Racine and Kenosha Area Residents Charged with Drug Conspiracy and Firearm Offenses

United States Attorney James L. Santelle announced that indictments issued in May 2011 have been unsealed charging 17 individuals with various drug-trafficking and firearms offenses. The defendants, several of whom are alleged to be members of the Gangster Disciples street gang in Racine, are charged with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846.

The following individuals are charged in the indictment:

Additionally, on June 27, 2011, a criminal complaint was returned against Carlos Montoya, Sr., of San Antonio, Texas. Montoya was charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1).

The defendants, if convicted, face a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and up to 40 years in prison; a fine of up to $5,000,000; and between four years and life on supervised release. It should be noted the indictment also charges Miguel E. Rosales with being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). If convicted of this offense he faces up to 10 years’ imprisonment, up to three years on supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.

The defendants were charged after lengthy investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Wisconsin Department of Justice - Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), the Kenosha Drug Operations Group (KDOG) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Greater Racine Task Force. The Task Force is comprised of personnel from the FBI, Racine Police Department, Racine County Sheriff’s Office, the Mount Pleasant Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and DCI.

Today 18 state and federal search warrants were executed in Texas, Illinois, and Wisconsin. In Wisconsin, agents seized 18 pistols and one shotgun; approximately $45,000 in cash; several ounces of cocaine; small amounts of crack cocaine and methamphetamine; and two pounds of marijuana. In Texas, agents seized two pistols, an AR-15 assault rifle, and a short barreled shot gun as well as a ½ ounce of cocaine and methamphetamine.

Fifteen of the defendants were arrested today. The remaining defendant has agreed to turn himself in today.

The following agencies participated in today’s takedown: DEA, DCI, KDOG, ATF, Mount Pleasant Police Department, Racine Police Department, Kenosha Police Department, Racine County Sheriff’s Office, Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Marshals Service, West Allis Police Department, the Milwaukee Metro Drug Enforcement Group, and the Illinois State Patrol.

Carlos Montoya, Sr., and Dora Montoya were arrested by the Illinois State Patrol, Will County Sheriff’s Department, and Will County Cooperative Police Assistance Team on June 24, 2011. Police seized a kilogram of cocaine from their car.

The investigation is part of an ongoing, long-term effort by law enforcement to target large scale cocaine traffickers. This investigation was initiated earlier this year based on information obtained through confidential sources concerning a large scale cocaine distribution organization in the Racine and Milwaukee area that was supplying the Gangster Disciple street gang. The organization was led by Miguel E. Rosales of Racine and involved out of state sources of cocaine and marijuana from Chicago, Illinois, and San Antonio, Texas. Multiple kilograms of cocaine were distributed on a monthly basis. The organization utilized multiple street level dealers in the Racine, Kenosha, and Green Bay areas.

In announcing the charges in this indictment, United States Attorney Santelle commented: “The criminal conduct of the 17 people charged by the grand jury has now come to an end—and the neighborhoods that have been victimized by their nefarious trafficking in illegal drugs and their use of firearms are now working toward a restoration of the safety and security that all communities district-wide both want and deserve. Like many other recent, successful law enforcement initiatives, this gang-targeted operation was the result of a highly cooperative partnership among thoroughly professional and hard-working federal, state, and local law enforcement officers—here in Wisconsin and in Illinois and Texas. Their efforts and those of all people, individuals and groups, committed to eradicating organized, criminal conduct of this type are worthy of the highest commendation—even as we continue to identify and investigate others who choose not to learn the lesson of today’s announcement.”

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mario F. Gonzales and Matthew L. Jacobs of the Office of the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, United States Department of Justice. An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

For additional information contact: Assistant United State Attorneys Mario F. Gonzales and Matthew L. Jacobs Public Information Officer Dean Puschnig, (414) 297-1700.