28 Indicted on Federal Drug Charges
By: Web Producer
Updated: January 25, 2008
Federal agents and state and local authorities showed up on the doorsteps of 28 suspected drug dealers and traffickers Thursday.
Law enforcement officials say they seized 16 pounds of meth in all, 2 pounds in Evansville.
They also took in 1000 pounds of marijuana, 11 kilograms of cocaine, 15 firearms, and $500,000.
Federal officials who took part in the sting also arrested suspects in Jasper, Indianapolis, Utah, Texas New Mexico and Mexico. Officers say it took many long hours and a lot of undercover work to pull it off. In the end, they caught all but three suspects. Law enforcement officials say it may not be an end to drug trafficking in Evansville, but it was a significant strike. Now that those suppliers are off the street, it'll be a lot harder for remaining dealers to keep selling their drugs.
Here's the official press release:
Twenty-eight individuals were indicted in three separate indictments by a federal grand jury sitting in Indianapolis for conspiracy to possess and distribute methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana, as well as money laundering In addition to the indicted subjects, two subjects were sought on federal criminal complaints and seven subjects were sought on state charges. During the course of this investigation, agents seized approximately 16 pounds of methamphetamine; 1,000 pounds of marijuana; 11 kilograms of cocaine; 15 firearms; and more than half a million dollars in U.S. Currency from members of this organization. Today, in excess of 150 federal, state, and local law enforcement executed ten federal search warrants and one state search warrant at locations in Evansville, Indianapolis, and Jasper, Indiana. Approximately $140,000 cash (of the half million total) was seized, along with 6 kilograms of cocaine (of the 11 kilogram total), two pounds of methamphetamine (of the 16 pound total) and 8 firearms (of the 15 total). Twenty-five individuals are in federal custody and 3 subjects are fugitives. Timothy M. Morrison, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, announced today in a press conference with Dennis Wichern, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration; Peter Swaim, U.S. Marshal; Jack Massey, Internal Revenue Service; Brad Hill, Chief of the Evansville Police Department; Sheriff Eric Williams, Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office. The indictments were the result of a multi-jurisdictional, multi-agency Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), which also included the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Indianapolis Metro Drug Task Force, the Indiana State Police, the Kentucky State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, that targeted and dismantled a poly-drug trafficking organization which operated in Indiana, Illinois, Utah, Texas, and New Mexico. “Three drug organizations will no longer distribute drugs in Indiana,” stated Dennis A. Wichern, the Special Agent in Charge of DEA’s Indiana’s offices. “This investigation exemplifies the cooperation, teamwork and professionalism of southern Indiana law enforcement.” Acting U.S. Attorney Timothy M. Morrison noted the large amounts of drugs, cash and firearms seized during the course of this investigation. “None of these agencies have enough people to cover all the facets of this investigation alone. By working together, they achieved a significant success.” Another six federal defendants are in State custody for unrelated charges and are awaiting removal to federal court. The indictments allege that an investigation which began in May 2005, and continued until December 2007, revealed a methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana distribution organization that was operating in the Southern District of Indiana. This drug organization allegedly moved large amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana from Utah, Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico to Evansville and Indianapolis, Indiana.
Indictment #1:
The following individuals were charged in an eight count indictment alleging the following federal violations: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana; possession with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana; money laundering; and conspiracy to launder money:
Rosendo Barragan-Cruz, 23, aka “Pollo,” Evansville,
Jose Eduardo Barragan, 22, aka “Lalo,” Evansville
Claudio Zarate-Pinon, 26, aka “Jhonatan Contreras-Rivas,” Evansville
David J. Pierce, 61, aka “Grandfather,” Albuquerque, NM
Genaro Barragan-Cruz, 27, aka “Du,” Evansville
Claudio Justo Javier-Nunez, 31, aka “Huevon,” Newburgh
Cecilia Martinez-Celis, 35, Oklahoma City, OK
Pedro A. Arana, 21, Albuquerque, NM
Yisell Salgado, 30, Newburgh, IN
Maday Carmona, 24, aka “Marucha,” Evansville
All of these individuals are in custody except for Pedro Arana, who is a fugitive. The indictment alleges that a Mexican national supplied Rosendo Barragan-Cruz with marijuana in the Southern District of Indiana. The Mexican national would utilize couriers to deliver the marijuana to Rosendo Barragan-Cruz and to pick up the proceeds of the marijuana sales. Rosendo Barragan-Cruz would supply marijuana to various individuals in Evansville, Indiana.
Indictment #2:
The following individuals were charged in a two count indictment alleging conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine:
Rosalio Cruz-Rea, 30, aka “Broncas,” Utah
Gerrardo Cruz-Rea, 32, aka “Gera,” Indianapolis
Manuel Santiago Moreno-Cruz, 24, aka “Choco,” Utah
Gabriel Gill, aka “Gavino,” Indianapolis
Timothy L. Morris, 45, Utah
Fredy Martinez-Palermo, 28, aka “Flaca,” Indianapolis
All of these individuals are in custody. The indictment alleges that these subjects conspired to deliver five kilograms of cocaine to Rosalio Cruz-Rea in Indianapolis, Indiana. Rosalio Cruz-Rea would then supply cocaine to various individuals in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Indictment #3:
The following individuals were charged in an eighteen count indictment alleging the following federal violations: conspiracy to distribute and distribution of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; distribution of methamphetamine; and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine:
Fredy Martinez-Palermo, 28, aka “Flaca,” Indianapolis
Rosalio Cruz-Rea, 30, aka “Broncas,” Utah
Manuel Gonzalez-Roja, 34, aka “Manolo,” Indianapolis
Milo Sainz, 32, aka “Chappas,” Indianapolis
Juan Sandoval-Dias, 22, aka “Morro,” Utah
Rosendo Barragan-Cruz, 23, aka “Pollo,” Evansville
Jose Eduardo Barragan, 22, aka “Lalo,” Newburgh
Claudio Zarate-Pinon, 26, aka “Jhonatan Contreras-Rivas,” Evansville
Richard L. Cansler, 33, aka “Creep,” Evansville
James Matthew Ervin, 28, aka “Moyoso,” Henderson, KY
Jorge Gutierrez-Madrigal, aka “Chaparro,” Henderson, KY
Heather R. Phillips, 32, Evansville
Phillip D. Ashby, 35, Evansville
Jose Garcia-Franco, 26, aka “Purria,” Evansville
Shawn Miguel Mendoza, 32, aka “Gomez,” Tennessee
Jason Edward Harwell, 29, Evansville
Claudio Justo Javier-Nunez, 31, aka “Huevon,” Newburgh
All of these individuals are in custody except Juan Sandoval-Dias and Shawn Miguel Mendoza, who are fugitives. The indictment alleges that Rosendo Barragan-Cruz, Jose Eduardo Barragan, and Claudio Zarate-Pinon received methamphetamine from Indianapolis, Indiana and brought it to Evansville, Indiana for further distribution. Fredy Martinez-Palermo of Indianapolis and Rosalio Cruz-Rea of Utah were the sources of supply for the methamphetamine. Upon bringing the methamphetamine to Evansville, it would be distributed to various customers.
In January, 2008, arrest warrants for the following individuals were issued in the Southern District of Indiana based upon criminal complaints alleging their involvement in the distribution of methamphetamine. Both are in custody. Fernando Correa, Evansville Velia Sedillo, Evansville
If you have information as to the whereabouts of the fugitives, please call DEA at (317) 226-7977 or the U.S. Marshal Service at (317) 226-6566. The indictments are allegations only, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at trial or by guilty plea.
Federal officials who took part in the sting also arrested suspects in Jasper, Indianapolis, Utah, Texas New Mexico and Mexico. Officers say it took many long hours and a lot of undercover work to pull it off. In the end, they caught all but three suspects. Law enforcement officials say it may not be an end to drug trafficking in Evansville, but it was a significant strike. Now that those suppliers are off the street, it'll be a lot harder for remaining dealers to keep selling their drugs.
Here's the official press release:
Twenty-eight individuals were indicted in three separate indictments by a federal grand jury sitting in Indianapolis for conspiracy to possess and distribute methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana, as well as money laundering In addition to the indicted subjects, two subjects were sought on federal criminal complaints and seven subjects were sought on state charges. During the course of this investigation, agents seized approximately 16 pounds of methamphetamine; 1,000 pounds of marijuana; 11 kilograms of cocaine; 15 firearms; and more than half a million dollars in U.S. Currency from members of this organization. Today, in excess of 150 federal, state, and local law enforcement executed ten federal search warrants and one state search warrant at locations in Evansville, Indianapolis, and Jasper, Indiana. Approximately $140,000 cash (of the half million total) was seized, along with 6 kilograms of cocaine (of the 11 kilogram total), two pounds of methamphetamine (of the 16 pound total) and 8 firearms (of the 15 total). Twenty-five individuals are in federal custody and 3 subjects are fugitives. Timothy M. Morrison, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, announced today in a press conference with Dennis Wichern, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration; Peter Swaim, U.S. Marshal; Jack Massey, Internal Revenue Service; Brad Hill, Chief of the Evansville Police Department; Sheriff Eric Williams, Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office. The indictments were the result of a multi-jurisdictional, multi-agency Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), which also included the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Indianapolis Metro Drug Task Force, the Indiana State Police, the Kentucky State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, that targeted and dismantled a poly-drug trafficking organization which operated in Indiana, Illinois, Utah, Texas, and New Mexico. “Three drug organizations will no longer distribute drugs in Indiana,” stated Dennis A. Wichern, the Special Agent in Charge of DEA’s Indiana’s offices. “This investigation exemplifies the cooperation, teamwork and professionalism of southern Indiana law enforcement.” Acting U.S. Attorney Timothy M. Morrison noted the large amounts of drugs, cash and firearms seized during the course of this investigation. “None of these agencies have enough people to cover all the facets of this investigation alone. By working together, they achieved a significant success.” Another six federal defendants are in State custody for unrelated charges and are awaiting removal to federal court. The indictments allege that an investigation which began in May 2005, and continued until December 2007, revealed a methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana distribution organization that was operating in the Southern District of Indiana. This drug organization allegedly moved large amounts of methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana from Utah, Texas, New Mexico, and Mexico to Evansville and Indianapolis, Indiana.
Indictment #1:
The following individuals were charged in an eight count indictment alleging the following federal violations: conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana; possession with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana; money laundering; and conspiracy to launder money:
Rosendo Barragan-Cruz, 23, aka “Pollo,” Evansville,
Jose Eduardo Barragan, 22, aka “Lalo,” Evansville
Claudio Zarate-Pinon, 26, aka “Jhonatan Contreras-Rivas,” Evansville
David J. Pierce, 61, aka “Grandfather,” Albuquerque, NM
Genaro Barragan-Cruz, 27, aka “Du,” Evansville
Claudio Justo Javier-Nunez, 31, aka “Huevon,” Newburgh
Cecilia Martinez-Celis, 35, Oklahoma City, OK
Pedro A. Arana, 21, Albuquerque, NM
Yisell Salgado, 30, Newburgh, IN
Maday Carmona, 24, aka “Marucha,” Evansville
All of these individuals are in custody except for Pedro Arana, who is a fugitive. The indictment alleges that a Mexican national supplied Rosendo Barragan-Cruz with marijuana in the Southern District of Indiana. The Mexican national would utilize couriers to deliver the marijuana to Rosendo Barragan-Cruz and to pick up the proceeds of the marijuana sales. Rosendo Barragan-Cruz would supply marijuana to various individuals in Evansville, Indiana.
Indictment #2:
The following individuals were charged in a two count indictment alleging conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, and possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine:
Rosalio Cruz-Rea, 30, aka “Broncas,” Utah
Gerrardo Cruz-Rea, 32, aka “Gera,” Indianapolis
Manuel Santiago Moreno-Cruz, 24, aka “Choco,” Utah
Gabriel Gill, aka “Gavino,” Indianapolis
Timothy L. Morris, 45, Utah
Fredy Martinez-Palermo, 28, aka “Flaca,” Indianapolis
All of these individuals are in custody. The indictment alleges that these subjects conspired to deliver five kilograms of cocaine to Rosalio Cruz-Rea in Indianapolis, Indiana. Rosalio Cruz-Rea would then supply cocaine to various individuals in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Indictment #3:
The following individuals were charged in an eighteen count indictment alleging the following federal violations: conspiracy to distribute and distribution of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine; distribution of methamphetamine; and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine:
Fredy Martinez-Palermo, 28, aka “Flaca,” Indianapolis
Rosalio Cruz-Rea, 30, aka “Broncas,” Utah
Manuel Gonzalez-Roja, 34, aka “Manolo,” Indianapolis
Milo Sainz, 32, aka “Chappas,” Indianapolis
Juan Sandoval-Dias, 22, aka “Morro,” Utah
Rosendo Barragan-Cruz, 23, aka “Pollo,” Evansville
Jose Eduardo Barragan, 22, aka “Lalo,” Newburgh
Claudio Zarate-Pinon, 26, aka “Jhonatan Contreras-Rivas,” Evansville
Richard L. Cansler, 33, aka “Creep,” Evansville
James Matthew Ervin, 28, aka “Moyoso,” Henderson, KY
Jorge Gutierrez-Madrigal, aka “Chaparro,” Henderson, KY
Heather R. Phillips, 32, Evansville
Phillip D. Ashby, 35, Evansville
Jose Garcia-Franco, 26, aka “Purria,” Evansville
Shawn Miguel Mendoza, 32, aka “Gomez,” Tennessee
Jason Edward Harwell, 29, Evansville
Claudio Justo Javier-Nunez, 31, aka “Huevon,” Newburgh
All of these individuals are in custody except Juan Sandoval-Dias and Shawn Miguel Mendoza, who are fugitives. The indictment alleges that Rosendo Barragan-Cruz, Jose Eduardo Barragan, and Claudio Zarate-Pinon received methamphetamine from Indianapolis, Indiana and brought it to Evansville, Indiana for further distribution. Fredy Martinez-Palermo of Indianapolis and Rosalio Cruz-Rea of Utah were the sources of supply for the methamphetamine. Upon bringing the methamphetamine to Evansville, it would be distributed to various customers.
In January, 2008, arrest warrants for the following individuals were issued in the Southern District of Indiana based upon criminal complaints alleging their involvement in the distribution of methamphetamine. Both are in custody. Fernando Correa, Evansville Velia Sedillo, Evansville
If you have information as to the whereabouts of the fugitives, please call DEA at (317) 226-7977 or the U.S. Marshal Service at (317) 226-6566. The indictments are allegations only, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at trial or by guilty plea.
