INDIANAPOLIS, IN. - Drug Enforcement (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Jack Riley and United States Attorney Joseph H. Hogsett announced today the sentencing of Juan Antonio Corona-Gonzalez, 28, Jalisco, Mexico, to 24 years in prison. Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals (sitting by designation) David F. Hamilton sentenced Corona-Gonzalez following his conviction at trial for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, distribution of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. The Indianapolis and Chicago field offices of the DEA conducted the investigation.
“Mr. Corona-Gonzalez was not only convicted of distributing over one pound of methamphetamine, which was thankfully seized before getting into the hands of users, but also of possessing a firearm while committing a drug trafficking crime," stated Jack Riley, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Chicago Field Division, which includes the state of Indiana. “Firearms have become a common tool of the illegal drug trade, which can further lead to violence associated with drug trafficking."
During Corona-Gonzalez’ trial, evidence established that he was a Mexican national living in Indianapolis, while distributing large amounts of methamphetamine for a drug trafficking organization based in Chicago. A DEA covert operation culminated with the February 2008 arrest of Corona-Gonzalez in a Wal-Mart parking lot in Indianapolis. Corona-Gonzalez was loading over one-half kilogram of methamphetamine into a hidden vehicle compartment when he was arrested. At the time of his arrest, law enforcement seized a loaded 9-mm semiautomatic handgun from his waistband, as well as numerous fictitious pieces of identification.
According to Barry D. Glickman, who prosecuted the case for the government, Judge Hamilton also imposed five years supervised release following Corona-Gonzalez’ release from imprisonment, if Corona-Gonzalez is not deported to his native country of Mexico.
