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Marijuana Traffickers Busted in USVI
St. Thomas, USVI – In a major blow to the region’s illicit drug trade, three defendants have pleaded guilty to their roles in a massive marijuana trafficking and money laundering conspiracy.
Clarence Griffin, 44, of Los Angeles, Robert Brown, 29, of St. Croix, and Jamila Felix, 29, of St. Thomas, entered their pleas in federal court on May 16, 2016. Griffin and Brown face a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine for their involvement in the conspiracy to possess marijuana with the intent to distribute. Brown’s co-conspirator, Felix, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $500,000.00, or twice the value of the property involved in her transactions, whichever is greater.
According to the plea agreements filed with the court, between July 2012 and December 2013, Griffin and Brown shipped barrels containing at least 700 kilograms but less than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana concealed in “Chow Mein” cans from Los Angeles to St. Thomas utilizing a trucking service. Felix later deposited the proceeds from the marijuana sales into her bank accounts in St. Thomas, and subsequently wired the proceeds electronically to Griffin and other members of the conspiracy in the mainland United States.
“The guilty pleas of these defendants mark a significant victory in our ongoing efforts to disrupt and dismantle the illicit drug trade in the USVI,” said US Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe. “We will continue to work tirelessly to bring those responsible for these crimes to justice.”
The case is the result of a joint investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Delia L. Smith.
Griffin and Brown remain in custody pending sentencing, which is scheduled for September 15, 2016. Felix remains on release pending sentencing.
The investigation and prosecution of this case demonstrate the commitment of law enforcement agencies in the USVI to combating the scourge of illicit narcotics trafficking and money laundering. The people of the USVI can rest assured that their government will continue to take a tough stance against those who seek to undermine the safety and well-being of our community.
This case serves as a reminder that those involved in the illicit drug trade will face severe consequences for their actions. We urge anyone with information about drug trafficking or money laundering to come forward and assist us in our efforts to bring these criminals to justice.
Key Facts
- State: Virgin Islands
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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