Two St. Paul Men Indicted For Conspiring To Distribute Methamphetamine

MINNEAPOLIS—Yesterday in federal court in St. Paul, two St. Paul men were indicted for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. On July 9, 2013, Jorge De Jesus Gonzalez-Becerra, age 33, and Terry Lee Banks, Jr., age 37, were charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. In addition, Banks was charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, while Gonzalez-Becerra was charged with three counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

The indictment alleges that from March to June 12, 2013, the defendants conspired with each other and others to possess with intent to distribute 50 or more grams of methamphetamine, and that on June 12, they possessed with intent to distribute 450 or more grams of methamphetamine. It also alleges that Gonzalez-Becerra possessed with intent to distribute 29 grams of methamphetamine on March 13 and 31 grams of methamphetamine on March 25. In addition, on March 12, Banks possessed with intent to distribute five or more grams of cocaine.

According to a law enforcement affidavit filed in the case, authorities began investigating Gonzalez-Becerra in March 2013. Eventually, they obtained approximately two ounces of methamphetamine, three grams of cocaine, and nine firearms during arranged controlled purchases. All of the transactions took place at Gonzalez-Becerra’s residence.

If convicted, the defendants face a potential maximum penalty of 40 years in prison on each count. All sentences would be determined by a federal district court judge. This case is the result of an investigation by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the St. Paul Police Department, the Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Newberry.

An indictment is a determination by a grand jury that there is probable cause to believe that offenses have been committed by a defendant. A defendant, of course, is presumed innocent until he or she pleads guilty or is proven guilty at trial.