KANSAS CITY, KANSAS – 27-Year-old Victor Casarez-Ramirez,, 43-year-old Diego Beltran-Vega, 34-year-old Cesar Hernandez, 32-year-old Javier Aldrete and 20-year-old Samuel Galindo and 23-year-old Jose Solorio-Rojas, all of Wichita are charged in a superseding indictment with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

In addition, Casarez-Ramirez is charged with 18 counts of unlawful use of a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking; two counts of distributing methamphetamine; and two counts of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Beltran-Vega is charged with five counts of unlawful use of a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking and one count of distribution of methamphetamine, one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm by a person unlawfully in the United States.

Aldrete is charged with three counts of unlawful use of a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Galindo is charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Solario-Rojas is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

A Drug Enforcement Administration agent’s affidavit said that in 2008 law enforcement officers began investigating the drug activities of an organization led by Victor Casarez-Ramirez and Diego Beltran-Vega. The affidavit says that on May 27, of this year, search warrants were executed at the following Wichita addresses, 1625 S. Longford, 914 Pinecrest, 2909 W. 21st, 6156 E. Harry and 4515 Hemlock.

If convicted of the crimes, these are the penalties. For conspiracy: For one count, not less than 10-years and not more than life and a fine up to $4 million on each count. On the other count, not less than five years and not more than 40-years.

For unlawful use of a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking, the maximum penalty is four years and a fine up to $250,000 on each count.

For distributing methamphetamine; and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine: On some counts, the penalty is not less than five years and not more than 40-years and a fine up to $250,000. On other counts, not less than 10 years and not more than life.

For unlawful possession of a firearm by a person illegally in the United States, a maximum penalty is 10-years and a fine up to $250,000.