On November 3, 2014, Christopher John Staab was sentenced to four years of prison by U.S. District Judge Susan R. Bolton. Staab also agreed to pay a money judgment in the amount of $655,000.00. On April 28, 2014, Staab pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Marijuana and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering.
According to his plea agreement, Staab distributed “high-grade” or hydroponic marijuana to customers in Phoenix from 2009 through March 2013. Staab admitted he possessed with the intent to distribute over 100 kilograms of marijuana but less than 400 kilograms of marijuana. On March 19, 2013, Staab was stopped by law enforcement while driving a 2011 Chevrolet truck. Officers found approximately four pounds of marijuana packaged for sale in a backpack and a loaded Springfield Armory XD .45 caliber pistol in the center console. On August 28, 2013, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at his residence in Scottsdale. Agents found and seized property including vehicles, U.S. currency, watches, firearms, and a boat with trailer.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS Criminal Investigation, the Peoria Police Department, and the Glendale Police Department.