News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 22, 2007

Leader Of Large Scale Drug Trafficking Organization
Is Sentenced To 50 Years In Prison

FEB 22 -- MICHAEL ANTHONY CLARK, a.k.a. “Mike Nitty,” the leader of a Detroit-based drug trafficking organization which operated in the Detroit area for more than 15 years, was sentenced today to 600 months, or 50 years in prison and a $30,000 fine, announced United States Attorney Stephen J. Murphy.

Mr. Murphy was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge Robert Corso, United States Drug Enforcement Administration, Acting Special Agent in Charge William Kowalski, Federal Bureau of Investigation and Roseville Police Chief Richard Heinz. The organization was responsible for transporting more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana from the Western United States to the Eastern District of Michigan, and elsewhere for distribution, as well as over 11 kilograms of cocaine. The court ultimately found Clark responsible for distributing approximately 150 kilograms of cocaine during the 10-year period charged in the Superceding Indictment. Clark was convicted in November 2006, of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute both marijuana and cocaine; continuing criminal enterprise from 1996 to September 2005; felon in possession of firearms, unlawful use of communication facilities and criminal forfeiture.

As part of his role in the organization, Clark recruited and caused others to enlist many subordinate associates to store the marijuana in their homes, and in stash-houses, to prevent detection by law enforcement authorities, and to distribute the marijuana throughout the Eastern District of Michigan, and elsewhere. Clark also enlisted others to assist him in overseeing the drug distribution activities and collection of drug proceeds for the organization and to further its operation through recruitment of other members of the conspiracy to sell the drugs and assist in the collection of drug proceeds.

This investigation resulted in the indictment of 15 defendants and the seizure of 1200 pounds of marijuana, and approximately $2 million dollars in cash and other assets. Clark forfeited his home, eleven automobiles and two businesses, including Mike’s Detailing and Car Salons “II” and “III” located at 14440 Plymouth Road and 8843 Livernois, Detroit, Michigan. United States Attorney Murphy said, ”Today’s 50-year sentence shows the severe penalties that await those who operate large scale drug distribution networks like Clark's. Disrupting and dismantling such organizations and interrupting the flow of illicit street drugs into the stream of commerce in Detroit remains a top priority of my office. The successful criminal forfeiture of the drug organization’s assets in this case also sends the message that drug profits will be taken away.”

Special Agent in Charge Corso stated, “I am extremely pleased with today's sentencing because it confirms that individuals substantially pay the price for polluting our streets with drugs and the violence associated with drug trafficking. The sentence imposed on Mr. Clark matches the severity of his crimes. The convictions in this case finally put an end to more than a decade of drug trafficking activities which has plagued our community for far too long. We are committed to continue working closely with our federal, state and local partners, as depicted in this outstanding endeavor, to enhance the quality of life in our neighborhoods.”

“The conviction and sentence in this case represents a culmination of the hard work and investigative efforts of the agencies involved. The FBI continues to aggressively investigate the most violent gang and drug trafficking organizations such as the Clark organization as a top priority,” said ASAC Kowalski.

U.S. Attorney Murphy noted that this investigation would not have been possible without the combined effort of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Detroit Police Department, and the Michigan State Police.