MuskogeePhoenix.com, Muskogee, OK

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December 24, 2008

Nine charged in federal court

Nine people have been charged in federal court to drug or money laundering charges, said Sheldon J. Sperling, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

Six of the nine defendants made initial appearances and/or appeared for preliminary/detention hearings.

Rogelio Fernandez, age 47, and Edgar Fernandez, age 41, both of El Paso, Texas, made initial appearances, Sperling said.

Bobby Fairchild, 44, of Oktaha; Michael Cason, 49, of Oktaha; Richard Burris, age 38, of Checotah; and Jimmy Smith, 51, Jimmy Smith, 51, of Ochelata, appeared for preliminary/detention hearings, Sperling said.

The two separate complaints charge the defendants with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.

“Eight of the defendants have been arrested and are in the custody of the United States Marshal,” Sperling said. “Louis Montoya remains at large and is being sought by state and federal authorities.”

“Charges arose from an investigation being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office, the Muskogee Police Department, and other law enforcement entities across Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Tennessee and Kentucky. ”



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