KC Reporter

A federal grand jury in Jefferson City, Missouri, has returned indictments against three individuals on a range of federal charges.

Joanna Fabian Rivera, 33, of Arizona, faces two counts of possession with intent to distribute heroin and cocaine. According to the indictment, packages containing these drugs were discovered in Rivera’s vehicle during a traffic stop on May 3, 2025. The Missouri State Highway Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Lynn is prosecuting the case.

Alex Mills Zoll, 42, from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was indicted on three counts related to child exploitation offenses. The indictment alleges that between May 11 and June 1, 2025, Zoll enticed a minor for sexual activity, attempted to produce child pornography, and transferred obscene material across state lines. Boone County and Callaway County Sheriff’s Offices along with the Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ashley Turner is handling the prosecution.

Aaron James Kipper, 34, of Columbia, Missouri was charged with unlawful possession of two firearms—a Taurus .357 revolver and a Jennings .22 caliber semi-automatic firearm—on June 27, 2025. The indictment states Kipper had previously been sentenced for a felony offense exceeding one year in prison; under federal law it is illegal for felons to possess firearms or ammunition. Boone County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cecily L. Hicks is prosecuting.

Officials emphasized that “The charges contained in these indictments are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.”

The cases involving Fabian Rivera and Kipper fall under Operation Take Back America—a national initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at countering illegal immigration as well as dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations through coordinated efforts using resources from Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

Zoll’s case falls under Project Safe Childhood—an initiative started by the Department of Justice in May 2006 focused on combating child sexual exploitation by leveraging federal, state and local resources for investigation and prosecution while also working to identify victims. More information about Project Safe Childhood can be found at www.usdoj.gov/psc.