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The original item was published from 1/27/2020 3:37:00 PM to 1/30/2020 4:05:01 PM.

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Public Safety - Press Release

Posted on: January 27, 2020

[ARCHIVED] LEADER OF HOLLAND METHAMPHETAMINE CONSPIRACY SENTENCED TO MORE THAN 19 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON

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.


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