Two Cass County, Mo., brothers pleaded guilty in federal court yesterday to their roles in a drug-trafficking conspiracy and to illegally possessing firearms.
Serjio Diaz, 39, of Belton, and Tony Diaz, 41, of Raymore, pleaded guilty in separate appearances before U.S. District Judge Greg Kays. Serjio and Tony Diaz each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine; one count of possessing heroin with the intent to distribute; and one count of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime. Tony Diaz also pleaded guilty to one count of being a felon in possession of firearms. Serjio Diaz also pleaded guilty to one count of money laundering.
By pleading guilty today, Serjio and Tony Diaz both admitted to participating in a drug trafficking conspiracy with others that lasted from approximately January 1, 2019, until June 22, 2021.
On March 18, 2019, a federal agent interdicted and seized a package from Arizona that contained more than 4.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, which was addressed to Serjio Diaz’s residence. On the same day, a federal agent also interdicted and seized a package from Arizona that contained more than three kilograms of methamphetamine, which was addressed to Tony Diaz’s residence.
During the investigation, investigators conducted 23 controlled transactions with Serjio and Tony Diaz. The transactions occurred between March 26, 2019, and May 26, 2021, and took place in Grandview, Belton, and Kansas City, Missouri. Over the course of these transactions, law enforcement purchased approximately 7,052.1 grams of methamphetamine, approximately 6,036.5 grams of heroin, and approximately 468.6 grams of cocaine from Serjio DIAZ and/or his brother, Tony DIAZ, for approximately $243,900.
On June 22, 2021, law enforcement officers arrested Serjio and Tony Diaz. Following a search of Tony Diaz’s residence, officers found approximately 1,128 grams of heroin, approximately 28 grams of cocaine, a Zastava Arms 7.62x39mm semi-automatic rifle, a Romarm Cugir 7.62x39mm semi-automatic rifle, and $5,461 in cash in Tony Diaz’s bedroom. Officers also found a Remington Arms .22-caliber rifle in a shed. Following a search of Tony Diaz’s vehicles, officers located one pound of suspected marijuana in his Lincoln Navigator SUV, a Ruger 9mm semi-automatic pistol, and approximately 3.4 grams of marijuana in his BMW X5. Following a search of Serjio Diaz’s residence, officers found approximately 8,942 grams of heroin, approximately 166 grams of cocaine, 6 bags of round, blue “M 30” pills containing fentanyl, with an approximate, cumulative weight of 78 grams, a metal hydraulic press, also known as a “Big Red”, an electronic scale, a Glock 9mm semi-automatic pistol, and $82,250 in cash.
Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. Tony Diaz has a prior felony conviction for possession of a controlled substance.
Co-defendant Maria Jasmin Lopez, 24, of Phoenix, Arizona, also pleaded guilty to her role in the drug-trafficking conspiracy and was sentenced on Aug. 1, 2023, to 11 years and two months in federal prison without parole. Co-defendant Vicente Aguilera, 39, of Kansas City, Missouri pleaded guilty to the use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug conspiracy and is awaiting sentencing.
Under federal statutes, Serjio and Tony Diaz are each subject to a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years, up to a sentence of life in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bradley K. Kavanaugh and Robert Smith. It was investigated by the FBI, the Jackson County Drug Task Force, and U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
