Indictment: Traffic Stop in Kansas Uncovered 117 Pounds of Cocaine

WICHITA, KAN. – Two people were indicted Tuesday on federal charges they had 117 pounds of cocaine hidden in their car when they were stopped for a traffic violation in Wabaunsee County, Acting U.S. Attorney Tom Beall said.

Marco Antonio Aispuro, 48, and Maria Janeth Moreno-Cento, 39, were charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. In addition, Moreno-Centeno was charged with one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported.

Documents filed in the case allege Moreno-Centro was driving and Aispuro was in the passenger seat on Oct. 21, 2016, when the Kansas Highway Patrol pulled them over on I-70 eastbound near mile marker 333 in Wabaunsee County. Troopers found 117 pounds of cocaine in the driver’s side rear quarter panel and the spare tire.

Upon conviction, the drug charge carries a penalty of not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million. The immigration charge carries a penalty up to two years and a fine up to $250,000. The Kansas Highway Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Skip Jacobs is prosecuting.

OTHER GRAND JURY INDICTMENTS

Osmar A. Marroquin, 42, a citizen of Guatemala, is charged with one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found Oct. 24, 2016, in Butler County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a penalty up to two years and a fine up to $250,000. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.

Gonzalo Montoya-Perez, 45, a citizen of Mexico, is charged with one count of unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. He was found Oct. 27, 2016, in Reno County, Kan.

If convicted, he faces a penalty up to two years and a fine up to $250,000. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brent Anderson is prosecuting.

In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.