The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas, Jay R. Combs, announced on April 22 that his office is observing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in coordination with the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime and the Executive Office for United States Attorneys. This year’s theme is “Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities.”
The observance aims to highlight efforts to support crime victims and prevent future harm in East Texas communities. The district continues its focus on prosecuting those responsible for fentanyl-related overdoses and deaths.
“An important part of protecting victims and serving our community is combatting the scourge of fentanyl,” Combs said. “The cases below highlight our work to advocate for our victims and serve our communities by preventing future victims.”
Recent cases include Isela Mendez being sentenced to 22 years in federal prison for distributing tens of thousands of fentanyl-laced oxycodone pills from her home, Victor Manuel Navarette Roman receiving an 18-year sentence for distributing imported fentanyl, Jessie Zavaleta Peralta getting over 19 years for trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as Nathan Jesse Garcia and Lino Hernandez receiving sentences related to a fentanyl distribution conspiracy.
Other notable prosecutions involve Jaquavian Markeith Veasley, convicted by a jury in Tyler for providing fatal doses of fentanyl; Corey Bouchea Grant and Calvin Autae Thompson found guilty of trafficking drugs believed responsible for at least one death; Desmond Denard Brown sentenced to over 17 years; Trevorris Rashomique Woodard nearly 20 years; Deablo Deshon Lewis twenty years after trial conviction; Juan Manuel Navarette Robles more than 26 years; Kym Andrew Wallace thirty years after supplying drugs that killed a teenager; and Lawrence Duguett Hardin Jr., who received twenty years following an overdose death linked to his supply.
At Wallace’s sentencing, 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.”
According to the official website, the U.S. Attorney’s Office supports crime victims through dedicated services while prosecuting federal crimes across its jurisdiction covering 43 counties in East Texas with offices located in Beaumont, Lufkin, Plano, Sherman, Texarkana and Tyler.
The office employs about 100 staff members including approximately fifty assistant U.S. attorneys as part of its mission within the United States Department of Justice according to official information. It delivers both criminal prosecution services as well as civil litigation across its service area according to official sources.
Combs concluded that achieving justice for victims remains their highest duty during this national observance week honoring both victims and advocates.
