Federal charges filed in drug case from Wyandotte County

Six Kansas men were charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and other counts, according to the U.S. attorney’s office.

The crimes were alleged to have occurred from October 2013 to Sept. 5, 2014, in Wyandotte County.

Among those charged:
• Vicencio Olea-Monarez, 36, Kansas City, Kan.
• Gabriel Agustin Lopez, 28.
• Rosalio Chinchilla, 44, Kansas City, Kan.,
• Jose Luis Silva-Cardona, 24, Kansas City, Mo.
• Joshua Thomas Alvarez, 25, Kansas City, Kan.
• Lee Thomas Faulkner, 40, Topeka, Kan.

The indictment alleges members of the conspiracy maintained residences at 719 Lyons Ave. in Kansas City, Kan., and 1201 Gilmore Ave. in Kansas City, Kan., in furtherance of drug trafficking.

Upon conviction, the crimes alleged in the indictment carry these penalties:
• Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute 1,000 marijuana plants, distributing methamphetamine, attempt to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine: Not less than 10 years and a fine up to $10 million on each count.
• Possession with intent to distribute cocaine: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $1 million.
• Maintaining a residence in furtherance of drug trafficking: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $500,000.
• Possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking: Not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000.
• Unlawful possession of a firearm following a felony conviction: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.

The FBI investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Zabel is prosecuting.