Several people are facing federal charges in connection with unrelated alleged drug crimes that were committed in the area. According to the U.S. Attorneys Office, 23-year-old Crispin Jimenez-Zambada of Kansas City, Missouri, 27-year-old Elizabeth Zepeda of Kansas City, Missouri.

And 42-year-old Jose Meza-Aramburo from Phoenix, Arizona, are charged with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In addition, Jiminez-Zambada is charged with unlawfully re-entering the United States after being deported. The crimes are alleged to have occurred Feb. 16, 2010, in Ellsworth County.

If convicted, they face a penalty of not less than 10 years and not more than life and a fine up to $4 million on the methamphetamine. On the immigration charge, Jimenez-Zambada faces a maximum penalty of 2 years and a fine up to $250,000.

In an unrelated case, 49-year-old Cynthia Evans of Riverside, California and 32-year-old James Clark of Riverside, Calififornia, and 44-year-old Michael Keigley of Apple Valley, California, are charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana. The crime is alleged to have occurred May 5, 2008, in Geary County. If convicted, they face a penalty of not less than 5 years and not more than 40 years and a fine up to $2 million.