Jackson County Man Sentenced To 25 Year For 15-kilo Meth Conspiracy, Illegal Firearm

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Tammy Dickinson, United States Attorney for the Western District of Missouri, announced that a Jackson County, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, a money-laundering conspiracy, and illegally possessing a firearm.

Ronald Wayne Ivy, also known as “Wayno” or “Big Homie,” 41, of Jackson County, was sentenced by U.S. Chief District Judge Greg Kays to 25 years in prison without parole. The court also ordered Ivy to forfeit to the government $211,200, which represents the proceeds of the drug-trafficking conspiracy (based on a conservative street price of $1,200 an ounce and distribution of at least 15 kilos of methamphetamine through the overall conspiracy). The forfeiture includes approximately $30,000 that was seized at Ivy’s residence by law enforcement officers.

On Nov. 4, 2013, Ivy pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine from Jan. 1, 2009, to Dec. 11, 2012, conspiracy to commit money laundering and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

Law enforcement officers were investigating a drug-trafficking organization that was distributing methamphetamine in the metropolitan area. Officers made undercover drug purchases from some mid-level distributors, who obtained methamphetamine from Ivy.

Ivy was arrested in April 2012 in possession of more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. Co-conspirators were arrested in July 2012 after leaving the area of Ivy’s residence; they were in possession of approximately three grams of methamphetamine that they obtained from Ivy. According to the plea agreement, regular purchases of this amount (“eight-ball” – 1/8 of an ounce) were conducted at Ivy’s residence and other locations with Ivy.

Law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Ivy’s residence on Aug. 20, 2012. Officers seized more than $30,000, multiple firearms and more than 500 grams of methamphetamine.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce Rhoades. It was investigated by the Jackson County Drug Task Force, the Independence, Mo., Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.