CHICAGO — In a stunning display of the intersection of guns and drugs in Chicago, seventeen defendants are facing federal narcotics and/or firearms charges.
An investigation by the Chicago Police Department and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration into alleged drug-trafficking by a father and son has resulted in federal narcotics charges against them, two alleged suppliers, at least eight alleged customers, and others. The investigation also led to the seizure of more than 14 kilograms of cocaine, three kilograms of heroin, 15 firearms, and approximately $320,000.
The investigation moved up and down an alleged drug supply ladder as a result of Chicago police officers and DEA agents using federal wiretaps on at least a dozen phones to intercept conversations and deliveries of narcotics and firearms.
According to court documents, defendant Dwyane Payne, also known as “Murder,” allegedly told an individual that he needed a gun because he was going to a memorial service at North Central Park Avenue and West Division Street, where rival gang members would be present. Based on that call and others that followed, police and agents set up surveillance at the intersection and, about an hour later, approached the man who Payne had been talking to as he was standing next to a 2005 Chrysler 300.
The individual ran but was quickly apprehended and gave permission to search his car. Inside, two TEC-9 semi-automatic pistols with extended magazines were found on the floor of the backseat – one was loaded with 30 live rounds and the other, which had a defaced serial number, was loaded with approximately 28 live rounds, including one in the chamber.
Payne’s brother, Marshall Payne, was also indicted yesterday for being a previously convicted felon in illegal possession of both loaded TEC-9s.
The investigation led to the arrest of four defendants on November 30, 2012, including alleged drug courier Lucio Cuevas, who was stopped in a vehicle in the 7400 block of West Waveland Avenue. Cuevas was arrested and two kilograms of cocaine and a handgun were seized from his vehicle.
Believing that the cocaine was destined for delivery to the nearby residence of Johnny Mendez, located in the 3700 block of North Olcott Avenue, authorities later that day arrested Mendez and his father, Johnny Chaparro, who also lived nearby in the 3700 block of North Oketo Avenue. Investigators searched Mendez’s home and seized two kilograms of heroin, a handgun and approximately $209,130.
The charges against the defendants include narcotics distribution, firearms possession, and being a convicted felon in illegal possession of a firearm. Most of the defendants have been ordered detained or have detention hearings next week in U.S. District Court.
All 17 defendants were charged in eight separate indictments returned yesterday by a federal grand jury. The indictments seek forfeiture of approximately $758,729 in alleged narcotics proceeds, including approximately $236,000 that was seized during the investigation.
Defendant Information:
– Defendant: Dwyane Payne (also known as “Murder”)
– Charges: Narcotics distribution, firearms possession
– Location: Chicago, Illinois
– Date: November 26, 2012
– Current Status: Indicted
– Forfeiture Amount: Approximately $320,000
– Other Defendants:
– Marshall Payne: Indicted for being a previously convicted felon in illegal possession of a firearm
– Lucio Cuevas: Indicted for narcotics distribution
– Johnny Mendez: Indicted for narcotics distribution
– Johnny Chaparro: Indicted for narcotics distribution
– Jose Arguijo: Indicted for narcotics distribution
– Antonio Valencia-Pantoja: Indicted for narcotics distribution
– Anthony Madison: Indicted for narcotics distribution
– Paul Jenkins: Indicted for narcotics distribution
– Lakicha White: Indicted for narcotics distribution
– Dislson Rocha: Indicted for narcotics distribution
– Joel Melendez: Indicted for narcotics distribution
– Delilah Martinez: Indicted for narcotics distribution
– Iris Correa: Indicted for narcotics distribution
Related Federal Cases
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- Ranjit Wahi, Illicit Oxycodone and Methadone Distribution, Illinois 2023 · Kentucky
- Robert Stein, Bank Embezzlement, Illinois 2022 · Illinois
- Ronald J. Wiggins, Methamphetamine Distribution, Illinois 2015 · Illinois
Key Facts
- State: Illinois
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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