St. Louis Man Sentenced on Federal Conspiracy Charges

St. Louis, MO – Thomas Anderson was sentenced to 180 months in prison in connection with conspiracy charges involving the transportation of large quantities of marijuana and money laundering. 

According to court documents, from 2008 until 2014, Anderson, aided by other members of the conspiracy, acquired more than 1,000 kilograms of usually high grade marijuana from sources of supply in California and distributed it in different places, including St. Louis and Boston.  Anderson purchased multi-hundred pound amounts of marijuana from a variety of sources.  When purchased from sources of supply, Anderson caused the marijuana to be transported from California to St. Louis and elsewhere, including Boston, via various means.  In some instances, marijuana was concealed inside items, such as water heaters, large pieces of antique furniture, fixtures, and PODS moving company containers.  In other instances, Anderson arranged for marijuana to be shipped concealed in various trucks.  Anderson also utilized private aircraft to transport marijuana from California to St. Louis and elsewhere.  Regardless of the means of conveyance, the marijuana was recovered in St. Louis and in Boston by other members of the conspiracy and delivered to distributors or distributed for Anderson.

            The conspiracy generated millions in proceeds.  Proceeds were then delivered back to California for the purchase of more marijuana, usually in two main ways: hidden inside luggage and the luggage was transported to California via commercial airlines; or via private aircraft.  

            Anderson, 31, St. Louis, MO, was convicted in August 2017 of one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute in excess of 1,000 kilograms of marijuana and one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.  The eight-day trial was held before United States District Court Judge Audrey G. Fleissig. 

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Postal Inspection Service.  Assistant United States Attorneys Stephen Casey, John Davis and Sirena Wissler are handling the case for the U.S. Attorney's Office.