43 Charged in Federal Operation

Kansas City, Kansas-Forty-three people have been indicted on charges of drug trafficking in Leavenworth, Atchison, metropolitan Kansas City and Independence, Missouri. Operation Stonewalled, a joint investigation by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, was revealed when three indictments were unsealed in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kansas. "What began in the summer of 2006 when the Leavenworth Police Department asked for assistance, grew into a major investigation of drug trafficking that crossed city, county and state lines," said U.S. Attorney Eric Melgren. "This investigation unearthed a drug trafficking network that we allege distributed more than $12 million worth of cocaine and methamphetamine on the streets in less than 2 years." As a result of the investigation: * 43 people were charged * More than $335,000 in cash was seized, as well as 18 vehicles * More than 19.5 kilograms of cocaine was seized * 18 firearms and a bullet proof vest were seized According to the indictments and other court records, the defendants are alleged to have: * Participated for many months in ongoing drug trafficking conspiracies. In one indictment, 24 people are alleged to have taken part in a conspiracy that started in January 2006 and continued through November 2007. In another indictment, 19 defendants are alleged to have participated in a conspiracy that began in January 2007 and continued through December 2007. * Handled large amounts of cash. Charles Singleton and Boytina Locke, for instance, were arrested Dec. 1, 2007, with a .40 caliber Glock pistol and $32,051 in cash on the floor of the vehicle they were driving, a black GMC Yukon. He was parked in the driveway at 140 N. 38th, Kansas City, Kansas. * Used telephones, cell phones and coded language to arrange to order, deliver and collect payment for cocaine and other drugs. Investigators used wiretaps to gather evidence. For instance, on Dec. 1, 2007, Boytina Locke is alleged to have called Juan Carlos Olvera-Rivera and said, "I need a six pack right this second but I am about to call my other guys up. What's the deal?" Olivera-Rivera and Locke agreed to meet at the "highway" in 20 minutes. The term "six pack" was code for a quarter kilogram of cocaine and the "highway" was code for the residence at 140 N. 38th, Kansas City, Kansas. * Handled drugs in large amounts. For instance, investigators serving a search warrant at 83 S. 14th, Kansas City, Kan., discovered 16 kilograms (more than 35 pounds) of cocaine and $77,229 in cash. * Grossed more than $12 million from drug trafficking in 2006 and 2007. In one of three indictments, the government is seeking a money judgment of $2 million, and $10.75 million in another indictment. The announcement was made following a morning sweep in which federal, state and local law enforcement officers moved in quickly to arrest suspects. As in any criminal case, a person is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The charges filed merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.