FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 12, 2007
ALVIN HUTCHINSON FOUND GUILTY OF RACKETEERING, CONTINUING CRIMINAL ENTERPRISE, AND OTHER DRUG CRIMES AT ADAMS COUNTY MOTEL
DENVER - Troy Eid, United States Attorney for the District of Colorado, announced today that ALVIN “Big Al” HUTCHINSON, formerly of Adams County, Colorado, was found guilty of Racketeering, operating a Continuing Criminal Enterprise, Conspiracy to Distribute Crack, and Distribution of Crack, following a nine day jury trial before US District Court Judge Marcia S. Krieger. HUTCHINSON is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Krieger on April 30, 2007. He is facing a potential life sentence.
HUTCHINSON was indicted on April 4, 2005, for crack cocaine distribution and related charges which took place at the Alpine Rose Motel, located at 6251 North Federal Boulevard in Adams County, Colorado.
According to facts presented at trial, during 2004, HUTCHINSON, along with others, utilized the Alpine Rose Motel as a point of distribution for crack cocaine on a very large scale. During the trial it was revealed that the defendant and others distributed over 1 kilogram of crack cocaine a day using rooms as points of manufacture and distribution. The evidence indicated that customers would drive through the Alpine Rose Motel in order to purchase the crack cocaine. The enterprise also engaged in acts of violence in order to maintain control overs its participants and customers.
The jury found HUTCHINSON guilty of eight counts, including 5 distribution counts, a Conspiracy count, a Continuing Criminal Enterprise count (the Drug King Pin statute), and a Racketeering (RICO) count.
* The Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organization (RICO), which carries a penalty of up to life in federal prison.
* Operating a Continuing Criminal Enterprise, which carries a penalty of not less than 20 years and up to life in federal prison.
* Conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distributecrack cocaine, which carries a penalty of not less than 10 years to life in federal prison.
* Distribute and possession with intent to distribute crack, which carries penalties of up to 20 years in federal prison.
This case was investigated by the North Metro Drug Task Force. North Metro Drug Task Force member agencies include the Adams County Sheriff Office, Broomfield Police Department, Brighton Police Department, Commerce City Police Department, Federal Heights Police Department, Northglenn Police Department, Thornton Police Department, and the Westminster Police Department.
Special Agents from the U.S. Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol and Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) assisted in the investigation as well as the apprehension of the defendants. The Adams County Sheriff’s Office also assisted with the arrests. The investigation and prosecution was aided by the Adams County District Attorney’s Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jaime Pena and Gregory Rhodes.
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