The group allegedly brought hundreds of kilograms of marijuana into Ohio from Texas and shipped cash back, concealed in cars provided by one of the defendant’s used car lot.
There were eight people charged from Hamilton and Butler counties, they are: Lee Wurzelbacher, 41, Kevin Howard, 29, Todd Schulte, 35, James Reimer, aka “Rat”, 30 Daniel Roos, 31, Joe Rivers, aka “Tall J”, 35, James C. Wurzelbacher, 61, Bryon Roos, 42,
Three named in the indictment are from the Brownsville, Texas area: Javier Gonzales Perez, 34, Daniel Lozano, 33, Aldo Medina, 33.
All 11 are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana, punishable by at least 10 years and up to life in prison.
The indictment alleges that, beginning in 2006, Lee Wurzelbacher began receiving shipments of marijuana concealed in the gas tanks of motor vehicles at Payless Autos located on Pippin Road in Cincinnati. Lee Wurzelbacher and Bryon Roos operated used car businesses named Payless Auto Sales and Ace 1 Auto Sales to launder illegal drug proceeds and provide what appeared to be a legitimate source of income. The indictment alleges that the marijuana was shipped to Ohio in crates containing tile and granite countertop bars by commercial freight companies and delivered to various locations in Hamilton and Butler counties where it was broken down and distributed.
“The indictment also alleges that conspirators also laundered the proceeds of the marijuana trafficking by purchasing eleven pieces of real estate and a boat,” U.S. Attorney Carter M. Stewart said.
OCDETF agents are still seeking Schulte, Bryon Roos and Gonzales-Perez. The others are in custody and will appear before a federal magistrate judge in Cincinnati.
The indictment also charges defendants with conspiracy to commit money laundering and money laundering, each of which are punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Illegally structuring financial transactions is punishable by up to ten years in prison. Defendants charged with attempt to possess with intent to distribute marijuana are facing a penalty of at least five and up to 40 years in prison.
About the Author