Reno Man Convicted In Methamphetamine Trafficking Conspiracy

RENO, Nev. – A jury convicted a Reno resident in connection to a drug trafficking conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in the Reno and Sparks area, announced U.S. Attorney Dayle Elieson for the District of Nevada.

After a three-day trial, a jury convicted Edward Smith, aka “Smitty,” 53, of conspiracy to possess and distribute at least 50 grams of methamphetamine, illegal use of a communication facility, money laundering, distribution of at least 50 grams of methamphetamine, and distribution of at least five grams of methamphetamine.

As evidence elicited at trial revealed, Smith, an inmate at the Northern Nevada Correctional Center, arranged for his niece's ex-boyfriend, whom he referred to as his “nephew,” to sell methamphetamine to another inmate’s associate in the Reno community at a premium price. Specifically, in recorded prison calls from June 1, 2015, to July 24, 2015, Smith counseled his nephew about how to conduct the drug transactions with the associate. In these calls, he also told his nephew to send him a “whole one,” referencing an ounce of methamphetamine, “each time [the associate] comes.” His nephew distributed methamphetamine to the associate in Sparks, Nevada, with the last sale involving a pound of methamphetamine for $7,000. In subsequent calls, Smith discussed how to get methamphetamine to him in the prison and arranged a $1,500 wire transfer in another person’s name in order to facilitate that deal.

United States District Judge Howard D. McKibben scheduled a sentencing hearing for February 6, 2019. At the time of sentencing, Smith faces a minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life imprisonment.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of the Nevada Department of Corrections, and the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Keller is prosecuting the case.

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