Nine Charged After Federal Drug Trafficking Operation in Chicago and Suburbs

Federal Authorities Charge Nine in Cocaine Trafficking Case

Nine individuals have been charged in connection with a cocaine trafficking investigation centered in Chicago and several surrounding suburbs, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois. The investigation, led by the FBI and the Chicago Police Department, targeted alleged trafficking activity on Chicago's West Side and in suburban communities including Villa Park, Addison, and Rosemont.

Federal prosecutors said the case focuses on a Chicago couple, identified as Joel Andrade, 34, and Maria Brenda Mora-Hernandez, 32. Authorities accuse the pair of being at the center of a cocaine trafficking ring. Both Andrade and Mora-Hernandez are charged with drug conspiracy, drug distribution, and firearms offenses.

Investigative Actions and Locations

The U.S. Attorney's Office reported that investigators used covert surveillance, undercover purchases, and wiretapping as part of the operation to identify and dismantle the alleged drug trafficking ring. On Thursday morning, FBI agents executed warrants, made arrests, and searched homes on Chicago's West Side, including in the Little Village neighborhood, and as far west as suburban Villa Park.

Authorities stated that Andrade and Mora-Hernandez are accused of possessing at least 5 kilograms of cocaine with the intent to sell. Prosecutors also allege that the couple had two semiautomatic handguns that they used in their drug trafficking operation. According to the charges, seven other defendants are accused of distributing cocaine over the last year in Chicago, Villa Park, Addison, and Rosemont.

Defendants and Charges Filed

In addition to Andrade and Mora-Hernandez, seven other individuals face federal drug charges. They are identified as Richard Rubio, 33, of Chicago Ridge; Alexis Andrade, 30, of Chicago; Jeremy Rush, 34, of Downers Grove; Devonte Jones, 30, of Chicago; Jose Navarrete, 23, of Chicago; Jeremie Reyes-Gonzalez, 21, of Cicero; and Alexis Guttierez, 43, of Riverside.

Prosecutors said that all seven are charged with federal drug offenses related to the alleged distribution of cocaine. Rubio and Alexis Andrade are also charged with possessing handguns as part of their drug trafficking operation. Authorities reported that seven people were arrested during the Thursday drug busts and began appearing in court on Friday.

Ongoing Federal Proceedings

The arrests and charges stem from the coordinated efforts of federal and local law enforcement agencies operating under the authority of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois. The operation covered multiple jurisdictions, including Chicago's West Side neighborhoods and several western suburbs. The federal charges filed include allegations of drug conspiracy, drug distribution, possession of significant quantities of cocaine with intent to sell, and firearms-related offenses tied to the alleged trafficking activities.