Two investigations conducted by the Vallejo Public Safety Partnership have led to the arrest and federal charges against eight individuals for gun and drug offenses. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith, Vallejo Police Chief Jason Ta, FBI Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel, and ATF Special Agent in Charge Jennifer Cicolani.
Michele Beckwith emphasized the competitive nature of joining the U.S. Department of Justice’s Public Safety Partnership Program and praised Vallejo's selection as a participant. She stated, "Our office is honored to partner with Vallejo through this unique initiative to provide focused, data-driven, and evidence-based resources and expertise to promote public safety in this city."
Chief Jason Ta remarked on the importance of collaboration, stating, "Every community member deserves to feel safe and secure in their home." He highlighted overcoming resource limitations through partnerships.
Special Agent Sid Patel noted the FBI's commitment to collaborative investigations that disrupt violent criminal networks. He said, "Drug and weapons trafficking conducted by criminal networks exploits and slowly erodes communities unless law enforcement and the public stand together against it."
Jennifer Cicolani from ATF highlighted their role in preventing violent crime through programs like the National Public Safety Partnership. She expressed pride in being part of efforts making Vallejo safer.
The first investigation involved illegal weapons sales at a Super 8 motel on Solano Avenue. Four residents were arrested: Zuryess Anthony Roberts, Taezon Laurece Sanderson, Divaya James Talley, and Anderson Thurston face various federal firearms charges.
The second investigation targeted the Brown Brotherhood gang linked to crimes such as murder, robbery, extortion, drug trafficking, and firearms trafficking. Arrested individuals include Leo Alonso-Medina, Carlos Higuera-Aldana, Jeremiah Salanoa, and Doroteo Suastegui on drug trafficking and firearms charges.
These cases result from collaborative investigations by several agencies including ATF, FBI, Vallejo Police Department, and Solano County Violent Crime Task Force. The prosecution is handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jason Hitt et al.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.