TULSA, Okla. — A California man has pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to interstate travel in aid of a racketeering enterprise and transporting drugs for a Tulsa man, the U.S. Attorney’s Office has announced.
David Mason Leslie, Jr., 54, of Cucamonga, Calif., admitted that in July 2018, he aided in the transport of marijuana for Tong Vang, of Tulsa, a news release says.
According to U.S. Attorney Trent Shores, Leslie stated that he rented a car and trailer to transport marijuana from California to Tulsa for distribution to areas outside of Oklahoma.
Leslie was arrested near Omaha, Nebraska, July 30, 2018, after law enforcement officers said they discovered 200 pounds of marijuana in the trailer.
“Crime doesn’t pay,” Shores said. “Leslie made a costly decision simply for what he thought was easy money. He got caught up in the wrong game and now may pay the price by being sentenced to federal prison for taking part in this marijuana operation.”
The transport of the drug was part of a marijuana distribution operation led by Kong Meng Vang, who pleaded guilty in August 2018 to drug conspiracy, money laundering and possession with intent to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. Tong Vang was later named to the drug conspiracy in a superseding indictment. Tong Vang reportedly purchased marijuana in California, then recruited and paid others to transport it outside of state, the release says.
According to Shores, Leslie originally hauled cars for Kong Meng Vang, and was later recruited by Tong Vang to transport the marijuana. A judge accepted his plea and set sentencing for July 11, 2019. He faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
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