A California man pleaded guilty Friday in U.S. District Court to interstate travel in aid of a racketeering enterprise for his role in transporting marijuana for Tong Moua Vang, announced U.S. Attorney Trent Shores.
At his hearing, David Mason Leslie, Jr., 54, of Cucamonga, California, admitted that in July 2018, he aided in the transport of marijuana for Tong Vang, of Tulsa. Leslie stated that he rented a car and trailer to transport marijuana from California to Tulsa for distribution to areas outside of Oklahoma. Leslie was arrested near Omaha, Nebraska, July 30, 2018, after law enforcement discovered 200 pounds of marijuana in the trailer.
“Crime doesn’t pay. Leslie made a costly decision simply for what he thought was easy money. He got caught up in the wrong game and now may pay the price by being sentenced to federal prison for taking part in this marijuana operation," said U.S. Attorney Shores.
The transport of the drug was part of a marijuana distribution operation led by Kong Meng Vang, who pleaded guilty in August 2018 to drug conspiracy, money laundering and possession with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. Tong Vang was later named to the drug conspiracy in a superseding indictment. Tong Vang purchased marijuana in California then recruited and paid others to transport it outside of state. Leslie originally hauled cars for Kong Meng Vang, and was later recruited by Tong Vang to transport the marijuana.
U.S. District Chief Judge John E. Dowdell accepted his plea and set sentencing for July 11, 2019. Leslie remains in custody while awaiting sentencing. At that time, he faces a potential maximum sentence of five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and IRS-Criminal Investigation are the investigative agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney’s Joseph F. Wilson and Richard M. Cella are prosecuting the case
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
