A joint investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Department of Homeland Security and the Sequoyah County Sheriff’s Office led to the indictment of seven members of an alleged Oklahoma meth ring. The suspects, whose ages range from 28 to 45 years old, all face felony charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
According to the indictment, the suspects tried to distribute at least a pound of methamphetamine in Southern California and LeFlore County. The indictment also alleges that the group utilized physical violence to collect drug debts, keep its members quiet and avoid losing drugs and drug proceeds to theft.
During the course of the investigation, police and federal agents reportedly discovered that the group acquired properties, guns and vehicles for the purpose of distributing the narcotics. If convicted, the defendants will be forced to relinquish at least two properties and all of the proceeds from their business.
The coordinated effort to arrest the suspects came on June 16, 2020. Before long, all seven suspects were in custody. If convicted, each member of the group is facing at least 10 years in federal prison and a $10 million fine.
Trafficking methamphetamine carries severe consequences in the justice system. If the defendants are unable to beat the drug charges, they could be given long prison sentences. In this situation, each defendant might be thinking about consulting an attorney. Sometimes, prosecutors in cases like this involving many defendants are willing to grant one amenable plea deal to the first defendant who cooperates. After that, it may be more difficult for other defendants to secure as generous plea deals. A criminal defense attorney may advise an individual in custody about the next steps to take.
