September 10, 2012
Contact: Public Information Officer
Number: 314-538-4826

SEP 10 (EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill.) The Drug Enforcement Administration and United States Attorney’s Office today announced that Ever Astorga-Ramirez, 33, who most recently resided in Phoenix, Arizona, was charged by Criminal Complaint on September 10, 2012, with one count of Possession With the Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.

If convicted, Astorga-Ramirez faces a minimum term of ten years in prison, and a maximum sentence of life in prison, a fine of up to $10 million, a $100 special assessment, and at least five years of supervised release. According to public documents filed with the Court, Astorga-Ramirez was arrested by the Illinois State Police on September 9, 2012, following a traffic stop on Interstate 55/70 in Madison County, Illinois.

Astorga-Ramirez made his first appearance in United States District Court on September 10. He remains in the custody of the United States Marshal pending a Detention Hearing which is currently scheduled for 11:00 on Friday, September 14, 2012.

Evidence in support of the complaint was obtained in an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Illinois State Police, and the Metropolitan Enforcement Group of Southwestern Illinois (MEGSI). This case has been assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Randy G. Massey for prosecution.