Western Ohio Couple Indicted On Marijuana And Money Laundering Charges
DAYTON, Ohio - A federal grand jury has charged Dennis S. Hunter, 51, and Sivan D. Hunter, 45, both of Dayton, with conspiracy to distribute marijuana and money laundering in an indictment returned in Dayton.
Carter M. Stewart, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Joseph P. Reagan, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement (DEA) and Kathy A. Enstrom, Special Agent in Charge, Internal Revenue (IRS), Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office, announced the indictment that was unsealed yesterday.
The indictment alleges that Dennis Hunter conspired to distribute and possessed with intent to distribute more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana in the Southern District of Ohio.
The couple allegedly laundered the illegal drug proceeds by acquiring various real estate properties, including multiple residential properties in the Dayton metropolitan area. Dennis Hunter allegedly used these properties to store and sell the marijuana. The Hunters also allegedly used the drug trafficking activities to purchase vehicles in cash, including a Volvo XC90 and Mercedes Benz R350.
Dennis Hunter allegedly used the drug proceeds for various repairs and improvements at one of his homes, including the purchase of granite countertops, windows, furniture and an 80-inch television. It is also alleged that he attempted to disguise his illegal profits by converting cash into money orders, which he then deposited into various bank accounts under his control.
Dennis Hunter remains in custody. Sivan Hunter has been released on her own recognizance.
Conspiracy to distribute this amount of marijuana is a crime punishable by at least 10 years and up to a lifetime in prison and money laundering carries a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment.
U.S. Attorney Stewart commended the investigation of this case by the DEA and IRS, and Assistant United States Attorney Brent Tabacchi, who is prosecuting the case.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
