A federal grand jury indictment unsealed here today charged six men with an alleged conspiracy to distribute heroin in Kansas City, Kansas, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.
Named in the 16-count indictment are the following defendants:
George Bush, Jr., 28, Kansas City, Kansas.
Albert Brown, 29, Kansas City, Kansas.
Isaiah Lewis, 21, Kansas City, Kansas.
Maurice Bluett, 24, Kansas City, Missouri.
Markelo Paden, 23, in custody in the Johnson County Jail.
Benjamin Mims, 30, Lawrence, Kansas.
All six defendants are charged in Count 1 with conspiracy to distribute heroin, according to the U.S. attorney’s office. Other counts include possession with intent to distribute heroin, unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and maintaining a residence in furtherance of drug trafficking.
The defendants are presumed innocent until or unless proven guilty.
If there is a conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Conspiracy to distribute heroin: Not less than five years and not more than 40 years in federal prison and a fine up to $5 million.
Possession with intent to distribute heroin: Up to 20 years and a fine up to $1 million.
Unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking: Not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000.
Maintaining a drug involved premises: Up to 20 years and a fine up to $500,000.
The FBI and the Internal Revenue Service investigated with assistance from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department, the Lawrence Police Department and the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney James Ward and Assistant U.S. Attorney Dave Zabel are prosecuting.