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Virginia business owner arrested on federal drug charges

 

Federal prosecutors allege that one of the owners of a Virginia Beach cake shop has been running a large scale drug operation and using his store to cover it up. The Drug Enforcement Administration, Virginia State Police, Chesapeake Police Department and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service conducted an 18-month investigation of the couple.

A DEA Special Agent reported in an affidavit that the man sold cocaine on multiple occasions as observed by investigators. The affidavit also detailed the money-laundering operation that the couple used to hide unexplained income.

The couple reported $158,000 in total income to the IRS in 2012, 2013 and 2014, but deposited $885,000 into various bank accounts. The affidavit also mentions that the cake shop has an employer identification number, but that the owner did not file any federal tax returns.

The man was arrested on two drug charges, as well as money-laundering charges. He has faced drug charges before and pled guilty in 1994 to distributing cocaine. The woman is facing only money-laundering charges and is out on bond.

If you are accused of selling, transporting or illegally importing unlawful controlled substances, such as cocaine, you may face drug distribution charges. Illegally distributing prescription medication could lead to the same charges. Drug distribution is a felony and is considered to be more serious than drug possession. If convicted of drug distribution, your punishment may range from 3 to 5 years to life in prison.

Being convicted of drug distribution charges could lead to serious consequences. Formulating a defense gives you the best chance of fighting the charges against you.

Source: The Virginian-Pilot, “Feds: Drug dealer used Virginia Beach cake shop to launder money,” Scott Daugherty, Feb. 5, 2016

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