Nicholas J. Ganjei United States Attorney for the Southern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas
Two individuals from Utah have been indicted for allegedly conspiring to support a Mexican cartel engaged in terrorism, according to U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei. Maxwell Sterling Jensen, 25, and James Lael Jensen, 68, are accused of providing material support to the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG) through U.S. currency.
The indictment alleges that the Jensens operated Arroyo Terminals in Rio Hondo and were involved in financial transactions aimed at concealing proceeds from illegally smuggled crude oil. They are also charged with aiding fraudulent entry of oil shipments in violation of the Tariff Act.
“This case underscores the more aggressive and innovative approach the Southern District of Texas is taking towards combatting the scourge of drug cartels,” said Ganjei.
Special Agent Craig Larrabee from ICE-HSI San Antonio highlighted the dangerous relationships between alleged unscrupulous U.S. businesses and terrorist organizations, noting that strong collaborations exposed a large-scale operation involving illicit crude oil.
DEA Acting Special Agent William Kimbell stated that what began as a drug trafficking investigation evolved into a complex criminal operation generating millions from crude oil. The DEA continues to explore leads with federal law enforcement partners.
FBI Special Agent Aaron Tapp emphasized their commitment to eliminating foreign terrorist organizations by cutting off funding sources. IRS Criminal Investigation’s Lucy Tan noted their role in identifying money trails and shutting down cash flows linked to criminal activities.
Authorities seized multiple assets during initial arrests, including tank barges containing crude oil and commercial vehicles. The indictment includes notice for a $300 million money judgment upon conviction.
The charges carry significant penalties, including potential prison terms up to 20 years for conspiracy counts and additional fines reaching $500,000 or twice the property value involved in money laundering charges.
The investigation was conducted by several law enforcement agencies under Operation Liquid Death as part of Operation Take Back America, aiming to eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Sturgis and Laura Garcia are prosecuting this case with assistance on seizure matters from AUSAs Mary Ellen Smyth and Tyler Foster.
An indictment is not evidence but an accusation; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty through due process.
