A Missouri man has been sentenced to 150 months in prison for his role in a synthetic drug trafficking operation.
Richard Gross, Winfield, MO, was sentenced by United States District Judge John A. Ross for his involvement in the manufacture and distribution of synthetic cannabinoids and cathinones, also known as ‘K 2’ and ‘Incense,’ and ‘Bath Salts.’
According to court documents, Gross and his co-defendants manufactured the synthetic drugs and sold them to stores in multiple states, with their largest customer being Gross’ mother, Pam Tabatt, who operated two retail stores in the Eastern District of Missouri.
The operation, which was uncovered by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, the Postal Inspection Service and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, resulted in the forfeiture of assets and property totaling over $6.5 million.
Gross pled guilty in April to multiple felony counts, including conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substance analogues intended for human consumption, conspiracy to fraudulently receive and distribute misbranded products in interstate commerce, conspiracy to import controlled substance analogues into the United States and conspiracy to receive, sell and facilitate transportation of smuggled goods.
Pam Tabatt, Gross’ mother, was sentenced in July to 150 months in prison and ordered to pay a $25,000 fine. Co-defendant Paul Berra, Jr. was sentenced in May to 34 months in prison.
The case was handled by Assistant United States Attorneys James Delworth and Erin Granger.
Defendant: Richard Gross
Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substance analogues intended for human consumption, conspiracy to fraudulently receive and distribute misbranded products in interstate commerce, conspiracy to import controlled substance analogues into the United States, and conspiracy to receive, sell and facilitate transportation of smuggled goods.
City and State: Winfield, MO
Exact Date: April 2023 (pled guilty)
Sentence: 150 months in prison
Assets Forfeited: Over $6.5 million
Related Federal Cases
- Shawn Michael Browning, Synthetic Cannabinoid Trafficking, Missouri 2012 · California
- James Frederick Johnson, Drug Trafficking, Missouri 2025 · Illinois
- Darrell Niswonger, Drug Trafficking, Missouri 2024 · Louisiana
- Michael E. Ford, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Missouri 2015 · California
- Gary James Evans Jr., Drug Conspiracy, Missouri 2024 · Illinois
Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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