Shelton E. Lewis, also known as ‘Steve Johnson’ or ‘C,’ 39, of Grandview, was charged in a 19-count indictment for a $3 million extortion and money laundering scheme that began when a cocaine deal went awry.
Lewis is the owner of Green Results Landscape & Lawncare, LLC. He allegedly began depositing large cashier’s checks and business checks into his accounts at Academy Bank, a division of the Armed Forces Bank, N.A. From Aug. 31, 2012, to Aug. 14, 2013, Lewis deposited a total of $3,050,110 into his accounts, with all the proceeds coming from the same company.
The indictment alleges that Lewis transmitted multiple threats to injure the company’s owner, RW, as part of an extortion scheme. According to the indictment, the extortion scheme began in July 2012 when Lewis agreed to sell approximately six ounces of cocaine for $3,000 to RW.
Although Lewis witnessed RW being approached by the police, he did not return with the agreed-upon cocaine. Lewis allegedly told RW that, since the deal was not completed, the dealer was assessing a $10,000 penalty. RW paid the penalty and picked up what he thought was cocaine at the drop location, but only received a bag of flour.
After the failed deal, Lewis began an extortion scheme against RW, claiming that his money and watch were seized by the police and demanding additional bribes to clear up an unrelated federal investigation. RW was also threatened with physical harm, including having his head chopped off if he failed to make the payments requested.
Lewis remains in custody pending a detention hearing in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo. The indictment alleges 19 counts of extortion and money laundering.
Defendant/respondent: Shelton E. Lewis
Criminal charges: 19-count indictment for extortion and money laundering
City and state: Grandview, Missouri
Exact date: August 2012 – August 2013
Sentence or outcome: Pending detention hearing
Dollar amounts: $3,050,110
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Key Facts
- State: Missouri
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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