A large scale investigation has led to several arrests in the Portland area. According to reports, a group of eight people have indicted on federal charges following the investigation. This investigation resulted in the execution of several search warrants. Reports claim that at least 12 places were searched by federal agents as the indictments were issued.
These indictments accuse the individuals of a wide variety of criminal charges, including drug charges. The individuals involved were charged with selling and distributing large quantities of marijuana throughout the United States. Authorities claim that the people would ship large amounts of marijuana to different cities across the U.S. Then, they would have people place money for the drugs in various bank accounts.
Federal agents also accused the individuals of traveling to pick up proceeds from drug sales. At one point, at least one individual is accused of picking up nearly $70,000 in exchange for marijuana and using a commercial flight to transport the money.
In addition to the drug charges, the group is accused of using a local café to engage in money laundering and illegal gambling activities. The café was apparently used as a way to collect some of the proceeds from illegal online gambling. Each of the individuals is facing multiple criminal charges.
Drug charges can mixed with a variety of other criminal charges. Each of the charges must be proven by prosecutors. In cases where there are a variety of charges and defendants, each person needs to make sure to protect their constitutional rights. Evidence can be used against one person in the group, when others were responsible. With the right defense strategy, however, people can ensure that they do not suffer the serious consequences for other people's actions.
Source: The Oregonian, "8 indicted on federal charges, accused of running illegal online gambling and marijuana-trafficking ring," Maxine Bernstein, Jan. 29, 2015
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