Several suspects sought by feds in connection with drug distribution in the Milwaukee area.
By H. Nelson Goodson
Hispanic News Network U.S.A.
September 24, 2017
Milwaukee, WI - Gregory Haanstad, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin reported that 21 suspects were indicted in federal court for conspiracy related to the distribution of cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine in the Milwaukee area. The following 19 suspects were taken into custody on September 19 in Milwaukee during a law enforcement operation involving 200 federal agents, state and local police including sheriff deputies from different jurisdictions.
The 19 suspects are:
• Luis F. Gomez, age 39
• Pablo Hidalgo-Sanchez, age 28
• Fernando Reyes, age 39
• Mario Esquivel-Sotelo, age 24
• Oscar Garnica-Manriquez, age 32
• Juan Avina, age 32
• Jonathan Martinez-Acosta, age 36
• Helder Rodriguez, age 39
• Sergio Camacho-Gonzalez, age 20
• Ricardo Cervantes-Vargas, age 34
• Carlos Flores-Gomez, age 24
• Ricardo Rodriguez, age 32
• Kristian Yanez, age 24
• Luis Torres, age 24
• Bryan Banks, age 41
• Dante Williams, age 44
• Tommie Cole, age 36
• Alejandro Casteneda, age 28
• Maria Gomez-Gonzalez, age 31
• Pablo Hidalgo-Sanchez, age 28
• Fernando Reyes, age 39
• Mario Esquivel-Sotelo, age 24
• Oscar Garnica-Manriquez, age 32
• Juan Avina, age 32
• Jonathan Martinez-Acosta, age 36
• Helder Rodriguez, age 39
• Sergio Camacho-Gonzalez, age 20
• Ricardo Cervantes-Vargas, age 34
• Carlos Flores-Gomez, age 24
• Ricardo Rodriguez, age 32
• Kristian Yanez, age 24
• Luis Torres, age 24
• Bryan Banks, age 41
• Dante Williams, age 44
• Tommie Cole, age 36
• Alejandro Casteneda, age 28
• Maria Gomez-Gonzalez, age 31
According to a press release by the feds, all of the defendants currently reside in the greater Milwaukee area. This case is a part of a long-term federal drug and money laundering investigation based out of Milwaukee. The federal investigation has led to the seizure of multiple kilograms of cocaine and methamphetamine and the seizure of over $800,000 in United States currency.
The defendants are charged with drug offenses including: distribution of and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy. If proven that the offenses involved more than a kilogram of heroin, and / or five kilograms or more of cocaine each defendant will face up to life in prison, with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison.
The defendants are charged with drug offenses including: distribution of and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy. If proven that the offenses involved more than a kilogram of heroin, and / or five kilograms or more of cocaine each defendant will face up to life in prison, with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years in prison.
Law enforcement officers executed 13 federal search warrants in Milwaukee targeting members of this drug-trafficking organization. Approximately 200 federal, state and local officers participated in these arrests and searches. Law enforcement recovered approximately 1½ kilos of heroin, two (2) kilos of cocaine, 50 pounds of marijuana, 12 firearms and one assault rifle, $500,000 in United States currency, six vehicles, a money counter, kilo press and drug paraphernalia.
U.S. Attorney Haanstad stated, "The large-scale distribution of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and other controlled substances presents a clear, significant danger to public safety and public health. The pernicious effects of large-scale organizations like this one are not only felt locally, but also extend beyond state and international borders. These charges and this prosecution are the result of an aggressive, coordinated approach to dismantling drug-trafficking organizations, and the United States Attorney's Office is committed to continuing to work with our law enforcement partners to attack these public safety and public health threats." U.S. Attorney Haanstad specifically commended the local, state, and federal law enforcement officers and units involved in the investigation for their hard work and inter-agency cooperation.
U.S. Attorney Haanstad stated, "The large-scale distribution of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and other controlled substances presents a clear, significant danger to public safety and public health. The pernicious effects of large-scale organizations like this one are not only felt locally, but also extend beyond state and international borders. These charges and this prosecution are the result of an aggressive, coordinated approach to dismantling drug-trafficking organizations, and the United States Attorney's Office is committed to continuing to work with our law enforcement partners to attack these public safety and public health threats." U.S. Attorney Haanstad specifically commended the local, state, and federal law enforcement officers and units involved in the investigation for their hard work and inter-agency cooperation.
The investigating agencies include the Drug Enforcement Administration, Milwaukee Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Justice - Division of Criminal Investigation, North Central High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigation / Enforcement Removal Operations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Marshals Service, Wisconsin State Patrol, Waukesha County Sheriff's Department, Waukesha County Metro Drug Enforcement Unit, Wauwatosa Police Department, Greenfield Police Department, West Allis Police Department, South Milwaukee Police Department and the Oak Creek Police Department.
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