News Release [print friendly page]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 06, 2009
Contact: Joanna DeSanto
Number: 312-886-2597

OCT 06 -- (Evansville) Rosalio Cruz-Rea, 32, Saint George Utah, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Richard L. Young to 27 years federal imprisonment. After a seven-day trial in Evansville this past July, a jury found Cruz-Rea and two co-defendants guilty of conspiring to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine.

The investigation, which began in the Spring of 2007, targeted the drug trafficking activities of the Cruz-Rea led organization. According to trial testimony, the organization was responsible for distributing millions of dollars worth of cocaine and methamphetamine in the Evansville and Indianapolis areas. Additionally, the organization obtained large amounts of cocaine and methamphetamine from California and transported the drugs to Evansville and Indianapolis for further distribution via train, rental car, bus and car hauler. During the investigation, undercover law enforcement directed purchases and seizures totaled more than 11 kilograms of cocaine and more than 15 pounds of methamphetamine. One kilogram is equal to 2.2 pounds.

Assistant United States Attorney Matthias D. Onderak, who prosecuted the case for the government, indicated that Judge Young imposed a five year supervised release following Cruz-Rea’s release from prison. However, Cruz-Rea faces deportation proceedings following the 27 year prison sentence.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) led the ten-month investigation of Cruz-Rea and the two co-conspirators. Working in conjunction with the DEA in this investigation were the Evansville Police Department, Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, Vincennes Police Department, Indiana State Police, Gibson County Sheriff’s Office, Daviess County Sheriff’s Office and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Drug Task Force.