News Release
Colorado Based Mexican Drug Trafficking Organization Disrupted
MAY 01 -- DENVER – A federal grand jury in Denver has returned a 55-count indictment charging 22 defendants with conspiracy and other drug trafficking crimes, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Weld County Drug Task Force, and the Longmont Police Department announced today. Of the 22 indicted, 14 were arrested this week without incident. Six of the defendants were already in custody. Another 2 have not been arrested, and are now considered fugitives. Also, 3 search warrants were executed, two in Longmont and one in Thornton. Those arrested this week will appear for detention hearings in U.S. District Court in Denver on Monday, May 4, 2009. The 10 month investigation, known as “Operation Bad Call”, has resulted in the seizure of over 4 kilograms of cocaine and 221 pounds of marijuana. Also, $9,870 in US currency, 44 Oxycodon pills, a cocaine press, two handguns, a 2004 Yamaha Motorcycle, a 2002 Chevrolet Avalanche and a 2005 Mercedes 4-door were also seized. One leader of the organization is believed to be Jesus Maldonado, Jr., based in Longmont. Charles Clapp is also thought to be a leader. The investigation revealed that the defendants allegedly trafficked cocaine in Boulder, Adams, Arapahoe and Weld Counties, among other places. Those who were charged in the indictment and arrested this week are: SIGIFREDO CHAVEZ-CUEVAS, age 31, of Thornton, Colorado CHARLES LESTER CLAPP, age 29, of Frederick, Colorado JESUS MALDONADO, Jr., age 22, of Longmont, Colorado ARTURO JULIO ZATARAIN-MORROY, age 24, of Longmont, Colorado ANTHONY LEE VALDEZ, age 29, of Longmont, Colorado JAVIER MARMOLEJO-MEDINA, age 20 or 22, of Longmont, Colorado CHRISTOPHER HYUONGHUNG REIVICH, age 28, of Boulder, Colorado JOSE ANTONIO MARTINEZ-SOLIS, age 31, of Longmont, Colorado MATTHEW WOLFE ROSEN, age 43, of Denver, Colorado OBED ISRAEL HILDAGO-HERNANDEZ, age 24, of Longmont, Colorado OSVALDO QUIROZ-ZUNIGA, age 23, of Longmont, Colorado ERNESTO ALEJANDRO GUTIERREZ, age 28, of Longmont, Colorado JESUS ALBERTO REYES-LOPEZ, age 23, of Denver, Colorado JOSE GABINO RODRIGUEZ-RIVERA, age 30, of Commerce City, Colorado Those who were charged in the indictment and already in custody include: EUJENIO MORENO, age 39 MARIO ALBERTO BORJA-SALAS, age 31 URIEL REYES-MACIAS, age 25 JOSE ROBERTO VASQUEZ, age 25 JAIME MADRID-GURROLA, age 41 PAULINO PARRA-RAYOS, age 24 Those who were charged in the indictment, and are fugitives include: RODRIGO VALENCIA-MONDRAGON, age 30 TOBY LOPEZ, age 30 “This investigation is representative of DEA’s efforts in targeting major drug trafficking organizations operating in the Rocky Mountain region,” said Jeffrey D. Sweetin, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Rocky Mountain Field Division. “I believe our communities are safer today because of this effort.” “This case is an excellent example of how local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and drug enforcement task force officers can work together to remove drug dealers from our streets,” said Acting U.S. Attorney David Gaouette. If convicted, all twenty-two defendants face not less than 10 years, and up to life in federal prison for conspiracy to knowingly distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. They also faces fines of up to $4,000,000. Defendants also face a variety of other drug charges. This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Weld County Drug Task Force, and the Longmont Police Department. Assisting in the investigation was the Front Range Task Force. In addition, the following agencies helped in making this week’s arrests: The Boulder County Drug Task Force, the Boulder County SWAT team, the Longmont SWAT team, the North Metro Drug Task Force, the Denver Police Department, the Thornton Police Department, the Frederick Police Department, the Denver Police Homicide Unit, the Weld County Sheriff’s Office, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Phillips. These charges are only allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. |