Yakima, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced today that United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Damian Iniguez, 31, of Yakima, Washington, to 75 months in prison on one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Judge Dimke also imposed 3 years of supervised release.

According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on September 8, 2023, a Zillah Police Officer noticed a suspicious vehicle parked at a gas station. It had been parked at the gas station for two hours and the vehicle was running.

When the officer approached the vehicle, the officer saw Iniguez slumped over in the driver’s seat. The vehicle’s gear shift was in “drive” and Iniguez’ foot was on the brake. When Iniguez woke up, he was uncompliant with commands of law enforcement to put the vehicle in park and turn the car off.

Iniguez ultimately was placed under arrest, and during a subsequent pat down, the officer located a firearm in Iniguez’s sweatshirt pocket. The firearm was a loaded Glock .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine. Further investigation showed the firearm had been stolen from Oregon in 2021.

Iniguez had been convicted of a crime previously and was not allowed to possess a firearm.

“The unlawful possession of firearms by convicted felons poses a threat to the safety of our communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard R. Barker. “Mr. Iniguez’s case highlights the critical work of our local and federal law enforcement partners in removing firearms from the hands of those who are prohibited from having them. We will continue to pursue accountability for those who disregard federal firearm laws and endanger public safety.”

“Felons know they should not possess firearms,” said ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Blais. “Yet, Mr. Iniguez chose to possess a firearm – a stolen one, even worse. This sentence should serve to show that ATF will investigate, and the U.S. Attorney will prosecute, those who violate federal firearms laws in Washington.”

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Zillah Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin D. Seal and Courtney R. Pratten.

1:23-cr-02068-MKD

Yakima, Washington – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington announced today that six people are in federal custody following the return of an indictment alleging 20 criminal counts involving drug trafficking and firearms.

On April 22, 2025, the Drug Enforcement Administration; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Homeland Security Investigations, and the Moses Lake Police Department executed a number of federal search warrants at several locations, seizing nine firearms. The guns were seized as part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation into a drug trafficking network operating in Eastern Washington.

According to unsealed charging documents, the following individuals have been charged in connection to the investigation. In addition, the names of others indicted in connection with this investigation will be unsealed upon the arrest of those individuals.

• Jose Luis Martinez-Parra, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Fentanyl, Distribution of 50 Grams or More of Actual (Pure) Methamphetamine, Distribution of Fentanyl, Distribution of 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl

• Alexander Martinez-Mendoza, 18, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Fentanyl, Distribution of 40 Grams or More of Fentanyl

• Luis Martin Navarro-Ceballos, 29, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Fentanyl, Distribution of 50 Grams or More of Actual (Pure) Methamphetamine, Carrying Firearm During Drug Trafficking, Alien in Possession of a Firearm

• Maria Zamora-Cuevas, 33, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Fentanyl  

• Rosa Zamora, 41, charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Fentanyl  

• Triston David Duplichan, 29, Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Fentanyl, Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl

The individuals were arraigned at the Yakima Federal Courthouse on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Moses Lake Police Department investigated this case. Additional assistance was provided by the Yakima Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Bureau of Indians Affairs. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin D. Seal.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

1:25-CR-2049-SAB

Yakima, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard R. Barker announced that United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Angel Omar Zuniga-Soriano, age 18, to 144 months in prison on one count of Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Judge Dimke also imposed 3 years of supervised release.

According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, on June 29, 2024, Zuniga-Soriano, who is involved with the Sureno street gang, was driving a vehicle matching the description of a vehicle used in a robbery earlier that same day in Wapato, Washington. When a police officer in Toppenish, Washington, spotted the vehicle, he activated his overhead lights and attempted to stop the vehicle. Instead, Zuniga-Soriano sped-off and led police on a high-speed chase. Zuniga-Soriano drove on the busy interstate between Toppenish, Sunnyside, and Zillah at speeds of more than 100 miles per hour. During the pursuit, Zuniga-Soriano fired one bullet out of the driver’s side window. 

Ultimately, Zuniga-Soriano pulled into a convenience store parking lot in Zillah, attempting to drive thru the lot.  In an effort to reduce risk to the public, a law enforcement officer then rammed his police vehicle into the vehicle Zuniga-Soriano was driving. As a result, the sergeant driving the police vehicle was injured.

Even still, Zuniga-Soriano was undeterred.  He took off running, throwing a Glock pistol into a nearby yard.  After a lengthy foot pursuit, law enforcement tackled Zuniga-Soriano in a nearby field.  When the Glock pistol was recovered, law enforcement observed that the gun had a “Glock switch,” which is a modification that attaches to the rear of a Glock handgun and is designed to convert it from semi-automatic firearm into an automatic machine gun. 

Zuniga-Soriano subsequently provided a recorded statement to law enforcement.  Zuniga-Soriano stated that he used to be a “demonic demon” and explained that he used to try to drown puppies in his toilet.  He further advised that he tries to stay away from certain people; otherwise, he ends up falling back to his old ways and “my demonic self comes into me.”  Zuniga-Soriano explained that he was not actual a gang member, but was a gang associate.  When asked about the instant case, Zuniga-Soriano stated he had ingested marijuana, blacked out, and could only recall part of what had happened. 

In that same interview, Zuniga-Soriano attempted to claim that he was not actually firing at law enforcement.  Rather, according to Zuniga-Soriano, he was going to commit suicide during the pursuit.  He claimed that he put the gun to his head, but dropped it, which caused the gun to discharge.  When the detective advised Zuniga-Soriano that a Glock firearm does not discharge when you drop it, Zuniga-Soriano recanted and then claimed that he tried to take the gun apart during the pursuit, which caused it to discharge. 

Ultimately, an extended firearm magazine was recovered from inside the vehicle Zuniga-Soriano was driving.  Law enforcement subsequently test-fired the Glock firearm and discovered that it was capable of firing multiple rounds by a single trigger press. 

At the sentencing hearing, Judge Dimke pointed out that despite Zuniga-Soriano only being 18 years of age this was his third firearm conviction.  Judge Dimke also explained that she took into account the dangerousness of the instant offense in pronouncing the twelve-year sentence.

“The seriousness and nature of this offense cannot be understated,” Acting U.S. Attorney Rich Barker said.  “I am grateful for the courage of the brave law enforcement officers, who ensured Mr. Zuniga-Soriano would not escape apprehension that day.  Obviously firing a gun from a vehicle is extremely dangerous.  However, attempting to elude police officers at such high rates of speed on public roadways presents an equally dangerous risk to our citizens.  Had it not been for a sergeant with the Toppenish Police Department, who put his own life at risk to immediately stop the pursuit, innocent lives of motorists and their families could have been tragically lost.  I also am grateful for Assistant United States Attorney Tom Hanlon’s excellent work on this case. For decades, AUSA Hanlon has dedicated his career to seeking justice and handling many of the most challenging and significant cases within our Yakima office.” 

“It is amazing that more people were not injured, or worse, by Mr. Zuniga-Soriano’s reckless actions.” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “It is clear from his blatant disregard for the welfare of innocent people that the community will be safer with him behind bars. I commend the brave actions of our partners who were able to bring him into custody despite his irresponsible and dangerous attempts to evade accountability.”

Based on severity of the Zuniga-Soriano’s actions, and due to the nature of the type of firearm utilized in the offense, the Southeast Washington Safe Streets Task Force was contacted.  The Southeast Washington Safe Streets Task Force consists of law enforcement officers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Border Patrol, the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office, and the Toppenish Police Department.  Along with the Safe Streets Task Force, the case was investigated by the Toppenish Police Department, the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office, the Yakama Nation Police Department, the Granger Police Department, the Wapato Police Department, the Washington State Patrol, the Zillah Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney and Yakima Branch Manager Thomas J. Hanlon.

Case 1:24-cr-02069-MKD

Yakima, Washington – Acting U.S. Attorney Richard R. Barker announced that on April 14, 2025, United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Darius Morningstar Speedis, age 20, of the Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation, to 72 months in federal prison for Sexual Abuse in Indian Country. Judge Dimke also imposed 10 years of supervised release and required Speedis to register as a sex offender.   

According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, in early November 2022, Speedis sexually assaulted a 16-year-old Native American woman who had become intoxicated and incapacitated.  The assault occurred after several teenagers, including the victim and Speedis, consumed alcohol – at least some of which was provided by Speedis. The sexual assault occurred on the Yakama Nation. 

Although the victim had no independent recollection of the sexual assault, Speedis had recorded the assault and then sent a video to the victim.  That video, however, later was deleted and was not recovered by law enforcement. 

At sentencing, Judge Dimke took into account the abuse of trust involved in the sexual assault, including the recording of the sexual assault, as well as Speedis’ age and reported remorse before pronouncing sentence.  Judge Dimke also noted the “epidemic” of sexual abuse occurring on the Yakama Nation Indian Reservation.

“Sexual violence has no place in any community, and it is especially devastating when it targets vulnerable victims and occurs within communities already impacted by an epidemic of abuse,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard R. Barker. “This sentence reflects the seriousness of Mr.  Speedis’ conduct and our unwavering commitment to seeking justice for victims of sexual assault. My office will continue working closely with our Tribal partners to hold offenders accountable and support survivors on their path to healing.”

“Not only did Mr. Speedis sexually assault this victim, he recorded that assault and then sent it to her.” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “I hope his acknowledgement of guilt can aid in the victim’s recovery from this disturbing episode. The FBI is committed to justice for Native Women, who too often are targets of crimes of violence.”

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Yakama Nation Police Department.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Letitia A. Sikes.

1:24-cr-02043-MKD.

Spokane, Washington – Acting United States Attorney Richard Barker announced that United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke sentenced Ricardo Cantu, age 26, to 108 months in prison on drug trafficking charges. Judge Dimke also imposed 4 years of supervised release.

According to court documents and information provided at the sentencing hearing, in September 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) developed information that Cantu, who was a source of supply for methamphetamine and fentanyl laced pills, was distributing large quantities in and around the Tri-Cities with the assistance of several co-defendants to include Julio Gaspar Iniguez, Veronica Martinez and Daniel Mora.   

Between September and October 2023, the DEA conducted two controlled purchases of fentanyl and methamphetamine from Cantu and Gaspar totaling nearly two pounds of methamphetamine and over 3,041 fentanyl pills. Cantu and Mora were armed with firearms during each transaction. 

On December 7, 2023, Agents executed search a warrant at Cantu’s home. Cantu and another man were smoking fentanyl in the garage at the time, and as a result, law enforcement and children inside the home were exposed to the fumes from this dangerous controlled substance.

During a search of Cantu’s bedroom, agents located 10,000 pink fentanyl-laced pills in a child’s Hello Kitty bag.  Inside the closet, there were another 2,000 fentanyl-laced pills, a digital scale, and loaded Glock firearm, which previously had been reported stolen. During a search of the garage, agents located another 1,500 fentanyl pills, 3 digital scales and other evidence of drug distribution.

Agents also executed a search warrant at Gaspar’s home, recovering 5 pounds of marijuana and a loaded 9mm firearm that has been associated with two shootings in the Yakima Valley. Agents also located a loaded privately made firearm, or Ghost gun, with a loaded magazine. During a search of Gaspar’s Jeep, agents located a loaded pistol in the center console.

On March 26, 2025, Gaspar pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges. He will be sentenced on June 25, 2025, in Spokane.

“Distributing and using fentanyl and methamphetamine in our communities – especially in places where children are present – is both reckless and deeply dangerous,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard Barker. “Mr. Cantu not only trafficked deadly narcotics but did so while armed and in the presence of children, putting lives at risk. I commend the DEA and our law enforcement partners for their work in removing these dangerous drugs and firearms from Eastern Washington communities.”

“Mr. Cantu put the entire community at risk by trafficking fentanyl and methamphetamine while armed,” said David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, DEA Seattle Field Division.  “This sentence conveys the seriousness of the danger Mr.  Cantu posed to law enforcement and other members of the community poised to get caught in the crossfire of his drug trafficking enterprise.”

 This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Stephanie Van Marter.

Case 2:23-cr-00132-MKD