ST. THOMAS — Clarence Griffin, 44, of Los Angeles, Robert Brown, 29, of St. Croix, and Jamila Felix, 29, of St. Thomas pleaded guilty on Monday in federal court on St. Thomas, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced.
Mr. Griffin and Mr. Brown pleaded guilty to conspiracy to posses marijuana with the intent to distribute, and Ms. Felix pleaded guilty to conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. Sentencing is scheduled for September 15, 2016.
According to the plea agreements filed with the court, between July 2012 and December 2013, Mr. Griffin and Mr. Brown shipped barrels containing at least 700 kilograms but less than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana concealed in “Chow Mein” cans from Los Angeles to St. Thomas utilizing a trucking service. Mr. Felix later deposited the proceeds from the marijuana sales into her bank accounts in St. Thomas, and subsequently wired the proceeds electronically to Mr. Griffin and other members of the conspiracy in the mainland United States.
Mr. Griffin and Mr. Brown face a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $10,000,000 fine. Both defendants remain in custody pending sentencing. Ms. Felix faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, and a fine of $500,000.00, or twice the value of the property involved in her transactions, whichever is greater. Ms. Felix remains on release pending sentencing.
This case is the result of a joint investigation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Delia L. Smith.
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