Matthew Boeve Organized and Led a Methamphetamine Distribution Conspiracy In Holland and Threatened Cooperating Witnesses on Facebook

          GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge announced today that on January 24, 2020, Matthew James Boeve, 30, of Holland, Michigan, was sentenced to serve 235 months in the Federal Bureau of Prisons for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, and 120 months for aiding and abetting obstruction of justice. He will serve the terms concurrently. U.S. District Judge Paul L. Maloney also imposed a 5-year period of supervised release. In sentencing Boeve, Judge Maloney noted the harm methamphetamine distribution causes to the community and families, and that Boeve’s obstructive conduct struck at the heart of the justice system.

          On September 3, 2019, Boeve pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and endeavoring to influence, obstruct, or impede the due administration of justice by publicizing the names of witnesses in the underlying drug prosecution in an attempt to impede their testimony. Specifically, Boeve organized and led the conspiracy by selling methamphetamine, and by directing others to sell methamphetamine on his behalf. Additionally, while in custody awaiting trial on federal drug charges, Boeve directed others to publish and post to Facebook lists of witness names, and photographs of police reports with the names of witnesses underlined. The threatening posts caused at least one cooperating witness to contact law enforcement, fearing retaliation for his or her cooperation in the methamphetamine conspiracy prosecution.

          In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Birge stated, “West Michigan has recently seen an increase in the distribution of methamphetamine, which is an extremely dangerous drug that destroys lives. Those who choose to sell methamphetamine are on notice that it will result in serious consequences.” Regarding Boeve’s sentence for obstruction of justice, U.S. Attorney Birge reiterated law enforcement’s commitment to protecting witnesses: “Witnesses who come forward to testify in criminal prosecutions play a vital role in our justice system. When we work with witnesses, we make their safety a priority. Any threats, harassment, or attempts to obstruct or prevent their testimony will be met with serious consequences, including years in federal prison.”

          “The West Michigan Enforcement Team (WEMET) is attacking the distribution of crystal methamphetamine head on,” stated D/F/Lt. Andy Fias, WEMET Section Commander. “In addition, we take the safety of all those who wish to cooperate very seriously, providing added protection when needed, and we seek prosecution of those individuals who threaten or cause them harm. The Boeve case is yet another great example of the cooperative efforts of law enforcement in West Michigan.”

          Boeve is the last defendant to be sentenced in this methamphetamine distribution conspiracy and obstruction of justice prosecution. The Court previously sentenced co-defendants Philip Noah Bell to 70 months in prison and Kayde Joseph Metzler to 37 months in prison for their roles in the drug conspiracy, and co-defendant Mark Adrian Baker to 63 months in prison for his role in the obstruction of justice offense.

          The Holland Police Department, the West Michigan Enforcement Team (WEMET) of the Michigan State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. McGraw prosecuted the case.

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Mark Baker Used Facebook to Publicize and Threaten Cooperating Witnesses in a Methamphetamine Trafficking Conspiracy Prosecution

          GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney Andrew B. Birge announced today that on December 16, 2019, Mark Adrian Baker, 27, of Holland, Michigan, was sentenced to serve 63 months in the Federal Bureau of Prisons for aiding and abetting obstruction of justice. U.S. District Judge Paul L. Maloney also imposed a 3-year period of supervised release. In sentencing Baker, Judge Maloney made clear that this was a serious offense that threatened the very essence of the federal criminal justice system.

          On July 31, 2019, Baker pleaded guilty to endeavoring to influence, obstruct, or impede the due administration of justice by publicizing the names of witnesses in an underlying methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy prosecution in a corrupt effort to impede their testimony. Specifically, at the direction of the methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy’s leader, Matthew James Boeve, who was in custody at the Newaygo County Jail awaiting trial on federal drug charges, Baker posted to Facebook lists of witness names, and photographs of police reports with the names of witnesses underlined and with the following captions:

          "LETS PLAY A GAME… HOW MANY SNITCHES DOES IT TAKE TO CATCH Matt Boeve??? READ THE DAMN FACTS AND STOP BEING SOME DAMN TWACKS!!!! #freemattboeve #doingitright #snitchbitches"

          "Share and tag so my boy boeve ppls can all see this bullshit in the papers on his case… [wink emoji] [rat emoji] #freemattboeve … #breathlessly … #goviralwithit"

          The threatening posts caused at least one cooperating witness to contact law enforcement, fearing retaliation for his or her cooperation in the methamphetamine conspiracy prosecution. The posts are shown below, but with the government having subsequently obscured the witness names.

          In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Birge stated, "Witnesses who come forward to testify in criminal prosecutions play a vital role in our justice system. When we work with witnesses, we make their safety a priority. Any threats, harassment, or attempts to obstruct or prevent their testimony will be met with serious consequences, including years in federal prison."

          "WEMET takes witness safety and protection very seriously," said D/F/Lt. Andy Fias, WEMET Section Commander. "We appreciate the swift action taken by the U.S. Attorney’s Office – Western District of Michigan in assisting us in this investigation. This case brought another organization to justice, responsible for trafficking large quantities of crystal methamphetamine into west Michigan. It is just another great example of the partnership we have with our federal partners in law enforcement."

          On September 3, 2019, Boeve pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and aiding and abetting obstruction of justice for his role in the threatening Facebook posts. Boeve is scheduled to be sentenced on January 6, 2020, and faces a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison and a maximum term of life in prison.

          The Holland Police Department, the West Michigan Enforcement Team (WEMET) of the Michigan State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) investigated this case and the underlying methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy. Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. McGraw prosecuted the case.

 





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