United States Drug Enforcement Administration

SANTA ANA, Calif. - A San Clemente man who owned and operated a string of nine illegal marijuana stores that generated at least $25 million in profits was sentenced today to 262 months in federal prison. John Melvin Walker, also known as “Pops,” 56, of San Clemente, was sentenced by...

July 10, 2013 Contact: Public Information Officer Number: (313) 234-4310 DETROIT - A podiatrist, psychologist and a pharmacist were convicted today in federal court in Detroit, Michigan on multiple counts of an Indictment charging them with conspiracy, health care fraud, and controlled substance distribution, United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade...

July 3, 2013 Contact: Public Information Officer Number: (313) 234-4310 COLUMBUS, Ohio - James E. Johnston, a/k/a “Monk,” 50, of Columbus was sentenced to 72 months in prison, five years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and ordered to forfeit three real estate properties located in Columbus for his role...

HONOLULU - - On June 25 and 26, 2013, pursuant to a federal indictment returned by a grand jury on June 20, 2013, law enforcement officers arrested Oahu residents John (33), Makusi (46), Siaosi (32), Jake Del Mundo-(31), Michael (28), Michael (33), and Keschan (29). Also indicted were Oahu residents...

June 26, 2013 Contact: Public Information Officer Number: (313) 234-4310 BOWLING GREEN, Ky. - United States Attorney David J. Hale announced the sentencing of the last of 21 defendants prosecuted in a large marijuana distribution ring operating from June 2008 to February 2010, in Warren County, Kentucky. Senior Judge Thomas...

June 26, 2013 Contact: Public Information Officer Number: (313) 234-4310 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - James D. Orr, 75, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Thomas N. Verhage, 68, of Kentwood, entered guilty pleas to a felony charge of misbranding drugs related to their conduct while employed as staff pharmacists at Kentwood...

June 25, 2013 Contact: Public Information Officer Number: (313) 234-4310 CLEVELAND - A grand jury returned a 57-count indictment charging 17 people for their roles in a conspiracy that distributed cocaine, heroin and marijuana on the streets of Youngstown, Akron and Columbus, law enforcement officials announced. Terrance A. Tarver obtained...

HONOLULU - - Richard Ramon Ramirez, age 53, a resident of Gardena, California, was sentenced on June 24, 2013, by United States District Chief Judge Susan Oki Mollway to 168 months in prison and five years of supervised release following imprisonment for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to...

June 21, 2013 Contact: Public Information Officer Number: (313) 234-4310 DETROIT - An indictment was unsealed today charging Dr. Hussein “Sam” Awada, 43, and Dr. Luis Collazo, 53, with the illegal distribution of prescription drugs and health care fraud, United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade announced today. McQuade was joined...

June 21, 2013 Contact: Public Information Officer Number: (313) 234-4310 (LEXINGTON, Ky.)- - The owner of pill mills in Georgetown, Ky., and Dry Ridge, Ky., which illegally dispensed prescription drugs to thousands of patients, was found guilty on all 21 counts of drug trafficking, money laundering, opening and maintaining a...