Michele Beckwith Acting U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California
Alejandra Susana Castillo, a 34-year-old resident of Tracy, California, has pleaded guilty to charges related to illegal firearms trafficking. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith.
Court documents reveal that between August 22, 2023, and August 27, 2024, Castillo and an accomplice were involved in purchasing firearms in Nevada and selling them illegally in California. A significant incident occurred on July 27, 2024, when Castillo's co-conspirator led law enforcement on a high-speed chase exceeding speeds of 100 miles per hour. The pursuit was called off due to safety concerns. Two days later, officers detained Castillo at a gas station after finding her with the vehicle used in the evasion. A search of the car uncovered a semi-automatic rifle and three extended magazines in the trunk.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) traced over 30 firearms linked to this operation. At least three were recovered from suspected crime scenes involving firearms. One such firearm was found with a felon in Vallejo just days after its purchase by Castillo.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including ATF, California Highway Patrol, Pleasonton Police Department, Reno Police Department, Tracy Police Department, and San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian T. Kinsella is handling the prosecution.
Castillo's sentencing is set for June 20, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Dena Coggins. She faces up to 15 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine; however, the final sentence will be determined based on statutory factors and Federal Sentencing Guidelines.
This case is part of broader efforts under the Sacramento Region/San Francisco Bay Area Cross-Jurisdictional Firearms Trafficking Strike Force initiative by the U.S. Department of Justice aimed at curbing illegal gun trafficking nationwide.
Additionally, it falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime through collaboration among law enforcement agencies and community organizations.
