A federal grand jury indicted three Sparks residents for their alleged roles related to the distribution of fentanyl.
30-year-old Jesse "Kay" Arevalo and 32-year-old Francisco Navarro-Delgado were indicted on charges after the two allegedly made plans to maintain several apartments to store and distribute large amounts of fentanyl and cocaine.
Prosecutors said Arevalo acquired thousands of fentanyl pills as well as kilograms of cocaine per month and used the apartments to store and distribute the controlled substances. Arevalo also allegedly used high school students in Reno to distribute the substances on his behalf.
Arevalo was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, cocaine and heroin, one count of maintaining drug involved premises and five counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.
Navarro-Delgado was charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, cocaine and heroin and one count of maintaining drug involved premises.
In a related case, 33-year-old Jaime "Chivo" Collazo Munoz was indicted on four counts of distribution of a controlled substance (specifically, fentanyl).
If convicted, Arevalo faces a maximum statutory penalty of life imprisonment and a fine up to $10,000,000. If convicted, Navarro-Delgado, and Munoz each face a maximum statutory penalty of 40 years imprisonment and a fine of up to $5,000,000.
The above mug shots show Arevalo and Munoz. Navarro-Delgado's mug shot was not readily available and we have reached out to officials for the photo.
“Fentanyl and other highly potent synthetic opioids remain the primary driver behind the ongoing opioid crisis with counterfeit prescription pills being the most prevalent form of exposure,” said Acting Reno Resident Agent in Charge Aimee Koontz for the DEA. “Individuals that prey on our youth and community by distributing these potentially lethal counterfeit pills pressed with fentanyl will be held accountable. These fake pills are disguised to look like prescription pills, but in reality taking one is no different than playing Russian roulette that is fueling the opioid epidemic.”
