by Sam Clanton
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – A man from Republic is sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy that distributed thousands of pounds of marijuana in southwest Missouri.
According to federal prosecutors, 39-year-old Sean Bond arranged for co-defendants to pick up marijuana from individuals outside of Springfield, then transport the drugs back to Springfield for him to distribute. Bond and 30-year-old Brian Hanson reportedly traveled together to Texas to obtain marijuana that had been smuggled into the United States from Mexico.
In addition to the drug-trafficking conspiracy, Bond and Hanson each pleaded guilty to participating in a conspiracy to launder the proceeds of marijuana sales.
The case was investigated by the DEA, IRS, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Springfield Police Department and COMET drug task force.