The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas, Jay R. Combs, announced on April 22 that his office is observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week alongside the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime and the Executive Office for United States Attorneys. This year’s theme is “Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities.”
The week highlights efforts to support crime victims and underscores ongoing initiatives to combat fentanyl-related offenses in East Texas, an area covering 43 counties according to the official website.
Combs said, “An important part of protecting victims and serving our community is combatting the scourge of fentanyl,” and cited recent cases as examples of advocacy for victims and prevention efforts.
Several individuals were sentenced or convicted in recent months for distributing fentanyl or drugs laced with fentanyl, resulting in multiple overdoses and deaths. For example, Isela Mendez received a 22-year federal prison sentence on April 15 for distributing thousands of fentanyl-laced oxycodone pills from her home. Other notable cases include Victor Manuel Navarette Roman’s 18-year sentence for distributing imported fentanyl; Jessie Zavaleta Peralta’s over-19-year sentence; Nathan Jesse Garcia's 20-year sentence along with Lino Hernandez's 13 years; Jaquavian Markeith Veasley’s conviction related to two deaths; Corey Bouchea Grant and Calvin Autae Thompson awaiting sentencing after being found guilty in a case involving at least one death; Desmond Denard Brown's over-17-year sentence; Trevorris Rashomique Woodard's nearly-20-year term; Deablo Deshon Lewis' 20 years after trial conviction; Juan Manuel Navarette Robles' more than 26 years as a high-level trafficker illegally present in the country; Kym Andrew Wallace's 30 years following an overdose death involving a minor; and Lawrence Duguett Hardin Jr.'s 20 years after supplying drugs leading to another fatal overdose.
At Wallace’s sentencing, Combs said: “Thirty years in a federal prison cannot compare to the lifetime sentence of grief that the victim’s family faces as the result of Wallace’s actions. Wallace deserves every day of this sentence. Our office, and our law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively work to protect our communities from drug traffickers like Wallace.”
The U.S. Attorney's office supports crime victims through dedicated services while prosecuting federal crimes and managing civil litigation across its jurisdiction according to its official website. The office collaborates with other agencies on community safety initiatives according to its official website.
With about 100 employees—including approximately fifty assistant U.S. attorneys—the Eastern District operates offices in Beaumont, Lufkin, Plano, Sherman, Texarkana, and Tyler according to its official website. It functions as part of the United States Department of Justice according to its official website.
Combs concluded by stating that achieving justice for victims remains their highest duty during this national observance week honoring both victims and advocates.
