Jovino Ramirez, Cocaine and Methamphetamine Possession, Illinois 2024

ROCKFORD — In a move to crack down on illicit activities, a local man has been handed a lengthy sentence for his involvement in cocaine and methamphetamine trafficking, as well as firearm charges.

Jovino Ramirez, 35, of Rockford, has been sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as for possessing a loaded firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.

According to court documents, Ramirez pleaded guilty earlier this year to knowingly and intentionally possessing cocaine and methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, and possessing a loaded handgun in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime.

The charges stem from a traffic stop in May 2024, during which Ramirez was found to be in possession of a bag containing 19.1 grams of cocaine and 1.9 grams of methamphetamine, which he attempted to conceal during his encounter with law enforcement. A loaded handgun was also discovered beneath the driver’s seat of his vehicle.

Ramirez admitted in a plea agreement that he intended to sell the cocaine he possessed, further solidifying the severity of his crimes.

In a joint statement, U.S. Attorney Andrew S. Boutros and Special Agent-in-Charge Christopher C. Amon highlighted the importance of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) in addressing firearm offenses and violent crime in the Northern District of Illinois.

The Illinois State Police provided assistance in the investigation, with the government represented by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Andrew M. Rosati and Lisa R. Munch.

As part of its efforts to combat violent crime, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, along with law enforcement partners, has deployed the PSN program to tackle a range of issues facing the district, including firearm offenses.

The sentence imposed on Ramirez is a testament to the ongoing efforts of federal authorities to hold individuals accountable for their crimes and keep communities safe.