Federal Jury Convicts Three Men in Kansas Marijuana Trafficking Case
The streets of Lawrence, Kansas, have seen their fair share of crime, but a recent conviction in a federal jury has brought three men to justice for their roles in a massive marijuana trafficking operation. Los Rovell Dahda, 32, of Lawrence, Kansas, along with his brother Roosevelt Rico Dahda, 32, of Lawrence, Kansas, and Justin Cherif Pickel, 34, of San Lorenzo, California, were found guilty of conspiracy to distribute marijuana and other drug trafficking counts.
The investigation, which began in 2008, revealed that the Dahda brothers and Pickel were at the helm of a trafficking organization that distributed millions of dollars’ worth of marijuana in the Lawrence area. The evidence presented during the trial showed that the defendants bought marijuana from Mexico to sell in Lawrence, but later turned to California for their supply.
The defendants operated a business in Lawrence, Gran-Daddy’s BBQ at 1447 West 23rd Street, as well as other properties to receive, store, and process marijuana for distribution. Pickel, who worked for the Dahdas, was responsible for transporting marijuana from California to Lawrence and was also involved in setting up an indoor marijuana grow operation in California that he maintained for the Dahdas.
The government is seeking a money judgment of more than $16.9 million against the traffickers. The convictions carry significant penalties, with the conspiracy charge alone carrying a minimum sentence of 10 years and a fine of up to $10 million. Roosevelt Dahda, who has prior convictions, faces a minimum sentence of 20 years.
Sentencing will be set for a later date. The investigation and arrest of the defendants involved the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, the Lawrence Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in the United States. As law enforcement continues to work tirelessly to disrupt and dismantle these operations, it is essential to hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
Defendant Information: Los Rovell Dahda, Roosevelt Rico Dahda, Justin Cherif Pickel
Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to distribute marijuana, maintaining a house or building in furtherance of drug trafficking, distributing marijuana, using a telephone in furtherance of drug trafficking, possession with intent to distribute marijuana
City and State: Lawrence, Kansas
Date: Sentencing to be set for a later date
Sentence: Los Rovell Dahda: 10 years to life, fine of up to $10 million; Roosevelt Rico Dahda: 20 years to life, fine of up to $10 million; Justin Cherif Pickel: 10 years to life, fine of up to $10 million
Dollar Amounts: Over $16.9 million sought in money judgment
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Key Facts
- State: Kansas
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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