Man involved in cocaine ring could receive 81-year term

6/5/2001

A Toledo man could be sentenced to up to 81 years in prison today in Lucas County Common Pleas Court for his role in a drug ring from which police confiscated $2 million worth of cocaine this year.

Three other defendants were sentenced or will be sentenced to far less prison time after entering no-contest pleas.

Police said those involved in the Jan. 9 sting were part of a sizable local drug distribution ring. In addition to the 10 kilograms of cocaine seized, police confiscated more than $250,000 cash as a result of the six-month investigation.

“The Metro Drug Task Force did an excellent job in putting together this case,” said Tom Matuszak, an assistant county prosecutor who is part of office's organized crime unit. “They took millions of dollars of drugs off the street and prevented even more from going out on the street.”

Toledo police will get to keep $200,000 of the seized money, while the prosecutor's office will net the remaining $50,000.

Ramon Chavez Bueno, 33, of 2841 Chestnut St., pleaded no contest yesterday to four counts of possession of cocaine and one count of trafficking in cocaine. He will be sentenced by Judge Charles Wittenberg and could receive an 81-year term if given the maximum sentences. Prosecutors said his potential sentence could be higher than those of others charged in the case because there was more evidence against him.

Juan Ramos, 34, of 2841 Chestnut St., was sentenced yesterday to two years in prison for possession of cocaine, and Eloisa Guzman-Escalante, 20, also of 2841 Chestnut, received eight months in prison on the same charge.

Heraclio Cobian, 35, of 556 East Oakland St., faces a recommended three years in prison when he's sentenced June 14 for possession of cocaine. Cocaine possession charges were dismissed against Ramos' wife, Gloria Gomez-Lopez, 30, of 2841 Chestnut.

Mr. Matuszak said all those charged except Cobian were in the country illegally and may be deported after serving their sentences.