Efren Paniagua-Pizano, Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine, Indiana 2024

Fort Wayne, Indiana — Federal authorities announced the guilty plea of Efren Paniagua-Pizano, 25, in connection with a cocaine trafficking ring in Fort Wayne.

Paniagua-Pizano, a resident of Fort Wayne, Indiana, pled guilty before Magistrate Judge Roger Cosbey to the felony offense of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. This charge was filed as a result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), with Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller-Lowery handling the prosecution.

The case against Paniagua-Pizano is just one of several recent convictions in the area. Jose Noe Perea Casteneda, 40, of Goshen, Indiana, also pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, also as a result of an FBI investigation.

In a related case, Gerardo Martinez-Gaston, 42, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced to 6 months imprisonment (time served) and 1 year of supervised release after pleading guilty to the felony offense of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine. This case was also the result of an FBI investigation, prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley Miller-Lowery.

According to court records, if convicted in court, Paniagua-Pizano could face a specific sentence to be determined by the judge after a consideration of federal sentencing statutes and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

The guilty plea and sentencing are a result of ongoing efforts by federal and local authorities to combat narcotics trafficking in the Fort Wayne area. The FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work together to disrupt and dismantle these organizations, bringing those responsible to justice.

In the coming weeks, the Grimy Times will continue to provide updates on this and other cases, shedding light on the complexities of the justice system and the efforts of law enforcement to keep our communities safe.

Related Federal Cases