News Releases

The case is being prosecuted by LADA’s Major Narcotics Division and was investigated by the California Department of Justice’s Fentanyl Enforcement Program and the Downey Police Department

LOS ANGELES — District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced today that felony charges were filed against three individuals — including two siblings — accused of possessing a total of more than 50 pounds of fentanyl with an intent to sell.

“Fentanyl remains the leading cause of death in accidental drug overdose cases in Los Angeles County,” District Attorney Hochman said. “Just 1 kilo of fentanyl has the potential to kill 500,000 people. A 50-pound seizure of fentanyl is greater than all the fentanyl seized at the U.S.-Canadian border in 2024, which was 43 pounds. We will be unrelenting in our pursuit to end this tragedy and bring justice to the countless families who have lost loved ones to fentanyl.

“I want to personally thank my Major Narcotics Division — particularly Head Deputy District Attorney Juan Mejia and Deputy District Attorney Mark Inaba — for their diligence in this case. I also extend my gratitude to the California Department of Justice and the Downey Police Department for their unwavering partnership in getting dangerous individuals off our streets.”

Case 25CJCF00948 is being prosecuted by LADA’sMajor Narcotics Division and was investigated by the California Department of Justice’s Fentanyl Enforcement Program and the Downey Police Department.

“Today’s announcement proves that the California Department of Justice is all-in when it comes to protecting California families from the dangers of fentanyl,” Attorney General Rob Bonta said. “The opioid crisis is a multifaceted public health and safety issue — and addressing this crisis requires a thoughtful and strategic approach. I want to thank my team, the Downey Police Department and the Los Angeles County District Attorney for their work in taking fentanyl off our streets and out of California communities. There are countless lives being saved as a result of this important and difficult work.”

Downey Police Chief Scott Loughner added: “Fentanyl continues to claim lives across California and the United States; these drugs ravage the very foundation of our communities. Every time we take deadly drugs like fentanyl off the streets, lives are saved. This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of the Downey Police Department, the Department of Justice and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.”

Priscilla Gomez (DOB 11/27/81) of Torrance faces three counts of possession for sale of a controlled substance and one count sale/transportation/offer to sell controlled substance. 

Carlos Manuel Mariscal (DOB 5/2/86) of Huntington Park faces two counts of possession for sale of a controlled substance; one count of possession of a silencer; and one count of unlawful possession of ammunition prohibited by a prior conviction.

Gustavo Omar Gomez (DOB 7/17/77) of Huntington Park faces two counts of possession for sale of a controlled substance. He and Priscilla Gomez are siblings.

It is further alleged that the weight of the substance containing fentanyl exceeded 20 kilograms.

The People have recommended bail be set at $60,000 for Mariscal; $35,000 for Priscilla Gomez; and $10,000 for Gustavo Gomez. Preliminary hearing for Mariscal and Omar Gomez is set for March 20, Dept. 38 of the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center. Priscilla Gomez is in federal custody.

If convicted as charged, Mariscal faces 31 years, eight months in prison; Priscilla Gomez faces 28 years, eight months in prison; and Gustavo Gomez faces 24 years in prison.

On Jan. 22, Downey police officers located a total of more than 50 pounds of fentanyl and nearly 12 pounds of opium in a car and in a Downey apartment. The approximate street value of the seized fentanyl if sold by the gram would be between $453,000 to $1,360,000.

The charges filed in this case are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.