California grandmother accused of orchestrating fentanyl shipments to police organization address

In a shocking turn of events, a 64-year-old grandmother has been charged with federal crimes for allegedly importing and distributing the synthetic opioid, fentanyl.

The suspect, Joanne Marian Segovia, is also the former executive director of the San Jose Police Officers Association, in California. Neighbors in the gated community of San Jose compared the shocking revelation to a scene from "Breaking Bad," the television show.

Described by many as a typical friendly grandmother, Segovia's arrest left her neighbors stunned.

Federal prosecutors allege that between October 2015 and January 2023, the suspect received at least 61 packages at her home from countries including India, Canada, Britain, Hong Kong and China.

The packages were purportedly labeled as containing items such as wedding party favors, makeup, supplements and candy, but investigators claim the packages contained deadly synthetic opioids and painkillers such as Tramadol and Tapentadol.

When officers initially questioned her, Segovia tried to blame her housekeeper for the packages. During a second interview, however, she raised concerns about a family friend with a substance abuse problem who she said had access to her personal smartphone and apps to conduct transactions.

Despite meeting with agents twice, Segovia continued corresponding via WhatsApp with someone in India in March 2023.

Homeland Security Investigations revealed hundreds of messages referring to pills, as well as shipping and payment details.

Segovia allegedly sent packages that she received from India to a woman in North Carolina, but they were intercepted by agents. The return address on the packages showed the address of the San José Police Officers Association, where Segovia had worked for 20 years.

Segovia appeared in court and was released without bond, placed on supervised release, and ordered not to travel outside of Northern California. Her next court appearance was set for April 28th.

Sam Pritchard, President of the San Jose Police Officers Association, expressed anger and disappointment over the situation, noting that Segovia had been a beloved figure within the organization for more than a decade.