Andrew M. Luger, United States Attorney for the District of Minnesota, today announced the guilty plea of ANTONIO NAVARRO, a/k/a TONY SANCHEZ, 19, to Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine. NAVARRO pleaded guilty before United States District Court Judge John R. Tunheim. NAVARRO was indicted on May 5, 2014, with three co-defendants: JESUS RAMIREZ, 31; JONATAN DELGADO ALVAREZ, 22; and JUAN RICARDO ELENES VILLAVAZO, a/k/a. CHAPO, 32. RAMIREZ and ALVAREZ are in custody and awaiting trial. VILLALVAZO remains unapprehended.

“This case is a powerful example of the violent tactics of drug traffickers,” said U.S. Attorney Luger. “The United States Attorney’s Office in Minnesota, along with our local and federal law enforcement partners, is committed to stopping the flow of illegal drugs into our state, and aggressively prosecuting the violent crime that so often comes with it.”

As set forth by the defendant’s guilty plea, between February 2014, and April 2014, NAVARRO distributed methamphetamine and maintained a house in St. Paul where a large amount of methamphetamine was stored.

According to the indictment, on April 14, 2014, RAMIREZ and ALVAREZ flew from Los Angeles to Minneapolis. Later than evening, the defendants are charged with kidnapping two victims at gunpoint, holding them captive, and beating and making violent threats against their lives that of their families. According to the indictment, VILLAVAZO sliced and nearly severed one of the victim’s fingers.

NAVARRO was arrested at approximately 7:30 p.m. on April 15, 2014. He is expected to be sentenced at a future date.

This conviction is the result of an investigation by the Safe Streets Task Force. Safe Streets is a FBI-sponsored task force focused on combating violent street crime, as well as gang and drug-trafficking offenses. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jeffrey S. Paulsen.

United States Attorney Andrew Luger thanked the Minneapolis Police Department, and the St. Paul Police Department, for their assistance in the investigation.