Federal authorities have arrested Utah oil magnate James Lael Jensen, his wife Kelly Anne Jensen, and their two sons, Maxwell Sterling Jensen (also known as “Max”) and Zachary Golden Jensen, in connection with a massive smuggling and money laundering conspiracy linked to Mexican organized crime groups.
According to court records, all four members of the Jensen family were apprehended on April 23. While James and Kelly Jensen were taken into custody at their $9.2 million mansion in Sandy, Utah, sons Max and Zachary were arrested in the Rio Grande Valley.
The arrest was carried out by the U.S. Marshals Violent Fugitive Apprehension Team, equipped with a battering ram and tactical gear. “James Jensen conspired with his wife, Kelly Jensen, and two of his sons, Maxwell and Zachary Jensen, to launder proceeds from sales of illegally imported crude oil,” a warrant for James Jensen’s arrest stated.
The Jensens are accused of running a complex scheme involving nearly 3,000 shipments of crude oil that were fraudulently imported and disguised as waste oils or petroleum distillates to evade U.S. customs regulations. Prosecutors claim the family used elaborate financial transactions to conceal the true nature of their activities, including purchasing high-end vehicles and properties using illicit funds.
The Jensens are facing a five-count federal indictment for their alleged involvement in the smuggling scheme:
* Count One: All four family members are charged with conspiracy to launder money derived from smuggling operations.
* Counts Two and Three: James and Max Jensen are accused of aiding and abetting the smuggling of merchandise and using false documentation to deceive customs authorities.
* Counts Four and Five: Both James and Kelly Jensen allegedly spent proceeds of the illegal activity on major purchases, including cashier’s checks for high-end car dealerships.
The family has entered not guilty pleas to the charges in federal court. If convicted, they each face up to 20 years in federal prison.
In one of the largest asset forfeiture efforts this year, prosecutors are seeking to seize a vast array of assets tied to the scheme, including:
* Four massive tank barges used for transporting oil
* Three luxury Peterbilt trucks
* A 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray, a 2023 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, and a 2024 GMC Sierra
* A 12.69-acre estate in Rio Hondo, Texas, and the family’s $9.2 million mansion in Draper, Utah
* Bank accounts tied to shell entities used for laundering proceeds
A magistrate judge has allowed James and Kelly Jensen to post reduced appearance bonds of $200,000 each with a 10% cash deposit, allowing them to travel freely across parts of Texas while preparing their defense. Maxwell Jensen was also granted a $750,000 bond with a $75,000 deposit paid on May 9.
The arrest marks the latest development in a sprawling investigation into organized crime and money laundering linked to Mexican organized crime groups.
Source: Getaway Pundit
