Feds charge 13 in violent drug, weapons trafficking sweep on Yakama reservation

Thirteen individuals are facing federal charges following a sweeping law enforcement operation targeting drug trafficking and violent crime in the Yakima Valley and on the Yakama Nation Reservation in Washington state. The US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington announced the charges Tuesday, marking the culmination of a year-long joint investigation involving federal, tribal, and local agencies.

The operation, led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), began in 2024 and concluded in June 2025. According to authorities, the investigation focused on violent offenders and armed drug traffickers operating both on and off the Yakama Reservation.

“Fentanyl continues to be one of the most dangerous substances threatening our communities,” said Acting US Attorney Stephanie Van Marter. “Thanks to the hard work and tireless dedication of our tribal, state and federal law enforcement partners... offenders have been removed from our communities and families are safer today.”

Throughout the operation, law enforcement officials seized 7,100 pounds of marijuana, 336 pounds of methamphetamine, nearly 25 pounds of cocaine, 7 pounds of fentanyl powder, 4,704 fentanyl-laced pills, $22,512 in drug proceeds, and 12 firearms.

According to unsealed charging documents, the following individuals have been charged:
 

• Angel Navarro Aleman, 55 – Three counts of distribution of 50 grams or more of pure methamphetamine
• Jose Francisco Aguirre, 56 – Pleaded guilty to distribution of 50 grams or more of pure methamphetamine; sentencing set for July 2025
• Jose Caudillo-Ascencio, 23 – Possession with intent to distribute cocaine; possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
• Jesus Caudillo, 31 – Felon in possession of a firearm
• Johnny Thomas Axtell, 54 – Distribution of 5 grams or more of pure methamphetamine and fentanyl
• Israel Nicolas Castaneda, 37 – Distribution of fentanyl, including 40 grams or more
• Samantha Rasberry-Besa, 31 – Distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl; possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime
• Lonzell Hawk Lucei, 37 – Felon in possession of a firearm
• Hollis Marion Woodward, 70 – Pleaded guilty to felon in possession of a firearm; sentencing set for September 2025
• Miguel Angel Alvarado-Munoz, 45 – Illegal reentry after deportation
• Ira Charles Pete, 39 – Felon in possession of a firearm
• Edgar Jovnni Nunez Bocanegra, 29 – Drug user in possession of a firearm; intent to distribute methamphetamine; firearm possession during a drug trafficking crime
• Fernando Gonzalez, 38 – Possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl; possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; felon in possession of a firearm

Officials say more charges may be filed against others identified during the investigation. The investigation was a coordinated effort involving the DEA, BIA, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Yakima Police Department, Wapato Police Department, Yakama Nation Tribal Police, and the Yakima County Sheriff’s Office.