DENVER - Seventeen people face charges in connection with a drug and firearm investigation in the Denver area.

The five people arrested on federal warrants were in U.S. District Court in Denver Thursday, said Jeff Dorschner, spokesman for the U.S. Attorney for the district of Colorado. The group was advised of the charges they face and the related penalties if they are convicted.

The federal grand jury indicted:

1. Kenneth Greenwood, 37, of Denver, who faces two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and three counts of possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute.
2. Marcus Donte Thomas, 29, of Denver, who faces two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and one count of possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute.
3. Christopher Randell Wilburn, 37, of Denver, who faces one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
4. Phillip Dante Dilosa, 35, of Denver, who faces one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
5. Terry Barlow, 45, of Denver, who faces distribution of cocaine base and being a felon in possession of a firearm

The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and up to $250,000 fine per count. The charge of possession of cocaine base with intent to distribute carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison and a $1,000,000 fine per count.

The other 12 defendants charged by state authorities are:

1. Jesse Oliver, 30, of Denver
2. Latisha Maxey, 33, of Denver
3. Angel Palomino, 21, of Denver
4. Kristiana Romero, 39, of Denver
5. Turell Johnson, 19, of Denver
6. George McClain, 61, of Denver
7. Carmaine Key, 37, of Denver
8. Kenneth Watkins, 31, of Denver
9. Kari Watson-Frazier, 28, of Denver
10. Fred Salazar, 41, of Denver
11. Lavelle Davis, 39
12. Christopher Hale, 39

These defendants are being prosecuted by the Denver District Attorney’s Gang Unit.