A year-long investigation into drug-related money laundering has resulted in the indictment of eleven persons, including the owner of a Nashville bonding company, the owner of a Nashville car dealership, a 73-year-old grandmother and a drug defendant who was already awaiting trial on cocaine and money laundering charges.

Jailed on five counts of engaging in a money laundering conspiracy is Jason Baker Wilson, 27, of 2403 Seifried Street, who, until yesterday, was free on bond awaiting trail on his May 2004 arrest for conspiring to distribute cocaine in the Nashville area and money laundering. Wilson’s bond last May was posted by Skyy Bonding Company on Gay Street, which is owned by Kenneth L. Richardson, 42, of Hummingbird Drive.

Richardson was himself arrested Thursday on one count of engaging in a money laundering conspiracy. He is alleged to have purchased a $50,000 Hummer sport utility vehicle on Jason Wilson’s behalf with alleged drug proceeds provided by Wilson. Although the vehicle was titled in Richardson’s name, Wilson is alleged to have had total use of the vehicle. Wilson is also alleged to have provided funds to Richardson to make the monthly payments.

Jailed Thursday on five counts of engaging in a money laundering conspiracy was Tracy D. McMurtry, the owner of Franklin Motor Company at 3823 Dickerson Pike. McMurtry, 33, of Beacon Hill Drive in Mt. Juliet, sold vehicles to Wilson while allegedly knowing full well that the funds Wilson provided were the proceeds from drug activity. McMurtry is also alleged to have assisted in titling the vehicles in the names of Wilson’s family and associates.

Charged with one count of engaging in a money laundering conspiracy is Wilson’s grandmother, Rebecca Wilson, 73, of 2403 Seifried Street. She purchased and had titled in her name a $20,000 motorcycle from a local dealership. It is alleged that Jason Wilson had her buy the motorcycle on his behalf with the proceeds from drug sales. Investigators do not believe that the 73-year-old had any intention of taking to the streets on the motorcycle.

Charged with one count of engaging in a money laundering conspiracy is Jason Wilson’s sister, Danielle Wilson, 31, of 2403 Seifried Street. She is alleged to have participated in having a vehicle titled in her name that was actually for her brother after it was purchased with alleged drug money.

Charged with one count of engaging in a money laundering conspiracy is Charles E. Foster, Jr., 33, of 1211 Bell Road. Foster, an acquaintance of Jason Wilson, is alleged to have participated in having a vehicle titled in his name that was actually for Jason after it was purchased with alleged drug money.

Five other persons are named in the money laundering indictment, but have not yet been taken into custody. This continuing investigation is being conducted by members of the 20th Judicial District Drug Task Force, made up of Metro police officers and staff from District Attorney General Torry Johnson’s office.

“Investigations such as this send the clear message that law enforcement in Davidson County is keenly interested in not only those who sell and distribute drugs, but also those who knowingly help them get rid of their drug money,” Johnson said.

“We know that persons who deal in large quantities of drugs have to mask their large purchases in an effort to prevent calling attention to themselves,” Chief Ronal Serpas said. “The Drug Task Force is set up to handle long-term, complex cases like this one and, with General Johnson’s help, is part of our broad drug enforcement strategy.”

The defendants indicted will appear in Criminal Court for arraignment in the near future.

Source:  Metro Nashville Police Department, Media Releases