INDIANA – Twenty-two individuals have been sentenced to federal prison for their involvement in a sprawling methamphetamine and money laundering conspiracy that trafficked hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine across Indiana. The 23rd defendant, Edeer Avila, remains at large as a fugitive.
The extensive operation, spearheaded by Isaias Gonzalez-Torres, was responsible for distributing significant quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl into Indianapolis and surrounding communities, including Seymour, Columbus, and Terre Haute. The multi-agency investigation led to substantial seizures, including 82 pounds of methamphetamine, 1,750 fentanyl pills, one kilogram of cocaine, and nine firearms.
Chief U.S. District Judge James R. Sweeney II imposed sentences. The case was the result of a collaborative investigative effort by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), IRS Criminal Investigation, the Seymour Police Department, and the Joint Narcotics Enforcement Team.
The individuals sentenced faced a variety of federal charges for their roles in the conspiracy, primarily involving:
- Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine: This was a common charge among many defendants, including key figures like Isaias Gonzalez-Torres (Indianapolis), Martin Felix-Garcia (Phoenix, AZ), Erlin Lucero-Asencio (Indianapolis), and Abel Ayala-Garcia (Columbus, IN).
- Conspiracy to launder monetary instruments: Several defendants, including the ringleaders, were also charged with financial crimes related to the illicit drug proceeds.
- Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances: Specific quantities of drugs were found on individuals like Juliann Magallanez (Terre Haute), Victor Vazquez-Hernandez (Seymour), Dillon Smith (Terre Haute), Allison Perdue (Seymour), and Emilio Landa-Lagunes (Seymour).
- Firearm offenses: Juliann Magallanez also faced charges for unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
- Other charges: Erlin Lucero-Asencio was additionally identified as an illegal alien found in the United States.
The remaining defendants sentenced for their involvement in the conspiracy were: John Whiffing (Terre Haute), Eduardo Rodriguez (Indianapolis), Andrew Calix-Maldonado (Indianapolis), Julio Vicente-Guox (Indianapolis), Luis Daniel Hernandez (Indianapolis), Jendry Medina (Indianapolis), Abner Rodas-Abelardez (Indianapolis), Kenia Acosta (Indianapolis), Jeami Waleska Sevilla Luna (Indianapolis), Eulalia Murillo-Resura (Indianapolis), Nathan Lee (Columbus), Claudio Garcia-Morales (Columbus), and Candy Medina-Corcoles (California).
Law enforcement continues to pursue Edeer Avila, the 23rd defendant, who remains a fugitive.
