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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
Dec. 21, 2007
FEDERAL CHARGES FILED IN WICHITA COCAINE TRAFFICKING CASE
WICHITA, KAN. – A 48-count federal grand jury indictment charges eight Wichita men with cocaine trafficking.
Jesus Valencia Abarca, 36; Tyrone L. Andrews, 38; Michael L. Biglow, 42; James Black, 37; Kevin Gunter, 36; Ricky Henry; Aaron Lonergan, 37; Gregory Reynolds, 34; and Isaac Woods, III, 26, are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine.
Other counts in the indictment include:
– Possession with intent to distribute cocaine
– Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine
– Unlawful use of a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking
– Carrying a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking
– Unlawful possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of a controlled substance
In one count, Tyrone Andrews is charged with maintaining a residence at 1821 S. Ridgewood in Wichita for the purpose of distributing cocaine.
The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of:
– A sum of money equal to $300,000 from Tyrone Andrews. Listed in the count are vehicles and real properties including 1926 S. Spruce, 1930 S. Spruce, 1112 N. Terrace, 1821 S. Ridgwood, 1610 E. 15th North, 931 S. Sandalwood and 5749 Ayesbury.
– Vehicles and $23,452 in cash from Jesus Valencia Abarca.
– A sum of money equal to $76,000 from Michael Biglow. Listed in the count are vehicles and real property including 9320 N. Hydraulic in Kechi.
– A sum of money equal to $38,000 from Kevin Gunter. Properties
– A sum of money equal to $38,000 from Isacc Woods, III.
Among the charges against specific defendants are these:
– Tyrone L. Andrews: Conspiracy, distribution of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, unlawful use of a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking, carrying a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, maintaining a residence for the purpose of distributing cocaine.
– Jesus Valencia Abarca: Conspiracy, using another person’s Social Security number.
– Michael L. Biglow: Conspiracy, unlawful use of a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, unlawful possession of a firearm by an unlawful user of controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
– James Black: Conspiracy, unlawful use of a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking, possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
– Kevin Gunter: Conspiracy, distributing cocaine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine,
– Ricky Henry: Conspiracy.
– Aaron Lonergan: Conspiracy, making a false statement to the U.S. Department of Justice.
– Gregory Reynolds: Conspiracy, unlawful use of a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking, possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
– Isaac Woods: Conspiracy, possession with intent to distribute cocaine.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
– Conspiracy: Not less than 10 years and not more than life and a fine up to $4 million.
– Distributing 2 kilograms of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute 2 kilograms of cocaine: Not less than 5 years and not more than 40 years in federal prison and a fine up to $2 million on each count.
– Possession with intent to distribute various smaller amounts of cocaine: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to 1 million on each count.
– Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine: Not less than 10 years and not more than life, and a fine up to $4 million.
– Unlawful use of a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking: A maximum penalty of 4 years and a fine up to $250,000.
– Carrying a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking: Not less than 5 years and a fine up to $250,000.
– Maintaining a residence in furtherance of drug trafficking: A maximum penalty of 20 year and a fine up to $500,000.
– Making a false statement to the U.S. Department of Justice: A maximum penalty of 5 years and a fine up to $250,000.
– Unlawful possession of a firearm by a user of controlled substances: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
– Using another person’s Social Security number: Two years and a fine up to $250,000.
The Wichita Police Department, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley is prosecuting.
As in any criminal case, a person is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments filed merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
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