The Al Sharaireis Are Accused of Running a Slot Machine Business and Selling Synthetic Marijuana
U.S. Marshals are asking for help in apprehending a couple who are wanted on gambling charges. The full charges against the couple included gambling offenses, money laundering, drug charges, and the use of illegal funds to purchase businesses.
The couple involved in the case are named Mohammed Al Sharairei, 33, and Melissa Al Sharairei, 35. Mrs. Al Sharairei’s maiden name was Melissa Schermerhorn. They most recently were living in Pueblo, Colorado, but were expected in court on Monday in Cedar Rapids, Colorado. The two did not appear for the Cedar Rapids court case, so they are considered fugitives from the law. A warrant is out for their arrest and they will be detained in any U.S. state in which they are found.
Expected to Plead Guilty
Both people had a plea bargain in which they were expected to plead guilty. They were to plead guilty to drug charges, but also were expected to be arraigned on two new charges: money laundering and gambling charges.
After the Al Sharairei’s failed to appear before court, a federal magistrate issued warrants for their arrest. They will go in a manhunt database, so if they are stopped by authorities for any reason, the two are expected to be arrested.
Sold Synthetic Marijuana
The couple are charged with maintaining a premises for the distribution of controlled substance analogues or illegal substances intended for human consumption. The two are accused of manufacturing and selling drugs from their place of business, Puff n Stuff II Tobacco Outlet, which is located at 1545 Avenue Southeast.
According to reports in The Gazette, the couple produced and distributed synthetic marijuana from their business. The business was a tobacco shop, so their daily business worked as a cover for their illegal trade of marijuana.
Illegal Slot Machine Parlor
In the course of the investigation into their drug producing business, authorities found other illegal activities. For that reason, the two have been charged with conducting an illegal gambling business. As is often the case with illegal betting rings, the two also are charged with money laundering. Those involved in these activities apparently would appear at Puff n Stuff Tobacco Outlet II.
The case involving the illegal gambling operation included an indictment for “conducting, financing, managing and owning all or part of an illegal gambling business”. The two are thought to have operated an illegal slot machine business from February 5, 2013 until September 2013.
Using Illegal Proceeds to Make a Purchase
The couple are also accused of using illegal proceeds to purchase a business. The couple is accused of submitting a cashier’s check for $96,186 to Midland Escrow. The money distributed is thought to have come from their distribution of synthetic marijuana.
The two have already forfeited $425,000 in assets stemming from a default civil judgment. They lost four houses in all, including one house in Cedar Rapids and three houses in Des Moines, Iowa.
Because the couple had appeared for previous trials and had already surrendered hundreds of thousands of dollars in ill-gotten gains, it is presumed they would appear before the court. The Al Sharaireis also had a plea deal in place, so they were going to face lesser punishment by entering a guilty plea. Under the circumstances, more serious charges will be added to their case, if they are found and forced to stand trial.
In failing to appear, the couple will surrender the money they used to post bail. In such cases, the money often ranges into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. The Puff n Stuff Tobacco Outlet II will be without its owners, so it is likely to be shut down for good. Officials urge people to appear for their trial in such cases. Most of the time, those who run from the law are caught, so their desperate act to flee only makes their case worse. Gambling and drug distribution might have gotten them serious jail time, but forcing U.S. authorities to conduct a manhunt is likely to turn a few years into a very long stay in prison.
US Marshals Ask for Help
The U.S. Marshals ask that anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of Mohammad Al Sharairei or Melissa Al Sharairei, should contact them at the number (319)-362-4411. This number can be reached via land line, cellphone, or Skype.
