NEWS RELEASE
UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
WESTERN DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA
Julia C. Dudley Acting United States Attorney Brian McGinn Public Affairs Specialist |
BB&T Building 310 1st Street, S.W., Room 906 Roanoke, Virginia 24011 (540) 857-2974 FAX (540) 857-2179 |
June 20, 2008
SIX INDIVIDUALS FROM DICKENSON AND RUSSELL COUNTIES INDICTED ON DRUG DISTRIBUTION AND FIREARMS CHARGES
Acting United States Attorney Julia C. Dudley announced today that Danny D. Laforce, age 55, of Dante, Virginia, Kristy R. Rasnick, age 26, of Dante, Virginia, Kimberly R. Rasnick, age 27, of Birchleaf, Virginia, Joshua M. Neece, age 25, of Dante, Virginia and Gary L. Seckman, age 63, of Nora, Virginia were indicted by a Federal Grand Jury sitting in Abingdon on drug distribution and gun charges.
“As a result of this well-run investigation, I am pleased to announce that criminal charges have been brought against individuals for distributing these very potent and very dangerous drugs,” Acting United States Attorney Julia C. Dudley said today.
Laforce, Kristy Rasnick, Kimberly Rasnick and Neece were all charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. In addition, Laforce was charged with four counts of possessing with the intent to distribute a controlled substance and two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
Laforce is charged with distributing morphine, and hydrocodone. The indictment also lists a Remington model 870LH- Wingmaster .12 gauge shotgun and a Mosin-Nagant model M91/30, 7.62 x 54R rifle as the weapons the defendant possessed illegally.
In addition, Neece was also charged with one count of possessing with the intent to distribute methylin. Kristy Rasnick was charged with two counts of possessing with the intent to distribute methylin and Ritalin. Kimberly Rasnick was charged with three counts of possessing with the intent to distribute hydrocodone.
According to the indictment, Seckman was charged with one count of knowingly providing a firearm to a convicted felon.
If convicted of conspiracy and possessing with the intent to distribute a controlled substance, each defendant faces a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment and/or a fine of $1,000,000.00 for each count.
If convicted of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, Laforce faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years to life imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.00.
Seckman, if convicted, faces a maximum possible penalty of 5 years imprisonment and/or a $250,000.00 fine.
The investigation of the case was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Russell County Sheriff’s Office, the Dickenson County Sheriff’s Office and the Virginia State Police. Special Assistant United States Attorney Dennis Lee is prosecuting the case for the United States Attorney’s Office, Western District of Virginia.
A Grand Jury indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendants are entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the government to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.