Secret files expose major drug and gun trade in Denver region

Federal Investigation Unveils Major Drug and Firearms Trafficking Network in Denver

Recent court documents obtained by 9NEWS reveal a sweeping federal investigation into a network of individuals involved in drug trafficking, firearms smuggling, and even murder-for-hire plots in the Denver metro area. The case centers around two major indictments that have charged 30 people with various offenses, many of whom are linked to the Tren de Aragua gang.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado (USAO-CO) has confirmed that several of those indicted are alleged members or leaders of Tren de Aragua, a group known for its involvement in organized crime across multiple regions. The investigations were led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), which launched a nine-month probe in October 2024 following information provided by the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office.

Key Locations and Activities

According to an arrest affidavit, the criminal activities were centered around the Ivy Crossing Apartments located at 2470 S. Quebec Street in southeast Denver. A confidential informant worked closely with undercover ATF agents to conduct transactions involving illegal firearms, ammunition, and “tusi,” a street narcotic commonly associated with Venezuelan markets and often laced with controlled substances.

During the investigation, ATF officers recovered a total of 69 firearms, including automatic machine guns. The charges against the defendants include firearms trafficking, using firearms in drug-related crimes, possession of firearms by undocumented immigrants, and trafficking of controlled substances such as methamphetamine, cocaine, and tusi.

Indicted Individuals

The list of those charged includes a wide range of individuals, some of whom are well-known in the Denver area. Among them are:

• Jose Manuel Guerra-Caballero, also known as "Blanco" and "Cuchillo"
• Jose Gerardo Villamediana-Villanueva
• Michelle Peña
• Kleber Arguello-Villegas
• Jose David Hernandez-Gonzalez
• Jonathan Jose Ocopio-Villalobos
• Victor Alexander Hernandez-Villacreses
• Alexandra Nazaret Marin-Risco
• Jonathan Enrique Medina
• Keidinson Orlando Torrealba-Gonzalez
• Kevin Alexander Ruiz-Perez
• Lenguinyer Guevara-Muro
• Jhon Harrison Villalobos-Salas
• Esleiter Vargas-Morales
• Yeiber Samuel Alfonzo-Martinez
• Guarnel Moises Urbina-Betancourt
• Willangel Maieyker Martinez-Sanjoa
• Kendry Jose Robertis-Garcia
• Michael Joel Ojeda-Avila
• Luis Aguilera-Pericaguan
• Nelo Osmel Comenarez-Morillo
• Santtys Jose Silva-Alvarez
• Rosmer Javier Bello-Garcia
• Jose David Rivas-Mendez
• Antony Alexander Diaz-Gonzalez
• Deomar Armando Mendez-Chavez
• Dannys Alexis Moncada-Arteaga
• Jose Daniel Bencomo-Gutierrez
• Luis Fernando Uribe-Torrealba
• Luis Henriquez Charaima

Of the 28 defendants in the United States, 24 are currently in federal custody, according to a recent media release.

Specific Allegations and Evidence

One redacted affidavit focuses on Luis Aguilera-Pericaguan, who is accused of conspiring to traffic firearms and narcotics from November 14 through March 27. The document describes a FaceTime meeting where two guns were previewed before being sold at an ATF-controlled site. Aguilera-Pericaguan reportedly received a brokerage fee after the sale. Subsequent WhatsApp communications led to additional transactions until March 27.

Another affidavit details the alleged involvement of Jose Manuel Guerra-Caballero in January. According to the document, he conspired to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine and helped arrange an armed narcotics transaction. The affidavit names several others who allegedly aided in this operation, including Michelle Peña, Kleber Arguello-Villegas, Jose David Hernandez-Gonzalez, Jonathan Jose Ocopio-Villalobos, Victor Alexander Hernandez-Villacreses, and Jose Gerardo Villamediana-Villanueva. Villamediana-Villanueva is described as a leader within the group, overseeing the protection of undercover agents during a drug deal involving 10 pounds of methamphetamine.