Three Indicted for Conspiring to Distribute Controlled substances

MINNEAPOLIS – A federal indictment unsealed earlier today charges three Twin Cities' residents with conspiring to distribute heroin, crack cocaine, methamphetamine, cocaine, and other controlled substances. Rikki Lee Gilow, age 19, and Eric Michelle Hunter, age 41, both of Bloomington, and Jerry Anthony Harvey, age 38, of Minneapolis, were charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. In addition, Gilow and Hunter were charged with 15 counts of distribution of controlled substances and two counts of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug-trafficking crime. Hunter was also charged with two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. And Harvey was charged with one count of distribution of heroin. The indictment, which was filed on July 16, 2012, was unsealed following the defendants' initial appearance in federal court.

The indictment alleges that from September 14, 2011, through July 16, 2012, the defendants conspired with each other to distribute controlled substances, primarily heroin. On 15 occasions, Gilow and Hunter allegedly distributed controlled substances, including heroin, crack cocaine, cocaine, methamphetamine, benzylpiperazine (commonly known as BZP), and other substances with the common names of "Foxy" and "Ivory Wave." On one of those occasions, Harvey allegedly joined them to distribute approximately 74.65 grams of heroin.

In addition, the indictment alleges that on May 2, 2012, Gilow and Hunter carried a .357-caliber, semi-automatic pistol, and on May 22, 2012, they carried a nine-millimeter, semi-automatic pistol. Because Hunter is a felon, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms at any time. He was convicted in Mississippi of grand larceny in 1990, possession of cocaine in 1994, felon in possession of a deadly weapon in 1994, and intimidation and assault on a law enforcement officer in 1995. In addition, he was convicted in federal court in the District of Minnesota in 1998 for possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine.

If convicted in the current case, the defendants face a potential maximum penalty of 40 years in prison on the conspiracy charge and 20 years on each of the distribution charges. Gilow and Hunter also face a potential maximum penalty of life in prison on the firearm charges, while Hunter faces a potential maximum penalty of ten years on each charge of being a felon in possession. All sentences will be determined by a federal district court judge.

This case is the result of an investigation by the United States ATF and the Dakota County Drug Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas M. Hollenhorst.