United States Drug Enforcement Administration

MILWAUKEE, WI. - The unsealing of indictments charging 17 individuals with various drug-trafficking and firearms offences was announced by the United States Attorney James L. Santelle yesterday. The defendants are charged with conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. Several of the defendants are alleged to be members of the Gangster Disciples street gang in Racine.

A lengthy investigation by the Drug Enforcement (DEA), Wisconsin Department of Justice - Division of Criminal (DCI), the Kenosha Drug Operations (KDOG) and the Federal Bureau of (FBI) Greater Racine Task Force, resulted in the criminal charges. The Greater Racine Task Force includes personnel from the FBI, Racine Police Department, Racine County Sheriff’s Office, Mount Pleasant Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and (ATF), and DCI.

The following defendants were charged:

Patricia L. Badger; 52; Burlington, WI
Elvin L. Brewer; 33; Racine, WI
Daniel J. Cisler; 41; Racine, WI
Bryant J. Jones; 35; Waukegan, IL
Jeremy G. Lopez; 29; Racine, WI
Joseph G. Montemurro; 26; Kenosha, WI
Dora F. Montoya; 54; Atascosa, TX
Carlos Roberto Montoya; 38; San Antonio, TX
Hiram Rosado; 37; Kenosha, WI
Jose J. Rosado “Choch”; 38; Kenosha, WI
Miguel E. Rosales; 35; Racine, WI
Gustavo H. Salas; 32; Kenosha, WI
Niccole M. Simmons; 35; Racine, WI
Kenneth Tracy; 43; Kenosha, WI
Lenin A. Urrego; 25; Kenosha, WI
Ricardo G. Vasquez; 38; Kenosha, WI

Additionally, on June 27, 2011, a criminal complaint was returned against Carlos Montoya, Sr., of San Antonio, Texas, charging him with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine.

In announcing the charges in the 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 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.”

Law enforcement executed 18 state and federal search warrants yesterday in Texas, Illinois, and Wisconsin. In Wisconsin law enforcement seized 18 pistols and one shotgun; approximately $45,000 in United States Currency; several ounces of cocaine; small amounts of crack cocaine and methamphetamine; and two pounds of marijuana. In Texas law enforcement seized two pistols, an AR-15 assault rifle, a short barreled shotgun, and small amount of cocaine and methamphetamine.

Carlos Montoya Sr. and Dora Montoya were arrested by the Illinois State Police, Will County Sheriff’s Department, and Will County Cooperative Police Assistance Team on June 24, 2011. Police seized a (2.2 lbs) of cocaine from their car.

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

The following agencies participated in yesterday’s enforcement action: DEA, DCI, KDOG, ATF, Mount Pleasant PD, Racine PD, Kenosha PD, Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, United States Marshals Service, West Allis PD, Milwaukee Metro Drug Enforcement Group, and the Illinois State Police.

If convicted, the defendants face a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, with a maximum of 40 years; a fine of up to $5 million; and between four years and life on supervised release. Miguel E. Rosales was also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted of this offense, he faces up to a 10 year term of imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.

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 represent the government.

The public is reminded that 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.

Parents and their children are encouraged to educate themselves about the dangers of legal and illegal drugs by visiting DEA’s interactive websites at www.justthinktwice.com, www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com and www.dea.gov.