Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

EVANSVILLE – Josh J. Minkler, the United States Attorney, announced today the sentencing in United States District Court of the last defendant in a federal methamphetamine trafficking investigation. William H. Elder, 74, Evansville, was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole for his role in the drug conspiracy. Seven other co-defendants, including William Elder’s son, Mathew Elder, were also recently sentenced by U.S. District Chief Judge Richard L. Young.

“The Elders, made a living selling methamphetamine in the Evansville area,” said Minkler. “Both will spend the remainder of their life in federal prison with no possibility of parole. Others in Evansville who are thinking of distributing narcotics should think again.”

In April, 2015, both Elders were found guilty in federal court of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. Testimony at trial determined the Elders were responsible for bringing over 50 pounds of methamphetamine to the Evansville area over a six month period. The meth was then redistributed by others in the conspiracy. Both Elders have significant criminal histories which include narcotic-related convictions. In total eight individuals have been sentenced. Others include:

• EVERETT TARR, 59, Evansville, sentenced on June 24, 2015 to 216 months imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.
• TERRY WARD, 64, New Harmony, Indiana, sentenced on April 20, 2015, to l20 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.
• MICHAEL CLARK, 56, Evansville, sentenced on July 22, 2015 to time served, followed by three years of supervised release.
• BRENDA DEER, 49, Evansville, sentenced on April 21, 2015, to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release.
• LAURI CUPP, 48, Evansville, sentenced on March 3l,2014, to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release
• MICHAEL CURINGA, JR., 44, Phoenix, Arizona, sentenced on December 9,2014 to 120 months of imprisonment, followed by five years of supervised release
• MATTHEW ELDER, 44, Litchfield Park, Arizona, found guilty at trial on April 1, 2015, sentenced on July 1, 2015 to life imprisonment, followed by ten years of supervised release.

The case resulted from a 2012-2013 investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Evansville Vanderburgh County Joint Task Force, Posey County Sheriff's Department, Texas Drug Enforcement Administration, and Texas Department of Public Safety into the distribution of methamphetamine from Arizona into southwestern Indiana.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren M. Wheatley who prosecuted the case for the government, during the period of supervised release, all individuals must submit to drug testing.

###