A nearly three-year investigation conducted by Aurora police, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kane County State’s Attorney's Office into allegations of drug dealing and firearms sales involving an Aurora street gang culminated Aug. 12 with the unsealing of Kane County grand jury indictments against 16 men, including Paul Benavides, also known as Francis Perez, according to the news release from Aurora police.
The last known address for Benavides, 38, was in the 200 block of Arrowhead Drive in North Aurora.
He was charged with unlawful delivery of a controlled substance and unlawful delivery of cannabis, the release stated.
The charges contained in the indictments were announced by Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Chicago Office John Brown and Kane County State’s Attorney Joe McMahon. The investigation was conducted under the umbrella of the U.S. Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force.
A total of 96 felony charges have been filed against the men, all of whom are alleged members of the Latin Kings street gang. The investigation was dubbed Operation Tri-Lambs. Thirty-two of the charges are classified as Class-X felonies. The investigation utilized undercover, controlled narcotics and weapons purchases and involved confidential informants, all of whom were members of the Latin Kings, according to the release. Charging documents indicate the purchases were all video- and/or audio-recorded.
All the felonies are state charges and will be prosecuted by the Kane County State’s Attorney's Office. During the investigation, 13 firearms and about 22 ounces of cocaine were seized.
Seven of the 16 men were taken into custody Aug. 11, when about 90 Aurora police officers and FBI special agents fanned out across the city and executed arrest warrants. Five of the men were previously arrested and charged in connection with the Tri-Lambs investigation; two were in Illinois Department of Corrections custody on unrelated charges, including Benavides; and two Aurora men remain at large.
Sought are Leonel A. Martinez, 29, whose last known address was in the 2400 block of Devonshire Court; and Alvaro Robledo, 22, who listed an address in the 500 block of Hoyles Street. Martinez is described as 6-foot, weighing 230 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He has tattoos on his chest, left arm and right wrist. Robledo is 6-foot-1, and weighs 250 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He has tattoos on his chest and one arm.
Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to call Aurora Police Special Operations Group Investigators at 630-256-5600 or 911. To remain anonymous and qualify for a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to the arrest of either man, call Aurora Area Crime Stoppers at 630-892-1000.