Four people were charged in an unsealed federal indictment on Monday that charged them with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and money laundering in Tioga County.
The indictment charges Tushaun Merritt, DeMarrio Shell, Michael Hawkins and David Wemmer with conspiracy to distribute and possess controlled substances, as well as conspiracy to commit money laundering for promotional purposes. Also in the indictment, Hawkins and Shell are charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
On Monday, few details of the criminal investigation leading to the charges and the alleged roles of the defendants in the conspiracy were publicly disclosed. The indictment indicates that the defendants conspired to distribute methamphetamine from May 2019 to June 11, 2021, in Tioga County and elsewhere.
Merritt, Shell, Hawkins and Wemmer are accused of conspiring to distribute at least 500 grams – or just over a pound – of methamphetamine, according to the indictment.
Shell is accused of possessing at least 50 grams of methamphetamine with the intention of distributing it on May 3 in Tioga County, according to the indictment.
Hawkins reportedly had at least 50 grams of methamphetamine to distribute on June 2 in Chemung County.
Although the indictment does not specify how much money would have been used in connection with the charge of money laundering, the four defendants are accused of conspiring to carry out financial transactions involving the proceeds of illegal activity.
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The US Attorney’s Office also said that each accused, in relation to the criminal charges, was also known by various nicknames:
- Tushaun Merritt: “BB” and “Big Boy”.
- Shell DeMarrio: “Mario” and “Big Unc.”
- Michael Hawkins: “Falcon.”
- David Wemmer: “Pops”, “The Boss Man” and “Man on the Hill”.
The next hearing dates for the four defendants are scheduled. Wemmer first appeared Thursday at the Binghamton Federal Courthouse and has been placed in the custody of the US Marshals as his case progresses.
Drug conspiracy charges could carry federal prison sentences of up to 20 years, if the defendants are found guilty. Although federal criminal charges carry potential minimum and maximum prison sentences, federal judges have the ability to impose sentences outside of these guidelines, depending on various factors related to the individual case.
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