LAS VEGAS, Nev. - A federal grand jury returned a 10-count superseding indictment today on charges related to opioid drug trafficking, including the distribution of fentanyl resulting in the 2017 death of a person, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada and Assistant Special Agent in Charge Daniel W. Neill for the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The superseding indictment charges Tianna Christina Cordova, 34, of Henderson, with one count of distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death, one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and one count of illegal use of a communication facility. The superseding indictment charges co-defendant Robert James Thornburg, 36, of Henderson, with one count of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. Cordova and Thornburg were previously charged by a seven-count indictment in July 2018. The superseding indictment also includes the prior charges of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance - oxycodone and amphetamine, five counts of distribution of a controlled substance - oxycodone, amphetamine, and fentanyl, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
According to information contained in the complaint and superseding indictment, on June 21, 2018, a search warrant was executed at Cordova and Thornburg’s residence in Henderson. Law enforcement found varied amounts of oxycodone, hydrocodone, alprazolam, four firearms, and cash. As alleged, they conspired with each other to distribute oxycodone and amphetamine (Adderall). On March 14, 2017, it is alleged that Cordova distributed a controlled substance containing fentanyl that led to the overdose death of an individual. Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is 80-100 times stronger than morphine.
If convicted, the maximum penalty is 20 years and a $1,000,000 fine for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and distribution of a controlled substance, the mandatory minimum penalty is 20 years up to life in prison and a $1,000,000 fine for distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death, the mandatory minimum penalty is five years up to life in prison and a $250,000 fine for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and the maximum penalty is four years in prison and a $250,000 fine for illegal use of a communication facility.
The public is reminded that an indictment contains only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case is being investigated by the DEA, with assistance from the Clark County Coroner’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brandon C. Jaroch is prosecuting the case.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
