The United States Department of Justice
Welcome to the District of Kansas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
News releases are available at www.usdoj.gov/usao/ks/press.html

Contact: Jim Cross
Phone: (316) 269-6481
FAX: 316-269-6420

TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 2007

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PARSONS MAN GETS 5-PLUS YEARS FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING

WICHITA, KAN. – Joseph Reyes, 25, Parsons, was sentenced Monday to 68 months in federal prison for drug trafficking.

In December 2006, Reyes entered a guilty plea to one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 5 grams of crack cocaine.

Reyes first came to investigators’ attention in July 2002 when he sold what he said was a quarter ounce of crack cocaine to an undercover agent. Reyes received $500 for the substance, which lab tests conducted by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation later determined contained no crack cocaine or other controlled substance.

On Sept. 16, 2006, Reyes twice participated in the sale of purported crack cocaine to an individual who was working with the Labette County Sheriff’s Office. Lab tests confirmed the substance was methamphetamine. On April 22, 2006, Reyes was arrested by the Parsons Police Department on charges of driving under the influence and driving with a revoked or suspended license. Investigators seized 7.86 grams of crack cocaine and 1.33 grams of marijuana from the car.

Melgren commended the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Parsons Police Department, the Labette County Sheriff’s Office, the Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation and other members of the task force that took part in Operation Little Big Man, an Organized Crime Drug Task Force that targeted drug trafficking networks operating in southeast Kansas. He also commended Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Rask, who prosecuted the case.