Armando Reyes-Ascension, a 43-year-old Mexican national living illegally in the United States, has been sentenced to 58 months in prison. He pleaded guilty to charges related to immigration and drug trafficking. Reyes-Ascension had previously been removed from the U.S. three times and was found back in the country with over 9,000 fentanyl pills, a loaded firearm, dangerous weapons, and more than $80,000 in cash.
Senior U.S. District Court Judge Clark Waddoups also sentenced him to three years of supervised release and ordered the forfeiture of over $88,000 USD along with a Smith & Wesson .380 caliber pistol and associated ammunition.
Court documents reveal that on May 17, 2024, Salt Lake City Police Department officers seized 7,000 fentanyl pills and $32,000 from his apartment. Despite being removed from the U.S. on June 11, 2024, he re-entered illegally by August 7 and was later arrested for drug crimes with additional fentanyl pills and cash.
Acting U.S. Attorney Felice John Viti stated: “Reyes-Ascension’s repeated criminal conduct is a complete and total disregard for the laws of this country, and it will not be tolerated.” ATF Special Agent Brent Beavers added: “This sentencing sends a clear message that we will relentlessly pursue individuals who combine violent narcotics distribution with firearms offenses.”
Special Agent Mehtab Syed emphasized: "Defendants like Reyes-Ascension knowingly put people’s lives at risk." The case involved cooperation between ICE, ATF, Salt Lake City Police Department, and FBI Salt Lake City Field Office.
Assistant United States Attorney Bryan N. Reeves prosecuted this case under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aimed at reducing violent crime through collaboration among law enforcement agencies.
