Indictment Alleges Drug Proceeds Laundered Through Banks and Western Union Transfers
SYRACUSE, NEW YORK - Nine people arrested today are named in a federal methamphetamine and money laundering conspiracy indictment unsealed in court in Binghamton, New York, announced Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith, DEA Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt, Postal Inspector in Charge Shelly Binkowski, and New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach, II.
The Indictment alleges that the ten coconspirators engaged in a conspiracy from January 2015 to September 5, 2017, to possess with intent to distribute and distribute in excess of 50 grams of methamphetamine. Four of the defendants arrested today are alleged to have conspired to launder drug proceeds using Western Union wire transfers, bank transfers, and deposits. The indictment also contains forfeiture allegations.
The following defendants are charged in the indictment and made court appearances today:
Alonzo Lamar Harris, a/k/a “L" 42, of Youngstown, Arizona
Charles Green, a/k/a “C" 42, of Endicott, New York
Akuan Johnson, a/k/a “Bleek" 38, of Binghamton, New York
Vincent Harrell, a/k/a “VI" 39, of Endicott, New York
Kenneth Wilson, a/k/a “KB" 46, of Endicott, New York
Rachel Millard, a/k/a “R" 30, of Endicott, New York
Jolene Barrett, 41, of Johnson City, New York
Misti Evans, 37, of Endicott, New York
Amanda Kamp, 37, of Deposit, New York
One additional defendant is being sought in connection with this indictment.
The methamphetamine conspiracy charge filed against Alonzo Lamar Harris, Charles Green, Akuan Johnson, Vincent Harrell, Kenneth Wilson, Rachel Millard, Jolene Barrett and Misti Evans carries a minimum sentence of ten years and a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a fine of up to $10 million dollars, and a term of supervised release of at least 5 years and up to life. Akuan Johnson, Vincent Harrell, and Kenneth Wilson could face enhanced penalties if convicted. Amanda Kamp faces a sentence of imprisonment of up to 20 years, a fine of up to $1 million dollars, and a term of supervised release of at least 3 years and up to life, if convicted.
Alonzo Lamar Harris, Charles Green, Akuan Johnson, and Rachel Millard are also charged with conspiracy to launder drug proceeds and face a maximum sentence of up to 20 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $500,000.00, and a term of supervised release of up to three years.
A defendant’s sentence is imposed by a judge based on the particular statute the defendant is charged with violating, the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors.
“As the allegations in this indictment illustrate, we are committed to working with federal, state, and local law enforcement to dismantle drug trafficking organizations that prey on the people in our communities for profit. We must stop both the flow of methamphetamine from the southwest to our Southern Tier and the movement of drug proceeds back to perpetuate the peddling of this poison," said Acting United States Attorney Grant C. Jaquith
DEA New York Special Agent in Charge James J. Hunt stated, “Mexican drug traffickers succeeded in flooding the market with opioids, and now they are trying to do the same with methamphetamine. These arrests demonstrate that DEA and our law enforcement partners are determined to not let that happen."
U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Inspector in Charge Shelly Binkowski said, “We simply cannot and will not allow drug trafficking organizations to use our nation’s mail system to facilitate the transport of illegal drugs, which continue to destroy the lives of many through addiction. Today’s arrests should send a strong message to drug traffickers that the United States Postal Inspection Service will commit the resources necessary to protect our employees, customers, and the U.S. Mail. Together with our law enforcement partners we will put a stop to these criminal enterprises."
“Once again strong law enforcement partnerships have disrupted another illegal narcotic and money laundering operation," said New York State Police Superintendent George P. Beach II. “The arrests and indictments of these ten individuals will not only keep harmful narcotics such as methamphetamine off our streets, but they will also put an end to the dangerous cycle of criminal activities that threaten our neighborhoods as a result of these drugs. We will continue to work together to keep these harmful narcotics from infiltrating our communities."
The charges in the indictment are merely accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
This case is being investigated by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)-Syracuse Resident Office, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the New York State Police, and the Broome County SIU Drug Task Force, including the Vestal Police Department, Endicott Police Department, Binghamton Police Department, Johnson City Police Department, Waverly Police Department, Broome County Sheriff’s Office, Tioga County Sherriff’s Office, and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Nicolas Commandeur.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
