Louisville, Ky. – Three residents of Louisville are facing federal indictment charges for allegedly attempting to launder money derived from a drug operation through real estate transactions and other significant purchases.
Allegations and Charges
The accused individuals include 41-year-old Joseph E. Lanham, 64-year-old Laura Lanham, and 43-year-old Richard Ricky Elble II. According to the indictment announced by U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett and Karen Wingerd, Special Agent in Charge of the Cincinnati Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation, the charges span conspiracy to launder money, money laundering, obstruction of government proceedings, and falsifying documents related to a federal investigation.
Money Laundering Scheme
The indictment alleges that Joseph E. Lanham, the central figure in the operation, utilized real estate transactions and other significant purchases to launder proceeds from his drug trafficking activities. This illicit activity reportedly occurred between April 2016 and May 2023.
Specific Charges
Joseph E. Lanham faces multiple charges, including four counts of money laundering for transactions exceeding $10,000 with criminal proceeds, obstruction of government proceedings, and falsifying documents related to a federal investigation. Laura Lanham also faces a charge of money laundering for transactions over $10,000 with criminal proceeds.
Legal Proceedings
Both Joseph and Laura Lanham appeared in court on June 6, while Elble made his initial appearance on June 7.
Background and Investigation
The indictments follow nearly two years after Joseph E. Lanham and his son, Joseph M. Lanham, were arrested by the Jeffersontown Police Department after a raid at their residence on Pine Lake Drive. The location is in close proximity to the AMC Stonybrook 20 theater.
Jeffersontown Detective Mike Lauder, involved in the case, stated that investigators had been working on it for over a year before executing the raid. Lauder emphasized the significant quantities of marijuana involved, indicating that Joseph E. Lanham was a central figure in its distribution in Louisville and surrounding areas.
Seized Evidence
During the raid on the Lanham residence and several other locations, law enforcement confiscated substantial evidence, including hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, 20 pounds of marijuana, firearms, ledgers, and a money counter. Court documents revealed that Joseph E. Lanham had allegedly purchased multiple properties using proceeds from drug sales.
Potential Sentencing
If convicted, Joseph E. Lanham faces a maximum sentence of 85 years in prison, while Laura Lanham faces up to 30 years and Elble up to 20 years. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge, taking into account sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. Notably, there is no parole in the federal system.
Investigation Details
The investigation is being conducted by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation with assistance from the Jeffersontown Police Department, the United States Postal Inspection Service, the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Louisville Metro Police Department, and the Kentucky State Police.
In conclusion, the residents of Louisville facing federal charges for allegedly laundering money from a drug operation through real estate transactions and other significant purchases highlight the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to combat illicit activities within the community.
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