JUN 23 -- (San Diego, CA) —Today a federal criminal complaint charging eight individuals with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine was unsealed. The criminal complaint is the results of a long-term drug trafficking investigation, named “Operation Professor Dickey,” which targeted major distributors of methamphetamine and cocaine throughout San Diego County. Operation Professor Dickey is spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the San Diego County Narcotics Task Force (“DEA/NTF”). Operation Professor Dickey is being investigated and prosecuted as part of the U.S. Department of Justice’s Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (“OCDETF”) program, which was created to consolidate and utilize all law enforcement resources in the nation’s efforts to dismantle major drug-trafficking organizations

On June 19, 2009, federal agents searched 16 locations in Escondido, Vista, Pauma Valley, San Marcos, Valley Center and Fallbrook, arresting five of the named federal defendants and two additional suspects who will be prosecuted by state authorities, as well as seizing seven firearms.

Federal court documents unsealed today indicate that the investigation involved numerous seizures of methamphetamine and cocaine, as well as the seizures of an AK-47 assault rifle and narcotics proceeds in excess of $150,000.

In addition to the DEA/NTF, the coalition of investigative agencies that assisted with the case included the Escondido Police Department, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, the San Diego Police Department, the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Postal Service, and the U.S. Probation Office.

The defendants were arraigned today before Magistrate Judge Ruben B. Brooks on the criminal complaint and are scheduled to return to court on Thursday, June 25, 2009.

DEFENDANTS Case Number: 09MJ1897
Richard Samuel Perez, Jr. aka Dickey
Larry Edward Frank
*Fernando Guerrero aka Fern, aka Steve, aka Cuate *Fugitive
*Victor Trujillo de la Madrid aka Junior, aka Manny *Fugitive
Lucio Gutierrez aka Chris, aka Chacalin
*Marco Antonio Gutierrez-Munoz *Fugitive
Luis Andaluz Hernandez
Samuel Dee MarquezRichard Samuel Perez, Jr. aka Dickey

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine — Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1) and 846 Mandatory Minimum: 10 years. Maximum: Life Imprisonment. Maximum Fine: $4,000,000  

A complaint itself is not evidence that the defendant committed the crimes charged. The defendant is presumed innocent until the Government meets its burden in court of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The mission of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is to enforce the controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States and bring to the criminal and civil justice system of the United States, or any other competent jurisdiction, those organizations and principal members of organizations, involved in the growing, manufacture, or distribution of controlled substances appearing in or destined for illicit traffic in the United States; and to recommend and support non-enforcement programs aimed at reducing the availability of illicit controlled substances on the domestic and international markets.