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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
May 21 , 2009
WICHITA MAN CHARGED IN $11.9 MILLION DRUG TRAFFICKING CONSPIRACY
WICHITA, KAN. – A 131-count criminal indictment seeks an $11.9 million money judgement against a leader of an alleged cocaine trafficking organization in Wichita, U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch said today.
Tyrone L. Andrews, 40, Wichita, Kan., is charged in a superseding indictment unsealed Wednesday with one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, 5 counts of distributing cocaine, 16 counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, 94 counts of using a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking, one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and one count of maintaining a house at 1821 S. Ridgewood in Wichita for the purpose of drug trafficking.
Charged in the same indictment are 16 co-defendants including:
– Michael L. Biglow, 44, Valley Center, Kan.
– Kevin L. Gunter, 38, Wichita, Kan.
– Ricky A. Henry, 32
– Gregory A. Reynolds, 35, Wichita, Kan.
– Cornell A. Beard, 39
– Seth A. Collins, 27
– Timothy F. Collins, 35
– Robert E. Dear, Jr., 34
– Dornel E. Johnson, 36
– Miguel L. McPhaul, 36
– Jerry L. Newton, 37
– Clifton F. Parks, 37
– Jose Pizana, 29
– Clarence Reed, 33
– Steven Rich, 41
According to the indictment, Andrews and co-defendants conspired beginning at a date unknown and continuing through Sept. 23, 2007, to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine. Andrews maintained a residence at 1821 S. Ridgewood in Wichita for the purpose of distributing cocaine.
In a separate count, the government seeks a money judgment of $11.9 million against Andrews, representing the proceeds of the crimes. The forfeiture count contains a list of properties including 1926 S. Spruce, 1930 S. Spruce, 1112 N. Terrace, 1821 S. Ridgewood, 1610 E. 15th North, 931 S. Sandalwood, and 5749 Ayesbury. The property list also includes a 2003 Mercedes Benz, a 2006 Dodge Charger and other vehicles.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
– Conspiracy: Not less than 10 years and not more than life and a fine up to $4 million.
– Distributing 2 kilograms of cocaine, possession with intent to distribute 2 kilograms of cocaine: Not less than 5 years and not more than 40 years in federal prison and a fine up to $2 million on each count.
– Possession with intent to distribute various smaller amounts of cocaine: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to 1 million on each count.
– Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine: Not less than 10 years and not more than life, and a fine up to $4 million.
– Unlawful use of a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking: A maximum penalty of 4 years and a fine up to $250,000.
– Carrying a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking: Not less than 5 years and a fine up to $250,000.
– Maintaining a residence in furtherance of drug trafficking: A maximum penalty of 20 year and a fine up to $500,000.
– Making a false statement to the U.S. Department of Justice: A maximum penalty of 5 years and a fine up to $250,000.
– Unlawful possession of a firearm by a user of controlled substances: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.
– Using another person’s Social Security number: Two years and a fine up to $250,000.
The Wichita Police Department, the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated. The U.S. Attorney’s office is prosecuting.
In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments filed merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.
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