Four People Sentenced in Drug Trafficking Ring

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Four people received prison sentences following convictions in relation to a drug trafficking ring that operated for years in the Kansas City metropolitan area.

According to court documents, the Jackson County Drug Task Force began an undercover operation in 2016 surrounding a drug trafficking ring. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) later partnered in the investigation which included controlled purchases of confirmed methamphetamine and surveillance. In 2019, law enforcement arrested Juan Ceniceros, 28, of Kansas City, Missouri, and several of co-conspirators including Ryan Goodall, 25, Julio Rodriguez, 57, and Donald Brown, 51.

Juan Ceniceros was sentenced to 144 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. He also pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Ryan Goodall was sentenced to 124 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Goodall also pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Julio Rodriguez of Glendale, Arizona, was sentenced to 70 months in prison for possession with the intent to distribute a mixture and substance containing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

Donald Brown of Kansas City, Missouri, was sentenced to 81 months in prison for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine. 

“The fact that this investigation spanned several years is a testament to the patience and steadfast dedication of local and federal law enforcement agencies. Their commitment to staying with the investigation as long as necessary ensured appropriate convictions for this illegal behavior which harms our communities,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard. 

The Jackson County Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case.  The United States Marshals Service assisted with identification and apprehension in this matter.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri Catania prosecuted the case.    

OCDETF STRIKE FORCE CASES
This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative, which provides for the establishment of permanent multi-agency task force teams that work side-by-side in the same location. This co-located model enables agents from different agencies to collaborate on intelligence-driven, multi-jurisdictional operations to disrupt and dismantle the most significant drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations. The Kansas City Metro Strike Force’s mission also includes disrupting and dismantling major drug trafficking organizations and transnational drug cartels, with emphasis on groups engaged in illicit activities involving methamphetamine and firearms that present a threat to public safety in the Kansas City metropolitan area. 
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