Indictments Unsealed Charging Fifteen Defendants With Drug Trafficking In Topeka

TOPEKA, KAN. – Fifteen defendants have been indicted on drug charges as a result of a federal drug trafficking investigation in Topeka, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Federal prosecutors Monday unsealed indictments alleging the defendants were part of a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in the Topeka area. Investigators served search warrants and made arrests in the case July 2.

Named in the indictments are:
Francisco J. Granado, Sr., 44, Emporia, Kan., who is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and four counts of using a phone in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Arturo Favela-Gomez, 36, Topeka, Kan., who is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, four counts of distributing methamphetamine and 16 counts of using a phone in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Ismael Murillo-Nunez, 50k, Topeka, Kan., who is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, one count of distributing methamphetamine and 11 counts of using a phone in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Saul Salas-Gomez, 29, Topeka, Kan., who is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and five counts of using a phone in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Miguel Adame-Regino, who is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of distributing methamphetamine and four counts of using a phone in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Juan Carlos Flores-Rodriguez, 32, Grand Island, Neb., who is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and three counts of using a phone in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Chela Murillo, Topeka, Kan., who is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and three counts of using a phone in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Gustavo Gonzalez-Valadez, 26, Topeka, Kan., who is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and two counts of using a phone in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Jamie (last name unknown), who is charged with one count of conspiracy and four counts of using a phone in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Jerman Aldava, 28, Dodge City, Kan., who is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and nine counts of using a phone in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Jessica Howard, 30, Topeka, Kan., who is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and six counts of using a phone in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Robert Lovgren, 56, Manhattan, Kan., who is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and three counts of using a phone in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Lupita Gomez, 32, Kansas City, Kan., who is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Nancy Gutierrez-Soto, Topeka, Kan., who is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and two counts of using a phone in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Raul Cortes-Ponce, 52, Kansas City, Kan., who is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and five counts of using a phone in furtherance of drug trafficking.

Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
– Conspiracy: Not less than 10 years in federal prison and not more than life and a fine up to $10 million.
– Using a phone in furtherance of drug trafficking: A maximum penalty of four years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.

The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Topeka Police Department investigated. Also assisting were the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Emporia Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

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