https://newschannel20.com/news/local/springfield-woman-son-sentenced-for-marijuana-money-laundering

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — A Springfield mother and her son were sentenced for marijuana and money laundering conspiracy.

Jennifer Fisher, 50, was sentenced to 14 months in prison and fined $10,000 for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

Fisher is accused of helping her son, 32-year-old Courtney Johnson, in a conspiracy, which involved hundreds of pounds of marijuana.

The government says she helped her son launder drug proceeds to expand the drug operation and fund his travel.

Some of the money was used to help him expand his drug operation within the Decatur area, which included several storage areas for marijuana.

Various items derived from proceeds of the offense or items used to commit or facilitate the offense are subject to criminal forfeiture. Those included four motor vehicles, $27,598 of United States currency, gold and diamond jewelry, and several precious wristwatches.

During the investigation, law enforcement discovered Johnson had multiple pounds of cocaine as well.

Fisher pleaded guilty to the charges in February,

In May, Johnson pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana, possession with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing cocaine, and maintaining a drug-involved premises (two counts).

Johnson was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in federal prison.

“The outcome of this case is another example of cooperation between federal and local law enforcement agencies not only to disrupt an illegal drug conspiracy but also to seize and forfeit the ill-gotten gains produced from the drug conspiracy,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory K. Harris. “Federal prosecutors will continue to seek the forfeiture of assets obtained or used in criminal activity.”

“This is an important victory for the American public. Not only are two criminals going to prison for their crimes, but the government has seized a significant portion of the illegal proceeds through asset forfeiture,” said Justin Campbell, Special Agent in Charge, Chicago Field Office, IRS Criminal Investigation. “The role of IRS CI in narcotics investigations is to follow the money so we can financially disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations. IRS-CI is proud to provide its financial expertise as we work alongside our law enforcement partners to bring criminals to justice.”

The Decatur Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the U.S. Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys William J. Lynch and C. Ryan Finlen represented the government in the prosecution.