14 charged after 11-month Aurora, FBI undercover drugs, guns sting
Aurora Police today announced 71 felony charges against 14 suspects following an 11-month investigation in conjunction with the FBI and the Kane County State's Attorney into allegations of drug dealing and firearms sales.
The investigation utilized undercover, controlled narcotics and weapons purchases and involved confidential informants, police said in a news release on the department's Facebook page. Charging documents indicate the purchases were all video and/or audio recorded and took place in various locations in Aurora.
During the investigation, cocaine, methamphetamine and eight guns were seized - four handguns, one of which was equipped with a scope; two rifles and two shotguns. One of the rifles had an obliterated serial number and one of the shotguns had been stolen in an Aurora burglary. The majority of the investigation's targets have documented criminal histories involving narcotics, weapons and violent offenses, police said.
Twelve of the charges are classified as "Class-X" and call for enhanced penalties upon conviction. Many of the drug charges were enhanced because the deals took place near schools, churches and parks, police said.
"The streets of Aurora are safer due to our partnership with the FBI and the Kane County state's attorney's office and our shared mission of targeting weapons and drug offenders," Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman said in the news release.
Nine of the suspects were taken into custody Friday, when approximately 70 police officers and FBI agents executed arrest warrants. Two of the suspects were already in jail and three remain at large. All are from Aurora except one.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Sallet said the FBI is committed to working with local law enforcement to address violent crime and Kane County State's Attorney Joe McMahon pointed to the importance of cooperation and communication across local, state and federal lines to attack issues such as illegal guns and drugs.
One of the suspects, Alexander Fuentes, 20, of the 600 block of South Fourth Street, faces 23 total felonies, five of which are Class-X. They include seven counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance, four counts of armed violence, five counts each of unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful sale or delivery of a firearm; and single counts of gunrunning and unlawful possession of a defaced firearm. Fuentes remains at large.
Another of the men, Noe Vargas Jr., 19, of the 800 block of Claim Street, faces 12 charges: six counts of unlawful sale or delivery of a firearm and three counts each of unlawful possession of a firearm by a street gang member and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. Both Vargas and Jacqueline Castaneda, 26, of the 800 block of Spring Street are also at large. Castaneda is wanted on a single count of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.
Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to call (630) 256-5600 or 911. To remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward of up to $5000, call Aurora Area Crime Stoppers at (630) 892-1000.
The suspects in custody include:
• Nikitas Turner, 33, of the 200 block of Chestnut Street, charged with six counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.
• Juan Bucio, 21, of the 600 block of East Downer Place, charged with two counts each of unlawful possession of a firearm and unlawful sale or delivery of a firearm.
• Torey Payne, 31, of the 100 block of North West Street, Plano; and Kenzail Taylor, 21, of the 1700 block of Ravine Park Lane, each charged with four counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.
• Ricki Rodriguez, 26, of the first block of North Highland Avenue, charged with three counts of unlawful delivery of methamphetamine.
• Juan Anaya, 22, of the 700 block of Front Street, charged with three counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.
• Gabriel Guerrero Jr., 24, of the 800 block of Gates Street; David Guzman, 21, of the 800 block of Superior Street; Ivan Patino, 24, of the 700 block of East New York Street; and Jose Meraz, 24, of the 1100 block of Rural Street, each charged with two counts of unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.
• Marcus Serrano, 25, of the 700 block of Fifth Street, charged with unlawful delivery of a controlled substance.
The investigation, in which officers from Elgin and the Cook County sheriff's office assisted, is continuing.