PHILADELPHIA — An attorney from South Jersey who conspired with drug dealers to hide money and lie to authorities faces decades in prison.
James M. Farrell, 63, of Wenonah, was convicted last week in Philadelphia of money laundering, witness tampering and obstruction of official proceedings.
Farrrell helped the dealers hide their money, use drug proceeds to write checks and give cash to pay for lawyers for grand jury witnesses and others under investigation, according to the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
He also met with a person represented by another attorney and instructed the witness not to be forthcoming with investigators during a planned meeting. In addition, Farrell encouraged defendants to file forged affidavits that sought the return of forfeited property.
“The evidence proved that James Farrell went far across the line between representing a criminal defendant and joining a criminal conspiracy,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein in a statement. “He ordered witnesses to lie, filed forged affidavits, concealed criminal proceeds, and laundered financial transactions to avoid detection.”
The DEA had raided a home where the Nicka organization conducted drug business in 2009, seizing more than 80 pounds of marijuana, 30 cell phones and tally sheets showing over $14 million from the sale of marijuana and other items.
Farrell is scheduled to be sentenced May 15.
Fifteen others have previously been convicted and sentenced for their roles in the drug enterprise.
Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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