Seven people were arrested Feb. 4 for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, distribution of controlled substances, and conspiracy to engage in money laundering, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The multi-state drug trafficking ring included Loren Toelle, 51, Steven Wayne Jackson, 30, Sean Lee Jackson, 27, Robert Lamar Hill, 54, Kristin Rene Wilson, 28, all of Las Vegas. Also arrested for their involvement in the money laundering conspiracy were Sherlann Simon, 34, of North Las Vegas, Nevada, and Stanley Toelle, 61, of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.
The defendants were indicated by a federal grand jury on Jan. 20, in Coeur d’Alene. An eighth defendant, Jessica Nadine Frederick, 27, of Liberty Lake, Washington, remains a fugitive.
The indictment alleges that the organization has generated at least $1.3 million in drug proceeds since 2009. In addition to a cash proceeds, the indictment also seeks to forfeit numerous pieces of real property, vehicles, and bank accounts that were used to facilitate the organizations drug trafficking or were obtained with the organization’s drug proceeds. Loren Toelle, Steven Jackson, Sean Jackson, Robert Hill, and Jessica Frederick were also indicted on separate drug distribution charges relating to controlled purchases of heroin and/or oxycodone that law enforcement made from the individuals throughout the investigation.
On Feb. 4, in a coordinated effort by state, local and federal law enforcement 18 search warrants were executed in Idaho, Nevada and North Dakota.
The charge of conspiracy to distribute heroin, oxycodone, and methamphetamine carries a mandatory minimum charge of at least 10 years and not more than life, a $10 million fine and at least five years of supervised release. Each charge of distribution of oxycodone and heroin is punishable by up to 20 years in prison, a maximum fine of $1 million, and at least three years of supervised release. The charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering is punishable by up to twenty years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.
