U. S. Department of Justice

United States Attorney
Northern District of Indiana

5400 Federal Plaza, Suite 1500
Hammond, Indiana 46320
(219) 937- 5500
FAX: (219) 852-2770
TTD: (219) 933- 1250

November 7, 2002
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Released By: Joseph S. Van Bokkelen
United States Attorney
Northern District of Indiana
5400 Federal Plaza, Suite 1500
Hammond, Indiana 46320

Contact Person: Robert N. Trgovich
(260) 422-2595

Six defendants were arrested November 4, 2002, and charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana and possession with the intent to distribute more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 846, 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(A). A federal criminal complaint was filed November 5, 2002, charging RODNEY LUMBARDO, age 21, JUAN JOSE NIEVES, age 21, MATTHEW VINCENT WILSON, age 19, THOMAS LEE FITZWATER, age 20, ERIC ALAN FRITSCH, age 19, and JUAN VICTOR MENDEZ, age 38, with these violations after the seizure of the marijuana.

The complaint alleges that U.S. Customs officers inspected two Roadway Express trailers that had just crossed the U.S./Mexico border at Laredo, Texas, on October 29, 2002. The trailers' manifests indicated they were carrying ornamental art. Both trailers were x-rayed and revealed high-density anomalies throughout the merchandise in the trailers. A physical search revealed bundles of a green leafy substance that field-tested positive for marijuana. The trailers and merchandise were seized and U.S. Customs took possession of the trailers and contents. Under constant surveillance, Customs delivered the trailers and contents to Fort Wayne, Indiana. On November 4, 2002, one of the semi-trailers and contents were delivered to 3136 Broadway, Fort Wayne. Present at that location were LUMBARDO, NIEVES, WILSON, FITZWATER and FRITSCH.

"Results of the marijuana seizure at the Laredo, Texas, Port of Entry and subsequent controlled delivery of the drugs to its destination in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is an example of U.S. Customs at its best," said U.S. Customs (Chicago) Associate Special Agent in Charge Brian Moskowitz. "This highly successful investigation led to arrests at both ends of this drug smuggling supply chain ... those transporting the drugs, as well as those on the receiving end who are dealing drugs in communities like Fort Wayne and elsewhere in the Midwest."

The defendants were brought before a United States Magistrate Judge in Fort Wayne, Indiana for their initial appearance. The government has moved for detention of all defendants, and a detention hearing has been scheduled for November 12, 2002, at 1 p.m.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Customs Service and is assigned to Assistant United States Attorney Robert N. Trgovich.

The United States Attorney's Office emphasized that a complaint is merely an allegation at this time and that all persons charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.