In a significant development, three individuals involved in selling illicit drugs on the darknet have been sentenced to over 20 years in prison. The individuals, Veronica Dittman, Rick Schiffner, and Devin Langer, were operating multiple darknet pages under various aliases, advertising controlled substances such as crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills. During their criminal activities, they made over 1,300 sales of controlled substances, distributing a substantial amount of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl. The darknet, a hidden portion of the Internet, served as a platform for their illegal operations. The sentencing of these individuals is a crucial step towards dismantling darknet drug trafficking networks and ensuring the safety of the public.
Overview
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Veronica Dittman’s Role in Darknet Drug Operation
Veronica Dittman, a 28-year-old woman from Tempe, Arizona, played a significant role in operating multiple darknet pages that sold illicit drugs. Alongside her co-conspirators Rick Schiffner, 31, and Devin Langer, 30, both based in Phoenix, Arizona, she ran various darknet monikers such as “TrustedTraphouse,” “GoldenTrails,” and “PopcornPlug” across multiple darknet markets. Their activities involved the advertisement and sale of controlled substances, including crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills.
Co-conspirators Rick Schiffner and Devin Langer
Rick Schiffner and Devin Langer, both based in Phoenix, Arizona, were key co-conspirators in the darknet drug operation alongside Veronica Dittman. This trio ran several darknet monikers and advertised controlled substances on various darknet markets. Their involvement in the distribution of illegal drugs played a crucial role in the success of the operation.
Description of Darknet Markets and Illegal Activities
Darknet markets are hidden commercial websites that operate within the darknet, a portion of the internet known for hosting illicit activities. These markets serve as black markets where transactions involving legal products, as well as drugs, weapons, counterfeit currency, stolen credit card details, forged documents, unlicensed pharmaceuticals, steroids, and other illegal goods, are brokered or sold.
Details of the Conspiracy
Timeline of Operation
Veronica Dittman, Rick Schiffner, and Devin Langer operated the darknet drug operation from January 2022 to August 2022. During this period, they utilized various darknet monikers and conducted numerous sales of controlled substances.
Types of Controlled Substances Sold
The operation involved the sale of a wide range of controlled substances, including crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills. These illicit substances were marketed and distributed through their darknet accounts.
Quantity of Drugs Distributed
Throughout the conspiracy, the co-conspirators sold and distributed a significant quantity of drugs. This included at least 800 grams of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, 500 grams of methamphetamine, 16 grams of heroin, and 7 grams of cocaine.
Marketing and Advertising Tactics
Veronica Dittman, Rick Schiffner, and Devin Langer utilized various marketing and advertising tactics to promote their illegal products on the darknet. They described the pressed pills containing fentanyl as “Not normal OxyCodone,” emphasizing their potency and warning potential customers to be cautious when consuming them.
Veronica Dittman’s Sentencing
Length of Sentence
Veronica Dittman was sentenced to 5 years in prison for her role in operating the darknet drug operation. This sentence reflects the seriousness of her involvement in illegal activities and the harm caused by the distribution of controlled substances.
Her Role in Processing and Shipping Orders
Veronica Dittman primarily worked with Rick Schiffner to process and fulfill orders received through the darknet. She played a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of the drug distribution, including packaging and shipping the illicit substances to customers.
Operation of Vendor Accounts
In addition to her collaboration with Rick Schiffner and Devin Langer, Veronica Dittman also operated her own vendor accounts on the darknet. Using the monikers “VirtualPeddler” and “Darkette,” she conducted numerous sales of controlled substances, particularly fentanyl. These accounts further contributed to the overall success of the darknet drug operation.
Sentences for Rick Schiffner and Devin Langer
Length of Sentences for Co-conspirators
Rick Schiffner, one of the co-conspirators involved in the darknet drug operation, was sentenced to 150 months in prison. Devin Langer, another co-conspirator, received a sentence of 84 months imprisonment. These sentences reflect the severity of their involvement in the distribution of illegal drugs.
Involvement in Darknet Drug Operation
Both Rick Schiffner and Devin Langer played significant roles in the darknet drug operation alongside Veronica Dittman. Together, they were responsible for the successful advertisement, distribution, and sale of controlled substances on multiple darknet markets.
The Darknet Market
Definition and Function of Darknet Market
A darknet market refers to a hidden commercial website operating within the darknet. These markets serve as platforms for various illicit activities, including the sale and distribution of controlled substances.
Illegal Products Sold on Darknet
Darknet markets facilitate the sale of not only controlled substances but also a wide range of illegal products. These can include weapons, counterfeit currency, stolen credit card details, forged documents, unlicensed pharmaceuticals, steroids, and other illicit goods.
Operation of Hidden Commercial Websites
Hidden commercial websites within the darknet operate as black markets, providing individuals involved in illegal activities with a platform to buy, sell, and trade illegal goods anonymously. Despite law enforcement efforts, these websites continue to thrive, posing a significant challenge to the authorities.
Law Enforcement Efforts
Participating Agencies
Several law enforcement agencies collaborated to investigate and prosecute the darknet drug operation. These agencies include the FBI Washington Field Office Criminal Division, the Washington Division of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), and the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Metro Washington Field Office.
Assistance from FBI and USPIS
The FBI and the USPIS provided crucial assistance in uncovering and dismantling the darknet drug operation. Their expertise and resources greatly contributed to the successful prosecution of Veronica Dittman, Rick Schiffner, and Devin Langer.
Prosecution of the Case
Under the leadership of U.S. Attorney Jessica D. Aber, the Eastern District of Virginia prosecuted the case against Veronica Dittman, along with her co-conspirators. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Call played a pivotal role in presenting the evidence and building a strong case against the defendants.
Appreciation for Assistance
Acknowledgment of Assisting Agencies
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Virginia expressed its deep appreciation to several law enforcement agencies for their significant assistance in the investigation and prosecution of the darknet drug operation. These agencies include the FBI Phoenix Field Office, USPIS Phoenix Division, Homeland Security Investigations Phoenix, the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office, the Arizona Department of Public Safety, FBI Las Vegas Field Office, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
Significant Help in the Case
The cooperation and collaboration of these assisting agencies were instrumental in bringing down the darknet drug operation and ensuring the successful prosecution of the individuals involved. Their dedication and efforts played a vital role in protecting public safety and upholding the law.
Related Cases
Guilty Plea of Darknet Vendors for Fentanyl Trafficking
In a related case, a Phoenix, Arizona, couple pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute multiple controlled substances, including heroin, methamphetamine, and para-fluorofentanyl, over the darknet. This case highlights the prevalence of fentanyl trafficking and the ongoing need for law enforcement intervention.
Sentencing of Darknet Vendor for Drug Distribution
In another related case, a Glendale, Arizona, man was sentenced to 42 months in prison for distributing fentanyl-laced pills and crystal meth on the darknet. This individual’s sentence reflects the severe consequences associated with the distribution of illegal drugs.
Plea Guilty of Venezuelan Men for Cocaine Conspiracy
Two Venezuelan citizens pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges related to the distribution of cocaine on board a vessel in international waters. This case showcases the international scope of drug trafficking operations and the ongoing efforts to combat it.
Contact Information
For inquiries regarding the darknet drug operation case and related matters, individuals can contact the Eastern District of Virginia using the following contact details:
Eastern District of Virginia Justin W. Williams United States Attorney’s Building 2100 Jamieson Ave Alexandria, VA 22314 Email: USAO-EDVA Alexandria: 703-299-3700
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