Minneapolis Man Sentenced for Conspiring to Distribute Cocaine
MINNEAPOLIS – Earlier today in federal court in St. Paul, a 36-year-old Minneapolis man was sentenced for conspiring to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine. United States District Court Judge Richard H. Kyle sentenced Jose Guillen to 60 months in prison on one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Guillen was indicted on November 8, 2011, and pleaded guilty on January 26, 2012.
In his plea agreement, Guillen admitted that between April and October 20, 2011, he conspired with others to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine.
According to a law enforcement affidavit filed in the case, authorities conducted an arranged controlled purchase of cocaine from Guillen in September of 2011. Then, on October 19, authorities executed a search warrant at Guillen's residence and his place of employment as well as on his vehicle. Officers found approximately 285.10 grams of cocaine inside the bottom drawer of a tool chest belonging to Guillen. Authorities also seized a digital scale and suspected drug packaging in his residence as well as drug paraphernalia in his garage. Guillen was arrested at his place of employment without incident.
Following today’s sentencing, Dan Moren, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA
) Minneapolis–St. Paul Field Office, said, Mr. Guillen was identified by the partnering agencies of DEA, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Bloomington Police Department, and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office as the cocaine source of supply for the Raymond Avenue Crips street gang, a violent organization operating in greater Minneapolis. The investigation resulted in the seizure of substantial quantities of drugs and approximately 20 weapons, including handguns and assault rifles. The arrest of Guillen, along with the entire leadership of the Raymond Avenue Crips, has significantly impacted the ability of the gang to continue its criminal enterprise in the greater Twin Cities area.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey S. Paulsen.
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