A California man who authorities say managed a huge marijuana distribution network that extended into northern Indiana will serve seven years in federal prison after pleading guilty to drug conspiracy and money laundering crimes.
United States District Court Judge Gretchen S. Lund sentenced David Winchell, 48, of Rohnert Park, California, to 84 months in prison, according to the US Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Indiana. Following his prison sentence, Winchell will serve three years of supervised release. He was also required to pay a $680,000 money judgment.
According to the Department of Justice, the case revolved around what federal agents described as a major marijuana enterprise that transported substantial amounts of marijuana and marijuana-related products throughout the Northern District of Indiana and other areas. Prosecutors said the plot comprised at least 892 kilograms (1,966.52 pounds) of marijuana and 55,000 marijuana-related items.
According to United States Attorney Adam L. Mildred, Winchell was the operation’s leader rather than a mere member.
“The Defendant was the leader of a conspiracy to distribute substantial quantities of marijuana and marijuana-related items throughout the Northern District of Indiana and elsewhere. According to Mildred, the conspiracy involved at least 892 kilograms (1,966.52 pounds) of marijuana and 55,000 marijuana-related items, and he received seven years and three years of supervised release.
Investigators assembled the case piece by piece. Mildred stated that police officers analyzed ledgers relating to Winchell that were discovered during garbage pickups and search warrants at his home and other locations. These documents, prosecutors claimed, helped demonstrate marijuana purchases over a two-year period.
Authorities reportedly said Winchell attempted to conceal narcotics revenues by purchasing money orders that were used to pay personal credit cards. That cash trail formed a critical component of the money laundering investigation.
“David Winchell ran a large-scale marijuana business and tried to clean up the money when it came in,” said Adam Jobes, Special Agent in Charge of the IRS Criminal Investigations Chicago Field Office. “IRS-CI special agents investigated the earnings and exposed the business for what it was. This statement makes it clear that if you attempt to benefit from illicit sales while concealing the proceeds, you will be held liable.”
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Chip Cooke of the Drug Enforcement Administration stated that the agency will continue to collaborate with law enforcement and prosecutors to hold drug traffickers accountable, adding that there is “no room in northern Indiana for those who want to commit drug crimes.”
According to FBI Indianapolis Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. O’Malley, the sentence demonstrates that those involved in narcotics trafficking and attempting to conceal illegal gains will be investigated and prosecuted.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, and Federal Bureau of Investigation all conducted investigations into the matter. Assistant US Attorney Thomas McGrath prosecuted the case. The Department of Justice provided additional details here.
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