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News Release [printer-friendly version]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 9, 2008
For Information Contact,
Special Agent Ramona Sanchez
Public Information Officer
(602) 664-5725

Trucker Sentenced To Over 6 Years In Prison For His Role In Marijuana Transportation Conspiracy

MAY 9 -- (Phoenix, AZ) – Elizabeth W. Kempshall, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Phoenix Field Division and Diane Humetewa, U.S. Attorney for the District of Arizona, today announced that Larry Wayne Nunley, 55, of Reidsville, N.C., was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Frederick J. Martone to 78 months in federal prison. Nunley was found guilty on April 19, 2007 of Conspiracy To Possess With Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Possession With Intent to Distribute Marijuana and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering following his indictment and a three-day federal trial.

On February 5, 2005, Nunley, a long haul truck driver, transported cash proceeds generated from the sale and distribution of large quantities of marijuana in the Midwest to Arizona where he delivered it to other members of the conspiracy. These drug trafficking proceeds were concealed in a spare truck tire Nunley carried on his flatbed trailer. On February 6, 2005, the day after delivering the drug trafficking proceeds, Nunley’s truck was loaded with 997 kilograms (approximately 2,197 pounds) of marijuana in Phoenix. Later that day Nunley was stopped by Arizona Department of Public Safety in Navajo County, Ariz. The marijuana was seized during that traffic stop.

Per the Drug Enforcement Administration, the approximate street value of 2,197 lbs. of marijuana in Arizona is $934,000, but the approximate street value in the Midwest, its intended destination, is $2.8 million.

The investigation preceding the indictment was conducted by Special Agents of the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration, with the assistance of the Arizona Department of Public Safety. The prosecution was handled by Glenn McCormick and Brian Larson, Assistant U.S. Attorneys, District of Arizona, Phoenix.

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