Defendant sentenced to 216 months for methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy

KANSAS CITY, KAN. - A defendant has been sentenced to 216 months in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine trafficking organization that operated in the Kansas City metro area, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Juan Carlos Chirinos, 30, Independence, Mo., was sentenced Monday in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kan. Chirinos pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

In his plea, he admitted that in 2009 he his co-defendants sold methamphetamine to agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives who were working undercover.

Investigators bought methamphetamine from Chirinos and other conspirators in 2009 on May 27, June 25, July 2, July 16, July 28, Sept. 17 and Oct. 15.

Co-defendants include:

• Susan Friend, who was sentenced to 144 months.

• Xavier Garza, who was sentenced to 75 months.

• Russell Loomis, who was sentenced to 72 months.

Grissom commended the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Trent Krug for their work on the case.