Aaron Wilkie Murphy, 51, and Hong Thoa Thi Nguyen, 33, have been extradited from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico to the Northern District of Oklahoma for prosecution. The couple had fled prior to their indictment but were apprehended through a collaborative effort involving Federal Law Enforcement and Mexican authorities.
Murphy was indicted in June 2023 on charges including possession of fentanyl and methamphetamine with intent to distribute, as well as maintaining a drug-involved premises. Nguyen faced separate indictments in December 2023 for drug conspiracy and maintaining a drug-involved premises.
“Murphy and Nguyen have avoided prosecution for over two years,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. “I want to thank our law enforcement partners in Mexico for working diligently with federal agencies on this arrest so that Murphy and Nguyen will face prosecution for their conduct.”
Eduardo A. Chavez, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Dallas Division overseeing Oklahoma, emphasized the significance of international cooperation in their capture: “The successful arrest and expulsion of Mr. Murphy and Mrs. Nguyen were possible because of the cooperation of our national and international partners in both the United States and Mexico.” He added that these arrests enhance community safety by curbing fentanyl and methamphetamine distribution in Tulsa.
Murphy is accused of possessing drugs with intent to distribute since March 2022 while maintaining a residence for drug activities. In November 2023, court documents suggested that Nguyen conspired to distribute cocaine alongside maintaining a similar residence.
If found guilty, Murphy could face between 360 months to life imprisonment, whereas Nguyen could face between 120 months to life imprisonment.
The investigation involves multiple agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration's Tulsa Resident Office, U.S. Marshal Service's Tulsa Field Office, Tulsa Police Department, along with Mexican authorities who assisted in the extradition process. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam Bailey is handling the prosecution.
Both cases fall under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initiative which aims to dismantle high-level criminal organizations threatening the United States through a multi-agency approach. More information about OCDETF can be found at Justice.gov/OCDETF.
An indictment serves as an allegation only; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.