NDTX Round Up: March 19-25

SENTENCING – BRIAN KEITH MCKENZIE

On March 19, Brian Keith McKenzie, 53, was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison for mailing threatening communications.  In February 2018, McKenzie mailed letters to the President and a federal judge containing homicidal and threatening comments.  Additionally, McKenzie ground up medication into a white powdery substance to make it appear like Anthrax and placed it in the envelopes.  When questioned by federal law enforcement, McKenzie stated that he had access to firearms and that he and his friends make explosives with home cleaning products and ammonium nitrates.  The United States Secret Service and FBI conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Sid Mody prosecuted the case.

SENTENCING – CALVIN JAMES THOMAS

On March 24, Calvin James Thomas, 35, was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and the distribution of cocaine. Thomas purchased cocaine from a drug dealer who controlled two drug distribution houses in Dallas. He purchased the cocaine in preset quantities and then resold the drugs to others for a profit. The DEA conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanna Etessam prosecuted the case.

GUILTY PLEA – GEORGE RODRIGUEZ

On March 24, George Rodriguez, 34, plead guilty to possession with intent to distribute cocaine. In October 2018, undercover officers purchased two pounds of marijuana from Rodriguez.  During the transaction, Rodriguez agreed to provide the undercover officers with cocaine in the future. Over the next several months, Rodriguez provided or facilitated five cocaine transactions.  Rodriguez faces up to 20 years in federal prison for his crimes.  The DEA, Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, and Greenville Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Suzanna Etessam prosecuted the case.

SENTENCING – JONATHAN MARKEY CHOPANE aka “GOTTI”

On March 25, Jonathan Markey Chopane, 36, was sentenced to 7 years in federal prison for two counts of use of a facility of interstate commerce in aid of a racketeering enterprise.  Chopane began communicating with a minor female via Instagram.  He purchased a bus ticket for her to travel from Dallas to Houston to perform commercial sex acts that took place in hotels.  Chopane arranged the commercial sex acts with the victim on his cell phone and then shared in the proceeds that the victim made.  HSI conducted the investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Nicole Dana prosecuted the case.