December 2, 2012

http://tribune-democrat.com/local/x983016158/Carrolltown-woman-admits-to-laundering-drug-money

JOHNSTOWN — A Carrolltown woman charged with helping a high-profile family drug ring mail packages full of cash to Oregon for their drugs admitted in federal court Thursday that she conspired with the gang.

Theresa Deckard, 58, North Church Street, could spend up to 20 years in a federal prison on the money laundering conspiracy count, the U.S. Department of Justice said Thursday.

U.S. Attorney David J. Hickton said the court was advised that Deckard laundered the drug money from March 2008 to May 2011.

Deckard was charged in late 2011.

Investigators said she sent cash-filled Express Mail to drug suppliers and exchanged small-bill drug profits with area banks for $100 bills. She also used the money to buy real estate and vehicles for the Lowmaster drug ring but registered them under other names, prosecutors said at the time.

Numerous partners in the drug ring have pleaded to similar charges over the past year.

The alleged ringleader, George Lowmaster, remains in jail awaiting his day in court.

Deckard, who also could face an up to $500,000 fine, now is scheduled for sentencing April 13.