9 Accused In Cocaine Trafficking Ring, Including Downers Grove Man

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — A Downers Grove man is among nine people accused of taking part in a cocaine trafficking ring that distributed to Chicago and nearby suburbs.

Jeremy Rush, 34, of Downers Grove, was charged with federal drug offenses, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of Illiniois. The following individuals face the same charges:

• Richard Rubio, 33, of Chicago Ridge (also charged with possessing handguns to further drug trafficking crimes)
• Alexis Andrade, 30, of Chicago also charged with possessing handguns to further drug trafficking crimes)
• Devonte Jones, 30, of Chicago
• Jose Navarrette, 23, of Chicago
• Jeremie Reyes-Gonazalez, 21, of Cicero
• Alexis Gutierrez, 43, of Riverside

Maria Brenda Mora-Hernandez, 32, and Joel Andrade, 34, both of Chicago, were charged with drug distribution and drug conspiracy, along with firearm offenses, a news release said.

According to prosecutors, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Chicago Police Department (CPD) used undercover narcotics purchases, surveillance operations and wiretapping to investigate ongoing drug trafficking with distribution in Chicago, Addision, Villa Park and Rosemont.

Per a criminal complaint, Mora-Hernandez and Joel Andrade conspired to possess five kilograms or more of cocaine with the intention to distribute it. Prosecutors say Mora-Hernandez and Andrade also had two handguns used to further the drug trafficking.

The seven other defendants were taken into custody Jan. 26. Court-authorized searches were subsequently executed in Chicago and related suburbs.

"The FBI will continue to aggressively combat criminal organizations that degrade our communities by engaging in the trafficking of narcotics,” FBI Special Agent In Charge Douglas S. DePodesta said in a statement.

He added, “The success of this operation underscores the valuable partnerships the FBI shares with the Chicago Police Department and all members of our Safe Streets Task Force who work together to ensure the safety of our communities."