Eddi Ramirez, Cocaine Trafficking, Illinois 2014

A jury has found Eddi Ramirez, a 32-year-old man from Paxton, Illinois, guilty of running a large-scale cocaine trafficking network in central Illinois. The jury deliberated for approximately one and one-half hours before finding Ramirez, also known as "Migo," guilty of conspiring with others to distribute cocaine and distribution of cocaine.

During the seven-day trial, the government presented evidence that included a court-authorized wiretap of seven of Ramirez's telephones, the seizure of approximately $855,716 in cash, and nearly nine kilograms (nearly 20 pounds) of cocaine seized in Springfield, Elgin, and Houston, Texas. The evidence also established that Ramirez used multiple sources in Texas, Arizona, and Chicago to transport the cocaine to central Illinois.

The evidence further established that Ramirez provided the cocaine, valued at more than $3 million, to dealers in central Illinois, and used a house at 76 E. Court Drive, in Decatur, Illinois, as a 'stash' house to store and package cocaine and to move drug money. In total, 19 defendants have been charged for their ties to Ramirez and his operation.

Sentencing for Ramirez is scheduled for May 21, 2014. Ramirez faces a statutory mandatory minimum penalty of 20 years to life in prison because the government has filed notice that Ramirez has a prior felony drug conviction. Ramirez has remained in law enforcement custody since his arrest in September 2012.

Known as "Operation Tres Ciudades" (Three Cities), the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Springfield Resident Office. Law enforcement agencies participating in this investigation include the FBI, Springfield Division; Decatur Police Department; Springfield Police Department; the Illinois State Police, the Central Illinois Enforcement Group; the Illinois Attorney General's Office; and, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

"Law enforcement, especially DEA, FBI, the Illinois Attorney General's Office, and the Decatur Police Department, devoted significant resources and tireless work toward this successful prosecution," said Jim Lewis, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of Illinois. "Their hard work and teamwork over the past few years has shut down a major pipeline that pumped volumes of illegal drugs into our community. They truly served the community."

Special Agent in Charge Jack Riley, DEA, Chicago Division, praised the hard work and dedication of all the law enforcement officers and prosecutors who worked tirelessly to bring this case to a successful conclusion. "The conviction of Eddi Ramirez sends a clear message that the law enforcement community will use every legal means available to bring those who traffic narcotics to justice. Our top priority is dismantling these drug trafficking organizations who peddle their poison in our communities. Our joint efforts in this investigation have made a real impact on the supply of drugs in Central Illinois," he added.

Decatur Police Chief Todd H. Walk stated that the conviction of Eddi Ramirez is a significant milestone in the fight against narcotics trafficking in central Illinois. "This conviction is a testament to the tireless efforts of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors who worked together to bring this case to a successful conclusion. We will continue to work together to dismantle these organizations and bring those responsible to justice."

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-cdil/pr/jury-convicts-paxton-ill-man-running-large-scale-cocaine-trafficking-network-central