Four members of a Topeka-area gang were sentenced to prison following an investigation by the Homeland Security Task Force, federal officials announced on Apr. 6. The operation, known as “Operation Sob Story,” involved cooperation between federal and local law enforcement agencies and targeted illegal drug trafficking and firearms offenses.
The sentencing is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt criminal networks that contribute to violence in communities. Authorities said the investigation focused on several known members of the Crips gang operating in the area.
According to court documents, Marcos Esteban Arredondo pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. He was sentenced to 123 months in prison after selling cocaine, fentanyl, and a firearm to a confidential source working with law enforcement. Pedro Galicia-Hernandez Jr. received a sentence of 151 months for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; authorities seized over 16,000 fentanyl pills during a traffic stop following multiple controlled buys by undercover sources.
Daequan Rayton was sentenced to 60 months for illegal possession and transfer of machine guns, while Elijah Eugene Wilson received 45 months for unlawful possession and transfer of machine guns as well as other related offenses. Investigators linked Rayton and Wilson through evidence collected during search warrants, including the discovery of equipment used for manufacturing firearms at Wilson’s residence.
U.S. Attorney Ryan A. Kriegshauser said: “During my tenure as U.S. Attorney for the District of Kansas, I have been focused on enhancing state and federal collaboration.” Kriegshauser added: “This operation serves as an example of the great achievements that are possible with seamless law enforcement collaboration through the Homeland Security Task Force. We will continue to work tirelessly to dismantle criminal networks to make our communities safer.”
ATF Special Agent in Charge Bernard “Butch” Hansen commented: “The sentences send a clear message that those who traffic drugs and machine guns will face serious federal consequences.” Hansen also said: “This HSTF-led, multi-agency effort reflects the strength of intelligence-driven coordination between ATF, our law enforcement partners, and the United States Attorney’s Office. I commend the outstanding work of our agents and task force officers whose efforts helped dismantle a dangerous criminal operation and deliver a strong deterrent to others.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), along with other agencies under Executive Order 14159’s Homeland Security Task Force initiative investigated this case.
