Head of Pot Ring that Delivered Via Bike Courier Jailed

June 17, 2006 -- A Philadelphia man who earned (m) millions operating a bicycle courier service that delivered marijuana to downtown customers was sentenced yesterday to five years in prison.

Ryan Whiteoak had pleaded guilty to federal drug charges. He received the minimum mandatory sentence.

Officials say Whiteoak's operation ran for nearly five years, beginning in 1999, and grossed eight-point-seven (m) million dollars.

Customers used special PINs to dial in requests for drugs. Whiteoak's managers then dispatched bicycle couriers to deliver the marijuana to apartments.

Defense attorney Brian McMonagle, says his client had no prior criminal history and had deep remorse for his actions.

One of the managers was sentenced to one year and one day in prison. Two other managers have also pleaded guilty but have not yet been sentenced.

Two dispatchers and six couriers, each of whom pleaded guilty, were sentenced to one day in prison. No customers were prosecuted.

Information from: The Philadelphia Inquirer

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Get more News »

• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•