Five people have been indicted and more indictments are possible in connection with money laundering and marijuana sales in cases that date back 18 months.

Lt. Jim Norton, commander of the I-135/I-70 Drug Task Force said a drug case in January 2011 was tied to sources in other cases, that eventually led to seizure of packaged marijuana, live marijuana plants, prescription medication, two vehicles, and $62,200 in drug proceeds.

The five indicted in federal court in Wichita on August 15th. included Geary Michael Vaughan, Casey Ryan Nickelson, Alyssa L. Nickelson (Mosburg),Nickolas Wayne Berthelson, and Luis R. Beltran. The five either live or at one time had lived in Salina.

On August 30th the Drug Enforcement Administration, and U.S. Marshal’s Service used a search warrant at Geary Vaughan’s home in Conifer,Colorado and recovered live marijuana plants, growing equipment, packaged marijuana, and two handguns.

Records obtained indicate that Vaughan is responsible for more than 100 pounds of marijuana being shipped into Salina, Newton and Wichita. Vaughan also responsible for obtaining more than $122,000 in currency, which was deposited into his bank account by co-conspirators involved in the drug conspiracy.