A Camdenton, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court Monday for a mail fraud scheme that involved the distribution of more than $1.2 million in synthetic marijuana, commonly known as K2, from a head shop in Lebanon.
Stephen Brian Reynolds, 36, Camdenton, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips to six years in federal prison without parole.
The court also ordered Reynolds to forfeit $1,167,990 obtained from the distribution of K2, as well as real estate in Eldridge, funds in bank accounts, approximately $128,000 cash seized at his residence and a safe deposit box, a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee, a 2007 Ducati 1098 motorcycle, three pistols, two rifles and a shotgun.
Reynolds, the owner of Lucky's Novelties in Lebanon, pleaded guilty on Aug. 15, 2014, to participating in a conspiracy to commit mail fraud and to one count of money laundering.
His brother, Eric Scott Reynolds, 33, Lebanon, was employed at Lucky's Novelties. Eric Reynolds has also pleaded guilty to his role in the mail fraud conspiracy and to participating in a money-laundering conspiracy. With his bond revoked, Eric Reynolds remains in federal custody pending his sentencing hearing.
Both Reynolds admitted they participated in a conspiracy to commit mail fraud from March 1, 2011, to Dec. 11, 2012, by using mail deliveriesto distribute several products labeled as "incense" or "potpourri" and "not for human consumption." U.S. Attorney Tammy Dickinson said in reality these substances were synthetic marijuana intended for human consumption as a drug.
Reynolds was also part owner of a head hop in Springfield known as Doobies, which he supplied with wholesale quantities of synthetic marijuana for distribution and from which he received 40 percent of the profits.
Dickinson said his partners have also been sentenced in a separate but related case for their roles in a mail fraud conspiracy.
Monday's sentencing also reflects the court's finding that Stephen Reynolds was in possession of six firearms, body armor and ammunition.