Aurora Drug Sting: 71 Felonies Brought Against 14 People

AURORA, IL -- Police charged 13 men and one woman with a total of 71 felonies Friday after a nearly year-long investigation into drug activity in Aurora. Eight guns, several grams of methamphetamine, and cocaine were seized during the arrest. Three suspects are still at large, police say.

A dozen of the felonies were labeled as Class X felonies, which are more severe because they took place near schools, parks, and churches throughout Aurora, according to police. Police say one of the guns found had an obliterated serial number and that another was traced back to a burglary in Aurora.

Still at large is Alexander Fuentes, 20, of the 600 block of S. Fourth St., is still at large, according to police. Fuentes was charged with 23 felonies, including gun running and unlawful sale of a firearm.

Jacqueline Castaneda, 26, of the 800 block of Spring St., and Noe Vargas Jr., 19, of the 800 block of Claim St., are also still wanted by police.

The suspects currently in custody include:

• Nikitas Turner, 33, of the 200 block of Chestnut St.
• Juan Bucio, 21, of the 600 block of E. Downer Pl.
• Torey Payne, 31, of the 100 block of N. West St., Plano
• Kenzail Taylor, 21, of the 1700 block of Ravine Park Ln.
• Ricki Rodriguez, 26, of the first block of N. Highland Ave
• Juan Anaya, 22, of the 700 block of Front St.
• Gabriel Guerrero Jr., 24, of the 800 block of Gates St.
• David Guzman, 21, of the 800 block of Superior St.
• Ivan Patino, 24, of the 700 block of E. New York St.
• Jose Meraz, 24, of the 1100 block of Rural St.
• Marcus Serrano, 25, of the 700 block of Fifth St.

A $5,000 reward is currently available for the arrest of Vargas, Castaneda, and Fuentes if you leave an anonymous tip with Aurora Crime Stoppers at 630-892-1000 that leads to their arrest.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call 911 or Aurora Police at 630-256-5600.

Images courtesy of Aurora Police Department