Matthew Boeve organized and led methamphetamine distribution conspiracy in Holland and threatened cooperating witnesses on Facebook
U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan Andrew Birge has announced 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 five-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 the obstruction of justice sentence, 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... individuals who threaten or cause them harm. The Boeve case is another great example of the cooperative efforts of law enforcement...”
Boeve is the last defendant to be sentenced in this prosecution. The Court previously sentenced co-defendants Philip Noah Bell to 70 months in prison and Kayde Joseph Metzler to 37 months for their roles in the drug conspiracy, and Mark Adrian Baker to 63 months in prison for his role in obstruction of justice.
Holland Police Department, WEMET (Michigan State Police), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Daniel T. McGraw prosecuted the case.
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