Eleven men have been indicted in connection with a massive methamphetamine trafficking and money laundering ring operating between Massachusetts and California.
The charges against them include conspiracy to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz announced the indictments on Friday.
Those indicted include:
- Jesse Gillis, 31, of Boston
- James Giannetta, 61, of Quincy
- Christopher Halfond, 35, of Carlsbad, California
- Matthew Metz, 41, of Boston
- Steven Beadles, 58, of Chelsea
- Russell Ormiston, 50, of Chelsea
- Jorge Grandon, 47, of Boston
- Mario Castro, 48, of Boston
- Jeffrey Carlo, 28, of Dorchester
- Bruce Reisman, 57, of Boston
- Daniel Ponce, 38, of Boston
The indictment alleges that beginning in 2013 and continuing through November of 2016, Gillis, Giannetta, and their co-defendants participated in a conspiracy to transport significant quantities of methamphetamine from San Diego, California, to Massachusetts, where it was distributed in the greater Boston area.
Proceeds from the sale of that methamphetamine were then transported or transferred back to California and laundered in various ways.
The charges of distribution, possession with intent to distribute, and conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine each provide for a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years and up to a lifetime in prison, a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of $10 million.
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The charges of distribution, possession with intent to distribute, and conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of methamphetamine provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, a lifetime of supervised release, and a fine of $1 million.
The charge of conspiracy to launder monetary instruments provides for a sentence of no greater than 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine of $500,000 or twice the value of the funds involved, whichever is greater.
Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.
