KC Reporter

A Raymore, Missouri man has been sentenced in federal court for his involvement in a drug-trafficking conspiracy and illegal firearm possession. Tony Diaz, 41, received a nine-year sentence from U.S. District Judge Greg Kays without the possibility of parole.

His brother, Serjio Diaz, 40, from Belton, Missouri, was previously sentenced to 15 years in federal prison on October 9, 2024. Both brothers pleaded guilty on April 9, 2024, to charges including conspiracy to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine; possessing heroin with intent to distribute; and possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Tony Diaz also admitted guilt to being a felon in possession of firearms while Serjio Diaz pleaded guilty to money laundering.

Serjio Diaz was identified as the primary organizer of the drug-trafficking operation that spanned from January 1, 2019, to June 22, 2021. The investigation commenced on March 18, 2019 when federal agents intercepted packages containing significant quantities of methamphetamine addressed to both brothers' residences.

Throughout the investigation led by an FBI confidential source conducting controlled transactions with the Diazes', law enforcement acquired over seven kilograms of methamphetamine and more than six kilograms of heroin among other drugs totaling $243,900.

During their arrest on June 22, 2021 law enforcement discovered nearly nine kilograms of heroin and other substances at Serjio's properties along with firearms and cash. At Tony's residence authorities found suspected heroin and cocaine alongside several firearms.

Tony Diaz’s prior felony conviction for possession of a controlled substance made it illegal for him to possess any firearm or ammunition under federal law.

The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation aimed at dismantling high-level criminal organizations threatening the United States using a multi-agency approach. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley K. Kavanaugh prosecuted this case which involved investigations by multiple agencies including the U.S Postal Inspection Service and FBI.

Co-defendants Maria Jasmin Lopez from Phoenix Arizona received an eleven-year two-month sentence while Vicente Aguilera was sentenced to sixteen months for facilitating drug trafficking via cell phone use.

Further details about OCDETF operations can be accessed through their official website.