Soto-Moya is indicted on federal heroin and cocaine counts.

Heroin and cocaine quantities in a complaint, a controlled-purchase claim, and cash packed in cellophane and coffee grounds are accusations, not a verdict. The reentry count is separate from the intent-to-distribute elements the government still has to prove. Jose Gildardo Soto-Moya, 58, a Utah restaurant owner, was federally indicted Wednesday, in KSL reporting around Sept. 18, 2026, after an initial complaint filed Sept. 9.

KSL, citing federal charging documents, says the Utah County Major Crimes Task Force investigated an alleged drug trafficking organization accused of distributing heroin and other narcotics in Utah. The charges allege a controlled purchase of heroin from Soto-Moya at his South Salt Lake restaurant in August. A task-force investigation and a controlled-purchase allegation are the government's theory. They are not a finding that he possessed either drug with intent to distribute.

A search warrant executed Sept. 8, as reported, turned up about $180,630 in cash at a West Jordan residence, packaged in cellophane and coffee grounds, and about 1,027 grams of heroin and about 4,047 grams of cocaine at the restaurant. Some of the drugs were in pound, half-pound, and quarter-pound baggies, as alleged. Weights, baggies, packaging, and a cash figure are what the warrant and the charges claim. They are investigative claims. They are not a jury finding, and a coffee-grounds package does not prove intent.

The counts, as reported, are possession of heroin with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and reentry of a previously removed alien. Court documents, as cited by KSL, say he was born in Mexico and was previously removed in 2015. Birth and a prior removal are what the reentry count puts in issue. They do not prove the drug counts, and the drug counts do not prove reentry. He was indicted Wednesday after the Sept. 9 complaint. His first court appearance was Thursday, in that reporting, and trial is scheduled for November. An indictment, a first appearance, and a trial date are process. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.