Two Garden City men charged for drug and firearm offenses
KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Joshua J. Suazo, 24, Garden City, Kan., and Alexis M. Valverde, 29, Garden City, Kan., were indicted today on drug and firearm offenses.
Suazo and Valverde were both charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine (count 1), one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin (count 2), and one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking (count 3). In addition, Valverde is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon (count 4), and Suazo is charged with one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a user of controlled substances (count 5). The crimes are alleged to have occurred Aug. 20, 2020, in Garden City.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
- Counts 1 and 2: Up to 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $1 million.
- Count 3: Not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000.
- Counts 4 and 5: Up to 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
The Drug Enforcement Administration Kansas City District Office investigated this case along with the Garden City Police Department. Defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
