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SLCPD Gang Unit Recovers 8 Guns, $350K in THC Products, $30K in Cash

SALT LAKE CITY — As part of a months-long criminal investigation into recent shootings in the city, and throughout the Salt Lake Valley, the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Gang Unit has executed multiple search warrants, arrested eight people, and recovered a significant amount of evidence including eight guns and more than $30,000 in cash.

“This case highlights our officers and detectives and their continued pursuit of justice,” said Chief Mike Brown. “Their work throughout this extensive and long-term investigation exemplifies their commitment and courage. The impact of this case will certainly disrupt criminal activity and further protect our communities.”

“Today, we see the results of our detectives’ and officers’ efforts, but hidden from view, which pushed this case forward, was the countless hours of surveillance, painstaking preparation of warrants, and meticulous planning to safely arrest these eight suspects,” Chief Brown added.

Detectives have arrested 19-year-old Lucas Madrill, 19-year-old Riley McNeil, 18-year-old Omar Alejandro Fuentes-Soriano, 18-year-old Jinedi Suber, 19-year-old Denzel Sencion Hurberg, 20-year-old Zinedine Tovar, 19-year-old Alex Yescas, and a 16-year-old male, as part of this investigation.

The name of the 16-year-old is not being released, pursuant to state law.

Additional arrests could come as more investigative work is conducted.

·      Madrill is charged with unlawful possession of a dangerous weapon, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, failure to stop at the command of a law enforcement officer, and aggravated assault.

·      McNeil is charged with purchasing, transferring, possessing, or using a firearm by a restricted person and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

·      Fuentes-Soriano is charged with purchasing, transferring, possessing, or using a firearm by a restricted person, distributing, offering, or arranging the distribution of a controlled substance, and possession of a controlled substance (marijuana/spice).

·      Suber is charged with possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person and possession of a controlled substance (marijuana/spice).

·      Hurberg is charged with distributing, offering, or arranging the distribution of a controlled substance, and possession of a controlled substance, purchasing, transferring, possessing, or using a firearm by a restricted person, and failing to stop at the command of a police officer.

·      Tovar is charged with possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person.

·      Yescas is charged with possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person and failing to stop at the command of a police officer.

As part of this investigation, detectives have identified the gang as being connected to approximately 15 shootings in Salt Lake City and several more shootings throughout the valley.

Additionally, the investigation uncovered a large-scale, illegal THC distribution syndicate.

McNeil, Hurberg, and Fuentes-Soriano are accused of purchasing large amounts of THC cartridges from their alleged supplier, Madrill, and then distributing the THC cartridges to their customers. Tovar and Yescas are both connected to the alleged trafficking. Additional charges could be filed.

Since Sunday, September 3, 2023, detectives have executed four court-authorized search warrants.

During the warrants, detectives have seized more than $350,000 worth of THC cartridges, eight handguns, $30,000 in cash, and other evidence.

The addresses of the warrants are not being released, pursuant to the ongoing investigation.

Several photos of evidence seized during the warrants are being released.

Media may use these photos with credit to the Salt Lake City Police Department.

Chief Brown acknowledges the members of the Salt Lake City Police Department’s Gang Unit, and its collateral officers, for their efforts on this long-term investigation.

Chief Brown also recognizes the SLCPD’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Team (VCAT), SWAT Team, Central Patrol Division Bike Squad, Utah Highway Patrol’s Joint Special Operations Group, and the Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake SWAT Team for their dedicated assistance throughout this case.

“I extend my sincere gratitude to the men and women in uniform who have dedicated their lives to the safety and well-being of our city,” Chief Brown added. “Their efforts, no matter the case complexity and danger, will continue to interrupt criminal activities.”

Charges are only allegations, and every arrested person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Salt Lake City Police Department is not the custodian of record for jail booking photos. Utah Code 17-22-30 mostly prohibits the release of jail booking photos. Generally, a jail booking photo can only be released by the custodian of record after a conviction or when law enforcement determines the person is a fugitive or an imminent threat to a person or public safety. In Salt Lake City, the Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office is the custodian of record for jail booking photos.

The Salt Lake City Police Department’s Gang Unit is responsible for investigating gang-related crimes that occur within the city’s jurisdiction. The unit consists of highly trained uniformed officers and detectives who work collaboratively with patrol divisions and other specialty squads within the SLCPD to gather information and focus on preventing gang and gun violence through education, prevention, and enforcement.

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