KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A jury today convicted three men on charges of taking part in a California-based drug organization’s distribution of cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana in Kansas and Missouri, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said.

At the end of a trial that began Jan. 25 in U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Kan., a jury returned the following verdicts:

Alfred Anaya, 39, San Fernando, Calif., guilty on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine, as well as methamphetamine and marijuana, and guilty on two counts of attempting to intimidate a witness.
James Anthony Clark, Overland Park, guilty on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine as well as methamphetamine and marijuana.
Justin Selby, 34, Excelsior Springs, Mo., guilty on one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine as well as methamphetamine and marijuana.

During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that the three were members of a California-based drug trafficking organization that from June 1, 2008, through Sept. 22, 2009, operated a drug distribution center in Kansas that distributed cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana in Kansas and Missouri.

Prosecutors presented evidence that the traffickers used various methods to transport drugs and money between California and Kansas, from buying cars and installing hidden compartments to traveling by Greyhound bus. Investigators documented the travels of the traffickers from California to stash houses and hotels in Lawrence, Kan,, Shawnee, Kan., Overland Park, Kan., the Argosy Casino Hotel in Kansas City, Mo., the Legends Mall in Kansas City, Kan., and other locations. In one instance, the traffickers purchased a trailer and hired a family with small children to drive drugs across Kansas.

Evidence showed Anaya’s role in the conspiracy included installing a hidden compartment in a 2006 Honda Ridgeline, for which he was paid more than $3,500. He also installed a hidden compartment in a Toyota Sequoia.

Evidence showed Clark’s role in the conspiracy included an incident in November 2008 in which he rented a vehicle at Enterprise Rental to drive to California and helped to conceal $75,000 in it. The money was to pay suppliers for drugs. In another incident, he helped load 40 pounds of marijuana in the trunk of a rental car.

Evidence showed Shelby’s role in the conspiracy included taking part in drug deals involving methamphetamine at various locations including a house in Overland Park, the Oak Park Mall and a gas station in Lenexa.

Sentencing is set for May 23. The crimes carry the following penalties:
Conspiracy: Not less than 10 years and not more than life in federal prison and a fine up to $4 million.
Attempting to intimidate a witness: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $250,000.

Grissom commended the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Kansas City, Mo., Police Department, the California Highway Patrol, the Utah Highway Patrol, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Sheri McCracken for their work on the case.

 

 

 

 

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