LONDON —
Two of the 10 defendants in a federal court case involving an alleged multistate motorcycle theft and money-laundering operation will enter guilty pleas.
Attorneys representing Christina Bannigan, 31, of Cleves, Ohio, and Shon Fields, 33, of Cincinnati, have filed motions requesting their clients be rearraigned for the purpose of changing their pleas from not guilty to guilty. Both have reached plea agreements with the government, according to the government.
Bannigan and Fields are scheduled to be rearraigned Jan. 24 in London before U.S. District Judge Gregory F. Van Tatenhove.
Trial is scheduled for Jan. 7 for the remaining defendants: Mark Justice, 52, Richard “Dickie” Meade, 64, and George Ferguson, 53, all of Ashland; John C. Slusher, 58, of Pineville; Robert Jason Chapman, 31, of Cleves; and Robert “Trader Bob” Harris, 61, Margaret “Peggy” Harris, 60, and Matthew Harris, 38, all of Newport. Robert and Matthew Harris are the husband and son, respectively, of Peggy Harris.
The government alleges the defendants participated in a money-laundering conspiracy related to the interstate shipment of stolen motorcycles. Some of the defendants also are charged with money laundering and possessing stolen vehicle parts with the intent to sell them. Additionally, Fields is charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly lying to the grand jury, Robert Harris is charged with making false statements to a federal law enforcement agency and Slusher and Chapman are charged with threatening witnesses to try to keep them from testifying before the federal grand jury investigating the alleged conspiracy.
The indictment lists four pieces of property — two in Boyd County and one each in Bell and Campbell counties — the U.S. Attorney’s Office is seeking to have forfeited because it alleges they are proceeds of or facilitated the commission of some of the crimes alleged in the indictment.
Additionally, the government is seeking a monetary judgment of $2.5 million, which prosecutors believe represents the amount the defendants derived from their alleged criminal conduct.
According to the indictment, the defendants altered or obliterated the vehicle identification numbers on stolen motorcycles. They then allegedly transferred the titles to others, before selling them, to conceal the fact the bikes were stolen.
An investigation by the Boyd County Sheriff’s Department into a March 7, 2007, shooting on Ky. 5 led to the discovery of a motorcycle “chop shop” on Meade Springer Road believed to have been part of the operation.
The defendants face maximum prison sentences of 20 years if they are convicted. However, application of federal sentencing guidelines would likely result in them receiving far less time.
KENNETH HART can be reached at khart@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2654.
Local News
2 defendants in theft-ring case to enter guilty pleas
Trial for remaining 8 set to begin Jan. 7
- Local News
-
-
Area woman’s book collection of aviator grandfather’s technical writings
All her life, Barbara Sellers gave much thought to flight.
-
Musical memories
A new nonprofit group is planning a concert this summer intended to offer a positive social gathering for music lovers.
-
Water main break causes headaches
A water main break in the area of 29th Street and Greenup Avenue has caused headaches for public works employees and water customers in Ashland.
-
MLB exec speaking to Greenup graduates
Greenup County High School graduates are going to hear a little baseball tonight.
-
Span into Ky. likely out of commission through holiday
The Ben Williamson Bridge, closed Thursday morning because of a damaged I-beam, probably will remain closed at least through the Memorial Day holiday, and transportation officials don’t yet know how soon they will be able to reopen it.
-
Students celebrate grandparents
The fellowship hall at Unity Baptist Church was bursting with pride Thursday afternoon.
-
Olive Hill Council holds off on appointments
The Olive Hill Council met in regular session Tuesday night to accept the resignations of former Council members Tony Williams and Angie Johnson Fultz.
-
U.S. 23 Yard Sale under way
The annual yard sale which runs from Greenup County to Letcher County is under way, with Boyd County officials reporting strong early interest in the local portion of the U.S. 23 Highway Yard Sale.
-
Ashland to salute vets on Memorial Day
Ice cream always tastes better outdoors on Memorial Day in Central Park while saluting the nation’s veterans, according to Sue Dowdy of the Ashland Convention and Visitors Bureau.
-
Morgan man pleads guilty to assault
A Morgan County man entered a guilty plea in Morgan Circuit Court on Wednesday to second-degree assault charges in connection with the injuries he inflicted upon his wife in April 2011 at their home in Ezel, according to the office of Attorney General Jack Conway and his office of special prosecutions.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
Officials: Truck Hit Bridge Before Collapse
Sheriff: No Sign Killing of 2 Kids Was Planned
Obama Defends Drone Strikes, With Limits
Raw: Jurors Deadlock on Jodi Arias Penalty
Boy Scouts Decision "First Step" Say Activists
Raw: Utah Teen Arrested in Death of His Brothers
Closer Look at Okla. School Where Children Died
Two Suspects in Murder Known to London Police
"Be Ready": NOAA Warns of Busy Hurricane Season
SeaWorld: Penguins Are Coolest Thing in Florida
