Two men from Utah have been charged with allegedly conspiring to support a Mexican cartel, according to a recent investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies. The indictment was returned on May 22, accusing Maxwell Sterling Jensen, 25, of Draper, Utah, and James Lael Jensen, 68, of Sandy, Utah. They are alleged to have provided material support in the form of U.S. currency to the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), which was designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the Secretary of State on February 20.
"This case underscores the more aggressive and innovative approach we are taking towards combatting the scourge of drug cartels," stated U.S. Attorney Nicholas Ganjei from the Southern District of Texas. He emphasized that anyone aiding cartels will be held accountable.
The two men allegedly operated Arroyo Terminals in Rio Hondo, Texas. They face charges for conspiring to conduct financial transactions that concealed proceeds from illegally smuggled crude oil and aiding fraudulent entry of shipments in violation of the Tariff Act.
"Cases like this highlight the often-dangerous relationships between alleged unscrupulous U.S. businesses and terrorist organizations," said ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Antonio Special Agent Craig Larrabee.
The Drug Enforcement Administration's acting Special Agent William Kimbell highlighted that what began as a drug trafficking investigation evolved into uncovering an operation generating millions from crude oil for Mexican cartels.
FBI Special Agent Aaron Tapp remarked on their priority to eliminate foreign terrorist organizations by targeting their funding sources alongside law enforcement partners.
IRS Criminal Investigation’s acting Special Agent Lucy Tan pointed out their role in identifying money trails through forensic accounting to shut down cash flows related to such crimes.
During arrests, authorities seized various assets including tank barges containing crude oil and vehicles linked to Arroyo Terminal operations. The indictment also seeks forfeiture of these assets along with a $300 million judgment upon conviction.
Charges include up to 20 years for conspiracy counts and additional prison terms for aiding smuggling operations if convicted. Fines range up to $500,000 or twice the property value involved for money laundering charges.
Operation Liquid Death was part of Operation Take Back America led by multiple agencies aiming at eliminating illegal immigration impacts and dismantling criminal organizations threatening community safety.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys James Sturgis and Laura Garcia are prosecuting while AUSAs Mary Ellen Smyth and Tyler Foster handle seizure matters related to this case involving formal accusations but not evidence until proven guilty through due process.
