Eastern District of Texas observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, continues vigorous prosecution of those responsible for fentanyl-related overdoses and deaths

PLANO, Texas - Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs joins the Department of Justice's Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) and the Executive Office for the United States Attorneys (EOUSA) in observing National Crime Victims' Rights Week. This year's theme is "Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities."

"An important part of protecting victims and serving our community is combatting the scourge of fentanyl," said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. "The cases below highlight our work to advocate for our victims and serve our communities by preventing future victims."

On April 15, 2026, Isela Mendez was sentenced to 22 years in federal prison for distributing tens of thousands of fentanyl-laced oxycodone pills from her home.

On February 26, 2026, illegal alien Victor Manuel Navarette Roman was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl that was imported from Mexico for distribution in the United States.

On February 26, 2026, Jessie Zavaleta Peralta was sentenced to over 19 years in federal prison for distributing large amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl.

On February 10, 2026, Nathan Jesse Garcia was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison and his co-defendant, Lino Hernandez, was sentenced to 13 years for their role in a fentanyl distribution conspiracy.

On February 4, 2026, Jaquavian Markeith Veasley was convicted by a jury in Tyler of providing the fentanyl that killed two victims. Veasley is awaiting sentencing and faces a minimum of 20 years and up to life in federal prison.

On November 3, 2025, Corey Bouchea Grant and Calvin Autae Thompson, were found guilty of trafficking multiple drugs, including fentanyl-laced heroin. Those drugs are believed to be responsible for the death of at least one victim in Lewisville. Both defendants are awaiting sentencing and face up to life in federal prison.

On October 30, 2025, Desmond Denard Brown was sentenced to over 17 years in federal prison for selling counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl.

On October 30, 2025, Trevorris Rashomique Woodard was sentenced to nearly 20 years in federal prison for his role in distributing fentanyl in the Longview area.

On October 27, 2025, Deablo Deshon Lewis was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after being convicted at trial of selling large quantities of counterfeit prescription pills, including oxycontin laced with fentanyl.

On October 1, 2025, Juan Manuel Navarette Robles, a high-level Mexican drug trafficker illegally in the United States, was sentenced to over 26 years in federal prison for distributing large amounts of fentanyl.

On July 30, 2025, Kym Andrew Wallace was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison after supplying fentanyl-laced oxycodone that killed a 17-year-old. At sentencing, U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs said, "Thirty years in a federal prison cannot compare to the lifetime sentence of grief that the victim's family faces as the result of Wallace's actions. Wallace deserves every day of this sentence. Our office, and our law enforcement partners, will continue to aggressively work to protect our communities from drug traffickers like Wallace."

On April 1, 2025, Lawrence Duguett Hardin, Jr. was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for supplying the fentanyl that led to an overdose death. A search of Hardin's residence led to the discovery of 365.2 grams of fentanyl.

Achieving justice for victims and protecting their rights is our highest duty, and we are honored to participate in the national observance of this special week to honor victims and victim advocates.

For additional information regarding National Crime Victims' Rights Week and resources for victims, please visit https://ovc.ojp.gov/.

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