Issued by:
Department of Justice,
United States Attorney’s Office
Western District of Michigan
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: ANNE TOWNS
MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2020 PHONE: (616) 456-2404
WEB: www.justice.gov/usao/miw/index.html FAX: (616) 456-2408
TWITTER: @USAO_WDMI
LEADER OF HOLLAND METHAMPHETAMINE CONSPIRACY
SENTENCED TO MORE THAN 19 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON
FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING AND OBSTRUCTION OF JUSTICE
Matthew Boeve Organized and Led a Methamphetamine Distribution Conspiracy
In Holland and Threatened Cooperating Witnesses on Facebook
GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN — U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge announced today that on
January 24, 2020, Matthew James Boeve, 30, of Holland, Michigan, was sentenced to serve 235
months in the Federal Bureau of Prisons for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine, and 120
months for aiding and abetting obstruction of justice. He will serve the terms concurrently. U.S.
District Judge Paul L. Maloney also imposed a 5-year period of supervised release. In sentencing
Boeve, Judge Maloney noted the harm methamphetamine distribution causes to the community
and families, and that Boeve’s obstructive conduct struck at the heart of the justice system.
On September 3, 2019, Boeve pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more
of methamphetamine and endeavoring to influence, obstruct, or impede the due administration of
justice by publicizing the names of witnesses in the underlying drug prosecution in an attempt to
impede their testimony. Specifically, Boeve organized and led the conspiracy by selling
methamphetamine, and by directing others to sell methamphetamine on his behalf. Additionally,
while in custody awaiting trial on federal drug charges, Boeve directed others to publish and post
to Facebook lists of witness names, and photographs of police reports with the names of witnesses
underlined. The threatening posts caused at least one cooperating witness to contact law
enforcement, fearing retaliation for his or her cooperation in the methamphetamine conspiracy
prosecution.
In announcing the sentence, U.S. Attorney Birge stated, “West Michigan has recently seen
an increase in the distribution of methamphetamine, which is an extremely dangerous drug that
destroys lives. Those who choose to sell methamphetamine are on notice that it will result in
serious consequences.” Regarding Boeve’s sentence for obstruction of justice, U.S. Attorney Birge
reiterated law enforcement’s commitment to protecting witnesses: “Witnesses who come forward
to testify in criminal prosecutions play a vital role in our justice system. When we work with
witnesses, we make their safety a priority. Any threats, harassment, or attempts to obstruct or
prevent their testimony will be met with serious consequences, including years in federal prison.”
“The West Michigan Enforcement Team (WEMET) is attacking the distribution of crystal
methamphetamine head on,” stated D/F/Lt. Andy Fias, WEMET Section Commander. “In
addition, we take the safety of all those who wish to cooperate very seriously, providing added
protection when needed, and we seek prosecution of those individuals who threaten or cause them
harm. The Boeve case is yet another great example of the cooperative efforts of law enforcement
in West Michigan.”
Boeve is the last defendant to be sentenced in this methamphetamine distribution
conspiracy and obstruction of justice prosecution. The Court previously sentenced co-defendants
Philip Noah Bell to 70 months in prison and Kayde Joseph Metzler to 37 months in prison for their
roles in the drug conspiracy, and co-defendant Mark Adrian Baker to 63 months in prison for his
role in the obstruction of justice offense.
The Holland Police Department, the West Michigan Enforcement Team (WEMET) of the
Michigan State Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)
investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. McGraw prosecuted the case.