Spence's role in 90s money laundering scheme

Richard “****” Spence, manager of the Alva Village Market and friend of Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott, was one of the top three organizers in the New York cell of the Colombian Cali cartel that laundered more than $100 million in the early 1990s.


Spence was convicted in 1995 of money laundering, wire fraud, false statements, extortion, mail fraud and criminal forfeiture. He also was convicted of laundering $500,000 of drug money in Miami.

In 1994, Spence was a 37-year-old New York City entrepreneur.


Now 52, he recalls being approached by two attorneys, Harvey Weinig and Robert Hirsch, who asked if he would transport $500,000 to various locations in the city for a cut of profit.


“Two attorneys telling you it’s legit, that’s like a doctor telling you you’re sick,” Spence said. “You believe it.”


It wasn’t legitimate.
The scheme
According to the federal indictment, Spence and the attorneys recruited two rabbis, a police officer, a firefighter, a stockbroker, a Bulgarian diplomat, a hospital worker, a bank manager and 12 others to launder millions for the cartel. Spence estimates the crew laundered $185 million. The operation spanned five states and four countries.


Citing federal authorities, The New York Times reported in 1994:


When drug traffickers had about $1 million in street sales, a Cali representative called Weinig’s firm to say a pickup was ready.


Then Spence would dispatch a courier. The funds were taken to the bank and wired to offshore accounts. Sometimes, couriers entered the bank with garbage bags stuffed with money. Spence, Weinig and Hirsch received a 7 percent commission.


Around this same time, Spence was involved in the kidnapping of a man who had allegedly cheated him of more than $200,000 through a phony investment.
The scope
Ron Chepesuik, author of the 2007 book, “Drug Lords: The Rise and Fall of the Cali Cartel,” said at its height in the early 90s, the Cali empire delivered 85 to 90 percent of the cocaine supply in the U.S. and Europe and was raking in an estimated $5 to $7 billion annually.

(2 of 2)

Hitmen working for the organization were known for their ruthlessness — sometimes killing entire families in the quest for drug trade domination.

“It’s no exaggeration to say the Cali Cartel was the most successful and powerful operation in drug history,” Chepesuik said.

The cartel turned crime into a business, Chepesuik said, complete with board meetings, and they recruited money launderers with a wide range of expertise.

“It was a very sophisticated operation,” the author said.
ArrestSpence said he didn’t know until two months before his arrest what he was doing was illegal. He said he quit and made arrangements for a permanent move to Fort Myers. He and his wife owned a $180,000 house at the Caloosa Yacht & Racquet Club in Fort Myers, purchased in 1987.

A News-Press article printed in December 1994 detailed Spence’s arrest and listed him as a part-time resident. He served 36 months in prison.

Federal authorities, while investigating the police officer’s involvement, uncovered widespread corruption in the Bronx 48th precinct, and nearly the entire night shift was fired.

Weinig and Hirsch pleaded guilty and served prison time. Weinig, through various White House connections, was pardoned by President Bill Clinton.

Spence, also a retired New York City firefighter, was found to have falsely claimed an ankle injury. He was ordered to repay taxpayers nearly $300,000.

“I’ve been told I should write a book about all of it,” Spence said.

[Unregistered]

the ultimate rat fink pos has his entire business wired for video and sound so keep eating your free pizza and telling the crack ho king what he wants to hear

[Unregistered]

OMG I had no idea how evil this guy was. I can't believe ANYONE in law enforcement would associate with this vile trash

[Unregistered]

OMG I had no idea how evil this guy was. I can't believe ANYONE in law enforcement would associate with this vile trash

Someone needs to keep an eye on that store
Nobody with honor would enter it!

[Unregistered]

OMG I had no idea how evil this guy was. I can't believe ANYONE in law enforcement would associate with this vile trash

Keep trying ES, trying to save your boss and in turn yourself, throwing this crap out there, didnt work against MS not going to work now, just wait for the next issue you will have to deal with, this one will be a little closer to home

[Unregistered]

Keep trying ES, trying to save your boss and in turn yourself, throwing this crap out there, didnt work against MS not going to work now, just wait for the next issue you will have to deal with, this one will be a little closer to home

I agree -this is the current Command staff trying to transfer people's attention to a VERY old story away from the current temporary Sheriff.

[Unregistered]

Richard “****” Spence, manager of the Alva Village Market and friend of Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott, was one of the top three organizers in the New York cell of the Colombian Cali cartel that laundered more than $100 million in the early 1990s.


Spence was convicted in 1995 of money laundering, wire fraud, false statements, extortion, mail fraud and criminal forfeiture. He also was convicted of laundering $500,000 of drug money in Miami.

In 1994, Spence was a 37-year-old New York City entrepreneur.


Now 52, he recalls being approached by two attorneys, Harvey Weinig and Robert Hirsch, who asked if he would transport $500,000 to various locations in the city for a cut of profit.


“Two attorneys telling you it’s legit, that’s like a doctor telling you you’re sick,” Spence said. “You believe it.”


It wasn’t legitimate.
The scheme
According to the federal indictment, Spence and the attorneys recruited two rabbis, a police officer, a firefighter, a stockbroker, a Bulgarian diplomat, a hospital worker, a bank manager and 12 others to launder millions for the cartel. Spence estimates the crew laundered $185 million. The operation spanned five states and four countries.


Citing federal authorities, The New York Times reported in 1994:


When drug traffickers had about $1 million in street sales, a Cali representative called Weinig’s firm to say a pickup was ready.


Then Spence would dispatch a courier. The funds were taken to the bank and wired to offshore accounts. Sometimes, couriers entered the bank with garbage bags stuffed with money. Spence, Weinig and Hirsch received a 7 percent commission.


Around this same time, Spence was involved in the kidnapping of a man who had allegedly cheated him of more than $200,000 through a phony investment.
The scope
Ron Chepesuik, author of the 2007 book, “Drug Lords: The Rise and Fall of the Cali Cartel,” said at its height in the early 90s, the Cali empire delivered 85 to 90 percent of the cocaine supply in the U.S. and Europe and was raking in an estimated $5 to $7 billion annually.

(2 of 2)

Hitmen working for the organization were known for their ruthlessness — sometimes killing entire families in the quest for drug trade domination.

“It’s no exaggeration to say the Cali Cartel was the most successful and powerful operation in drug history,” Chepesuik said.

The cartel turned crime into a business, Chepesuik said, complete with board meetings, and they recruited money launderers with a wide range of expertise.

“It was a very sophisticated operation,” the author said.
ArrestSpence said he didn’t know until two months before his arrest what he was doing was illegal. He said he quit and made arrangements for a permanent move to Fort Myers. He and his wife owned a $180,000 house at the Caloosa Yacht & Racquet Club in Fort Myers, purchased in 1987.

A News-Press article printed in December 1994 detailed Spence’s arrest and listed him as a part-time resident. He served 36 months in prison.

Federal authorities, while investigating the police officer’s involvement, uncovered widespread corruption in the Bronx 48th precinct, and nearly the entire night shift was fired.

Weinig and Hirsch pleaded guilty and served prison time. Weinig, through various White House connections, was pardoned by President Bill Clinton.

Spence, also a retired New York City firefighter, was found to have falsely claimed an ankle injury. He was ordered to repay taxpayers nearly $300,000.

“I’ve been told I should write a book about all of it,” Spence said.


Is it true this is the main financial supporter of a former captain who fell off a ladder, now has severe brain damage, and is allegedly contemplating a run for office?

[Unregistered]

Someone needs to keep an eye on that store
Nobody with honor would enter it!

Hahahaha you trolls weren't saying this a year ago and now you are, some b I t c h e s are worried

[Unregistered]

Is it true this is the main financial supporter of a former captain who fell off a ladder, now has severe brain damage, and is allegedly contemplating a run for office?

Well thats great Doctor, where did you get your degree or are you just making bs statements, either way you are a POS and why are you saying this now and not a yr ago, cause you are worried that your sissy butt is going to lose your position that you worked so hard for by sucking and kissing butt troll

[Unregistered]

Richard “****” Spence, manager of the Alva Village Market and friend of Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott, was one of the top three organizers in the New York cell of the Colombian Cali cartel that laundered more than $100 million in the early 1990s.


Spence was convicted in 1995 of money laundering, wire fraud, false statements, extortion, mail fraud and criminal forfeiture. He also was convicted of laundering $500,000 of drug money in Miami.

In 1994, Spence was a 37-year-old New York City entrepreneur.


Now 52, he recalls being approached by two attorneys, Harvey Weinig and Robert Hirsch, who asked if he would transport $500,000 to various locations in the city for a cut of profit.


“Two attorneys telling you it’s legit, that’s like a doctor telling you you’re sick,” Spence said. “You believe it.”


It wasn’t legitimate.
The scheme
According to the federal indictment, Spence and the attorneys recruited two rabbis, a police officer, a firefighter, a stockbroker, a Bulgarian diplomat, a hospital worker, a bank manager and 12 others to launder millions for the cartel. Spence estimates the crew laundered $185 million. The operation spanned five states and four countries.


Citing federal authorities, The New York Times reported in 1994:


When drug traffickers had about $1 million in street sales, a Cali representative called Weinig’s firm to say a pickup was ready.


Then Spence would dispatch a courier. The funds were taken to the bank and wired to offshore accounts. Sometimes, couriers entered the bank with garbage bags stuffed with money. Spence, Weinig and Hirsch received a 7 percent commission.


Around this same time, Spence was involved in the kidnapping of a man who had allegedly cheated him of more than $200,000 through a phony investment.
The scope
Ron Chepesuik, author of the 2007 book, “Drug Lords: The Rise and Fall of the Cali Cartel,” said at its height in the early 90s, the Cali empire delivered 85 to 90 percent of the cocaine supply in the U.S. and Europe and was raking in an estimated $5 to $7 billion annually.

(2 of 2)

Hitmen working for the organization were known for their ruthlessness — sometimes killing entire families in the quest for drug trade domination.

“It’s no exaggeration to say the Cali Cartel was the most successful and powerful operation in drug history,” Chepesuik said.

The cartel turned crime into a business, Chepesuik said, complete with board meetings, and they recruited money launderers with a wide range of expertise.

“It was a very sophisticated operation,” the author said.
ArrestSpence said he didn’t know until two months before his arrest what he was doing was illegal. He said he quit and made arrangements for a permanent move to Fort Myers. He and his wife owned a $180,000 house at the Caloosa Yacht & Racquet Club in Fort Myers, purchased in 1987.

A News-Press article printed in December 1994 detailed Spence’s arrest and listed him as a part-time resident. He served 36 months in prison.

Federal authorities, while investigating the police officer’s involvement, uncovered widespread corruption in the Bronx 48th precinct, and nearly the entire night shift was fired.

Weinig and Hirsch pleaded guilty and served prison time. Weinig, through various White House connections, was pardoned by President Bill Clinton.

Spence, also a retired New York City firefighter, was found to have falsely claimed an ankle injury. He was ordered to repay taxpayers nearly $300,000.

“I’ve been told I should write a book about all of it,” Spence said.

When is a book coming out?

[Unregistered]

the ultimate rat fink pos has his entire business wired for video and sound so keep eating your free pizza and telling the crack ho king what he wants to hear

Remember
A vote for the fat a$$ captain who retired and fell off a ladder and got dain bramage is a vote for the skunk anti cop pos drug dealing pizza bodega owner in alva
blood related

[Unregistered]

https://www.nytimes.com/1994/12/01/nyregion/us-says-it-uncovered-a-100-million-drug-money-laundry.html

[Unregistered]

https://www.nytimes.com/1994/12/01/nyregion/us-says-it-uncovered-a-100-million-drug-money-laundry.html

So is the 25 year old article supposed to be proof that he owns Leavens? Or are we just supposed to take your word for it?

[Unregistered]

I know your probably not a detective or just one of Jim’s few fans, but just google his name Richard Spence New York Cali Cartel. Wow, there’s the proof, Einstein!

[Unregistered]

I know your probably not a detective or just one of Jim’s few fans, but just google his name Richard Spence New York Cali Cartel. Wow, there’s the proof, Einstein!

Still not seeing proof he owns Leavens, a relationship with Mike Scott but nothing with Leavens. Wanna help me out and post a link?

[Unregistered]

Go back further than Spence regarding Cali Cartel,

Back to the Joe DAlessandro and Louis St Laurents days, Dave Wilson and Frank Wanicka, and yes McDougal.

This has drug on for decades folks. It's a big game of deception and charades.

If you are going to expose..... Expose it truly.

[Unregistered]

Remember
A vote for the fat a$$ captain who retired and fell off a ladder and got dain bramage is a vote for the skunk anti cop pos drug dealing pizza bodega owner in alva
blood related

After reading the NY Times article I just can't understand why this guy is so out in the open. And why hasn't the media done more stories and exposed his ties to officials and the whole leavens / scott connection?

[Unregistered]

So is the 25 year old article supposed to be proof that he owns Leavens? Or are we just supposed to take your word for it?

JL is straight up racist and the agency knows it!!

[Unregistered]

JL is straight up racist and the agency knows it!!

Lmfao you nut jobs would literally say anything. I have not heard even a single allegation you have even the slightest proof of.

[Unregistered]

When is this self proclaimed mayor of alva gonna get busted for peddling drugs in this county
is his son still locked up? it's known the fetynol and animal drug pushers took a hit when they locked up that pos

[Unregistered]

I was at the Alva market getting a slice of pie and heard spencey saying ladder leavens needs to stop the leaking of spies in his camp and the fact leavens met with tendera$$ about giving us the same raises as the county and going with the county's insurance.

I KNEW there was a reason shoap endorsed him and was giving him advice

mcstougall endorsed him because of his strong anti abortion and anti lgbt stance

[Unregistered]

Richard “****” Spence, manager of the Alva Village Market and friend of Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott, was one of the top three organizers in the New York cell of the Colombian Cali cartel that laundered more than $100 million in the early 1990s.


Spence was convicted in 1995 of money laundering, wire fraud, false statements, extortion, mail fraud and criminal forfeiture. He also was convicted of laundering $500,000 of drug money in Miami.

In 1994, Spence was a 37-year-old New York City entrepreneur.


Now 52, he recalls being approached by two attorneys, Harvey Weinig and Robert Hirsch, who asked if he would transport $500,000 to various locations in the city for a cut of profit.


“Two attorneys telling you it’s legit, that’s like a doctor telling you you’re sick,” Spence said. “You believe it.”


It wasn’t legitimate.
The scheme
According to the federal indictment, Spence and the attorneys recruited two rabbis, a police officer, a firefighter, a stockbroker, a Bulgarian diplomat, a hospital worker, a bank manager and 12 others to launder millions for the cartel. Spence estimates the crew laundered $185 million. The operation spanned five states and four countries.


Citing federal authorities, The New York Times reported in 1994:


When drug traffickers had about $1 million in street sales, a Cali representative called Weinig’s firm to say a pickup was ready.


Then Spence would dispatch a courier. The funds were taken to the bank and wired to offshore accounts. Sometimes, couriers entered the bank with garbage bags stuffed with money. Spence, Weinig and Hirsch received a 7 percent commission.


Around this same time, Spence was involved in the kidnapping of a man who had allegedly cheated him of more than $200,000 through a phony investment.
The scope
Ron Chepesuik, author of the 2007 book, “Drug Lords: The Rise and Fall of the Cali Cartel,” said at its height in the early 90s, the Cali empire delivered 85 to 90 percent of the cocaine supply in the U.S. and Europe and was raking in an estimated $5 to $7 billion annually.

(2 of 2)

Hitmen working for the organization were known for their ruthlessness — sometimes killing entire families in the quest for drug trade domination.

“It’s no exaggeration to say the Cali Cartel was the most successful and powerful operation in drug history,” Chepesuik said.

The cartel turned crime into a business, Chepesuik said, complete with board meetings, and they recruited money launderers with a wide range of expertise.

“It was a very sophisticated operation,” the author said.
ArrestSpence said he didn’t know until two months before his arrest what he was doing was illegal. He said he quit and made arrangements for a permanent move to Fort Myers. He and his wife owned a $180,000 house at the Caloosa Yacht & Racquet Club in Fort Myers, purchased in 1987.

A News-Press article printed in December 1994 detailed Spence’s arrest and listed him as a part-time resident. He served 36 months in prison.

Federal authorities, while investigating the police officer’s involvement, uncovered widespread corruption in the Bronx 48th precinct, and nearly the entire night shift was fired.

Weinig and Hirsch pleaded guilty and served prison time. Weinig, through various White House connections, was pardoned by President Bill Clinton.

Spence, also a retired New York City firefighter, was found to have falsely claimed an ankle injury. He was ordered to repay taxpayers nearly $300,000.

“I’ve been told I should write a book about all of it,” Spence said.

This says everything

[Unregistered]

the two are one and the same

[Unregistered]

This says everything

shocking
and this is leavens biggest supporter

[Unregistered]

Spence got Mike Scott elected and re-elected. Mike played dumb about any history concerns about Spence.
Spence is reformed having paid his debt to society.
Spence is a great fund raiser like Marceno only Spence didn’t support abortion or lie about his past.
Pot calling the kettle black?