Felon indicted after being found with more than $80K, 9K fentanyl pills

SALT LAKE CITY ( ABC4 ) — A felon who was previously deported from the United States has been indicted for several federal crimes, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah .

Armando Reyes-Ascension, 43, is being charged with possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute, felon in possession of a firearm, and reentry of a previously removed alien, according to the attorney’s office.

According to a press release, the Salt Lake City Police Department received several anonymous tips about a man selling fentanyl pills from an apartment in Salt Lake. Reyes-Ascension was observed exiting the apartment and stopping in “known drug areas” while under surveillance.

Officers obtained a search warrant and found more than 7,000 pills that field-tested positive for fentanyl, as well as more than $32,000 in cash in Reyes-Ascension’s vehicle.

Reyes-Ascension was previously deported from the U.S. in 2003 and 2020, and returned in May 2024. In June 2024, he was deported again, the attorney’s office said.

However, Reyes-Ascension returned to the U.S. in August, and was stopped for a traffic violation while riding a bicycle against traffic on Aug. 7. Officers found drug paraphernalia during an initial search of his backpack and took Reyes-Ascension into custody.

Further search of the backpack revealed a loaded firearm, more than 2,000 pills that field-tested positive for fentanyl, more than $55,000 in cash, as well as other dangerous weapons and coins.

“In total, over the span of three months, Reyes-Ascension, was found in possession of more than 9,000 fentanyl pills, a loaded firearm, several dangerous weapons, and $87,000 cash,” the attorney’s office said.

The case is being investigated by several organizations, including the FBI Salt Lake City Field Office and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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