Gonzalo Jiminez-Paz, Jr., Methamphetamine Conspiracy, Minnesota 2019

Gonzalo Jiminez-Paz, Jr., 22, Facing 10 Years Behind Bars for Methamphetamine Conspiracy

A 64-pound methamphetamine bust in downtown Minneapolis has led to the conviction of two individuals, Gonzalo Jiminez-Paz, Jr. and Rey David Luna-Santillanes. The pair pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, a charge that carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.

According to court documents, Jiminez-Paz, Jr. and Luna-Santillanes entered into an agreement to distribute methamphetamine in January 2019. On March 23, 2019, law enforcement officers with the Ramsey County Violent Crime Enforcement Team (VCET) executed a search warrant at a residence in the downtown area of Minneapolis. During the search, officers recovered approximately 64 pounds of suspected methamphetamine, a large sum of U.S. currency, three pounds of suspected heroin, a bag containing unidentified blue pills, and two loaded handguns.

The methamphetamine was found inside two suitcases in a bedroom closet, the heroin was hidden inside of a shoebox, and a large amount of cash was located in a kitchen cupboard. This massive haul is a clear indication of the severity of the crime and the potential harm it could have caused to the community.

Jiminez-Paz, Jr. and Luna-Santillanes were arrested on March 25, 2019, and have since pleaded guilty to their crimes. If convicted, they face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. This case is a prime example of the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat the scourge of methamphetamine trafficking in our communities.

The investigation that led to this conviction was conducted by the St. Paul Police Department, the Ramsey County VCET, the DEA, and the Minnesota State Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney LeeAnn K. Bell is prosecuting the case.

Gonzalo Jiminez-Paz, Jr. and Rey David Luna-Santillanes have been convicted of:

Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count

Defendant Information:

GONZALO JIMINEZ-PAZ, JR., 22

Minneapolis, Minn.

Convicted:

Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count

REY DAVID LUNA-SANTILLANES, 22

Minneapolis, Minn.

Convicted:

Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, 1 count

This case is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of methamphetamine trafficking and the importance of continued efforts to combat this deadly crime.

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Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn/pr/two-individuals-plead-guilty-64-pound-methamphetamine-bust