Federal officials indict 14 in drug trafficking

Federal authorities announced Monday the indictment of 14 individuals they say were part of a significant drug trafficking operation which supplied cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine in Salt Lake County and had started to spread into Utah County.

The indictments handed down by a federal grand jury follow a 16-month investigation involving the FBI, Sandy police, Utah County Major Crimes Task Force and the U.S. Attorney's Office.

According to investigators, members of the network distributed drugs through various commercial businesses. Initially, the investigation targeted mid-level dealers, which led to top-tier suspects. "Law enforcement agencies then worked their way up through distribution lines to higher drug distributors and associates," said U.S. Attorney for Utah Brett Tolman .

Utah County Major Crimes Task Force Lt. Rich Ferguson said there was evidence users in Utah County not only went to Salt Lake County to buy personal amounts from the network, but were being sent with quantities to sell in Utah County to help pay for their own habits.

"They have no concern for who they distribute to or what lives they destroy," Ferguson said.

Among the 14 indicted, federal prosecutors have identified five as major players in the network.

Reshard Benard, 31, and Gessiel Sanchez, 25, both of Salt Lake City, and Jose Soto-Tula, 25, of West Valley City, were indicted on counts of drug distribution, conspiracy/manufacturing of crack cocaine, and possession of a firearm by a restricted person.

Salvador Abraham Jaimes, 28, is charged with possession and distribution of cocaine. Martin Mayorga, 37, is charged with possession and distribution of cocaine and heroin.

Most suspects are in custody. Arrest warrants have been issued for several others, including Soto-Tula.

E-MAIL: gfattah@desnews.com