bust, but the fight against the flow of methamphetamine is far from over.

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