FINAL CO-CONSPIRATOR OF GANG-RELATED METH DISTRIBUTION RING SENTENCED TO TEN YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma – Following a two-year joint investigation by the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Gang Task Force, the last of six co-conspirators was sentenced late last Friday, announced John C. Richter, United States Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma. 

“The Oklahoma City Metropolitan Gang Task Force is committed to aggressively prosecute those gang members and their associates who breed violence and illicit drug activity in our community,” said John C. Richter, United States Attorney.  “This is another example of how our targeted and coordinated efforts can eradicate illegal gang activity.  I specifically commend the work of the Oklahoma City Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics, and the District 3 District Attorney Task Force in these cases.”

The joint investigation specifically targeted gang-related crime and illicit drug trafficking in south Oklahoma City.  Utilizing undercover officers and surveillance, law enforcement purchased narcotics from members or associates of the south Oklahoma City street gangs and pieced together the connection of these six men in a methamphetamine distribution enterprise. 

Last Friday, Jackie Joseph Thomas (a/k/a “Joe Thomas” and “Julio Bruce Cox”), 25, of Oklahoma City, was sentenced by United States District Judge Vicki Miles-LaGrange to serve 120 months in federal prison, followed by eight years of supervised release.  Thomas pled guilty on February 13, 2008, to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

The following defendants have already pled guilty and have been sentenced by United States District Judge Vicki Miles-LaGrange for their roles in the conspiracy:

Samuel Samaniego Perez (a/k/a “Sammy”), 23, of Oklahoma City, pled guilty on May 13, 2008, to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and also marijuana. Perez was sentenced on September 3, 2008, to serve 108 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release.

Gabriel Rico (a/k/a “Gabby”), 20, of Oklahoma City, pled guilty on February 13, 2008, to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and also marijuana.   Rico was sentenced on July 8, 2008, to serve 70 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release.

Carlos Omar Lujan-Gomez (a/k/a/ “Carlos Lujan” and “Palomo”), 25, of Oklahoma City, pled guilty on February 14, 2008, to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.  Lujan-Gomez was sentenced on June 9, 2008, to serve 78 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release.

Ever Ortiz (a/k/a “Salas Ever,” “Enrique Salas”and “Little E”), 26, of Oklahoma City, pled guilty on February 14, 2008, to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.  Ortiz was sentenced on June 5, 2008, to serve 63 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release.

Javier Castro (a/k/a “Javy”), 21, of Oklahoma City,  pled guilty on February 14, 2008, to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and also marijuana. Castro was sentenced on May 30, 2008, to serve 78 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release.