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27 Sentenced in Prison-Based Drug Ring

Mar 27, 2025 at 04:05 pm by WGNS

Nashville, TN - In a landmark case, the United States has successfully concluded the prosecution of 27 defendants involved in a sweeping drug and money laundering conspiracy that spanned Middle Tennessee and beyond from 2018 to 2021. Acting U.S. Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee, Robert E. McGuire, announced the convictions on Wednesday (3/26/2025), hailing the efforts of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in dismantling the organization.

The conspiracy, spearheaded by Tennessee state prisoner Humberto Morales, operated from within the prison system and relied on encrypted communication services, smuggled cellphones, and complex financial transactions to traffic methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and other drugs from Mexico and California to Middle Tennessee. Morales, a ranking member of the Surenos gang, directed operations, including the transportation and distribution of drugs, and the laundering of proceeds, all while serving a decades-long sentence.

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Investigators uncovered the intricate scheme through extensive collaboration among federal, state, and local agencies, resulting in significant drug seizures and the exposure of the gang's financial network. Agencies involved included the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Internal Revenue Service—Criminal Investigations (IRS-CI), among others.

"These dangerous criminals who plagued our community are behind bars, some for decades," said McGuire. "Thanks to the dedication of our prosecutors and our law enforcement partners, their day is over, and justice has been served."

Sentences for the defendants ranged from life imprisonment for Morales to supervised release for others. Six defendants, native to Mexico, will face deportation proceedings after completing their sentences. Two individuals remain fugitives.

The success of this operation highlights the critical role of interagency cooperation. Jessica Wagner of USPIS emphasized the importance of securing the postal system, while HSI’s Rana Saoud underscored the determination to hold gangs accountable. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) praised the case's lasting impact on the community.

This case marks a major step in combatting the drug trade facilitated by infrastructure such as Rutherford County’s interconnected interstate system, which has long posed challenges for law enforcement.

Here are the 27 defemdants who were prosecuted: 

  1.  Humberto Morales, a/k/a “Pelon” – age 33 – life imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release
  2. Armando Lopez, 48, 324 months’ imprisonment and 7 years of supervised release
  3. Jennifer Montejo, 37, 300 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release
  4. Avigael Cruz, 33, 264 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release
  5. Jose Alvarado, 48, 240 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release
  6. Kevin Oliva-Hernandez, 35, 216 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release
  7. Jesse Sanchez, 35, 216 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release
  8. Jacob Lee, 29, 216 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release
  9. Billy Cruz, 30, 204 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release
  10. Phillip Christopher Smith, 45, 204 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release
  11. Mario Garcia Flores, 37, 180 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release
  12. Terrance Marquette Bobo, 32, 180 months’ imprisonment in two cases and 5 years of supervised release
  13. Austin Dodd, 29, 180 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release
  14. Justin Blake Lee, 30, 168 months’ imprisonment and 10 years of supervised release
  15. Jairo Rostran, 32, 156 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release
  16. Grecia Rocio Barrios, 37, 156 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release
  17. Ricardo Davalos Martinez, 32, 144 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release
  18. Kevin Tidwell, 31, 120 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release
  19. Kim Lamont Birdsong, 53, 100 months’ imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release
  20. Tiffany Messick, 30, 84 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release
  21. Jasmine Taylor, 30, 78 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release
  22. David Ku, 49, 66 months’ imprisonment and 5 years of supervised release
  23. Oscar Avelar Anguiano, 37, 66 months’ imprisonment and 1 year of supervised release
  24. Luis Ramirez Escudero, 32, 60 months’ imprisonment and 1 year of supervised release
  25. Melinda Tidwell, 35, 50 months’ imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release
  26. Stacy Owens, 35, 12 months’ imprisonment and 3 years of supervised release, followed by an additional 11-month sentence in a related matter.
  27. Korrine Parker, 47, time served and 5 years of supervised release.
Six of these defendants, who are native to Mexico, are expected to face deportation proceedings at the conclusion of their sentences. Two defendants charged in this case remain fugitives from justice – Erika Vasquez, a/k/a “Chula,” and Magdiel Pina Ramirez, a/k/a “Big Show.” Another half-dozen individuals associated with Morales were also charged and convicted in separate cases.
 
As more information is released, NewsRadio WGNS will keep you informed. 

 

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