Olathe Man Pleads Guilty To Methamphetamine Trafficking

KANSAS CITY, KAN. - An Olathe man who trafficked in Mexican methamphetamine in the Kansas City, Kan., area faces a potential sentence of 18 years in federal prison, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Lorenzo Sepulveda, 34, Olathe, Kan., pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. In the plea agreement, both parties agreed to recommend a sentence of 18 years in federal prison.

In his plea, Sepulveda admitted he was identified during an investigation initiated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives into a methamphetamine distribution ring based in Kansas City, Kan. From May through October 2009 Sepulveda was involved in several transactions in which undercover agents bought methamphetamine from members of the conspiracy. In July 2009, for instance, undercover agents met conspirators in a parking lot of a McDonald’s restaurant and bought $6,750 worth of methamphetamine. Sepulveda told them the methamphetamine had come directly from Mexico.

Sentencing is set for Dec. 16. In addition to agreeing to a recommended 216-month sentence, Sepulveda consented to a money judgment against him of $125,000.

Grissom commended the Drug Enforcement Administration and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Krug for their work on the case.