A California man has been sentenced to life in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine trafficking operation that spanned several states.
Michael Vincent Maes, 30, of Oakland, California, was found guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, attempt to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, conspiracy to launder money, and five specific acts of money laundering, according to U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst.
The investigation revealed that between June 2016 and February 2017, Maes was sending packages of methamphetamine to addresses in Slidell, Louisiana, for distribution throughout the Southern District of Mississippi. The individuals distributing the methamphetamine would then deposit proceeds from those sales into Wells Fargo accounts in Biloxi and Gulfport at Maes’ direction.
All of the individuals distributing methamphetamine on the Mississippi Coast have previously pled guilty to their activities. Maes was acquitted of one specific act of money laundering.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Drug Enforcement Administration. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys John Meynardie and Kathlyn Van Buskirk.
Maes was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sul Ozerden to life in federal prison. His sentencing occurred on September 21, 2018.
The life sentence is a result of Maes’ conviction in a four-day trial. The investigation and prosecution of this case demonstrate the commitment of federal law enforcement agencies to disrupting and dismantling the networks of individuals who engage in methamphetamine trafficking and money laundering.
Key Facts
- State: Mississippi
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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