Police bust car-lot owner, accusing him of selling meth
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LONGVIEW, Wash. – Police say a car dealership here was also in the business of dealing meth.
They busted Potts Family Motors and the owner was accused Monday of being in business with the Mexican mafia to pull off his retirement plan.
Police say Sidney Potts sold meth and used the car lot to cover up his crime.
In court Potts was accused of using the car lot to launder money made from selling meth.
"(He) delivered narcotics on a number of occasions, brought in two individuals who are apparently associated with the Mexican mafia and "Sureños" to take over his organization so he could retire to less illicit activities," the prosecutor alleged in court.
Court records say undercover informants bought meth from Potts and others connected to him.
Jim Morgan, Potts' defense attorney said, "We will be able to provide proof of the source of the funds that he's utilizing to organize his business and get going is from legal sources, from family members."
One of those accused of ties to the Mexican mafia is Christian Velasquez from California. He said he's done nothing wrong.
"I came out here to work your honor. I was looking for a job. I've been out here for two days," he testified.
The prosecutor said Potts just got out of Federal Prison two years ago and his prior crimes include bribing a public official.
Justin Jetton, a neighbor of the car lot, watched when police cut through the locked gate at Potts Family Motors. He took photos as police searched cars before seizing them as evidence. He also shot video on his cell phone as police arrested a man at the dealership. He said he was always suspicious of the place.
"After they put the prices on the cars, and never sold anything. So after months of having the prices they never sold anything," Jetton said.
Potts' nephew and girlfriend were also arrested. Court documents say she helped launder drug money and that some of the proceeds were being spent to help her open a beauty salon.
Wow! It's not the other posters that are ignorant LoveandPeace, I'd dare say it is you and most people who think like you being on the slow side. You come in here just to trash posters, instead of where the blame really lies. Also, America is still a white country. The people of Japan are brown, Africans are black, Germans white. Im sure your not hearing a lot about black crime being committed in Germany. You expect more crime by the largest section of population. But when the majority of violent crime is being committed by minorities, especially those who are supposed to be guests in our country and potential future citizens causing all this havic, then you get sick of hearing it. Where do you send white folks who do crimes? Right here, in still white America. This is our country, not the Mexican Mafias, and apparently not yours!
No where in the article does it state that they are illegal immigrants. Simply that they sold drugs from ther lot and have connections to the Mexican drug mafia. Some of the comments her are ignorant. Do us all a favor and do your research before you comment. Not everyone who is Mexican or has Mexican ties is illegal in the U.S. What angers me is how people here are so quick to suggest people of color to go back to their "homeland." Where do we send all the white folks who do crimes and abuse the welfare system? Back on a boat and out to sea?   Â
 @LoveandPeaceÂ
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Foremost, my daughter-in-law who is of Hispanic decent has a Masters Degree in Psychology from OSU; as does her sister; and, their father is a Vietnam Veteran and a triple amputee. Â Secondly, your derogatory statement about all less fortunate White people use and abuse the welfare system incorrect. Just so you know.
see, they are all just honest, hard working, family oriented people...who happen to be in the drug trade.
"After they put the prices on the cars, and never sold anything. So after months of having the prices they never sold anything," Jetton said.
 This article is a bit confusing.... maybe a little proof reading before posting.
Put him in a cellblock with the Nortenos.Â
He's been taking lessons from the bankers.
You have got to be kidding me!!!!!!The mexican mafia aka the mexican drug cartel in the US.......Please tell me it ain't so, these people are extremely violent and are doing their best to destroy the US and our way of life........Solution is really quite simple, close the border, make being in the US illegally a capitol offence, make public notice that those persons in the US illegal must leave within so many weeks. After the time has expired start searching for those that remain, try them in court for the capitol offence and met out the only punishment for this offence.........Those that leave on their own are allowed to reapply after 3 years with no guarantee of readmitance
i was interested in buying a car from them i was told by that guy that they didnt have a license to sell cars i been at my home for a year and i seen no new cars just the same ones i seen them open hoods on a couple but thats it. there are two cars there know i dont know what the plans are for them
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As long as there is a market for the drugs, there will be dealers. Until the U.S. can teach people to stay away frm the drugs, there will be customers and dealers.
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It is too bad the U.S. government has allowed our borders to remain wide open.
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Make him eat his wares, put him to the Headman's block and send it to the Mexican Mafia.
I hate tweakers.
"I came out here to work your honor. I was looking for a job. I've been out here for two days," he testified.
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What he really meant;Â Â " I crossed the border illegally, then headed north to steal a job and sell children poison."
I live less then 1/4 of a mile from this lot. I always thought there was something fishy about it. Longview is starting to become known as "Methlahem".
 @JLO It's had that reputation for awhile now.
Hmm, A guy named Potts selling meth. Can't make this stuff up.