Michele Beckwith Acting U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California
A federal grand jury has issued a 15-count indictment against several Sacramento residents, charging them with drug trafficking and firearms offenses. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith.
The individuals charged include Kevin Antonio Parker, 38; John Kevin Parker, 45; Veronica Brooks, 42; Xavier Surita, 36; Raymundo Escobar, 27; Marcelino Escobar, 23; and Devon Nelson, 33. They face various charges related to drug conspiracy and distribution.
Additionally, Maurice Collins, a Sacramento resident aged 34, was charged in a separate indictment for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Court documents reveal that the investigation began in November 2023 when law enforcement targeted two high-ranking members of the Oak Park Bloods gang. Throughout the investigation, it was discovered that Kevin Parker and his associates were involved in selling fentanyl powder and pills, over 15 pounds of methamphetamine, and firearms. These included privately manufactured firearms and one equipped with a machine gun conversion device.
Kevin Parker faces multiple charges involving methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, heroin offenses as well as firearm-related charges. Other defendants such as John Parker, Brooks, Raymundo Escobar, Marcelino Escobar, and Nelson are charged with various drug-related offenses. Raymundo Escobar also faces an additional charge for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Law enforcement officers conducted several purchases of methamphetamine and guns at stash houses around Sacramento during their investigation. On January 28th this year they executed a search warrant at one such location where Collins was found residing along with possessing a firearm despite his prior felony convictions which prohibit him from having firearms or ammunition.
The cases stem from an investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) alongside the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives (ATF), supported by local agencies including Sacramento Police Department & California Department Corrections Rehabilitation’s Special Services Unit under prosecution handled by Assistant U.S Attorneys Emily G Sauvageau Nicole Vanek
If convicted those indicted could face severe penalties: up to life imprisonment fines reaching $10 million while Collins may receive maximum fifteen years prison term plus fine amounting $250 thousand However sentences will ultimately depend upon court discretion considering statutory factors Federal Sentencing Guidelines accounting numerous variables All charges remain allegations until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt
