Honduran nationals indicted after 52,000 fentanyl pills and cash were seized
Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
SALT LAKE CITY () — Three Honduran nationals were indicted for allegedly distributing illegal drugs throughout Salt Lake County. Police seized 52,000 fentanyl pills and over $47,000 in cash.
Jairo Roney Cabrera-Escoto, 40, of North Carolina and Cristian Eriberto Romero-Soto, 24, and Daniel Jose Felix-Aleman, 24, both of Sandy, Utah were indicted on April 16 in federal court.
According to a press release from the Utah District U.S. Attorney's Office, they were indicted in April, but the documents were just unsealed Thursday.
Reportedly, the three men were living in the U.S. illegally.
The three men are being charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and conspiracy to distribute heroin, among other charges. Romero-Soto is charged with reentry of a previously removed alien in addition to the drug-related charges.
The investigation began in November 2024, when detectives with the Utah County Major Crimes Task Force began investigating a group for distributing illegal drugs in Salt Lake County. Officials say that undercover agents purchased fentanyl during 'several controlled purchases.'
Highland man threatened to kill his wife and himself with rifle over financial dispute, charges say
In April, agents executed a search warrant on vehicles and a residence in Sandy, and approximately 32,000 fentanyl pills, drug packing materials, and $42,000 in cash were seized. That is when Felix-Aleman was arrested.
The same day, several other search warrants were executed in Sandy, and approximately 20,000 fentanyl pills, several cell phones, drug packing materials, and over $5,000 in cash was seized. Romero-Soto was arrested following the search.
Cabrera-Escoto was arrested on June 6 in the Middle District of North Carolina.
Romero-Soto and Felix-Aleman had their initial court appearances on April 18, and Cabrera-Escoto will have his initial appearance at 'a later date,' according to officials.
The case is being investigated jointly by the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office, Utah County Major Crimes Task Force, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The case is also part of Operation Take Back America, 'a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.'
Anti-ICE protest mostly peaceful; arrest made after fight breaks out
Honduran nationals indicted after 52,000 fentanyl pills and cash were seized
New Nimbus COVID-19 variant — What you need to know
Wildfire burns 1500 acres in France Canyon in Garfield County, not contained
Judge blocks Trump's National Guard deployment in Los Angeles
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBS News
8 minutes ago
- CBS News
Man dies while kayaking on Youghiogheny River in Ohiopyle State Park
A man died while kayaking on the Youghiogheny River in Ohiopyle State Park on Friday, Fayette County officials said. Fayette County Coroner Bob Baker said in a post on Facebook that 43-year-old Michael Barney of State College, Pennsylvania, died on Friday night. The coroner said his office was called to Ohiopyle State Park around 7:20 p.m. for the reported drowning. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Baker said in the social media post that the 43-year-old man and his friends were kayaking on the lower Youghiogheny River when he got stuck in a rapid. First responders worked "tirelessly" to save Barney, who was an "experienced boater," the corner said. His cause of death was drowning and the manner was accidental, the Facebook post said. "Please keep his friends and family in your thoughts and prayers," Baker said in the Facebook post. "A special thank you to the Ohiopyle Fire Department for all your help as well."
CBS News
12 minutes ago
- CBS News
Two men found unresponsive in water tank in southwest Tarrant County, authorities say
Two men were found unresponsive Friday evening inside a water tank in southwest Tarrant County, according to the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office. Getty Images Authorities say the men were conducting routine inspections of water infrastructure in the area when co-workers, unable to reach them, called 911 out of concern. Emergency crews responded to the scene in the 12000 block of Aledo Road around 5:15 p.m. Upon arrival, first responders located the men inside the tank. The Parker County Sheriff's Office and Parker County Fire Department have joined in the ongoing investigation. CBS News Texas will provide updates as more information becomes available.
CBS News
17 minutes ago
- CBS News
West Philadelphia community remembers 16-year-old with heartfelt balloon release: "It's hard for us to bury a baby"
Family and friends met in the same spot where they said their loved one, 16-year-old Izir Williams, was shot and killed along 41st Street and Lancaster Avenue in West Philadelphia early Thursday morning. "It's hard for us. It's hard for us to bury a baby," said Eugene Williford, Izir's uncle. They held a balloon release Friday night to honor his young life. The crowd filled the street, there was music, and everyone released blue and white balloons into the air. "I feel the love right now. It warms my heart to see all these individuals out here," said Williford. "All these little kids out here hurting," said Izir's aunt Monique Roane. "It's like we are trying to support each other and keep everybody strong, you know what I mean. We have been through this so much." Izir Williams. CBS News Philadelphia. Philadelphia police said they responded to the area and took one person with a gunshot wound to the hospital, where he died. The family said Izir just had a birthday, and they were filled with so many memories of him. The family said that while they remember the good times, they still have a lot of questions and have a message for the person responsible. "Just turn yourself in. We are not looking for no revenge or anything, just turn yourself in," said Williford. As the family tries to heal from the loss, they have a message to the youth. "Get it together, y'all. Put the guts down. There are other ways to do things other than violence," said Williford. "Don't stop being a teenager. Don't let Philly take your youth from you. Don't let Philly take your childhood from you," said Izir's Aunt Lacretia Jefferson.
