The recent charges against Joanne Segovia, Police Union Director for the San Jose Police Officers’ Association (SJPOA), have brought to light alarming allegations of smuggling fentanyl into the United States.
According to the Washington Examiner, Segovia has been accused of using her personal and official computers to order thousands of opioid pills with the intention to distribute them. From October 2015 to January 2023, she allegedly received at least 61 shipments at her residence.
United States Attorney Ismail Ramsey and Homeland Security Special Agent Charge Tatum King announced the federal complaint against Segovia on Wednesday. She is now charged with attempting to unlawfully import valeryl fentanyl, a dangerous substance that puts countless lives at risk.
Joanne Segovia, exec director of @ProtectSanJose, the San Jose police union, charged by @USAO_NDCA w/ordering thousands of opioids & other pills to her home – using office & personal computers – and distributing them across U.S., per @HSISanFrancisco pic.twitter.com/ZQYbpu1Wl9
— Henry K. Lee (@henrykleeKTVU) March 30, 2023
The complaint reveals that Segovia sent herself shipments from various locations worldwide, including Hong Kong, India, and Singapore. The packages were deceptively labeled as “Wedding Party Favors,” “Chocolate and Sweets,” and “Gift Makeup.” The U.S. Attorney’s Office of Northern California intercepted five of these shipments and discovered thousands of dollars worth of pills, including opioids Tramadol and Tapentadol.
It is deeply concerning that Segovia allegedly exploited her position within the SJPOA to distribute controlled substances. The United States Attorney’s Office’s press release states that Segovia was instructed by a supplier to send a package to a woman in North Carolina in the spring of 2021. She then sent the supplier a photograph of a shipment using the UPS account of the San Jose Police Officers’ Association.
Segovia’s alleged use of WhatsApp, an encrypted messaging software, with a phone number bearing an India country code to facilitate shipments further illustrates her deceptive tactics. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 20 years and may pay a fine of up to $250,000.
Tom Saggau, the spokesperson of the San Jose Police Officers Association, informed the Daily Caller News Foundation that the POA has been fully cooperating with federal authorities as they continue their investigation. The POA placed Segovia on leave and cut off all access to the POA, as per the standard procedure.
Saggau emphasized that no other individual at the POA is involved or had prior knowledge of the alleged acts. He also expressed the Board of Director’s disappointment and sadness upon hearing the news, pledging their full support to the investigative authorities.
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This situation is a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and thorough background checks within law enforcement agencies. It is essential to hold all individuals, regardless of their position, accountable for their actions.
The alleged actions of Joanne Segovia not only undermine the public’s trust in law enforcement but also pose a significant danger to the health and safety of countless individuals. It is vital to ensure that those tasked with protecting our communities are held to the highest standards and that any unlawful actions are promptly and justly addressed.
Sources: DailyCaller, WashingtonExaminer
