Drug Trafficking Operation Investigation in Madera County Yields 38 Arrests

MADERA – The Madera County Sheriff’s Department and the Madera County District Attorney announced the conclusion of a major multi-agency drug trafficking investigation in Madera County that yielded 38 arrests, the seizure of over $400,000 worth of illegal drugs, and 14 firearms.

In July of 2020, the Madera County Narcotic Enforcement Team launched an investigation into a drug trafficking ring led by Juan Jimenez, operating primarily in the La Vina community of Madera County.

During the course of the investigation, detectives learned Juan Jimenez was both acquiring and distributing methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine throughout various locations within California. Additionally, they discovered Jimenez was procuring methamphetamine from Mexico. The investigation revealed that Juan Jimenez’s wife (Maria Hidalgo), and son (Alexis “Nessy” Jimenez) were integral parts of the operation. Nessy Jimenez is a documented gang member who has a violent history that includes assault with a firearm. Detectives learned that Juan Jimenez used various gang members to distribute guns and drugs throughout the County of Madera as well as the State of California.

Throughout the investigation, electronic intercepts were implemented to identify when drugs were being transported. Nearly a dozen traffic stops were orchestrated during the operation, yielding the seizure of sizable amounts of various drugs. In a separate notable incident, undercover detectives successfully seized 3,400 fentanyl pills. Several incidents of violent assaults were identified as being committed by members of the group, and yielded various arrests.

Beginning on April 5, 2021, 12 search warrants were served in Madera and Fresno Counties. During service of the warrant at Jimenez’s residence in the area of Avenue 11 and Road 23 in LaVina, detectives located numerous insulated water coolers believed to be used to conceal large quantities of drugs and guns, that had been buried on the property. At the time of this release, detectives have made 38 arrests related to crimes uncovered during this investigation.

This case is the product of a joint investigation by the regional Madera County Narcotic Enforcement Team (MADNET), comprised of detectives from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office, Madera Police Department, Chowchilla Police Department, Madera County Probation, Madera County District Attorney’s Office, and the California Highway Patrol, assisted by officers from the California Department of Justice (DOJ), and the High Impact Investigation Team (HIIT).

To date, the operation has resulted in the seizure of over 18 pounds of methamphetamine, over 60 grams of cocaine, 3.7 pounds of heroin, nearly 25 lbs of marijuana, 64 grams of concentrated cannabis, and 3,400 fentanyl pills. 14 firearms have also been recovered. The 38 arrests of individuals associated with the organization have produced various felony and misdemeanor charges including conspiracy, distribution of controlled substances, firearms offenses, and assault charges. Bail amounts range from $5,000,000 to over $100,000. Classified as “Operation Crystal Vine,” this is the largest gang and narcotics investigation of its kind conducted by the Madera County Narcotic Enforcement Team in Madera County in over a decade.

Sheriff Tyson Pogue states, “This is a tremendous day for public safety in Madera County. The substantial seizure of drugs and firearms will no doubt make a significant impact to the safety our community. We are thankful for the collaboration between our allied agencies to successfully navigate and conclude this investigation. This operation would not have yielded such positive results without the teamwork between the Madera County Sheriff’s Office, Madera Police Department, Chowchilla Police Department, Madera County Probation, the California Highway Patrol, the California Department of Justice, and the Madera County District Attorney’s Office. Let this be an unmistakable reminder to all that we take a strong stand against drugs, gangs, and the criminal activity they provoke, in Madera County.”

The leaders of the drug tracking organization, Juan Jimenez (47), Maria Hidalgo (48), and Alexis Jimenez (24), have all been arrested for the following felony charges:

3 counts each of Conspiracy
1 count of Transportation/Sales of Methamphetamine, with an Enhancement for 20+ Kilograms, and an additional Gang Enhancement
1 count of Transportation/Sales of Heroin, with an Enhancement for 1+ Kilograms, and an additional Gang Enhancement
1 count of Transportation/Sales of Cocaine, with a Gang Enhancement

Juan Jimenez is also being charged with additional felony counts of Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Committing a Felony While Released on Bail.

The individuals below have all been identified as members or associates of the drug trafficking ring operating out of the La Vina area. They have each been charged with a crime(s) related to their role in the operation.