Feb. 19, 2010

THREE LAWRENCE MEN CHARGED WITH METHAMPHETAMINE TRAFFICKING

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – Donald Milton Steele, 50, Lawrence, Kan., Randy J. Dyke, 50, Lawrence, Kan., and Anthony Wayne Sims, 57, Lawrence, have been charged with conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess with the intent to distribute, more than 50 grams of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch said today.

A federal criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kan., has been sealed by order of the Court. The defendants appeared in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kan., and were informed of the charge against them and the potential penalties that could be imposed should they be convicted.

If convicted, Steele, Dyke and Sims face a penalty of not less than 10 years and not more than life and a fine up to $4 million.

Agencies that took part in the investigation include the Lawrence Police Department, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Department, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office, the Topeka Police Department, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the U.S. Secret Service and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tris Hunt is prosecuting.

In all cases, defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The indictments filed merely contain allegations of criminal conduct.