Monday, November 2, 2009
Department of Justice
United States Attorney James R. Dedrick Eastern District of Tennessee
FOURTEEN INDICTED IN OXYCODONE RING IN TENNESSEE AND FLORIDA
[KNOXVILLE, Tenn] --On Tuesday, October 20, 2009, a federal grand jury in Knoxville, Tennessee returned a 5 count indictment against 14 individuals on charges relating to conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute oxycodone, MDMA and marijuana, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. Those indicted included: LANCE D. BARABAS, 21, of Hudson Florida; LARRY GENE BARABAS, Jr., 25, of Port Richey, Florida; LANDON DOUGLAS BARABAS, 23, of Hudson, Florida; DOUGLAS CHANTZ DODD, 20, of New Port Richey, Florida; RICHARD SULLIVAN, 22, of Hudson, Florida; DUSTIN WALLACE, 20, of Knoxville, Tennessee; BRETT WEBB, 21, of Knoxville, Tennessee; WILLIAM KAMAN, 23, of Knoxville, Tennessee; MATTHEW GOLDEN, 20, of Knoxville, Tennessee; JAMES LAPOINTE, 35, of Knoxville, Tennessee; THALLEN WASHINGTON, 24, of Knoxville, Tennessee; MARY WILSON, 21, of Boone, North Carolina; HUNTER HOBBS, 21, of Boone, North Carolina; and TYLER HENRY, 21, of Maryville, Tennessee.
United States Attorney Russ Dedrick stated, “this case represents a significant effort by federal law enforcement to address the substantial dangers associated with the distribution and use of oxycodone in the Eastern District of Tennessee. This drug has been identified by local law enforcement authorities as being the most abused and dangerous drug on the streets in our regions. Federal authorities, in conjunction with local and state law enforcement, have redoubled their enforcement emphasis against individuals involved in these activities.” Dedrick commended the excellent cooperation between the Florida and Tennessee agencies during the investigation and arrests of the defendants.
A trial date was set for December 30, 2009, in United States District Court, in Knoxville, Tennessee.
This indictment is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)- Knoxville, DEA - Tampa, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) Knoxville, Knoxville Police Department, Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and the Tampa Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David P. Lewen, Jr., will represent the United States.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment constitutes only charges and that every person is presumed innocent until their guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
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