A federal criminal complaint and arrest warrant have been issued for two Venezuelan nationals accused of drug and firearm offenses in Kentucky. The charges include aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, while one of the defendants also faces charges for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett from the Western District of Kentucky, along with several law enforcement officials including Jim Scott, Special Agent in Charge at the DEA Louisville Field Division; A.J. Gibes, Acting Special Agent in Charge at the ATF Louisville Field Division; Rana Saoud, Special Agent in Charge at Homeland Security Investigations Nashville; Sam Olson, Field Office Director for Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Chicago; and Jason Newby, Chief of the Hopkinsville Police Department.
Court records reveal that on August 28, 2024, authorities executed a search warrant at a residence in Hopkinsville where Carlos Daniel Davalillo-Silva and Paola Alexandra Rodriguez were staying. The search uncovered approximately three pounds of methamphetamine intended for distribution. Additionally, Rodriguez was found with two firearms. Both Silva and Rodriguez face charges related to drug distribution, while Rodriguez is additionally charged with firearm possession as an illegal alien.
Homeland Security Investigations confirmed that both individuals are citizens of Venezuela who entered the United States illegally.
Currently held in state custody, Silva and Rodriguez are expected to appear before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the Western District of Kentucky soon. If convicted, they could face sentences ranging from a mandatory minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge based on guidelines and statutory factors.
The case is under investigation by several agencies including DEA's Paducah Post of Duty, ATF's Bowling Green Post of Duty, HSI, ICE/ERO, and the Hopkinsville Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Leigh Ann Dycus from the U.S. Attorney’s Paducah Branch Office is leading the prosecution.
Authorities remind that a criminal complaint is merely an allegation and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.