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Feds indict Parkites on money laundering, drug charges

Federal prosecutors indicted two Parkites on drug and money laundering charges, accusing them of using money from marijuana sales to operate a popular Salt Lake City concert venue and purchase property in Park City.

The 13-count indictment, announced Monday, names Gabriel Seth Elstein, 33, and his wife Angela Christina Elstein, 32, both of Park City, as well as St. George resident Scott Dale Gordon, 48. Prosecutors say they used multiple suppliers and drivers over a period of several years to transport more than 2,000 pounds of marijuana from California to Salt Lake City, Minnesota, Illinois and Wisconsin. Dumbles Holdings, LLC was also listed in the indictment.

Prosecutors accuse the trio of using $1.3 million from marijuana sales to build The Complex music venue, describing regular payments of $50,000 of cash in shrink-wrapped bags to the foreman of the construction project. The Elsteins and Gordon laundered at least $5 million through the venue and a music promotion business Bondad Productions, the indictment states.

The indictment also alleges that the defendants used laundered money to help purchase two properties in the Snyderville Basin, one on the 7000 block of Tall Oaks Circle in Pinebrook and the other on the 4000 block of Hilltop Drive in Jeremy Ranch.

In March, more than 600 grams of marijuana, packaged in five vacuum-sealed bags, as well as a digital scale and packaging material, were found in the Elsteins’ home on the 4000 block of Hilltop Drive, prosecutors say.

Prosecutors are seeking the forfeiture of both Snyderville Basin properties, as well as The Complex. A press release from the U.S. Attorney for Utah, John Huber, noted that the music venue will remain open.

The defendants on Friday were arraigned in federal court, where they pleaded not guilty to the charges, according to the release. They face a sentence of 10 years to life in prison if convicted on a count of conspiracy to distribute marijuana.

Gabriel Seth Elstein and Gordon were charged in February and released on pre-trial conditions. Angela Christina Elstein was added to the indictment last month and released Friday. A trial has been set for Dec. 14.

Attorneys for the defendants did not immediately respond to requests for comment.


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