Seven indicted in methylone conspiracy that resulted in death
Anchorage, Alaska - U.S. Attorney Karen L. Loeffler announced today that seven South
Central Alaska residents were indicted for conspiracy to possess and distribute methylone, a Schedule I controlled substance. Methylone (a/k/a “Molly”, “M1”and “rolls”) is a synthetic drug similar to MDMA (a/k/a “ecstasy”) and is commonly imported over the Internet from China for consumption in the U.S. at clubs, parties and other social gatherings such as “raves”. The conspiracy charge alleges that Robin Gattis, 19, of Wasilla; Chad Cameron, 18, of Palmer; Stephen Kimbrell, 20, of Soldotna; Kevin Rupp, 21, of Anchorage; Shane O’Hare, 23, of Wasilla; Bren Marx, 20, of Palmer; and Haylee Hays, 19, of Anchorage, agreed to import methylone from China to Alaska and distribute it between September 2011, and July 2012.
Robin Gattis is charged with distributing methylone in April 2012, resulting in the death of MGS on or about April 15. Gattis is also charged with four counts of unlawfully importing methylone. Gattis, O’Hare, and Rupp are charged with possession of methylone with intent to distribute, and Gattis, Rupp, Marx, Kimbrell, and Cameron are charged with attempted possession of methylone with intent to distribute. Gattis, Cameron, Hays, and Kimbrell are all charged with international money laundering, based on allegations that they wired money to China via Western Union to pay for methylone shipments. The indictment alleges that Gattis used persons under age 18 to send money to China to buy methylone, and asked friends and associated to allow him to use their addresses to receive shipments.
The indictment alleges that the conspirators used both Express Mail Service from the Post Office and the private commercial shipper DHL to send methylone from China to Alaska. Multiple shipments were allegedly made, received, and distributed between 2011 and 2012.
According to state court records, Gattis and Marx were arrested by Alaska State Troopers in Palmer in February 2012, after law enforcement intercepted a package containing methylone. The state charges were dropped after it was determined that the substance, initially believed to be ecstasy, was not illegal under Alaska law.
After MGS died on or about April 15, according to the indictment, Gattis emailed the supplier in China, advising of the death and asking for a refund. However, the indictment alleges that less than a month later, Gattis was ordering more methylone from the same supplier. A federal investigation began after the death of MGS in April, and culminated when two more packages were intercepted in June
(Chicago); and July 2012, (Soldotna). Gattis, Cameron, and Kimbrell were arrested July 30, 2012, when they received a package that had been shipped from China containing 850 grams of methylone.
Gattis faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment if convicted on the charge of distribution resulting in death, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years. Each of the other 21 remaining charges in the indictment carries a maximum sentence of 20 years of imprisonment.
Ms. Loeffler commends Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Anchorage Police Department, the United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Mat-Su Drug Unit for the investigation of this case.
