FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Lauren Horwood
November 3, 2011	PHONE: (916) 554-2706
www.usdoj.gov/usao/cae	usacae.edcapress@usdoj.gov

FRESNO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced today that a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment today charging Ketkeo Vorasane, 45, and Chanh Vorasane, 45, both of Reedley, in a conspiracy to cultivate, distribute, and possess with intent to distribute marijuana.

According to court documents, the Vorasanes were involved in the cultivation and processing of approximately 1,163 marijuana plants and more than 1,723 pounds of processed marijuana grown on a vegetable farm in Reedley. Law enforcement agents found the defendants during the execution of a federal search warrant at the property. Chanh Vorasane allegedly failed to obey law enforcement commands to halt and ran into the residence, where agents found Ketkeo Vorasane and two firearms. Both Ketkeo and Chanh Vorasane have been detained as flight risks and dangers to the community.

The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Fresno County Sheriff's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen A. Escobar is prosecuting the case.

If convicted of the drug offenses, Ketkeo and Chanh Vorasane face a mandatory minimum prison term of 10 years and a maximum term of life, along with a fine of up to $10 million. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

The charges are only allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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