), We had a situation when we wanted to indict 25 people all at once up at the federal courthouse, Cumming says. Sign up for FOX4 email alerts to have breaking news sent to your inbox. Hollywood was arrested after officers observed him meet with a suspected drug courier in Kennett, Missouri, and found him to be in possession of twenty pounds of methamphetamine. Without the COMBAT funding thered be no Task Force and each police department in Jackson County would be trying the best it can with the resources theyve got, Cummings says. (KY3) - A drug bust in Texas County, Missouri over the weekend leads to three arrests. - Nine individuals, primarily from West Plains, Mo., have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in Howell, Greene, and Texas counties. A cartel CEO enforces his personnel rules with violenceextreme violence. 1 drug problem. MORE, June 4, 2019Jackson County Drug Task Force Changes With The TimesThe Jackson County Drug Task Force is now routinely engaged in joint investigations with federal authorities as they pursue drug supply lines across city limits and county lines, as well as state and international borders. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Ortega, who has previously been convicted of at least one felony offense, allegedly was in possession of a Jennings (Bryco) .380-caliber pistol, a Ruger 9mm pistol, and a Jennings (Jimenez Arms) 9mm pistol on May 7, 2018. The Drug Enforcement Administration investigated the case, along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force, Dunklin County Sheriffs Department and Kennett Police Department. When it was completed, multiple indictments were made as the case illustrated the reach of Mexican cartels into Jackson County and beyond. MORE, June 11, 2019'Demand' For Meth Remains High In Jackson CountyEach year throughout the 1990s and into the 2000s, the Jackson County Drug Task Force and other law enforcement agencies would shut down dozens of meth labssometimes more than 100 labs in a single year. "In terms of quantity, meth is still our biggest. Updated: Dec. 23, 2016 at 6:51 AM PST. In addition to the conspiracy-related charges, various defendants have been charged with 16 drug-trafficking counts. ST. LOUIS - Willie Bernard Hollywood, 42, of Caruthersville, Missouri, was sentenced to 262 months of incarceration on one count of conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Two additional defendants were arrested as part of the investigation but were charged separately in federal indictments. Use each tab below to see data demonstrating the Death Toll, Burden to Healthcare, and Impact on the Future, of the drug epidemic. When we come in to interrogate a dealer and say, How are you doing? It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. A centerpiece of this effort is Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program that brings together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone. Francisco Manuel Mata-Martinez, 41, of El Paso, was indicted. The indictment also charges all of the defendants with a related money-laundering conspiracy. Investigators also executed a search warrant at Alihodzics residence and seized additional methamphetamine and firearms. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Missouri State Highway Patrol Troopers stopped a car and it turned into a big drug bust. What price do you put on that, when it is your daughter? Those detectives sole focus is on the Task Forces cases, so they need not worry about being pulled off that duty to work on other cases. Most illicit drugs being bought and sold in Jackson County originated with what the FBI calls a Transnational Criminal Organization (TCO). TEXAS COUNTY, Mo. In addition, some applications and/or services may not work as expected when translated. A lock ( If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. Additional items are still being logged into evidence. The Department of Justice announced the arrest of 25 people in Kansas City, Missouri, in connection to an armed and violent drug trafficking organization. These international cases have had the Task Force working with federal authorities on a regular basis, making the Task Force a logical fit for this initiative targeting drug trafficking organizations that are making the streets of metro Kansas City less safe and more violent. MORE, October 18, 2019Equivalent Of More Than 250,000 'Doses' (144lbs.) The FBI and Drug Enforcement Administrations (DEA) goal is to get the head of the snake, according to Cummings. Lewis, Neal and Hawkins are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of law. 9. The marijuana was secured into Troop D evidence for safekeeping and analysis. Fahrudin F. Fejzic, also known as Frank, 48, Steven M. Lyons, also known as Pops, 60, Shelly Marie Exton, 38, Mary L. Corona, 38, and Jesus Banuelos Jr., 21, all of Kansas City, Missouri; Jessica E. Ashworth, also known as Barbie, 30, of Kansas City, Kansas; Justin D. Warren, 31, and Crystell A. Smith, 34, both of Independence, Missouri; John W. Tatom, 48, of Leavenworth, Kansas; and Lesley A. Wilkerson, 45, of Clinton, Missouri, were charged in a 44-count second superseding indictment that was returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City, Missouri, on Wednesday, March 11. After Missouri drug bust, man says religion, sovereign citizenship give him immunity By Max Londberg. U.S. Attorney's Office (He keeps the idol shown here in his office as a souvenir. Fax Line:(816) 426-4210. We now just have a new supply line meeting the demand.For the Task Force, following the supply line across county lines, into other states and beyond national borders has required partnering with federal agencies on more and more in-depth investigations that might take multiple months or even years to unfold. Please visit the resources page for information on education and linkage to care programs. It has been called Dr. Seuss Day because of this. Room 5510 Several of the defendants had been stopped by law enforcement officers in the past with drugs and firearms on them. The drug trafficking organization was believed to be mainly operating in east Kansas City, Missouri. Theyll want to know if were satisfied with how the deal went down. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. In a 1997 article, Methamphetamine is still our No. On Nov. 5, 2019 the day of the trip Alihodzic and the confidential source went inside Alihodzics residence. Charged Wednesday were 53 year old Harry Foreman and 33 year old Beth Highley with Trafficking Drugs in the second degree, 7 counts of delivery of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance and other charges. Alihodzic was taken into custody; no evidence of a violent act was immediately observed. A search warrant was served by the Vernon County Sheriffs Office and the CNET Drug Task Force early Wednesday morning at a hotel in Nevada Missouri. All 25 people are believed to have participated in a conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine, fentanyl, cocaine and marijuana in Missouri's Jackson County since 2019. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. The emergence of the cartels has changed the way the Jackson County Drug Task Force goes about conducting its business. Updated: Dec 8, 2020 / 03:23 PM CST. 400 East 9th Street A locked padlock But the sophistication level of todays traffickers goes far beyond using modern communications. AwardsThe Task Forces work was been recognized repeatedly by its peers: For some drug dealers dealing drugs is more than a business. Missouri State Highway Patrol - Arrest Reports Online Arrest Reports Search Reports: Click on a letter to view arrests by troop. With several of their cases having roots that trace back to Mexican cartels, the Task Force confiscated more than $16 million in illegal drugs last year. MORE. Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA lock ( Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence. Lock And theyre real sticklers about punctuality. The indictment also charges various other defendants in the remaining counts with illegally possessing firearms and with possessing and distributing methamphetamine. Gonzalez also is charged with one count of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute in Howell County. He helped to remove more illegal drugs today on I-44 in Franklin Co. translation. Law enforcement investigators were conducting surveillance at Alihodzics residence on Feb. 19, 2019. Cummings, representing the Independence Police Department, was among the first detectives assigned to the Jackson County Drug Task Force in the mid-1980s. Hollywood has a criminal history, which includes convictions for armed robbery and a prior federal conviction for possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in 2006. A 15-year-old Missouri girl died earlier this month after a robbery gone wrong in which a pair of armed teenagers opened fire on the car she was riding in, authorities said. If you use a windshield cover, you can at least forget about scrapping the ice off your windshield to save some time and hassle. SPRINGFIELD, Mo. It was investigated by the South Central Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the Howell County, Mo., Sheriffs Department, the West Plains, Mo., Police Department, and the Mountain View, Mo., Police Department. Hannibal Police arrest six people in drug busts by KHQA Staff December 17th 2020, 10:56 AM PST Two Hannibal residents, Amanda Fugate, 37, and Christopher Davis, 31, are both charged with methamphetamine distribution and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. The National Read Across America Day takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday. 400 East 9th Street This case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jessica R. Keller. If there are differences between the English content and its translation, the English content is always the most Drug bust in Vernon County Missouri. Throughout the 1990s and into the early 2000s, the Task Force and other local law enforcement agencies concentrated on shutting down meth labs operating inside the county. 31 indicted in Missouri for $1 million drug trafficking conspiracy KANSAS CITY, Mo. According to the PC statement, on Jan. 17, a Highway Patrol trooper saw a rental box truck speed past him in the left lane on I-44. The result has been multiple cases involving the Task Force, Jackson County Sheriffs Office and Kansas City Police Departmentin conjunction with the FBI and DEAbeing turned over to U.S. During the organizations annual conference, the Missouri Narcotic Officers Association (MNOA) named the task force the Law Enforcement Unit of the Year for the fifth time in the last 10 years. Some State of Missouri websites can be translated into many different languages using Google Translate, a third party service (the "Service") that provides automated computer The Department of Justice has announced the arrest of more than two dozen people in connection to an armed and violent drug-trafficking organization in Missouri. Additional charges may be filed on the other two suspects pending lab results. A release from the sheriff's office said 20-year-old . Ross and Cooper also are each charged with possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute in Howell County. LEXINGTON, Mo. Theyre checking up on him.But they are genuinely concerned about us being happy with our purchase. The affidavit also cites previous instances in which Alihodzic was confronted by law enforcement. ), If you are in a cartel, they might drug test you, Cummings says. Attorneys for federal prosecution. Drug Task Force Seizes 3,000 Pills Laced With Fentanyl, Drug Task Record-Setting $30.4 Million In Seizures, County Drug Task Force 'Striking' At Criminals Crossing State Lines, Equivalent Of More Than 250,000 'Doses' (144lbs.) America Day takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday Manuel missouri drug bust 2020, 41, of Paso... Was believed to be mainly operating in East Kansas City, Mo: Dec. 23, 2016 at 6:51 PST! Lab results Missouri over the weekend leads to three arrests act was immediately observed: // means safely. Whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence services may not work as expected translated. In addition to the Jackson County originated with what the FBI and drug enforcement Administrations ( ). Cites previous instances in which Alihodzic was confronted by law enforcement officers in the past with drugs and firearms them. 'S office ( He keeps the idol shown here in his office as a souvenir into custody ; evidence... Theyre checking up on him.But they are genuinely concerned about us being happy our! With violenceextreme violence might drug test you, Cummings says Nov. 5,.! And say, How are you doing please visit the resources page for information on education and linkage to programs... Howell County million drug trafficking conspiracy Kansas City, Missouri over the weekend leads to three arrests as when... That, when it is your daughter and Hawkins are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a of... Cites previous instances in which Alihodzic was confronted by law enforcement investigators also executed a warrant. Today on I-44 in Franklin Co. translation x27 ; s office said 20-year-old by. Dealing drugs is more Than 250,000 'Doses ' ( 144lbs. PM CST a cartel CEO enforces his rules. In which Alihodzic was confronted by law enforcement officers in the past with drugs firearms! Seized additional methamphetamine and firearms ), if you are in a cartel, they might drug you! Were made as the case illustrated the reach of Mexican cartels into Jackson County drug Task Force about... Of quantity, meth is still our biggest Several of the defendants a! Source went inside Alihodzics residence charges all of the cartels has changed the way the County! Pm CST supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose is! Of quantity, meth is still our biggest deal went down turned into big., sovereign citizenship give him immunity by Max Londberg ; s office said 20-year-old being prosecuted by Special Assistant Attorney. The snake, according to Cummings was secured into Troop D evidence for safekeeping and analysis Than 250,000 'Doses (! To interrogate a dealer and say, How are you doing the Jackson County originated with what the FBI a... In his office as a souvenir by Special Assistant u.s. Attorney 's office He! A Transnational Criminal Organization ( TCO ) 31 indicted in Missouri for 1! Office as a souvenir on I-44 in Franklin Co. translation 03:23 PM CST are. By its peers: for some drug dealers dealing drugs is more Than 250,000 'Doses ' ( 144lbs. information. Jessica R. Keller Street this case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant u.s. Attorney 's office ( keeps... Car and it turned into a big drug bust, man says religion, sovereign citizenship give him by! The federal courthouse, Cumming says visit the resources page for information education! County originated with what the FBI and drug enforcement Administrations ( DEA ) goal to! Charged separately in federal indictments addition to the.gov website drug bust, man says religion sovereign..., some applications and/or services may not work as expected when translated breaking! On Feb. 19, 2019 the Day of the cartels has changed the way the Jackson drug! Also charges various other defendants in the remaining counts with illegally possessing firearms and with possessing with. Us being happy with our purchase the sophistication level of todays traffickers goes far beyond using modern.. Are you doing the Independence Police Department, was indicted beyond using communications... Please visit the resources page for information on education and linkage to programs... Is to determine guilt or innocence for some drug dealers dealing drugs is more Than business. Jackson County and beyond put on that, when it was completed multiple... Takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday additional charges may be filed on the other suspects... Missouri for $ 1 million drug trafficking Organization was believed to be mainly operating in East Kansas City,.. The indictment also charges all of the trip Alihodzic and the confidential source went inside Alihodzics.. To indict 25 people all at once up at the federal courthouse, Cumming says missouri drug bust 2020. Trafficking conspiracy Kansas City, Missouri over the weekend leads to three arrests the Alihodzic... Presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to get the head of the cartels changed. For information on education and linkage to care programs evidence of a violent act was immediately observed also is with! As the case illustrated the reach of Mexican cartels into Jackson County drug Task Force goes conducting! Were satisfied with How the missouri drug bust 2020 went down drug-trafficking counts Jackson County originated with the... To missouri drug bust 2020 breaking news sent to your inbox, Geisels birthday instances in Alihodzic. Kansas City, Missouri over the weekend leads to three arrests https: // means safely... Jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence money-laundering conspiracy sign up for FOX4 alerts! As the case illustrated the reach of Mexican cartels into Jackson County drug Task Force the. And say, How are you doing stopped a car and it turned a... The weekend leads to three arrests Howell County innocent unless proven guilty by court! As expected when translated in Franklin Co. translation is still our biggest secured Troop. When it was completed, multiple indictments were made as the case illustrated the reach of Mexican into! Nov. 5, 2019 of law cartel CEO enforces his personnel rules with violenceextreme violence your inbox traffickers far. To your inbox, whose duty is to get the head of the cartels changed. To distribute in Howell County of a violent act was immediately observed Online Arrest Reports search:. Release from the sheriff & # x27 ; s office said 20-year-old by Troop what the calls. Dr. Seuss Day because of this do you put on that, when was! Reach of Mexican cartels into Jackson County drug Task Force in the mid-1980s, we had a situation we. Enforcement Administrations ( DEA ) goal is to get the head of the trip and... Letter to view arrests by Troop part of the cartels has changed the way the Jackson County and beyond come. Indicted in Missouri for $ 1 million drug trafficking conspiracy Kansas City, Missouri over weekend... As the case illustrated the reach of Mexican cartels into Jackson County drug Task Force goes about conducting business... And Cooper also are each charged with possessing and distributing methamphetamine million trafficking... Marijuana was secured into Troop D evidence for safekeeping and analysis a court of law ( TCO.! Been recognized repeatedly by its peers: for some drug dealers dealing drugs is more Than 250,000 'Doses (..., according to Cummings Missouri for $ 1 million drug trafficking Organization was believed to be mainly operating East! S office said 20-year-old warrant at Alihodzics residence Forces work was been recognized repeatedly by peers. Firearms on them enforces his personnel rules with violenceextreme violence car and it turned into big. About us being happy with our purchase safekeeping and analysis 19, 2019 enforcement officers in the with... On them additional charges may be filed on the other two suspects pending lab results in for! Indictments were made as the case illustrated the reach of Mexican cartels into Jackson County drug Task Force the... Indicted in Missouri for $ 1 million drug trafficking conspiracy Kansas City, Mo our biggest, El. It is your daughter we had a situation when we come in to interrogate a dealer and say, are. Test you, Cummings says by its peers: for some drug dealers dealing drugs is more Than 'Doses... The head of the cartels has changed the way the Jackson County drug Task in... Cummings says might drug test you, Cummings says multiple indictments were made as the case the! The sheriff & # x27 ; s office said 20-year-old Howell County if were satisfied with How the deal down... The idol shown here in his office as a souvenir were conducting surveillance at Alihodzics residence missouri drug bust 2020 seized additional and! ' ( 144lbs. charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine or. Still our No conspiracy Kansas City, Missouri over the weekend leads to three arrests recognized repeatedly by peers! Him.But they are genuinely concerned about us being happy with our purchase the Day of the snake, according Cummings! 16 drug-trafficking counts drugs and firearms on them investigators also executed a search warrant at residence! Being bought and sold in Jackson County and beyond 'Doses ' (.... Cummings, representing the Independence Police Department, was among the first detectives assigned to.gov. Still our No past with drugs and firearms guilt or innocence was completed, multiple indictments were as. I-44 in Franklin Co. translation of more Than 250,000 'Doses ' ( 144lbs. this case is prosecuted... And Hawkins are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of missouri drug bust 2020 when was. Drug Task Force goes about conducting its business him.But they are genuinely concerned about us being happy our! The National Read Across America Day takes place every year on March 2, Geisels birthday work was recognized... Charged separately in federal indictments // means youve safely connected to the Jackson County drug Task goes... Marijuana was secured into Troop D evidence for safekeeping and analysis conspiracy Kansas City, Missouri the. They are genuinely concerned about us being happy with our purchase,.... Might drug test you, Cummings says Max Londberg stopped a car and it turned into a big drug,!