Thirteen Arrested In Alleged Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

COLUMBUS – An investigation by federal, state and local law enforcement in Central Ohio has led to the arrest of 13 people on charges of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin.

Carter M. Stewart, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Robert Corso, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Ohio State Highway Patrol Superintendent Paul Pride, Columbus Police Chief Kim Jacobs, Kathy A. Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Michael Boxler, Special Agent in Charge, Columbus Field Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Marlon V. Miller, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Franklin County Sheriff Zach Scott announced the indictment today following early morning efforts to arrest and locate the defendants.

The indictment alleges that since January 2011 the group has conspired to distribute numerous kilograms of heroin. Those arrested also allegedly distributed or possessed with the intent to distribute numerous kilograms of cocaine. Five of the individuals arrested allegedly distributed or possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Investigators allege that members of the group purchased vehicles with proceeds from the alleged illegal drug activity or in an attempt to launder such proceeds.

“I applaud the combined efforts of law enforcement,” U.S. Attorney Stewart said. “We will continue to work to prevent the damage that illegal drug activity causes to our communities.”

"The Patrol is committed to fighting the war on drugs from the front lines by working collaboratively with the DEA and other law enforcement partners to bring to justice individuals and groups involved in criminal activity. Whether a citizen is traveling Ohio’s roadways, working or living within a community, our overarching goal is to make Ohio safe. Today’s operation is an example of just that,” stated Colonel Paul Pride, Ohio State Highway Patrol superintendent.

“As Chief, I am greatly concerned for the families of those Columbus residents who have become addicted to illegal drugs. Drug addiction is a leading cause of criminal behavior and our community is safer today thanks to the combined efforts of our Narcotics Bureau, federal, state and local law enforcement. Our efforts to diminish the supply side of this problem may help reduce violence and access to these damaging drugs,” said Kim Jacobs, Chief of Police, Columbus Division of Police.

“By following the money trail, IRS special agents helped to disrupt and dismantle this major drug trafficking organization that attempted to conceal the true source of their money from the government,” said Kathy A. Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office.

“This investigation is a prime example of agencies working together to send a loud and clear message that drug trafficking will not be tolerated in Franklin County,” Sheriff Zach Scott stated. “The cooperation of multiple agencies can effectively thwart the efforts of dealers who are bringing harmful drugs into Central Ohio and destroying lives.”

U.S. Attorney Stewart commended the cooperative investigation by the local, state and federal law enforcement, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tim Prichard and Dave Bosley, who are prosecuting the case.

Charges contained in a complaint are allegations. All defendants should be presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

A list of those charged with details of the charges is attached.

No.	Name	Age	Address		Counts
1	RUBEN L. QUIROZ	33	408 Yarmouth Lane Columbus, Ohio		1, 2
2	LIBORIO ALCAUTER	47	6431 Sunbury Road Westerville, Ohio		1
3	ERIKA V. BEDOLLA	28	2608 Northwold Rd. Columbus, Ohio		1
4	ALEJANDRINA GARCIA	28	3479 Homestead Dr. Columbus, Ohio		1
5	CARLOS S. CARRASCO	34	2632 Northwold Rd. Columbus, Ohio		1
6	EBRIMA SUMAREH	30	614 Slippery Rock Columbus, Ohio		1
7	FAVIO N. MORALES	40	Toledo, Ohio		1, 2
8	FELIPE R. SOLANO	45	3479 Homestead Drive Columbus, Ohio		1, 2
9	JAVIER A. CASTILLO	26	2540 Timber Trail Columbus, Ohio		1
10	JOSUE SOLIS	37	1374 Gilead Court Galloway, Ohio		1
11	LORENA SEVILLA-MORA	34	5533 Thumbleweed Drive Galloway, Ohio		1
12	MIRIAM F. RAMIREZ	29	7667 Scofield Court Dublin, Ohio		1, 2, 6
13	RODOLFO R. PADILLA	25	4128 Atlanta Drive Columbus, Ohio		1
Count 1 Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. 21 U.S.C. §  846				10 years - life $10,000,000 fine At least 5 years supervised release
Count 2 Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. 21 U.S.C. §  846				10 years $250,000 fine At least 2 years supervised release
Count 6 Monetary transaction to conceal or disguise proceeds of unlawful activity 18 USC §1956(a)(1)(B)(i) and 18 USC §2				20 years $500,000 fine 3 years supervised release