***MEDIA ADVISORY***

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 03, 2016

YEAR LONG MULTI-AGENCY INVESTIGATION ENDS IN RAID OF DRUGS AND GUNS

Media Contact: Curtis T. Hill, Jr. (574) 296-1888

Before dawn Wednesday morning, November 2, 2016, over 100 law enforcement officers converged on ten (10) separate locations to serve court ordered Search Warrants, supplementing an investigation into one of the largest drug trafficking enterprises uncovered by Elkhart County law enforcement in history. These locations were known to be the residence and business locations for leaders of the alleged Luis Jaquez Drug Trafficking Organization. During this operation, ten (10) individuals were arrested for drug dealing offenses. Prior to yesterday’s raid, this investigation had already resulted in the arrest of fourteen (14) other individuals for various drug trafficking crimes.

The investigation began in October of 2015 by the Elkhart County Interdiction and Covert Enforcement (ICE) Unit after learning one Jorge Moreida, aka “Zae”, was believed to be involved in the sale of Methamphetamine and guns in Elkhart County. Further investigative techniques confirmed that not only was Moreida delivering significant amounts of Methamphetamine to members of the Elkhart County community, but his supplier, Luis Jaquez, and many others like Moreida, were also located here in Elkhart County.

An extensive long-term investigation was initiated with cooperation and assistance from the Elkhart Police Department; the Elkhart County Sheriff’s Department; the Goshen Police Department; the Nappanee Police Department; and the Indiana State Police, as well as the United States Drug Enforcement Agency; the United States Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Division; and, the United States Internal Revenue Service.

As a result of their efforts, more than thirteen (13) pounds of “ice” Crystal Methamphetamine was diverted from addicts, young and old, in our community, and the criminal behavior of each of the individual targets of the investigation was documented in an attempt to put them out of business for good. To characterize that amount in approximate “user” quantities of one (1) gram, it would be approximately 6150 grams, worth more than half a million dollars ($500,000.00) on the streets of Elkhart County.

That investigation culminated in a massive multi-agency effort yesterday morning. In addition to the law enforcement agencies identified above, officers of the Middlebury Police Department, the South Bend Police Department, the St. Joseph County Police Department, the United States’ Customs and Border Protection Service, and the Indiana Counter-Drug Task Force all assisted with yesterday mornings’ operation.

Search warrants were executed at the following locations: 812 West Indiana Avenue, Elkhart 2644 Sterling Avenue, Elkhart 640 Hiawatha Drive, Elkhart 25522 Modrell Avenue, Elkhart 1238 Maple Row, Elkhart 609 Capital Boulevard, Elkhart 54253 Berkley Avenue, Elkhart 508 I Lane, Elkhart 668 North Wildflower, Bristol 71395 County Road 25, New Paris

The Search Warrants resulted in the seizure of approximately $23,000 in United States currency, and more than one pound of Methamphetamine, as well as Marijuana, Cocaine, Prescription Drugs, and guns.

Arrested were: Luis Hector Jaquez, 56, Elkhart Dealing in Methamphetamine in an amount more than 10 grams, a Level 2 felony Juan Carlos Rivera, 40, Elkhart Dealing in Methamphetamine in an amount more than 10 grams, a Level 2 felony Alejandro Nava Rodriguez, 52, Elkhart Dealing in Methamphetamine in an amount more than 10 grams, a Level 2 felony Enedeo Rodriguez, 36, New Paris Dealing in Methamphetamine in an amount more than 10 grams, a Level 2 felony Jorge “Zae” Moreida, 29, Elkhart Dealing in Methamphetamine in an amount more than 10 grams, a Level 2 felony Oscar Sandoval, 30, Bristol Dealing in Methamphetamine in an amount more than 10 grams, a Level 2 felony Sandra Drake, 47, Elkhart Dealing in Methamphetamine in an amount more than 10 grams, a Level 2 felony Heather Slone, 31, Elkhart Dealing in Methamphetamine in an amount more than 10 grams, a Level 2 felony James Evans, 31, Elkhart Dealing in Methamphetamine in an amount more than 10 grams, a Level 2 felony Jorge “JJ” Fernandez, 21, Elkhart Dealing in Methamphetamine in an amount more than 10 grams, a Level 2 felony

Due to the creative and intensive investigative techniques utilized by these law enforcement agencies, and their continuing cooperation and support, the Drug Trafficking Organization of Luis Jaquez and his associates has likely come to its abrupt end. Our appreciation is extended to not only the Law Enforcement Representatives here with me, but to all of the undercover agents that operate in our community to infiltrate these dangerous organizations in our community.

***

“Under Indiana law, all persons arrested for a criminal offense are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.”