Related Federal Cases
Viper Mike Indicted for Meth Conspiracy in Missouri
Kansas City, MO – In a shocking turn of events, 11 defendants were indicted for their roles in a massive methamphetamine conspiracy, with Mike Ahmad, also known as ‘Viper Mike,’ at the helm. The indictment alleges that Ahmad, 39, Carey Michael Vannostran, 39, and Patrick Thomas Baker, 50, all of Kansas City, MO; Lori L. Justus, 51, Nicole Marie Bartram, 35, and Jono Dean Hamlin, 43, all of St. Joseph, MO; Scott Dewain Yount, 42, of Maryville, MO; Joseph Michael Tooley, 32, of Fordland, MO; and Matthew Lee Gusman, 31, Mike Andrews Lawson, Jr., 25, and Kayla Caroline Cornelison, 22, all of Red Oak, IA, participated in a conspiracy to distribute at least 10 kilograms of methamphetamine worth nearly $500,000 from Jan. 1, 2010, to April 15, 2015.
According to the indictment, the defendants allegedly received $494,200 in exchange for the unlawful distribution of methamphetamine, based on a conservative average street price of $1,400 per ounce. Ahmad would be required to forfeit to the government a 2001 Dodge Viper and a 2003 Hummer H2, both of which allegedly were used to facilitate the drug-trafficking conspiracy.
U.S. Attorney Tammy Dickinson cautioned that the charges contained in this indictment are simply accusations, and not evidence of guilt. Evidence supporting the charges must be presented to a federal trial jury, whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce Rhoades. It was investigated by the Buchanan County Drug Strike Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Ahmad and the other defendants are expected to appear in court soon to answer to the charges. The Grimy Times will provide updates on the case as more information becomes available.
In related news, the Grimy Times has learned that the methamphetamine conspiracy was one of the largest in the region, with connections to several other states.
Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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