United States Drug Enforcement Administration

INDIANAPOLIS, IN. - Drug Enforcement (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Jack Riley and United States Attorney Joseph H. Hogsett announced the sentencing of Alberto Santana-Cabrera, 31, to 75 years in prison last week. U.S. District Judge William T. Lawrence sentenced Santana-Cabrera following his convictions for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine and three counts of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

“A convicted felon who continued his criminal ways by distributing the devastating drug methamphetamine and possessing weapons is going exactly where he belongs for what could likely be the remainder of his life,” stated Special Agent in Charge Jack Riley of the DEA Chicago Field Division, which includes the state of Indiana. “Solid investigations that lead to significant criminal convictions do not happen automatically. They happen because of the dedication of DEA employees, reciprocal partnerships with experienced departments such as the Indianapolis Metro Police Department, and aggressive prosecutorial allies at the U.S. Attorney’s Office.”

United States Attorney Hogsett warned those who traffic in illegal narcotics and guns that he has instructed his staff to attain “historic levels of aggressiveness” in prosecuting violent crime. “Violent crime is our priority. We will diminish its effects. We will pursue it wherever it raises its ugly head. We will do everything within our power to protect neighborhoods and Hoosier communities,” said U.S. Attorney Hogsett.

U.S. Attorney Hogsett continued, “We will identify, investigate, and prosecute career offenders who distribute narcotics and use firearms. This defendant, a convicted felon, made a choice to sell guns and meth while armed with another gun. The consequence of those choices is that he will spend 75 years in federal prison. I commend the Drug Enforcement Administration and the IMPD Metro Drug Task Force for working together to bring Mr. Santana-Cabrera to justice.”

The evidence at trial established that Santana-Cabrera, who at the time of his arrest was on probation for a prior drug conviction, was illegally selling firearms and methamphetamine out of the garage behind his house. The investigation led to law enforcement seizing over 600 grams of methamphetamine, seven firearms, and $53,000 in United States currency.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Josh J. Minkler, who prosecuted the case for the government, Judge Lawrence also imposed ten years of supervised release following Santana-Cabrera’s release from prison.

This case was the result of an investigation by the DEA and the Indianapolis Police Department Metropolitan Drug Task Force.