SACRAMENTO–A federal grand jury returned an 11-count indictment Thursday against a northern California couple for drug trafficking in connection with a probe targeting Silk Road 2.0, an illicit network of websites dismantled earlier this month following a multi-agency probe spearheaded by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the FBI.
David Schell, 54, and Teri Schell, 59, both of Durham, Calif., are charged in the indictment with conspiracy to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana. Additionally, David Schell is charged with nine counts of distribution of marijuana.
According to court documents, law enforcement agents discovered an Internet Protocol address that was accessing “Silk Road 2.0,” an illicit network of websites that facilitated the trafficking of contraband, particularly controlled substances, until its worldwide dismantlement on Nov. 6. That same day, agents executed a search warrant at the Schells’ residence and found more than 450 marijuana plants and quantities of processed marijuana and marijuana wax, a highly potent marijuana-based substance made from extracting THC from marijuana leaves. Agents also found more than $12,000 in cash and packaging and shipping materials.
According to court documents, David Schell mailed more than 100 packages overseas between January and September of this year, using a variety of different return addresses.
The defendants are currently out of custody. Their arraignment is set for Nov. 26 in Sacramento. Special Assistant United States Attorney Josh Sigal is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, the defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.
