Chatsworth Couple Convicted in Connection With Drug Ring
A Chatsworth couple has been convicted in connection with a drug trafficking ring that sold heroin in Chicago and Puerto Rico, authorities said Thursday.
Solomon Tekle, 47, was found guilty by a federal jury last week on charges including conspiracy to import heroin, money laundering, tax evasion and filing a false tax return, said U.S. Atty. Alejandro N. Mayorkas.
During the six-week trial, federal prosecutors presented evidence that Tekle recruited and paid couriers to procure heroin in Thailand and deliver it to him for distribution in the United States.
Additional evidence was shown to jurors showing Tekle and his wife, Lily, received more than $900,000 in unreported income from the heroin enterprise between 1993-95.
Lily Tekle, 39, was convicted of tax evasion but acquitted of money laundering and submitting false tax returns, according to Mayorkas. She was not charged with narcotics-related offenses.
Free on bond, she is residing in the couple’s Chatsworth home, which is the subject of federal forfeiture proceedings.
The couple will be sentenced June 21 by U.S. District Judge Robert M. Takasugi.
Solomon Tekle faces a maximum sentence of life in prison. His wife could be sentenced to 10 years behind bars.
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