|
|
News
Release FOR
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT: California Man Is Sentenced To 35 Years In Prison In Connection With California-St. Louis Drug Distribution Conspiracy William J. Renton, Jr., Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), St. Louis Division, and Raymond W. Gruender, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Missouri announced today, November 25, 2002, the sentencing of Anthony Francis of Inglewood, California, who was sentenced to 420 months in federal prison. Anthony Francis was convicted of one felony count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute in excess of five kilograms of cocaine on August 29, 2002, and appeared for sentencing before United States District Judge Catherine D. Perry on November 22, 2002. Anthony Francis is the brother of Robert Francis the convicted leader of a $1 million California-St. Louis drug organization. Robert Francis was sentenced to life in prison, and co-defendant Germaine Davis was sentenced to 235 months in prison on October 3, 2002. Both defendants were convicted of one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute in excess of five kilograms of cocaine on May 24, 2002. Leo Muhammad, was also convicted of one felony count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute in excess of five kilograms of cocaine in May 2002, and is scheduled for sentencing today. Anthony and Robert Francis ran an organization which was centered primarily in Inglewood, CA and the metropolitan St. Louis area. Thirty-two kilograms of cocaine and over $100,000 cash were seized as a result of the investigation. These defendants transported cocaine from California to the St. Louis area and transferred the proceeds from St. Louis to California via express mailing. The evidence showed that this organization moved a million dollars in 1999 alone. The conspiracy also included activity in Chicago, IL, Indianapolis, IN, Memphis, TN and McAllen, TX. Mr. Gruender commended the cooperation between the DEA, Postal Inspection Service, and state and local law enforcement agencies from California, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas. Mr. Renton stated, "Clearly, what started as a neighborhood investigation developed into a major multi-agency effort that spanned five states. This investigation is another outstanding example of the excellent cooperation that exists within the law enforcement community in America. It should send a message that law enforcement is committed to finding, investigating, and arresting those who engage in drug trafficking."
|
