Crime reporter’s grim account: Rueben Paul Phill, 41, of Tracy, is staring down a federal indictment for illegal firearms trafficking and being a felon in possession of firearms. According to court documents, Phill has been linked to the black market trade of guns with Alejandra Susana Castillo, 34, between August 2023 and August 2024.
The grim saga took a wild turn on July 27 when Phill led police on a high-speed chase exceeding 100 mph. The pursuit was called off for public safety. Days later, an officer discovered a semi-automatic rifle and extended magazines in the car Castillo was using, leading to Phill’s arrest.
More than 30 firearms have been traced back to this conspiracy, with at least three recovered in suspected firearm-related crimes. One such firearm was found in Vallejo just days after it was purchased by Castillo in Nevada.
Castillo pleaded guilty to illegal firearms trafficking on January 31, 2025, and awaits sentencing. Phill faces a maximum of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted.
The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, California Highway Patrol, and several local police departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian T. Kinsella is handling the prosecution.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) and Operation Take Back America, both aimed at reducing violent crime and making neighborhoods safer.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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