Stanislaus prosecutor appointed to federal task force combating drug cartels
A Stanislaus County deputy district attorney has been appointed to prosecute cases in federal court involving transnational drug organizations with ties to Stanislaus County.
As a new Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, Cindy De Silva will work for at least two years on the Homeland Security Task Force — a team of federal and state prosecutors, agents and analysts tasked to target transnational organized crime and cartels.
She will remain employed by the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office, prosecuting cases in both state and federal courts.
“Communities across the Central Valley continue to feel the devastating effects of dangerous drugs: addiction, homelessness, property crime, violence, and loss of life,” said U.S. Attorney Eric Grant in a press release. “Cindy De Silva is a highly skilled and experienced prosecutor whose work will help ensure that drug traffickers are held accountable.”
“I am proud to join with the United States Attorney’s Office in the fight against drug trafficking organizations,” said Stanislaus County District Attorney Jeff Laugero. “The resources and capabilities this partnership provides will directly improve our ability to prosecute and punish drug dealers operating in our region and devastating lives in Stanislaus County.”
De Silva joined the District Attorney’s Office at the end of 2024. Previously, she worked at the San Joaquin District Attorney’s Office for 18 years, where she had prosecuted major narcotic offenses.
Currently, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the District Attorney’s Offices of Yolo, Sacramento and Fresno Counties.
“Our partnership with the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office strengthens our ability to investigate and prosecute transnational drug trafficking organizations that threaten the safety of Stanislaus County residents,” said Grant.
