United States Drug Enforcement Administration

FRESNO, CA - Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Anthony D. Williams and United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced today that a federal grand jury returned a four-count indictment charging Khonesay Rachsingharm, 33, of Fresno, with conspiring to cultivate marijuana.

According to the indictment, on October 14, 2011, Rachsingharm conspired to cultivate and cultivated marijuana with intent to distribute in Fresno County. According to court records in the case, Rachsingharm was arrested following the execution of a search warrant on rural property in Fresno County and the seizure of approximately 2,477 marijuana plants and 950 pounds of processed marijuana.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen A. Servatius is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, Rachsingharm faces a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison and a $10 million fine. The actual sentence, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables.

The charges are only allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.