Federal authorities have unsealed a criminal complaint against fourteen individuals, with thirteen of them already in custody. This action comes as part of an extensive investigation targeting narcotics trafficking involving fentanyl and cocaine. The arrests were made in coordination with search warrants executed in Wisconsin and California.
Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, stated that all defendants face charges related to narcotics trafficking. Additionally, two individuals, Osmar Venejas-Mejia and Hector Rodriguez-Villalobos, are accused of illegal reentry after being removed from the United States.
The defendants are named as follows: Fernando Palma-Jimenez (49), Daniel Moralez (37), Carmelo Hernandez-Ramirez (40), Luis Quinonez-Hernandez (36), Reynaldo Sanchez-Gonzalez (48), Carlos Perez-Santana (32), Equiel Martinez (39), Gerardo Osorio-Jaramillo (47), Jesus Medina-Rodriguez (47), Erik Rodriguez (33), Andrea Roa (30), Hector Rodriguez-Villalobos (35), Osmar Venejas-Mejia (34) and Joseph Marincic (40).
According to the complaint, these individuals allegedly conspired to distribute controlled substances since March 2023. The potential penalties for narcotics trafficking could range from forty years to life imprisonment depending on specific charges and substance quantities involved.
For Venejas-Mejia and Rodriguez-Villalobos, both Mexican nationals charged with illegal reentry into the U.S., convictions could result in up to two years in prison along with a $250,000 fine.
This case results from efforts by multiple law enforcement agencies including the DEA, HSI, DCI alongside HIDTA collaboration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Gail Hoffman and Elizabeth Monfils lead the prosecution. Several local police departments also participated in arrests and searches linked to this case.
These actions align with Operation Take Back America—a Department of Justice initiative aimed at countering illegal immigration and dismantling transnational criminal organizations through coordinated federal resources.
Authorities remind that a criminal complaint is not proof of guilt; all defendants remain presumed innocent until proven otherwise.
