St. Louis, MO - Five local men and ten out-of-state associates have been arrested on charges involving a conspiracy to distribute large amounts of cocaine and methamphetamine in the St. Louis area and New Mexico, along with money laundering of the proceeds of the illegal activity.
According to the indictment, ALPHONSO EDUARDO GONZALES of Albuquerque, New Mexico, is charged with engaging in a Continuing Criminal Enterprise between 2009 and November 2013. The indictment alleges that Gonzales committed a series of violations of federal drug statutes by transporting large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana from Albuquerque to other cities, including St. Louis. Fourteen associates are charged on multiple drug conspiracy and money laundering charges as part of the Gonzales criminal enterprise.
Charged locally are Floyd Huntley, Jr. of St. Ann; Jonathan Arnez Spencer of Ferguson; Orlando James Allen of St. Louis; Dallas Wayne Lane of St. Louis; and David Michael Young of St. Louis. The defendants were arrested Thursday and are expected to appear in federal court on Monday, February 10.
If convicted, defendant Alphonso Gonzales is subject to a minimum mandatory term of imprisonment of 20 years for the Continuing Criminal Enterprise. Other charges carry penalties ranging from10 years to life in prison. In determining the actual sentences, a Judge is required to consider the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which provide recommended sentencing ranges.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration - St. Louis Division, with the cooperation of the St. Ann Police Department.
As is always the case, charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
