United States of America v. Cristian Gutierrez-Alvarez

Indianapolis, Indiana - Criminal defense lawyer conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm during and in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.



Gutierrez-Alvarez, 26, Michoacan, Mexico was charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm during and in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense.



“Drug dealing fuels the majority of violence and social devastation that is occurring in Indianapolis,” said Childress. “Those who choose to ignore our drug laws can expect to face the full force of federal prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The impactful investigative work done by our federal, state and local partners is to be commended.”



In late February 2018, federal agents initiated an investigation into a drug trafficking organization led by Cristian Gutierrez-Alvarez. This organization distributed controlled substances in the Indianapolis and Medford, Oregon areas. This poly drug organization was distributing multi-pound quantities of heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana from sources of supply in Mexico, California and Oregon.



On January 18, 2019, 15 federal search warrants from this investigation were executed. As a result, 25 federal arrests and multiple state arrests throughout Indiana and Oregon were made as well as the seizure of approximately nine pounds of methamphetamine, over a kilogram of heroin, fifteen ounces of cocaine, approximately forty pounds of marijuana, twenty firearms, approximately $20,000, and 15 vehicles.



This case was the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Indianapolis Metropolitan Drug Task Force, and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement.



“The 295 month sentencing of Mr. Gutierrez-Alvarez was just and necessary for the fine citizens of Indianapolis and our surrounding communities,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Michael Gannon. “Individuals like Gutierrez-Alvarez must be held accountable for their actions, especially when they are dealing debilitating drugs, such as heroin, methamphetamine and cocaine. The DEA is committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to investigate and arrest drug traffickers such as Gutierrez-Alvarez and keep our communities safe.”



According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley A. Blackington, who prosecuted the case for the government, Gutierrez-Alvarez will be deported to Mexico following the completion of his prison sentence.



This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks.

12/16/2020 434 MINUTE ENTRY for proceedings held before Judge James Patrick Hanlon as to CRISTIAN GUTIERREZ-ALVAREZ (1): On December 15, 2020, Defendant Cristian Gutierrez-Alvarez appeared in person and by counsel, Belle Choate, for a sentencing hearing. The government appeared by counsel, Assistant United States Attorney, Bradley Blackington, with its investigative agent, DEA Special Agent Matthew Holbrook. Brittany Neat appeared on behalf of the United States Probation Office. The hearing was recorded by Court Reporter, Jodie Franzen. Elizabeth Sanchez was sworn in as interpreter. Defendant was sentenced to 295 months' imprisonment and five years' supervised release. A fine of $1,000.00 was imposed with interest waived. A special assessment of $200.00 was imposed and an order of forfeiture for items listed in indictment entered. The government moved to dismiss Counts 4, 6, 8 and 10 of the Superseding Indictment, which motion was GRANTED. Defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal. The Judgment is forthcoming. *** SEE ENTRY FOR FURTHER DETAILS *** (PKP) (Entered: 12/16/2020)

12/16/2020 435 JUDGMENT as to CRISTIAN GUTIERREZ-ALVAREZ (1) - Defendant pleaded guilty to counts 1 and 5. Counts 4, 6, 8, and 10 are dismissed on the motion of the United States. IMPRISONMENT: 295 months. (235 months on Count 1 and 60 months on Count 5, consecutive). The Court recommends placement at a facility as close to Indianapolis, Indiana, as possible and a substance abuse evaluation and treatment. SUPERVISED RELEASE: 5 years on each of Counts 1 and 5, concurrent. S.A. FEE: $200.00. FINE: $1000.00. Signed by Judge James Patrick Hanlon on 12/16/2020. Electronic notice to USM-C.(DWH) (Entered: 12/17/2020)