Belton Man Pleads Guilty to Fentanyl Trafficking

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - A Belton, Mo., man pleaded guilty in federal court today for selling fentanyl to a confidential informant.

Raimon Martez Gilliam, also known as "Ray Money," "Money," and "Money Mike," 27, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Roseann A. Ketchmark to one count of distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance.

According to court documents, on Oct. 8, 2025, a Jackson County Drug Task Force confidential informant ("CI") contacted Gilliam to purchase fentanyl. Gilliamdirected the CI to meet him at a location near Indiana Avenue, Kansas City, Mo. Upon arrival, Gilliam entered the front passenger seat of the CI's vehicle. The CI handed Gilliam $5,400 and in exchange, Gilliam gave the CI one baggie of purple fentanyl and one baggie of white fentanyl. Once the transaction was completed, the CI left the area and met with detectives who took possession of the suspected fentanyl. Thereafter, the evidence was sent to the Missouri State Highway Patrol Crime Laboratory for testing. Following analysis, a forensic scientist determined that both bags contained fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, with a combined weight of 73.02 grams.

Under federal statutes, Gilliam is subject to a sentence of not less than 5 years and up to 40 years 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. Attorney Brad K. Kavanaugh. It was investigated by the Jackson County Drug Task Force.

Operation Take Back America

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.