SAN DIEGO – Eight indictments were unsealed today in San Diego federal court charging 85 members of drug distribution networks linked to the Sinaloa Cartel, with federal drug trafficking, money laundering and firearms offenses.
During the coordinated takedown that began early this morning, investigators executed over a dozen search warrants and seized approximately four pounds of methamphetamine and two firearms. As of today at 1 p.m., 47 of the 85 defendants are either in federal or state custody. Authorities are continuing to search for 38 defendants. Many of the defendants are scheduled to be arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Allison H. Goddard at 2:00 p.m. tomorrow.
According to the indictments and other publicly filed court documents, this year-long investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service targeted multiple San Diego-based drug distribution and money laundering networks led respectively by Juan Carlos OCHOA, Rene VALDEZ Jr., Ramon CASTILLO, Michael WRIGHT, Alfonso ARROYO, Douglas BOWEN, Samuel BECERRA, and Javier VERGARA. These affiliated networks supplied multi-kilogram quantities of controlled substances (primarily methamphetamine and heroin but also fentanyl) to dozens of subdistributors located throughout Southern California. These networks were also responsible for laundering tens of thousands of dollars in narcotics proceeds back to Sinaloa Cartel-associated drug traffickers in Mexico. During this investigation, agents coordinated seizures of narcotics and drug proceeds throughout San Diego County and across the United States.
To avoid detection by law enforcement, the defendants also utilized various encrypted communication services like Signal and WhatsApp to communicate among themselves. Despite their sophisticated efforts, law enforcement penetrated this network with a variety of investigative techniques, including physical surveillance, obtaining phone records, financial documents, tracking warrants on telephones and vehicles, and undercover agents. Over the course of the investigation, agents obtained dozens of search warrants and conducted a 10-month-long federal wiretap to track the communications and the location of the defendants. In conjunction with the wiretaps, agents ultimately seized approximately 175 pounds of methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl tied to these networks, approximately $50,000 in cash, multiple firearms, and a 2020 Cadillac Escalade (valued at over $115,000).
“Today we sent a message to drug traffickers in our community. If you sell drugs in San Diego, we will find you and prosecute you to the full extent of the law,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “I want to congratulate the outstanding federal, state, and local law enforcement cooperation that has resulted in this highly successful investigation. This case represents yet another critical strike against the Sinaloa Cartel and its U.S.-based networks.”
“Today’s operation was about community care taking,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Karen Flowers. “We took criminals off the street in South County who were selling drugs and committing violent crimes - robberies - home invasions - identity theft - fraud - and other property crimes. The void left is an opportunity for the communities in South County to exhale and breathe in fresh air. Freedom is priceless. Today South County is free to live without a criminal undertone which eroded their daily quality of life.”
“A significant portion of the indictments unsealed today are alleged money laundering conspiracy violations and the asset forfeiture allegations,” stated Assistant Special Agent in Charge Johnathan Smith. “Multiple defendants are charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering violations, a charge which carries a statutory maximum sentence of 20-years imprisonment. These are serious crimes that come with serious time.”
This case was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Narcotics Task Force (NTF) and the Internal Revenue Service. The NTF is a DEA-led task force comprised of federal and local law enforcement from the DEA, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department (SDSD), the San Diego Police Department (SDPD), United States Border Patrol (USBP), and the San Diego County Probation Office. Agents and officers from the United States Marshals Service, United States Secret Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Federal Bureau of Prisons also provided vital assistance for the investigation. Attorneys from the Department of Justice, Office of Enforcement Operations, Electronic Surveillance Unit, likewise provided critical work as part of the investigative team.
This case is the result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, dismantle and prosecute high level members of drug trafficking, weapons trafficking and money laundering organizations and enterprises.
The United States is represented in court by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew J. Sutton, and Mario J. Peia.
The public is reminded that an indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Defendant Information
19-cr-3624-CAB Indictment - Click HERE
Defendants Criminal Case No: 19-cr-3624-CAB
Defendant Number
Name
Hometown
1
Juan Carlos Ochoa
El Cajon, CA
2
Belinda Maria Menke
El Cajon, CA
3
Oscar Clemente-Perez
El Cajon, CA
4
Anton Dockery
El Cajon, CA
5
Amira Novelo-Torres
Tijuana, MX
6
Guillermo Castellano
El Cajon, CA
7
Monica Alcantar
El Cajon, CA
8
Alberto Frayre
Chula Vista, CA
9
Ivan Rodriguez
El Cajon, CA
10
Brian Perin
San Diego, CA
11
Edward DiBartola
San Diego, CA
12
Juanita Ortiz
El Cajon, CA
13
Lorena Torres
El Cajon, CA
14
Marcus Dewayne Caldwell
San Diego, CA
15
Candace Marie Spears
San Diego, CA
16
Eduardo Lerma
El Cajon, CA
17
Gene Fitzgerald
San Diego, CA
18
Melissa Young
San Diego, CA
19
Jessie Avina
El Cajon, CA
Summary of Charges
Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances (21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846)
Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments (18 U.S.C. §§ 1956(a)(2) and (h))
Maximum Penalties: For the drug charges, term of custody including a mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in prison, $10 million fine and a lifetime of supervised release. For money laundering charges, term of custody up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved, and three years of supervised release.
19-cr-3625-CAB Indictment - Click HERE
Defendants Criminal Case No: 19-cr-3625-CAB
Defendant Number
Name
Hometown
1
Alfonso Arroyo
San Diego, CA
2
James Anthony Tate
San Diego, CA
3
Alice Chairez
San Diego, CA
4
Zena Marie Gonzalez
San Diego, CA
5
Steven Geiss
San Diego, CA
6
Tommy Diego Duenas
San Diego, CA
7
Josephina Hernandez
San Diego, CA
8
Kajlid Jafar Wilks
San Diego, CA
Summary of Charges
Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances (21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846)
Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments (18 U.S.C. §§ 1956(a)(2) and (h))
Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1))
Maximum Penalties: For the drug charges, term of custody including a mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in prison, $10 million fine and a lifetime of supervised release. For money laundering charges, term of custody up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved, and three years of supervised release.
19-cr-3626-CAB Indictment - Click HERE
Defendants Criminal Case No: 19-cr-3626-CAB
Defendant Number
Name
Hometown
1
Samuel Becerra
San Diego, CA
2
Gabrielle Logue
San Diego, CA
3
Kelly Daniels
San Diego, CA
4
Larry Meisner
San Diego, CA
5
Walter Kuttner
Spring Valley, CA
6
Kelly Jean Kelly
San Diego, CA
7
Kurt Roiz
San Diego, CA
8
Rodolfo Andrade
Chula Vista, CA
9
Alfredo Gomez
San Diego, CA
Summary of Charges
Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances (21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846)
Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments (18 U.S.C. §§ 1956(a)(2) and (h))
Maximum Penalties: For the drug charges, term of custody including a mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in prison, $10 million fine and a lifetime of supervised release. For money laundering charges, term of custody up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved, and three years of supervised release.
19-cr-3627-CAB Inictment - Click HERE
Defendants Criminal Case No: 19-cr-3627-CAB
Defendant Number
Name
Hometown
1
Douglas Bowen
San Diego, CA
2
Erick Cifuentes
San Diego, CA
3
John Bordwell Jr.
San Diego, CA
4
Raya Jaye Kimball
San Diego, CA
5
Stephen Robert Chavez
San Diego, CA
6
Robert David Houser
San Diego, CA
7
Justin Scott Baker
San Diego, CA
8
Janette Lee Taylor
San Diego, CA
9
Emilio Vanegas
San Diego, CA
10
Christopher Nobis
San Diego, CA
11
Maximino Padilla
San Diego, CA
12
Erika Marlene Ramirez-Ramirez
San Diego, CA
13
Heaven Rapp
San Diego, CA
14
Shelley Marie Cobb
San Diego, CA
15
Sarrah Jean Kent
San Diego, CA
16
David Hopkins
San Diego, CA
17
Matthew Bogan
San Diego, CA
18
Emily Uscanga
San Diego, CA
19
Michael Bowen
Colorado Springs, CA
20
Edson Garcia
San Diego, CA
21
Brandon Brooks
San Diego, CA
22
Raheem Jackson
San Diego, CA
23
Heather Kieley
San Diego, CA
24
Yvette Romero
San Diego, CA
25
Bobby Lee Crisp
San Diego, CA
26
Dario Navarro
San Diego, CA
Summary of Charges
Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances (21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846)
Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments (18 U.S.C. §§ 1956(a)(2) and (h))
Felon in Possession of a Firearm (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1))
Importation of a Controlled Substance (21 U.S.C. §§ 952, 960 and 963)
Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1))
Maximum Penalties: For the drug charges, term of custody including a mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in prison, $10 million fine and a lifetime of supervised release. For money laundering charges, term of custody up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved, and three years of supervised release.
19-cr-3628-CAB Indictment - Click HERE
Defendants Criminal Case No: 19-cr-3628-CAB
Defendant Number
Name
Hometown
1
Ramon Castillo
San Diego, CA
2
Samuel Jones
San Diego, CA
3
Julio Noriega
San Diego, CA
4
Johanna Trujillo
San Diego, CA
Summary of Charges
Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances (21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846)
Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments (18 U.S.C. §§ 1956(a)(2) and (h))
Maximum Penalties: For the drug charges, term of custody including a mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in prison, $10 million fine and a lifetime of supervised release. For money laundering charges, term of custody up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved, and three years of supervised release.
19-cr-3629-CAB Indictment - Click HERE
Defendants Criminal Case No: 19-cr-3629-CAB
Defendant Number
Name
Hometown
1
Rene Valdez Jr.
San Diego, CA
2
Araceli S. Lomeli
San Diego, CA
3
David Valdez
San Diego, CA
4
Robert Tate Allen
San Diego, CA
5
Sergio Eduardo Gutierrez Martinez
Tijuana, MX
6
Milton Perez Cruz
Tijuana, MX
Summary of Charges
Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances (21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846)
Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments (18 U.S.C. §§ 1956(a)(2) and (h))
Maximum Penalties: For the drug charges, term of custody including a mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in prison, $10 million fine and a lifetime of supervised release. For money laundering charges, term of custody up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved, and three years of supervised release.
19-cr-3630-CAB Indictment - Click HERE
Defendants Criminal Case No: 19-cr-3630-CAB
Defendant Number
Name
Hometown
1
Javier Vergara
San Diego, CA
2
Raul Alonso Varela-Ruiz
San Diego, CA
3
Michelangelo Becerra
San Diego, CA
4
Candice Harrington
San Diego, CA
5
Amanda Bitticks
San Diego, CA
6
Eduardo Pardo
San Diego, CA
7
Rose Velasquez
San Diego, CA
Summary of Charges
Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances (21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846)
Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments (18 U.S.C. §§ 1956(a)(2) and (h))
Maximum Penalties: For the drug charges, term of custody including a mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in prison, $10 million fine and a lifetime of supervised release. For money laundering charges, term of custody up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved, and three years of supervised release.
19-cr-3631-CAB Indictment - Click HERE
Defendants Criminal Case No: 19-cr-3631-CAB
Defendant Number
Name
Hometown
1
Michael Wright
San Diego, CA
2
Rhiannon Hiller
San Diego, CA
3
Michael Branch
San Diego, CA
4
Bryan Carlton
San Diego, CA
5
Charles Moore
San Diego, CA
6
Sara Syverson
San Diego, CA
Summary of Charges
Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances (21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 846)
Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments (18 U.S.C. §§ 1956(a)(2) and (h))
Maximum Penalties: For the drug charges, term of custody including a mandatory minimum 10 years and up to life in prison, $10 million fine and a lifetime of supervised release. For money laundering charges, term of custody up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the monetary instrument or funds involved, and three years of supervised release.
AGENCIES
Drug Enforcement Administration, Narcotics Task Force
Internal Revenue Service - Criminal Investigation
San Diego County Sheriff’s Department
United States Marshals Service
United States Border Patrol
United States Secret Service
United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
Federal Bureau of Prisons
San Diego Police Department
El Cajon Police Department
Chula Vista Police Department
San Diego County Probation Office
San Diego County District Attorney’s Office
Department of Justice, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces
Department of Justice, Office of Enforcement Operations
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska
U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado
Description: The fiscal year of the data file obtained from the AOUSC
Format: YYYY
Description: The code of the federal judicial circuit where the case was located
Format: A2
Description: The code of the federal judicial district where the case was located
Format: A2
Description: The code of the district office where the case was located
Format: A2
Description: Docket number assigned by the district to the case
Format: A7
Description: A unique number assigned to each defendant in a case which cannot be modified by the court
Format: A3
Description: A unique number assigned to each defendant in a case which can be modified by the court
Format: A3
Description: A sequential number indicating whether a case is an original proceeding or a reopen
Format: N5
Description: Case type associated with the current defendant record
Format: A2
Description: A concatenation of district, office, docket number, case type, defendant number, and reopen sequence number
Format: A18
Description: A concatenation of district, office, docket number, case type, and reopen sequence number
Format: A15
Description: The status of the defendant as assigned by the AOUSC
Format: A2
Description: A code indicating the fugitive status of a defendant
Format: A1
Description: The date upon which a defendant became a fugitive
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which a fugitive defendant was taken into custody
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date when a case was first docketed in the district court
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which proceedings in a case commenced on charges pending in the district court where the defendant appeared, or the date of the defendant’s felony-waiver of indictment
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: A code used to identify the nature of the proceeding
Format: N2
Description: The date when a defendant first appeared before a judicial officer in the district court where a charge was pending
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: A code indicating the type of legal counsel assigned to a defendant
Format: N2
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense committed which carried the highest severity
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with FTITLE1
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with FTITLE1
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with FTITLE1
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with FTITLE1
Format: A3
Description: The title and section of the U.S. Code applicable to the offense committed which carried the second highest severity
Format: A20
Description: A code indicating the level of offense associated with FTITLE2
Format: N2
Description: The four digit AO offense code associated with FTITLE2
Format: A4
Description: The four digit D2 offense code associated with FTITLE2
Format: A4
Description: A code indicating the severity associated with FTITLE2
Format: A3
Description: The FIPS code used to indicate the county or parish where an offense was committed
Format: A5
Description: The date of the last action taken on the record
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which judicial proceedings before the court concluded
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which the final sentence is recorded on the docket
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The date upon which the case was closed
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: The total fine imposed at sentencing for all offenses of which the defendant was convicted and a fine was imposed
Format: N8
Description: A count of defendants filed including inter-district transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants filed excluding inter-district transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of original proceedings commenced
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants filed whose proceedings commenced by reopen, remand, appeal, or retrial
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants terminated including interdistrict transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants terminated excluding interdistrict transfers
Format: N1
Description: A count of original proceedings terminated
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants terminated whose proceedings commenced by reopen, remand, appeal, or retrial
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants pending as of the last day of the period including long term fugitives
Format: N1
Description: A count of defendants pending as of the last day of the period excluding long term fugitives
Format: N1
Description: The source from which the data were loaded into the AOUSC’s NewSTATS database
Format: A10
Description: A sequential number indicating the iteration of the defendant record
Format: N2
Description: The date the record was loaded into the AOUSC’s NewSTATS database
Format: YYYYMMDD
Description: Statistical year ID label on data file obtained from the AOUSC which represents termination year