May 25, 2010

WICHITAN SENTENCED TO SEVEN YEARS IN RACKETEERING CASE

WICHITA, KAN. – Lonnie Wade, 30, Wichita, Kan., has been sentenced to 84 months in federal prison on racketeering charges, U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch said today.

Wade was convicted April 15, 2009, when a federal jury found him guilty on one count of conspiracy to engage in racketeering, one count of maintaining a residence at 1815 E. 23rd in Wichita in furtherance of drug trafficking and two counts of conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine.

During trial, prosecutors presented evidence that Wade was a member of the Crips street gang in Wichita and took part in a conspiracy to preserve, protect and expand the power of the gang through unlawful activities.

Welch commended the Wichita Police Department for leading the federal investigation. U.S. Attorney Debra Barnett and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Oakley prosecuted the case