Quote:
Auto dealers convicted in drug case
The Associated Press
Published February 26, 2007, 1:59 PM CST
Two former Chicago auto dealers have been convicted of turning their businesses into money laundering havens for drug-dealing street gangs.
Jurors deliberated for about 15 hours over three days before convicting 50-year-old Amir Hosseini of Winnetka and 54-year-old Hossein Obaei of Northbrook today.
Members of the Gangster Disciples, Black Disciples, Latin Kings and Four Corner Hustlers testified they used money from drug deals to buy Jaguars, BMWs and Cadillacs from the defendants. The men were allegedly aware that drug money paid for the autos.
Defense attorneys argued the witnesses were criminals who lied to avoid long prison terms.
The two were convicted of so many counts -- 98 between the two of them -- that prosecutors say they could end up effectively getting life terms.
Sentencing is scheduled for May 18.
Copyright © 2007, The Associated Press
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I didn't know it was a crime to sell cars to drug dealers.
Are car dealers supposed to do background checks to people buying cars?
Do we need another 7-day waiting period?
