FRESNO - A federal grand jury today returned an indictment against Joaquin “Rascal” Aranda, 40, a Mexican national illegally residing in Sanger, charging him with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced. 

According to court documents, an investigation began in October 2025 into the Sureño criminal street gang operating in Fresno County. Investigators identified Aranda as a high-ranking Reedley Sureño gang member and conducted three undercover purchases of methamphetamine from him between January and May 2026. On May 28, 2026, agents executed a search warrant at Aranda’s residence and recovered more methamphetamine along with digital scales, spoons, and baggies. In total, Aranda was found with 297.52 grams of methamphetamine throughout the investigation.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation, with assistance from the Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC), the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, and the California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert L. Veneman‑Hughes is prosecuting the case. 

If convicted, Aranda faces a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum of 40 years in prison, and a $5 million fine. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are allegations only; the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.