Reagan T. Fondren Acting United States Attorney Western District Of Tennessee | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee
Four individuals involved in a drug trafficking operation have been sentenced for distributing cocaine between California and Tennessee. The sentencing, announced by Acting United States Attorney Reagan Fondren, was completed on January 14, 2025, by Senior U.S. District Judge John T. Fowlkes.
The investigation began in September 2022 when Homeland Security Investigations' Border Enforcement Task Force identified a drug trafficking organization operating in West Tennessee. José Iban-Arcos and Edwin Mayorga were found to be obtaining large quantities of cocaine, while José Hernandez-Gonzalez distributed the drugs and Jesús Serrano-Mayorquin transported them from California to Tennessee. Over 25 kilograms of cocaine and several firearms were seized during the investigation.
Indicted in June 2023, each defendant pled guilty and received sentences from either Senior U.S. District Judge John T. Fowlkes or U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Parker.
José Iban-Arcos was sentenced to 144 months of incarceration followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute, possession with intent to distribute, and illegal re-entry into the United States.
Edwin Mayorga received a sentence of 66 months in prison followed by four years of supervised release for conspiracy charges related to cocaine distribution.
Jesús Serrano-Mayorquin was sentenced to 24 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
José Hernandez-Gonzalez received an 18-month home detention sentence followed by five years of supervised release for conspiracy charges related to cocaine distribution and possession of a firearm during drug trafficking activities.
The investigation was part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces initiative aimed at dismantling high-level criminal networks through coordinated efforts among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
Deputy Special Agent Colin Jackson from HSI Nashville praised the collaboration among agencies: “This investigation and the resulting sentences highlight the exceptional work... essential to protecting our communities.”
David Rausch, Director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, commented on the effectiveness of joint law enforcement efforts: “Countless lives have been saved as result of these outstanding efforts!”
Multiple agencies collaborated on this case including HSI Nashville, Bartlett Police Department, DEA, Fayette County Sheriff’s Office among others.
Acting United States Attorney Reagan Fondren expressed gratitude towards Assistant United States Attorneys Gregory D. Allen and Bryce H. Phillips who prosecuted this case along with all participating law enforcement partners.
