KC Reporter

A dozen men from the Kansas City metropolitan area have been indicted by a federal grand jury for their involvement in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, which resulted in at least one death, and for illegal possession of firearms.

The individuals indicted include Justin D. Rivera, also known as “JD,” 20; Yael Figueroa, also known as “Grit,” 23; Jose R. Lugo, Jr., also known as “El Wey,” 20; Aaron Contreras-Jaquez, also known as “Van Kleefy,” 24; Jose Lorenzo-Medina, 24; Antonio R. Baeza-Brown, also known as “Tony,” 25; Simon L. Figueroa, 26; Jonathan Gonzales, 25; Luis Calvillo-Ortiz, also known as “Loc,” 19; Marcos Favian Alvarado, also known as “Baby Face,” 20; Chad B. Green, also known as “Gso Yad,” 24; and Crencio Carbajal-Loya, 18.

These individuals were charged in a 35-count indictment returned under seal by a federal grand jury in Kansas City on Wednesday, Sept. 11. The indictment was unsealed today following the arrests and initial court appearances of several defendants.

Three residential search warrants were executed today. Law enforcement officers seized approximately 6,738 fentanyl pills, eleven firearms including a machine gun, five stolen automobiles, and over $75,000 in cash.

The indictment alleges that all twelve defendants have participated in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl since Dec. 1, 2022. It further alleges their involvement in a conspiracy to use and carry firearms related to the drug-trafficking activities.

Rivera faces additional charges for distributing fentanyl resulting in the death of an individual identified as "M.M." on May 7, 2023. He is also charged with eight counts of distributing fentanyl and multiple counts involving firearms during drug-trafficking crimes.

Alvarado is charged with distributing fentanyl and possession with intent to distribute fentanyl along with using and carrying a firearm during drug-trafficking crimes.

Yael Figueroa faces four counts of distributing fentanyl and one count involving firearms during drug-trafficking crimes. Medina is charged with four counts of distributing fentanyl while Contreras-Jaquez faces two counts each for distributing fentanyl and possessing it with intent to distribute.

Calvillo-Ortiz, Gonzales, and Simon Figueroa are each charged with one count of distributing fentanyl.

The charges are accusations only and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting these charges must be presented to a federal trial jury tasked with determining guilt or innocence.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Q. McCarther is prosecuting this case following investigations by multiple agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Belton Police Department (Missouri), Kansas City Police Department (Kansas), Cass County Sheriff’s Office (Missouri), FBI and U.S Marshal’s Service.

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation aimed at identifying and dismantling high-level criminal organizations threatening the United States through a multi-agency approach led by prosecutors.

Further information about OCDETF can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.