« Four Accused Of Cannabis Offences. | Main | Mandate and Advertising Information »
Club Owner Sentenced In Drug Conspiracy.
By admin | October 8, 2004
The Associated Press
via The Seattle Post Intelligencer
October 8, 2004.
A Spokane businessman has been sentenced to 12 1/2 years in prison for directing a Canadian marijuana smuggling operation and laundering money.
Corey S. Leavell, 26, pleaded guilty to conspiring to sell more than a ton of marijuana smuggled into the United States from British Columbia. Federal prosecutors allege the operation imported $6 million worth of potent “B.C. bud” marijuana.
In sentencing Leavell on Thursday, U.S. District Court Judge Justin Quackenbush said the drug operation was the largest he had seen during 25 years on the federal bench.
As part of the plea agreement, Leavell will forfeit a $300,000 ranch home in nearby Spangle, a duplex in north Spokane, land in Spokane Valley, a condominium in Mexico and a new house on Spokane’s South Hill.
Leavell used some of his drug profits to buy a 51 percent ownership in a downtown Spokane nightclub and start a hydro-seeding business, court documents said.
Leavell acknowledged using his businesses to launder money he got from the marijuana smuggling ring.
Leavell was indicted in April on charges of conspiracy to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana and 12 counts of money laundering. He pleaded guilty in June to conspiracy to import more than 1,000 kilograms (2,200 pounds) of marijuana.
Leavell’s source of supply for the marijuana wasn’t disclosed at Thursday sentencing or earlier hearings. Details of the plea agreement were sealed from public inspection.
Topics: Articles | Comments Off
Comments are closed.