Michele Beckwith Acting U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California
Two investigations by the Vallejo Public Safety Partnership have led to the arrest and federal charges against eight individuals for gun and drug offenses. These efforts are part of a broader initiative to combat violent crime in Vallejo. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith, Vallejo Police Chief Jason Ta, FBI Sacramento Field Office Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel, and ATF Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani.
Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith highlighted the competitive nature of joining the U.S. Department of Justice’s Public Safety Partnership Program, stating, “This program is focused on maximizing scarce resources to increase Vallejo’s ability to fight violent crime, especially crime related to gang activity involving gun violence and drug trafficking.” She added that their office is honored to partner with Vallejo through this initiative.
Vallejo Police Chief Jason Ta emphasized community safety: “Every community member deserves to feel safe and secure in their home.” He stressed the importance of teamwork between law enforcement and community partnerships.
Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel reiterated the FBI's dedication to collaborative investigations: “Today’s announcement is yet another example of the FBI’s commitment...to disrupt violent criminal networks that threaten...our communities.”
Jennifer Cicolani from ATF expressed pride in being part of efforts to prevent violent crime: “The city of Vallejo is a safer community today because of programs like the National Public Safety Partnership or PSP.”
One investigation centered around a group using a Super 8 motel as a base for illegal weapons sales. On February 20, 2025, four residents were arrested on federal firearms charges. Zuryess Anthony Roberts faced charges for possession and transfer of a machine gun; Taezon Laurece Sanderson for being a felon with a firearm; Divaya James Talley for transfer and possession of a machine gun; Anderson Thurston also faced firearm possession charges as a felon.
Another investigation targeted the Brown Brotherhood gang linked with Sureño gang activities such as murder, robbery, extortion, drug trafficking, firearms trafficking, burglary, and stolen vehicles. The investigation began in February 2024 leading up to recent arrests by the FBI on federal drug trafficking and firearms charges. Leo Alonso-Medina was charged with firearm possession as a felon; Carlos Higuera-Aldana with intent to distribute controlled substances; Jeremiah Salanoa also faced firearm possession charges as a felon; Doroteo Suastegui was charged similarly for controlled substances.
These cases result from joint investigations by ATF, FBI, Vallejo Police Department, and Solano County Violent Crime Task Force. Prosecutors involved include Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Hitt among others.
A criminal complaint serves merely as an accusation where all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
