Pubdate: Wed, 21 Nov 2001
Source: Denver Rocky Mountain News (CO)
Copyright: 2001 Denver Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.denver-rmn.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/371
Author: Karen Abbott
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/corrupt.htm (Corruption)

SENTENCING CONCLUDES OURAY DRUG EPISODE

The last of 19 people charged in a methamphetamine case that brought 
down the sheriff and two other law officers in picturesque Ouray 
County was sentenced Tuesday to 6 1/2 years in federal prison. Denver 
U.S. District Judge Edward Nottingham imposed the sentence on 
Federico Estrada-Garcia.

Law enforcement authorities said the ring operated for about two 
years, importing the drug to Ouray County from California.

The case revealed complicated, interlocking relationships and 
rivalries among residents practicing the flourishing drug trade in 
the small town at the base of the scenic San Juan Mountains on 
Colorado's Western Slope.

Former undersheriff John Radcliff was sentenced to 19 years in prison 
for his role in the ring. Radcliff protected ring members from 
discovery by other law officers. He also used the drug with his wife, 
Lisa, whose brother, Perry Wherley, was a ringleader.

Wherley was sentenced to six years and three months in prison. Lisa 
Radcliff was sentenced to more than five years.

Also implicated in the case was former sheriff's deputy Leroy Dale 
Todd, who was sentenced to 18 years in prison. He once dated Brenda 
Paul, who is Wherley's aunt and also was found guilty of 
participating in the ring. Paul was sentenced to more than five years 
in prison.

Jerry Wakefield, then the Ouray County sheriff, was caught with an 
unauthorized firearm and accused of state theft and embezzlement as 
part of the investigation. His two daughters, Neysa Blansett and 
Laura Huddleston, also were arrested as ring members.
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