The executive director of the San Jose Police Officers’ Association (SJPOA), Joanne Marian Segovia, has been charged with attempting to illegally import a controlled substance into the United States. According to the United States Department of Justice, Segovia is accused of ordering thousands of opioids to her home and agreeing to distribute them in exchange for payment.
This news comes as a shock to many within the law enforcement community who have worked alongside Segovia for years. The SJPOA represents over 1,200 officers in the San Jose police department and plays an essential role in advocating for their rights and benefits.
According to court documents, Segovia ordered fentanyl from China between July 2019 and June 2020. She allegedly used several aliases when placing orders online before having them shipped directly to her home address.
Federal agents intercepted multiple packages containing fentanyl addressed to Segovia's house last year. They also executed search warrants on her property where they found additional narcotics along with evidence that she planned on distributing them.
Following her arrest, SJPOA released a statement saying: "We were shocked and saddened by today's developments concerning our executive director Joanne Segovia." The association also emphasized that it had no knowledge or involvement in any alleged criminal activity by its executive director.
If convicted, Segovia faces up to 20 years imprisonment for importing a controlled substance into the US. Her trial is set for later this year.
This case highlights how even those who work within law enforcement are not immune from being charged with committing crimes themselves. It also underscores how important it is for authorities always remain vigilant against illegal drug trafficking activities - regardless of who might be involved in such activities.