54 Individuals Indicted on Federal Gun Charges Amid Tucson Police and Justice Department Collaboration

In a year marked by increased firearm-related crimes, 54 individuals have been charged federally in Tucson through a collaborative initiative between local police and the Justice Department. This partnership is part of the National Public Safety Partnership (PSP), aimed at addressing violent crime with a specific focus on drug, gang, and gun-related offenses.

Established in 2014, the PSP now includes 60 agencies nationwide. Tucson Police Department was selected as a partner agency in 2022, highlighting a commitment to enhancing public safety. Cases referred to federal prosecutors are bolstered by investigative support from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI.

One notable case involves Jesus Antonio Najar, 25, who faces multiple federal charges after police discovered illegal drugs and modified weapons in his possession. Arrested while driving a stolen vehicle, Najar reportedly had devices that convert semi-automatic weapons into fully automatic ones, a practice condemned under federal law. These unauthorized modifications raise the stakes for community safety.

Federal prosecutors have indicted Najar on nine charges, including possession with intent to distribute cocaine and use of a firearm during a drug crime. He could face up to 20 years in prison and a hefty financial penalty if convicted.

Similarly, 47-year-old Jesus Alfredo Romo pled guilty to firearm trafficking and fentanyl possession. His arrest occurred during a TPD surveillance operation in October 2022, following which he fled from officers and crashed his vehicle into a home. Upon his arrest, police recovered a loaded handgun and a staggering 60,000 fentanyl tablets, demonstrating the alarming scale of drug distribution in Tucson.

Romo admitted to possessing the fentanyl with intent to distribute, a severe violation given his earlier history of being prohibited from firearm possession. His sentencing is set for January and could encompass a combined ten to fifteen years behind bars.

Tucson Police Chief Chad Kasmar emphasized the urgent need for action against gun-related crime, stating, “Through the PSP program, our partnerships have expanded, enabling us to make significant arrests and enhance community safety.” The rise in gun crime—including non-fatal incidents—has reached nearly 20% this year, a concerning trend that necessitates continuing vigilance.

United States Attorney for Arizona, Gary Restaino, highlighted that the evolving threat of firearms demands collaborative efforts. “We see a growing number of defendants who possess devices that significantly escalate the danger posed by firearms,” he noted. Restaino affirmed that the local-federal partnership is yielding positive results while protecting Tucson’s residents.

ATF Special Agent Brendan Iber and FBI Phoenix Special Agent Jose A. Perez echoed the importance of joint law enforcement efforts, asserting that no single agency can effectively battle violent crime alone. Their collaboration is vital in tackling the persistent issues of gun violence afflicting the community.