May 24, 2026 – SACRAMENTO, CA – U.S. Attorney Eric Grant and Stanislaus County District Attorney Jeff Laugero announced on Friday the appointment of Deputy District Attorney Cindy De Silva to be a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney to prosecute cases in federal court relating to transnational drug organizations with ties to Stanislaus County.

De Silva will work on the Homeland Security Task Force, a team of federal and state prosecutors, agents, and analysts dedicated to combatting transnational organized crime and targeting cartels. As a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, De Silva will remain employed by the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office and will be able to prosecute cases in both state and federal court. De Silva will work in this role for at least two years.

“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 Grant. “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. Cindy De Silva is a highly skilled and experienced prosecutor whose work will help ensure that drug traffickers are held accountable. I appreciate the continued collaboration and commitment of District Attorney Laugero and his office in protecting our communities.”

“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. By combining resources and expertise, and cross-designating exceptional Deputy District Attorneys such as Cindy De Silva as Special Assistant United States Attorneys, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant has demonstrated his commitment to enhancing public safety, and I thank him for his continued support for law enforcement in Stanislaus County.”

The U.S. Attorney’s Office currently has Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the District Attorney’s Offices of Yolo, Sacramento, and Fresno Counties.

Source: DOJ Release