FORT WAYNE, IN—The United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, David Capp, announces that today, Michael Fabini, 35, of Fort Wayne was sentenced to 168 months’ imprisonment along with a term of five years of supervised release, and forfeiture was ordered following his plea of guilty to the felony offenses of conspiring to distribute and possession with intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana and engaging in a monetary transaction in property derived from drug trafficking.

Documents filed in this case indicate that, from on or about September 21, 2007, and continuing to on or about December 6, 2012, Fabini did knowingly and intentionally conspire, combine, confederate and agree to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana and on or about August 7, 2009, did knowingly engage in a monetary transaction affecting commerce in depositing $70,154.99 derived from drug trafficking. Fabini agreed as part of his plea agreement to the forfeiture of certain assets, and also agreed to a forfeiture money judgment in the amount of $5,000,000.00.

According to Capp, the sentencing of Michael Fabini represents a culmination of a lengthy and extensive law enforcement investigation that removed two of the top dealers, (Fabini and Matthew McChesney) in the Fort Wayne area along with many of their underlings from the streets of Fort Wayne. Not only were significant sentences imposed, but the United States will obtain significant forfeiture of Fabini’s real estate (his home in Cherry Hills) and personal property, but also cash and various accounts which represented proceeds of criminal activity. The United States has already forfeited cash, vehicles, and residences with a total value of approximately $1.9 million dollars as a result of McChesney’s conviction.

As the United States Attorney has repeatedly indicated to the citizens of the Northern District of Indiana, “law enforcement is organized, and federal law enforcement will continue to coordinate their efforts with state and local law enforcement officers to bring comprehensive cases against drug dealers operating in our communities.” Not only will the federal prosecution result in significant sentences, but Capp indicates that his office will seek forfeiture of all assets, real and personal and well as any proceeds derived from the commission of the offense.

This joint investigation was conducted by the Allen County Police Department Vice and Narcotics Division, New Haven Police Department, and the FBI Fort Wayne Safe Streets Task Force, which is comprised of FBI agents and officers from the Indiana State Police, Allen County Police Department, and the Fort Wayne Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.