Texas Drug Kingpin Serrano Pleads Guilty to Meth & Gun Charges

FRESNO, Calif. — Malachai Serrano, the drug kingpin from San Antonio, Texas, has finally faced justice after pleading guilty to a massive drug distribution conspiracy and federal gun charges. Serrano, 31, admitted to orchestrating a scheme that involved the illegal trade of drugs sourced in Mexico and California for firearms sourced in Texas.

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The investigation, a joint effort between local, state, and federal law enforcement, exposed Serrano’s involvement with the Tulare County Surenos street gang. His cohorts were caught shipping kilograms of marijuana and methamphetamine across state lines from April 6, 2021, to December 17, 2021.

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Jonathan Gallegos, 32, of Ivanhoe, was among those arrested in the operation. Gallegos pleaded guilty on October 11, 2022, and is set for sentencing on March 13, 2023. Serrano’s sentence, scheduled for May 15, 2023, could range from a mandatory minimum of 15 years to life in prison.

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The charges against Serrano are the result of an extensive investigation by multiple agencies including the FBI, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Tulare County Sheriff’s Office, and others. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Justin J. Gilio and Antonio J. Pataca are handling the prosecution.

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This case is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation, which aims to dismantle high-level criminal organizations. It also aligns with Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program focused on reducing violent crime and gun violence in our communities.

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As Serrano’s sentencing approaches, law enforcement agencies continue their efforts to rid Tulare County of such organized crime elements, ensuring the safety of its citizens.