A Troy man faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty Tuesday to charges of marijuana trafficking and money laundering as part of a sprawling, cross-country drug operation.
Isiah Ti-Quan Clements, also known as “Zay,” admitted to participating in a conspiracy that moved thousands of kilograms of marijuana and THC from commercial grow operations in Fresno, California, to locations across the United States, including New York’s Capital Region.
Clements, 38, received and coordinated shipments of marijuana sent by co-conspirators Dwight Singletary II and McKenzie Coles from a Fresno shipping store to his home and a restaurant in Troy. He also arranged deliveries to family members, including his sister and aunt, who helped distribute the drugs. In total, Clements was involved in the trafficking of approximately 1,102 kilograms — or over 2,400 pounds — of marijuana between June 2018 and May 2022.
Prosecutors say Clements was paid $300 to $400 for each package he received.
In addition to trafficking, Clements admitted to laundering drug proceeds in multiple ways, including:
Exchanging more than $110,000 in small bills for larger denominations at financial institutions.Purchasing $127,000 in cashier’s checks with drug money.Flying cash-filled suitcases from New York to California.Depositing funds into business accounts connected to other conspirators.Paying contractors for work on properties owned by a co-defendant’s company.
“This prosecution of a sophisticated marijuana trafficking and money laundering organization was made possible by the close collaboration of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies on both coasts,” said U.S. Attorney John A. Sarcone III. “We continue to investigate and prosecute the criminal organizations profiting mightily from its illicit distribution.”
Clements faces up to life in prison, fines of over $10 million, and a supervised release term of five years to life. He is among more than 20 defendants charged in the case, with several — including his family members and 15 others — having already pleaded guilty. Others, including Dwight and David Singletary and McKenzie Coles, have pleaded not guilty and are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise.
The case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. Agencies involved include the ATF, DEA, HSI, and Troy Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cyrus Rieck and Dustin Segovia are prosecuting.
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A Troy man faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in federal prison after pleading guilty Tuesday to charges of marijuana trafficking and money laundering as part of a sprawling, cross-country drug operation. Isiah Ti-Quan Clements, also known as “Zay,” admitted to participating in a conspiracy that moved thousands of kilograms of marijuana and THC… MoreTroy man pleads guilty in coast-to-coast marijuana and money laundering scheme Read More
