Timothy M. O’Shea, the United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, has announced the sentencing of Yelitzia Ortiz Chaparro and Emanuel Gonzalez in connection with methamphetamine and cocaine trafficking activities. Ortiz Chaparro, aged 29 from Madison, was sentenced to three years in federal prison by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson for distributing methamphetamine. Her husband, Gonzalez, aged 25 also from Madison, received an eight-year sentence on February 4, 2025, for possessing over 500 grams of cocaine intended for distribution.
Gonzalez admitted guilt on November 4, 2024, while Ortiz Chaparro pleaded guilty two days later. Between November 2022 and February 2023, Ortiz Chaparro sold a total of 362 grams of cocaine to a confidential source collaborating with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). On March 17, 2023, both individuals coordinated to deliver one pound of methamphetamine to this source in Madison.
Further transactions occurred in May and June of 2024 when Gonzalez sold a total of 198 grams of cocaine and one pound of methamphetamine to a second confidential source. During negotiations for these deals, Ortiz Chaparro informed the source that the price for methamphetamine was $2,100. Additionally, on July 15, Gonzalez delivered another batch totaling 56 grams of cocaine.
A federal search warrant executed at their residence on July 18 led to Gonzalez's arrest and the discovery of nearly a kilogram of cocaine and a loaded handgun within their home. Authorities also seized significant cash amounts during this operation.
Judge Peterson highlighted the seriousness due to "the large amounts of drugs" distributed by Ortiz Chaparro over an extended period. He noted her rapid involvement in drug trafficking after initially being introduced by Gonzalez. For Gonzalez's part in these activities and keeping an unsecured firearm accessible near drugs around his child were factors considered during sentencing.
The investigation was spearheaded by the DEA and FBI with support from various state agencies including the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation and local law enforcement bodies like the Madison Police Department. The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) funded this extensive investigation effort which resulted in these prosecutions handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner.