6 Mistakes That Turn a Self-Defense Shooting into a Legal Nightmare Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales A self-defense shooting is a chaotic, life-altering event. While surviving such an encounter is paramount, your actions in the immediate aftermath can either protect or ruin your legal standing. Avoiding certain mistakes can mean the difference between walking free or facing a lengthy legal battle. Here are six critical errors to steer clear of after defending yourself with a firearm. 1. Holding Your Firearm When Police Arrive When law enforcement responds to a shooting, officers often have minimal information. If you’re holding a firearm, they might mistake you for the threat. Even off-duty police officers are trained to disarm themselves when uniformed officers arrive. If it’s safe to do so, secure your weapon somewhere nearby – like a drawer or glove compartment – before they arrive. The last thing you want is for the police to misinterpret the situation and put you in danger. 2. Leaving the Scene It might be tempting to leave the scene of a self-defense shooting to avoid legal complications, but doing so could escalate the situation into a murder investigation. Today’s technology – cell phones, surveillance cameras, and witnesses – makes it nearly impossible to remain anonymous. If you’re not in immediate danger, staying at the scene and waiting for law enforcement is crucial. Fleeing can make authorities question your actions and motives, even if your actions were justified. 3. Screaming on the 911 When calling 911, stay calm and provide clear, concise information. While panic is natural after such an event, yelling or screaming into the phone can confuse the dispatcher and lead to inaccurate details being relayed to responding officers. State what happened, describe yourself, and give your location. For example: “I was forced to defend myself against an attacker. I’m wearing a blue shirt and black pants, and I’m at 123 Main Street. Please send medical help and police.” 4. Making a Detailed Statement to Police After a shooting, your body will be flooded with adrenaline, making it difficult to recall events accurately. Providing a detailed statement in this state can lead to inconsistencies that may harm your case later. Instead, give a brief statement such as, “I was in fear for my life and acted in self-defense.” Then, request to speak with an attorney before answering further questions. This approach not only protects your rights but also ensures you don’t unintentionally incriminate yourself. 5. Treating the Police as Allies or Enemies Law enforcement officers are there to investigate the scene, not to take sides. While many officers are pro-self-defense, assuming they’re automatically on your side can backfire. At the same time, treating them as adversaries can create unnecessary tension. Remain polite and respectful but avoid oversharing or trying to justify your actions without legal counsel present. 6. Tampering with Evidence It’s an instinct to want to secure a weapon left by the attacker, especially if it’s loaded. However, touching or moving evidence can cast doubt on your story and complicate the investigation. Unless it’s necessary for safety reasons, avoid altering the scene. Let law enforcement find the evidence exactly as it was to ensure it corroborates your account of the incident. The Bigger Picture: Preparing for the Aftermath Understanding how to handle the aftermath of a self-defense shooting is just as important as knowing how to defend yourself. Being mentally prepared for the legal and emotional consequences can save you from additional trauma. Here are a few key takeaways to keep in mind: Always Have Legal Representation Organizations that specialize in self-defense legal protection can be invaluable. Having an attorney on-call ensures you’ll receive immediate advice on what to say and how to handle the situation. This support can make all the difference in navigating the legal system. Handling Emotional Fallout After a Self-Defense Shooting A self-defense shooting doesn’t just end when the attacker is neutralized; the emotional aftermath can linger long after the legal proceedings are resolved. It’s normal to feel a wide range of emotions, including fear, guilt, and anxiety, even when your actions were justified. Seeking professional help to process these emotions can make a significant difference in how you cope with the incident. Mental health professionals, particularly those experienced in trauma, can provide tools to navigate the psychological impact of a life-or-death encounter. Why Documentation Is Critical After the dust settles, having thorough documentation of your training, firearm ownership, and any situational preparation can help your legal defense immensely. Keeping records of firearm safety courses, self-defense training, and even the steps you’ve taken to understand the law in your area c an demonstrate to a jury or prosecutor that you’re a responsible gun owner. Such evidence can bolster your case and counter any narrative that paints you as reckless or impulsive. Civil Lawsuits: The Hidden Risk Even when you’re cleared of criminal charges, you may face civil lawsuits from the family of the attacker. This can be a financially and emotionally draining process, especially if you’re unprepared. Protecting yourself through self-defense insurance or a legal protection plan is one way to mitigate this risk. These plans often cover legal fees and provide access to expert attorneys who specialize in self-defense cases, ensuring you’re not fighting alone. Every Detail Matters From what you say to how you act, every detail following a shooting will be scrutinized. Preparing ahead of time – through education and understanding the legal landscape – can be the key to protecting your freedom and reputation. A self-defense shooting is a harrowing experience, but avoiding these six mistakes can help ensure that you survive not just the confrontation, but the legal aftermath as well. Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales
Choosing the Right Firearm FOR YOU! Let’s take a look. What is the best choice for YOU a Revolver or a Semi-Automatic ? Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales Says Kielma, Let’s start the beginning …a very good place to start! We’ll build your foundation together. Set up a consultation with FFL-Firearms Instructor Gregg Kielma today. Let's do it right the first time! Personally, if you are only going to carry it on walks, I would recommend a single stack, compact 9 mm, something along these lines. Or for everyday conceal, a double stack 9mm or .45 Both have advantages and disadvantages. Choosing a Firearm That’s Great For You: Semi-Automatic Choose a gun that is ergonomic, we’ll need to find one that is comfortable for you. I also recommend a single stack for walks not every day conceal. With the single stack you will get a narrower grip profile, which provides two great benefits. First, being slimmer, it is easier to carry unobtrusively, and you will have a more confident hand hold of the weapon. Choosing a CCW (carry firearm) double stack gives you more fire power (15-20 rounds depending on manufacture) a little heavier due to capacity and the grip is wider. If carrying a firearm daily my choice is a double stack Glock 9mm. Enough firepower and conceals easily. Note: I’ve carried a Glock 19 Gen3, the same one for the past 35 years. I’ve run 35K plus rounds through this gun and, never, ever has it jammed on me. I take care of the gun. It’s cleaned and lubricated after each use and has been Tactical K Training and Firearms Armor Coated (patent pending) for a rust resistant coating. I have replaced the barrel spring and barrel only due to use. The slide and trigger are original! In addition, each semi auto firearm can be safely carried with “one in the chamber”, “loaded”. While that isn’t the technically correct term for a striker pistol, what it refers to is the fact that you can carry the gun ready to be fired, safely. By simply properly gripping the weapon, you can make it ready to shoot, without having to manipulate a safety. However, unlike a revolver, you can only activate the trigger by properly depressing the center of the trigger safety. Revolver: There are many great revolvers. Generally speaking, they are not as light, easy to conceal, or offer as long a sight plane as a semi auto pistol. There are a few exceptions, but they tend to be rare, in my experience. Now after we look at these choices, let’s find the one you are most comfortable with. After all, having a great gun, that you don’t want to carry, is worthless. It is still better than no gun. So, let’s ensure it meets your preferences, that’s my job. And the best way to find those out is to go with Gregg Kielma and shoot! Set up a consultation with FFL-Firearms Instructor Gregg Kielma today. Let's do it right the first time! Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales
A person asked me, how do I tell a house guest they can come over but to leave their gun at home. I don't want guns in my house. How can I have that conversation for the future? Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales Says Kielma, if my friends do not want firearms in their home, I don’t bother going to their home. I can, however, say this, all my friends have firearms either on them or inside their home. I can say this, if a friend doesn’t have a firearm, I encourage them to purchase one through me and train with me so they can protect their home and loved ones. Remember when seconds count, law enforcement is 15 minutes away. (national average response time) Purchase, train and don’t be afraid. Like a screwdriver, the firearm is just a tool. Learn to respect it and be proficient with the tool. An acquaintance doesn’t want guns inside the house. How can I have that conversation for the future? An acquaintance may say, “I understand you have a concealed weapons permit. So, we’re clear, please do not bring any firearms inside my home.” The acquaintance may also say, “If you have the firearm on you, just lock it in your vehicle.” Note: I never ever leave a firearm in a vehicle....ever. How do you have that conversation? This could not be any simpler. Continues Kielma, I understand if you’re concerned by the thought of a firearm somewhere near you, I will not come over. My firearm is my tool that I've trained years with to become a responsible owner. Says Kielma, they would never have known it was on my person. I don't advertise, I treat the tool with respect and it's with me all the time if something nefarious should happen. This is my plan. Execute your plan. Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales
How do police officers feel about a citizens right to carry a concealed weapon? Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales Says Kielma, “let’s take a look at one perspective from a police officer”. Please read the thoughts below. Extremely supportive. I am very much in favor of folks who want to take responsibility for their safety and the safety of their families. I'll give you an example. I stopped a fellow, I can't remember for what, but he was laying across his steering wheel with his hands on the dash and stated as I walked up that he does not agree to any searches of his property or person but will cooperate under duress, and that he is armed with a handgun. I asked where is the gun? He said it's in a backpack on his back seat. I replied that he has a problem then. He sighed and asked what the issue was. I told him the pistol was totally worthless in the backseat and should be in a quality holster in an accessible spot on his person. He liked that very much and we chatted about rights and guns a bit. He asked me if a took an oath and if I meant it. I said yes I did, and yes I sure as hell do. I became a cop in my mid-twenties and carried a pistol as soon as I was legally able to, and I'm for anyone else who can do the same. Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales
How does Law Enforcement turn a safety off so quick when they pull it out? Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales My friend an officer carries a Stacatto inside the waistband. It is single action, so it always remains chambered and hammer back. It has a thumb safety. When you carry a firearm with a thumb safety you train with it. For that matter you should when carrying any firearm, train with it frequently. So, to answer the question, in training you learn at the draw to hit the safety. When I carry a firearm with a safety it’s off in a millisecond when the barrel is out of the holster and ready to fire. It takes a lot of training to get fast. Trusting anyone carrying a pistol is spending time and practicing. It only makes you better. That said, LE in my area carry Glocks and Glocks do not have a manual safety. They never have and likely never will. They have a trigger safety which a lot of firearms have gone to and an internal drop safety. Says Kielma, “whichever you chose, practice, practice practice. It will make you better when and if the time arrives and you need to defend yourself”. Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales
Here's a few theories as to why the UnitedHealthcare CEO's assassin chose to use a suppressed pistol. Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales The one thing that is clear is why he used a suppressed weapon. He did not want to call any more attention to the incident than necessary. Ideally, he would have killed the CEO and walked away unnoticed. The suppressed pistol he used is an NFA weapon and very few people on earth have purchased one. This will likely be his downfall. When silencing a Browning type tilting breech handgun, a silencer will cause the weapon to malfunction with most every shot unless you have also added a booster between the suppressor and the pistol. (more on that in another blog) The assassin in New York was using a bizarre bolt action 9mm pistol. It was not jamming between shots; the was assassin was working the bolt on the pistol. The pistol is an NFA item; it is called a B&T VP9. Since this was an NFA weapon, the assassin should be caught in very short order. Above is what the bolt action suppressed pistol looks like. It has a standard magazine. To function the weapon, you push the bolt forward and twist to lock it before shooting. To unlock, twist the knurled knob and extract and eject. EDIT: It was a ghost gun likely on readily available parts. He likely completed the weapon with a 3-D printer. Luigi Mangione, an Ivy League grad and person of interest was arrested with the 3-D printed weapon and suppressor. It had nothing to do with a B&T VP9.
What would happen if someone walked into a gun store with a loaded gun in hand? Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales This happened here a few weeks ago. Someone came in with an uncased rifle in hand. Like many small gun shops, I was armed, like I am 99% of the time in my shop or doing my normal daily business. I said, “Please Stop Right There.” My tone was polite, but I wasn’t asking, I was informing. Thankfully he obeyed the instruction he was given. I told my client I would get a case for him. I keep carrying cases on hand for clients who don’t have one. The man with the rifle was smart enough to mind his trigger discipline and didn’t do anything else to raise concerns, which is probably why the situation remained as calm as it did. Proper procedure would have been for the man to leave his weapon in his car, come into the shop, and explain he had a rifle but no case. I would have then given him a case to use. If he didn’t have a car and was walking to the store, he should have called before leaving home to explain and asked how the gun shop would like him to proceed. I didn’t get angry and didn’t acted out of turn. The man with the rifle put his weapon in the provided case, and I gave him gentle instruction about what to do next time. After that, I treated him like any other client, and it’s a safe bet I will not bring it up again with him unless he repeats the same mistake. EDIT: All I knew is a man carrying a rifle at a ready position had walked in. The presumption from myself was that the rifle was loaded. I dare say that would be the case in every gun shop; if you walk in carrying a gun, it doesn’t matter if it’s loaded or not, because ever firearm is consider it loaded. Gregg Kielma FFL-Firearms Instructor First Aid Fundamentals Instructor-Gunsmith-AED Defibrillator Sales
Harris teams go to "Secret Weapon" This was supplied by Obama and O'Bidens arsenal!!! Now you know "the rest of the story" .
Can the gun grabbers get around the Constitution in order to make gun ownership illegal? The only absolute guaranteed gun control advocates can offer is 110-pound women will have to fistfight 220-pound rapists. That is an absolute guarantee, and it would happen far more often because rapists and other criminals fear what people might have in their homes. If that fear were gone, attacks on unarmed citizens would increase tenfold. As far as a tyrannical government, the Chinese have never allowed citizens to own firearms. Since the year 1900, various Chinese governments have murdered more than 100 million Chinese people. China also runs concentration camps; that is how they make Nike shoes cheaply. Cheer up though, there is no firearms crime in China. When a government does not have to fear its citizens revolting against a tyrannical government, that is the logical outcome. Someone would declare themselves president for life and citizens would become subjects. All we need to do is adopt the policies of the Chinese Communists. No firearms, no freedom, a tyrannical government, concentration camps and the wholesale slaughter of American citizens by our tyrannical government. Sounds like a great idea to me! Think twice!
Antifa?...Puerto Rican Style 56 Members of a Violent Gang Charged with Drug Trafficking and Firearms Violations in San Juan, and Carolina, Puerto Rico Wednesday, December 11, 2024 U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Puerto Rico SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – On December 5, 2024, a federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment charging 56 violent gang members from the municipalities of San Juan, Carolina, and areas nearby with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, possession and distribution of controlled substances, firearms violations, and murder, announced W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico. This investigation was led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau Carolina Strike Force, with the collaboration of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the United States Marshals Service. “The prosecution of this drug trafficking organization exemplifies our ongoing efforts to dismantle drug gangs, and reduce violent crime and gun violence,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “I want to thank our federal, local, and state law enforcement partners, as well as the prosecutors and investigators in the U.S. Attorney’s Office, for their relentless work in this case. As demonstrated by this prosecution, our valiant police officers serve and protect our communities with courage, dedication, and bravery every day -- at great risk to their own safety.” “Combatting violent gangs requires a whole-of-society-approach and I am proud to say that this large-scale gang disruption is the result of the different government components, especially law enforcement, working together with and for the communities,” said Joseph González, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “I am convinced that, with the help of the public and our partners, we can continue to make tangible progress towards peace in the streets of Puerto Rico.” The indictment alleges that from in or about 2021 through the date of the indictment, the charged drug trafficking organization distributed heroin, fentanyl, cocaine base (commonly known as “crack”), cocaine, marijuana, Tramadol, and Clonazepam within 1,000 feet of the Sabana Abajo Public Housing Project (PHP), the Luis Lloréns Torres PHP, the Los Mirtos PHP, the Lagos de Blasina PHP, the La Esmeralda PHP, the El Coral PHP, the Monte Hatillo PHP, and other areas near those locations, all for significant financial gain and profit. The drug trafficking organizations that operated in and around these areas (hereinafter The Alliance) reached an agreement to conduct their drug trafficking operations as allies, which they referred to as “La Paz” (The Peace). At that time, each housing project organization was controlled by their own leadership and structure. As part of The Alliance, there would not be war between these organizations and members would be able to rely on each other for protection, drugs, and weapons. The goal of The Alliance was to control all the drug trafficking activities within the municipalities of Carolina, San Juan, and areas nearby using force, threats, violence, and intimidation. In preserving power and protecting territory, the members of the alliance profited from the illegal distribution of narcotics, including transportation to and distribution of kilogram quantities of cocaine in the continental United States. Members of the alliance conducted meetings and frequented each other’s housing projects and the same bars and clubs together; performed in concerts and music videos together, recording videos at each other’s housing projects using real weapons to project their alliance’s power. Members would identify their gang affiliation with jewelry such as pendants allusive to their housing project, organization, or names of record labels, including, but not limited to, “LFC” (La Familia Carolina), “LMM” (Loyalty Music Money) and “LMG” (Loyalty Music Group). The investigation revealed that during the conspiracy the defendants and their coconspirators participated in acts of violence and shootings to further their drug trafficking operations. They also engaged in the trafficking of illegal firearms and ammunition using their social media accounts and other social media applications and platforms. It is also alleged that the defendants obtained information from corrupt police officers to surveil rival gang members and to avoid law enforcement detection. On occasions, the corrupt police officers accessed law enforcement databases to obtain privileged information such as vehicle registration data and personal identifying data. The defendants acted in different roles to further the goals of the drug trafficking conspiracy, including as leaders, suppliers, drug point owners, enforcers, runners, sellers, lookouts, and facilitators. The 56 Criminal Defendants charged in the indictment are: [1] Victor J. Pérez-Fernández, a.k.a. “La Cone/Vitu/Vitikin/Enano” [2] David A. Isaac-Febus, a.k.a. “Durant/Davicito” [3] Jan C. Dalmau-Román, a.k.a. “Yankee/El Árabe” [4] Charlie J. Dalmau-Román, a.k.a. “Tres Deos/Tres Dedos” [5] Luis R. Pérez-Vizcarrondo, a.k.a. “Tío/Raúl” [6] Samuel Santiago-Delgado, a.k.a. “Kule” [7] Michael J. García-Marquez, a.k.a. “Maco/Menor” [8] Luis N. Isaac-Sánchez, a.k.a. “Chimbo/CDobleta/Dobleta” [9] Eli Y. Couvertier-Pollock, a.k.a. “Tata/Maike/Maike Casiano” [10] Gerald O. Rodríguez-Rodríguez, a.k.a. “Patrón” [11] Onix Y. Couvertier-Pollock, a.k.a. “Gato/Gatito/Yamil” [12] Ángel L. Agosto-Andino, a.k.a. “Bilito/Bartolo/Birlito” [13] Vicyael C. Hernández-Díaz, a.k.a. “Menor/Ozu” [14] Paul W. Herrera-Rivera, a.k.a. “Polito/Agua Sucia/Negro” [15] Luis R. Pérez-Colón, a.k.a. “Mencho/Luisito” [16] Lino J. Calcaño-Rodríguez [17] Eddie G. Roque-Sánchez, a.k.a. “Edito/Coco” [18] Ángel L. Sanjurjo, a.k.a. “Vaca” [19] William E. Boria-Rosa, a.k.a. “Boria” [20] Christian Luna-Ilarraza, a.k.a. “Chiqui” [21] Carlos F. Mercado-Molina, a.k.a. “Blanco Perla/Payco” [22] Orlando Resto-García, a.k.a. “Luli/Potala” [23] Andyel González-Sáez, a.k.a. “Martino” [24] Olvin O’Neill-Concepción-Tapia, a.k.a. “Sinfo” [25] Daniel J. López-Vega, a.k.a. “Dany” [26] Edwin Y. Flores-Tavárez, a.k.a. “Chizguis/Película/Cheese Wiz” [27] Jeremy Millán-Isaac, a.k.a. “Pequeño/Zepe” [28] Bernardo De La Cruz-Pizarro, a.k.a. “Caravela/Armandito” [29] Yasiel Morales-López, a.k.a. “Pausa/Rubio” [30] Joshua E. Bula-Cartagena, a.k.a. “Inquilino/El Corista” [31] José A. González-Herrera, a.k.a. “Teta/Ted” [32] Josué Isaac-Febus, a.k.a. “Tonto/Doble T” [33] Ramsell Maldonado-Tatis, a.k.a. “R” [34] Joshua Jeriel Rivera-Cruz, a.k.a. “Joshi/J” [35] Jazhiel Ocasio-Herrera, a.k.a. “BV” [36] Frambel Rijos-Hernández, a.k.a. “Domi” [37] José Martínez-Serrano, a.k.a. “Tio/Denzel” [38] Wilfredo Hernández-Vizcarrondo, a.k.a. “Machacho” [39] Jean C. Fernández-Garay, a.k.a. “Logan/Bebo” [40] Harold Reynoso-Isaac, a.k.a. “Jandi/Pichi” [41] Carlos A. Delgado-Torres, a.k.a. “Peter/Papi/Papa Candela” [42] Isaías Caleb De Jesús-Valentín, a.k.a. “Minor/Mynor/Mynol” [43] Ángel M. Franqui-González, a.k.a. “Blanquito” [44] Juan L. Tereforte-Bello, a.k.a. “Tostin” [45] Justin Landrau-Cirino, a.k.a. “Cheo” [46] Edgardo D. Rivera-Rivera, a.k.a. “Limba” [47] Danny Díaz-Soto, a.k.a. “Shorty” [48] Alexander Y. Encarnación-Febus, a.k.a. “Bebo” [49] Kevin E. Soto-Peña, a.k.a. “Mostri” [50] Jacob J. Monge-Vigo [51] Yander C. Santos-Ramos, a.k.a. “Mingui” [52] Michael Rodríguez-Seib, a.k.a. “Teco” [53] Victor Z. Sifonte-Rivera [54] Eduardo A. Tolentino-Meléndez [55] Fernando Torres-Galarza, a.k.a. “Perro” [56] Destiny Crespo-Correa Thirty-seven defendants are facing one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and fourteen of those defendants are facing one count of possession of a machine gun in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Count Nine is charged with the murder of Sergeant Eliezer Ramos Vélez that occurred on March 29, 2024 - during and in furtherance of the conspiracy. Defendants [1] Victor J. Pérez-Fernández, [8] Luis N. Isaac-Sánchez, [23] Andyel González-Sáez, [24] Olvin O’Neill-Concepción-Tapia, and [25] Daniel J. López-Vega are charged with one count of firearm-related murder and are eligible for the death penalty. If convicted on the drug charges, the defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to life in prison. If convicted of both the drug trafficking and the firearms charges in Count Seven, the defendants face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, and up to life in prison. The defendants charged with possession of machine guns in furtherance of drug trafficking in Count Eight face a mandatory sentence of thirty years in prison to be served consecutive to any sentence imposed on the drug trafficking charges. All defendants are facing a narcotics forfeiture allegation of $31,347,400 that represents a calculation of the proceeds generated from their illegal drug trafficking activities. Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) and Chief of the Gang Section Alberto López-Rocafort; Deputy Chief of the Gang Section, AUSA Teresa Zapata-Valladares; and AUSAs Laura Díaz-González, R. Vance Eaton, and Joseph Russell are prosecuting the case. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. An indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
