The father-son duo faces criminal charges on suspicion of fentanyl trafficking and illegal gun sales in Los Angeles.
The federal criminal charges allegedly the duo sold at least 4.4 pounds of fentanyl tablets and multiple firearms and ammunition, according to the Justice Department.
Officials have identified his father as Antonio Espinoza Zarate, 55, of the Marvista area of Los Angeles, and Francisco Javier Espinoza Galindo, 31, of Santa Monica.
Authorities arrested Antonio and Francisco in Los Angeles County on March 26th.
Court documents allege Antonio sold pistols, rifles, 131 rounds of ammunition and more than 1.1 pounds of fentanyl tablets to buyers in July 2023.
It is said that in August 2023, Antonio reportedly sold an AR-style rifle and about 2.2 pounds of fentanyl tablets to buyers. This time it was noted that drugs and firearms were supplied by Francisco.
The next instance was recorded in January 2025, when Antonio allegedly sold rifles, pistols, revolvers and ammunition to buyers.
It was the following month that Antonio sold it to a confidential source. In this deal, Antonio sold over 1.1 pounds of fentanyl tablets with his son, which ultimately led to a marching arrest.
In addition to facing these drug and firearms-related fees, the DOJ said Antonio was also charged with re-entering the United States after at least four deportations.
The father also has a criminal history, including a 2008 felony conviction for possession of drugs for sale.
If convicted on all charges, the DOJ said Antonio and Francisco will face a statutory maximum sentence and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.
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