54 Defendants Charged with Federal Firearms-Related Crimes in Tucson Since October 2023

54 Defendants Charged with Federal Firearms-Related Crimes in Tucson Since October 2023

Tucson Police and U.S. Attorney’s Office Partnership Yields Significant Results in Combatting Gun Violence

TUCSON, Ariz. – The United States Attorney’s Office (USAO) and the Tucson Police Department (TPD) announced the successful outcomes of their first year of collaboration under the National Public Safety Partnership (PSP) Pilot Program, which has led to the federal charging of 54 defendants on firearm-related crimes since October 2023. The initiative aims to target violent crime, including drug, gang, and gun-related offenses, by enhancing cooperation between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

The PSP initiative, launched in Tucson in 2022 by the U.S. Department of Justice, focuses on improving public safety through targeted prosecutions and additional investigative support from federal agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the FBI.

Some of the high-profile cases prosecuted through the partnership include:


  • United States v. Jesus Antonio Najar: Najar was arrested for driving a stolen vehicle that contained unregistered automatic weapon components and silencers. He faces multiple firearm and narcotic-related charges.
  • United States v. Geoffrey Fred Cruzado: Cruzado, a convicted felon, was charged with illegal possession of ammunition after allegedly threatening an intimate partner.
  • United States v. Jessica Guillen-Morales: Guillen-Morales was charged with firearms offenses after being apprehended with six firearms and ammunition, despite having been previously deported and re-entering the country illegally.
  • United States v. Israel Manuel Ortiz: Ortiz, a convicted felon, was found with fentanyl pills and a firearm during a traffic stop. He was charged with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and illegal possession of a firearm.
  • United States v. Isaiah Thomas Taylor: Taylor, another convicted felon, was arrested with multiple firearms, including one equipped with an illegal automatic conversion device.
  • United States v. Jesus Alfredo Romo: Romo pleaded guilty to trafficking firearms and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl after being apprehended with a loaded handgun and over 60,000 fentanyl pills.

“These arrests show the importance of a coordinated effort to tackle the growing threat of gun violence,” said U.S. Attorney Gary Restaino. “The collaboration between local and federal law enforcement ensures these dangerous individuals are held accountable.”

Tucson Police Chief Chad Kasmar emphasized the role of partnerships in addressing the surge in violent crime. “Through the PSP program, we’ve made significant progress in holding individuals responsible for illegal firearms possession and drug trafficking,” said Kasmar.

The National Public Safety Partnership (PSP) program was introduced by the DOJ in 2014 to enhance cooperation between federal and local law enforcement in addressing violent crime. The program has since expanded to over 60 jurisdictions, promoting a collaborative, data-driven approach to improving public safety.