A federal grand jury has indicted Rueben Paul Phill, 41, of Tracy on charges related to illegal firearms trafficking and being a felon in possession of firearms. Acting U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez made the announcement regarding the three-count indictment.
Court documents indicate that between August 22, 2023, and August 27, 2024, Phill collaborated with Alejandra Susana Castillo, 34, also from Tracy. The pair allegedly purchased firearms in Nevada and sold them on the black market in California.
An incident on July 27, 2024, involved Phill leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase exceeding speeds of 100 miles per hour. The pursuit was halted due to public safety concerns. Two days later, Castillo was detained at a gas station where a search revealed a semi-automatic rifle and three extended magazines in her vehicle’s trunk.
The investigation traced over 30 firearms to this conspiracy. At least three were linked to suspected firearm-related crimes. One firearm was recovered from a felon in Vallejo just days after Castillo’s purchase in Nevada.
Castillo pleaded guilty to illegal firearms trafficking on January 31, 2025. Her sentencing is set for August 1, 2025.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives led the investigation alongside multiple police departments and the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adrian T. Kinsella is handling prosecution duties.
If convicted, Phill could face up to 15 years imprisonment per count along with fines reaching $250,000 each count. Sentencing will be determined by court discretion considering statutory factors and Federal Sentencing Guidelines. It’s important to note that charges are allegations; Phill remains presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
This case forms part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aimed at reducing violent crime through community collaboration with law enforcement agencies. It also aligns with Operation Take Back America which focuses resources against illegal immigration and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators.
