Role in Drug Conspiracy Earns Philadelphia Man More Than 16 Years in Prison

Lawrence Wilson, 24, of Philadelphia, was sentenced today to 194 months in prison for his role in a large-scale drug organization responsible for transporting multiple kilograms of cocaine and hundreds of pounds of marijuana to the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. Wilson’s brother, Michael, ran the organization. In addition to the conspiracy, Lawrence Wilson was a major participant in the kidnapping of two female drug couriers on January 17, 2011. The women had just returned from Los Angeles, California, with four suitcases containing marijuana and cocaine for the organization. While waiting for the suitcases at the baggage claim carousel at the Philadelphia International Airport, a rival drug trafficking organization stole one of the suitcases. Lawrence Wilson and other members of the organization believed the women had set up the robbery. Lawrence Wilson and co-conspirator held the women at gunpoint. Wilson was also involved in money laundering conspiracy, depositing approximately $5,000 into the Bank of America account being used by the California drug supplier.

Wilson pleaded guilty the day of trial in July to conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of the mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of cocaine and 100 kilograms or more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of marijuana; one count of aiding and abetting the attempt to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine; one count of aiding and abetting the possession and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crime; one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering; and one count of money laundering.

In addition to the prison term, U.S. District Court Judge Michael Baylson ordered a $5,000 fine and five years of supervised release.

The case was investigated by Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Philadelphia Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Karen S. Marston.