Yakima, Washington – Thirteen individuals have been charged in a series of indictments related to drug trafficking activities on the Yakama Nation and in the Yakima Valley. The charges come after an extensive investigation led by federal, local, and tribal authorities.
The investigation began in 2024 and concluded in June 2025, spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Bureau of Indian Affairs. The focus was on armed drug traffickers operating within these communities.
“Fentanyl continues to be one of the most dangerous substances threatening our communities,” stated Acting U.S. Attorney Stephanie Van Marter. “Thanks to the hard work and tireless dedication of our tribal, state and federal law enforcement partners, working side by side with members of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Yakima, offenders have been removed from our communities and families are safer today.”
During the operation, agents seized substantial amounts of drugs including 7,100 pounds of marijuana, 336 pounds of methamphetamine, nearly 25 pounds of cocaine, seven pounds of fentanyl powder, and 4,704 fentanyl-laced pills. They also confiscated $22,512 in drug proceeds and 12 firearms.
Those charged include Angel Navarro Aleman for methamphetamine distribution; Jose Francisco Aguirre who pleaded guilty to similar charges; Jose Caudillo-Ascencio for cocaine possession with intent to distribute; Jesus Caudillo for firearm possession as a felon; Johnny Thomas Axtell for methamphetamine and fentanyl distribution; Israel Nicolas Castaneda for fentanyl distribution; Samantha Rasberry-Besa for fentanyl distribution and firearm possession related to drug trafficking; Lonzell Hawk Lucei for being a felon in possession of a firearm; Hollis Marion Woodward who pleaded guilty to firearm possession as a felon; Miguel Angel Alvarado-Munoz for reentry after deportation; Ira Charles Pete for firearm possession as a felon; Edgar Jovnni Nunez Bocanegra for possessing drugs with intent to distribute while armed; Fernando Gonzalez for possessing large quantities of fentanyl with intent to distribute while armed.
The DEA collaborated with several agencies during this investigation including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), FBI, ATF, Yakima Police Department, Wapato Police Department, Yakama Nation Tribal Police Department, and the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office.
An indictment is an allegation only. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
