Eight Suspects With Alleged Mexican Cartel Connections Face Judge in Massive Wisconsin Drug Trafficking Case
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN — Eight people accused of taking part in a major drug trafficking ring with ties to the Mexican cartel faced a Brown County judge Thursday, following a sweeping 14-month investigation that led to multiple arrests and the seizure of cocaine, marijuana, cash, and firearms across Northeast Wisconsin.
Officials say the organization was highly sophisticated, with structured operations that included money laundering, drug storage, and rapid distribution networks.
Cartel-Linked Network Spanned Northeast Wisconsin
According to Brown County Deputy District Attorney Wendy Lemkuil, the drug trafficking ring was uncovered by the Brown County Drug Task Force and the Lake Winnebago Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group, who tracked large volumes of cocaine, marijuana, guns, and cash moving through local communities.
“Because of the significant money laundering and money that was moving through this organization, with members having ties to the Mexican drug cartel, they also have identified a sophisticated network of moving money, moving drugs, doing all of these things very quickly,” Lemkuil said.
Investigators said the group’s activity intensified during the summer of 2024 and continued until October 2025, when coordinated law enforcement raids resulted in 15 arrests and numerous charges.
Court Appearances and Bonds Set
Eight suspects appeared before a Brown County judge Thursday, with all court documents currently filed under seal as the investigation remains ongoing. Prosecutors named Kevin Morana-Morales, Xiomara Rodriguez, Erik Moreno-Flores, and Elvis Alvarado as the main co-conspirators.
- Elvis Alvarado — $500,000 cash bond
- Erik Moreno-Flores — $300,000 cash bond
- Kevin Morana-Morales — $300,000 cash bond
- Xiomara Rodriguez — $250,000 cash bond
- Marisela Alvarado-Prieto — $10,000 signature bond
- Martin Alvarado-Alvarez — $10,000 signature bond
- Elena Ruvalcaba-Mercado — $10,000 signature bond
- Mayra Duarte — $10,000 signature bond
Alvarado’s mother, Elena Ruvalcaba-Mercado, was also in court but not identified as part of the conspiracy. Prosecutors said she was unknowingly used by her son, who allegedly stored a kilogram of cocaine and empty wrappers at her home.
“We do not believe that at this time, we’re identifying her as being involved in the conspiracy,” Lemkuil told the court. “But because she is a relative and was being used by them, we are asking that these no-contact provisions be put in place.”
Massive Seizure and Ongoing Investigation
Authorities seized 3.2 kilograms of cocaine, 45 pounds of marijuana, 27 firearms, two vehicles, and $46,500 in cash as part of the investigation.
Officials confirmed that at least five additional suspects remain on the run, and more arrests are expected in the coming weeks as law enforcement continues to dismantle the organization’s remaining network.
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