Utah family members charged with supporting Mexican terrorist cartel through oil smuggling

Two members of the same family have been charged with conspiring to support a Mexican cartel that has been designated as a terrorist organization. Maxwell Sterling Jensen, 25, and James Lael Jensen, 68, both residents of Sandy, Utah, are facing charges of conspiring to provide material support to the Jalisco New Generation cartel, as well as conspiracy to commit money laundering and related smuggling offenses, according to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

The DOJ alleges that the Jensens were involved in concealing and disguising the source of proceeds from illegally smuggled crude oil, as well as aiding and abetting the fraudulent entry of 2,881 shipments of oil. The brothers are said to have operated a business named Arroyo Terminals in Rio Hondo, Texas. When they were apprehended, law enforcement authorities confiscated four tank barges containing crude oil, three commercial tanker trucks, one personal vehicle, and a pickup truck belonging to Arroyo Terminal.

The Jalisco cartel was officially designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the State Department on February 20. Prosecutors have indicated their intention to seek a $300 million judgment if the defendants are convicted. If found guilty, the Jensens could potentially face more than 20 years behind bars.

William Kimbell, acting special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Houston, stated that the arrests stemmed from an investigation into drug trafficking. He emphasized the significance of dismantling criminal operations that generate substantial revenue for Mexican drug cartels, particularly through the smuggling of crude oil.

Fox News Digital reached out to legal representatives for Maxwell Jensen and James Jensen for comment, but they have not responded at the time of writing.

The collaboration between federal law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and state authorities was instrumental in uncovering these alleged crimes and will continue until all involved parties are brought to justice. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to identify and apprehend any additional individuals believed to be associated with the criminal operation.

Adam Sabes is a writer for Fox News Digital. For story tips or inquiries, you can reach out to Adam Sabes via email at Adam.Sabes@fox.com or connect with him on Twitter @asabes10.