March 8, 2010

GOVERNMENT SEEKS $739,000 JUDGMENT IN WICHITA DRUG TRAFFICKING CASE

WICHITA, KAN. – Jeffrey A. Childs, 49, Wichita, Kan., Christina Childs, 38, Wichita, Kan, and Ronald Childs, 72, Wichita, are charged with trafficking in methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana, U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch said today.

An 11-count federal indictment seeks a money judgment of $739,170, representing the proceeds of the crimes, in addition to criminal penalties. The indictment alleges defendants possessed with intent to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana, as well as methamphetamine and cocaine. The defendants are accused of maintaining two Wichita residences – 1001 W. Marlboro and 3214 S. Water – for the purposes of manufacturing, distributing and using controlled substances.

The indictment also alleges defendants possessed numerous weapons in furtherance of drug trafficking, including two shotguns, five rifles and seven pistols.

Among the crimes alleged in the indictment are possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, possession with intent to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana, unlawful possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking, maintaining a residence in furtherance of drug trafficking, and unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction.

Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine: Not less than 10 years and not more than life in federal prison and a fine up to $4 million.
Possession with intent to distribute cocaine: Not less than 5 years and not more than 40 years and a fine up to $2 million.
Possession with intent to distribute marijuana more than 100 kilograms of marijuana: Not less than 5 years and not more than 40 years and a fine up to $2 million.
Maintaining a residence in furtherance of drug trafficking: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $500,000.
Unlawful possession of a firearm after a felony conviction: A maximum penalty of 10 years and a fine up to $250,000.

The Wichita Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration 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.