The United States Attorney’s Office announced that Yehoshua Kilp, the leader of a notorious drug distribution cell linked to Aryan prison gangs, has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison. According to a statement from Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller, Kilp’s conviction is the result of a two-year investigative effort into drug trafficking organizations associated with the Aryan Family and Omerta prison gangs.
During the sentencing, Chief U.S. District Judge David G. Estudillo highlighted the “mind-boggling” quantities of controlled substances involved, including potent batches of fentanyl, that were linked to overdoses. Acting U.S. Attorney Miller noted Kilp’s lifelong criminal history, starting from age 14, and his continued involvement in drug distribution even while incarcerated on state charges. Despite evidence that the fentanyl pills were causing harm, Kilp, rather than ceasing distribution, discussed methods to make the drugs less pure and to package them more securely for smuggling.
Law enforcement’s efforts culminated in two dozen arrests on March 22, 2023, when 350 officers across ten SWAT teams executed a coordinated takedown. This led to the seizure of an arsenal including 177 firearms, significant quantities of various drugs, and over $330,000 in cash. Earlier in the investigation, agencies had already intercepted vast amounts of narcotics and cash, as well as 48 firearms…