Brayan Quinonez, leader of Indianapolis drug trafficking ring, sentenced to 210 months in jail
INDIANAPOLIS: The leader of a drug trafficking organization which distributed large amounts of cocaine and methamphetamine in the Indianapolis area has been sentenced to 210 months in prison.
Brayan Quinonez, 25, was investigated by the FBI and Internal Revenue Service in early 2017 for his drug trafficking activities. The investigation showed that Quinonez's organization was conspiring to distribute controlled substances, including cocaine and methamphetamine, which he received from local suppliers in Mexico. The FBI said Quinonez distributed multiple kilograms of these substances at a time to customers in Indianapolis.
The organization also conspired to launder the proceeds of this vast drug trafficking activity through a series of wire transfers to nominees in Mexico, who received the drug proceeds on behalf of the source of supply, the FBI found.
“Residents living in fear because of narcotics trafficking in their neighborhoods by violent individuals such as Mr. Quinonez will never be tolerated,” said Grant Mendenhall, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Indianapolis Division. “This illustrates how the combined resources of the FBI and our law enforcement partners can target criminal enterprises and disrupt the flow of illegal drugs into our communities."
During raids conducted at several locations in Indianapolis, including Quinonez’s residence and a second location that he utilized to further his drug trafficking, agents seized over 70 pounds of methamphetamine, six pounds of cocaine, $50,000 in cash, and 17 firearms —four of which were seized from Quinonez’s residence.
“IRS CI special agents exposed Quinonez’s money laundering activities by expertly tracing drug proceeds through international financial systems,” said Brenda Viteri, Acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation. “The sentencing reinforces the continued success of OCDETF partnerships that IRS CI is proud to support. Second, a word of warning – if you launder illegal money, we will find you; it’s only a matter of time.”
Applauding the efforts of U.S. Attorneys and federal agents, US Attorney Josh J. Minkler said: “The remarkable illicit drug and firearm seizures in this case unequivocally make our district a safer place. I commend these efforts and express personal pride and gratitude for the regular sacrifices law enforcement and partner agencies make in the interests of justice.”
According to Assistant United States Attorney Michelle Brady, who is prosecuting this case for the government, Quinonez must serve five years of supervised release following his prison sentence.
This case was jointly investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, Indiana State Police, and the Brownsburg Police Department.