Two Connecticut residents have pleaded guilty to drug-related charges arising out of their arrests in Phelps County on February 27, 2009, Acting United States Attorney Michael W. Reap announced today.

On that date, Phelps County deputies conducted a traffic stop on a maroon sport-utility vehicle which was later discovered to contain approximately one kilogram of powder cocaine and over $13,000 in cash.  The driver of the vehicle, 19 year-old Joanne Prosper of Connecticut, and the 34 year-old passenger and owner of the vehicle, Leo Wilson, were arrested following the discovery of the drugs and money.  In connection with their pleas of guilty, they acknowledged that they had traveled from Connecticut to Nevada to retrieve the cocaine, which they were transporting back to Connecticut until intercepted in Phelps County.

“These arrests and convictions are the result of the outstanding interdiction efforts of the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department,” said Reap.  “Drug traffickers traveling Interstate 44 through Phelps County are on notice that they will be apprehended.”

Joanne Prosper, 20, Danbury, CT, pleaded guilty Tuesday, to one felony count of interstate travel in aid of racketeering.  She appeared before United States District Judge Jean C. Hamilton.  Prosper now faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and/or fines up to $250,000, when she is sentenced on September 4, 2009.

Co-defendant Leo Wilson, 34, Waldburg, CT, pleaded guilty on May 28 to one felony count of possession with the intent to distribute in excess of 500 grams of cocaine.  He now faces a penalty range of five to 40 years in prison and/or fines up to $2,000,000, when he is sentenced on August 14, 2009.

Reap commended the work on the case by the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.