FRESNO, Calif. — Thanousone Volarat, 36, of Fresno, has been sentenced to six years and six months in prison for his leadership in a massive marijuana distribution and money laundering conspiracy, according to United States Attorney Phillip A. Talbert.
According to court documents, Volarat began his illegal venture in 2009, purchasing pot from sources in California and Oregon. By 2010, he had moved to California to grow and distribute medicinal-grade marijuana for profit, spanning operations inside and outside the state. From October 2010 to July 2011, Volarat’s gang shipped 11 packages of marijuana, grown in Fresno and Madera counties, primarily to addresses in Connecticut.
Proceeds from this illegal trade were funneled across the country through structured money transfers, avoiding currency transaction reports by keeping deposits and withdrawals below $10,000. Between October 2009 and September 2011, they transferred nearly $3 million in marijuana proceeds. Volarat was also involved in a significant escape attempt from the Fresno County Jail.
After his arrest, while awaiting trial, Volarat was allowed outpatient treatment at a Fresno medical facility. He managed to flee during a bathroom break, evading custody for almost a month before being recaptured by the United States Marshals Service in Los Angeles County.
In sentencing Volarat, Judge Dale A. Drozd highlighted the large scale of his criminal activities and noted that he faces serious ongoing medical issues.
This case was the result of an extensive investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Inspector, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, and various county sheriffs’ offices. Assistant United States Attorneys Laurel J. Montoya, Kevin Rooney, and Geoffrey Stone prosecuted the case.
Volarat’s co-defendants, Phonephitack Volarat and Adam Khamvongsay, have already been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in the conspiracy.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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