Tucson Police and U.S. Attorney’s Office Charge 54 Defendants in Firearms-Related Crimes

Tucson Police Chief Chad Kasmar discusses the collaboration between local and federal agencies under the Public Safety Partnership.Photo byFrankie LopezonUnsplash

TUCSON – The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona and the Tucson Police Department (TPD) announced today that 54 defendants have been charged with federal firearms-related crimes since October 2023, as part of the Public Safety Partnership (PSP) Pilot Program.

This collaborative effort, aimed at reducing violent crime, focuses on drug, gang, and gun violence. It has led to numerous arrests and indictments, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI.

“These cases are a prime example of how the Public Safety Partnership program works. No single agency can combat violent crime on its own, and this program brings a multi-agency approach to better protect our communities,” said FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Jose A. Perez.

“The FBI will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to reduce violent crime in Tucson and throughout Arizona.”

One key case is United States v. Geoffrey Fred Cruzado, where Cruzado was indicted for illegal possession of 134 rounds of ammunition as a convicted felon after allegedly threatening an intimate partner. He is currently in custody.

In United States v. Jessica Guillen-Morales, Guillen-Morales was indicted for possession of six firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon. She also faces charges of illegal reentry and possession of a firearm by an alien, having been deported less than three weeks before her arrest. She remains in custody.

In United States v. Israel Manuel Ortiz, Ortiz, a three-time convicted felon, was found with 57 grams of counterfeit oxycodone pills containing fentanyl and a .40 caliber pistol. He faces charges of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Possessor and Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl. Ortiz is also in custody.

In United States v. Isaiah Thomas Taylor, Taylor, a convicted felon, was found with four Glock pistols, one of which had an automatic conversion device. He was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Possessor and Possession of a Machine Gun. Taylor remains in custody.

United States v. Jesus Alfredo Romo details Romo’s flight from a traffic stop, during which officers discovered a loaded 9mm handgun, 60,000 fentanyl pills, methamphetamine, and cash. Romo, previously convicted of felony drug charges, pleaded guilty to Trafficking in Firearms and Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl. He is scheduled for sentencing on January 15, 2025.

“Gun crime has impacted the Tucson community at an unacceptable rate over the past several years. Through the PSP program, TPD's partnerships with local, state, and federal agencies have expanded, and we are collectively making significant strides in arresting those responsible for making our community less safe,” said Tucson Police Chief Chad Kasmar.

“Individuals who illegally possess firearms, sell drugs, or engage in gun violence will be held accountable through TPD arrests and federal prosecution by the United States Attorney’s Office. This behavior has no place in Tucson, and we are grateful for the partnerships that are leading to jail sentences for violent offenders, which directly results in decreased gun violence.”