PLANO, Texas — Federal officials are marking National Crime Victims’ Rights Week by highlighting recent prosecutions tied to fentanyl trafficking and overdose deaths across East Texas.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Texas, the observance—held in partnership with the Office for Victims of Crime and the Executive Office for United States Attorneys—carries the 2026 theme: “Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities.”
U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs said combating fentanyl remains a critical part of protecting victims and preventing future harm.
Officials pointed to multiple recent cases as examples of those efforts:
- Isela Mendez was sentenced April 15, 2026, to 22 years for distributing fentanyl-laced oxycodone pills.
- Victor Manuel Navarette Roman received 18 years in prison on Feb. 26, 2026, for distributing fentanyl imported from Mexico.
- Jessie Zavaleta Peralta was sentenced to more than 19 years for trafficking methamphetamine and fentanyl.
- Nathan Jesse Garcia and co-defendant Lino Hernandez were sentenced to 20 and 13 years, respectively, for a fentanyl distribution conspiracy.
- Jaquavian Markeith Veasley was convicted in Tyler for supplying fentanyl that killed two victims and is awaiting sentencing.
- Corey Bouchea Grant and Calvin Autae Thompson were convicted in November 2025 in a case linked to a fatal overdose in Lewisville.
- Desmond Denard Brown and Trevorris Rashomique Woodard were sentenced in October 2025 to more than 17 and nearly 20 years, respectively, for fentanyl-related offenses.
- Deablo Deshon Lewis received a 20-year sentence for distributing counterfeit pills containing fentanyl.
- Juan Manuel Navarette Robles was sentenced to more than 26 years for large-scale fentanyl distribution.
- Kym Andrew Wallace was sentenced to 30 years for supplying fentanyl that led to the death of a 17-year-old.
- Lawrence Duguett Hardin Jr. was sentenced to 20 years after supplying fentanyl linked to a fatal overdose.
Officials said these cases underscore the devastating impact of fentanyl and the federal government’s ongoing efforts to hold traffickers accountable.
“Achieving justice for victims and protecting their rights is our highest duty,” Combs said.
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is an annual observance dedicated to honoring victims and the professionals and advocates who support them.
