CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Federal investigators said they connected a cross-country drug scheme that ended in Charlotte to a former State Bureau of Investigations drug agent and his son.
According to documents, Ryan Tucker used his father, a retired SBI drug agent, to carry marijuana into Charlotte.
Agents said the father went to great lengths to ensure they didn't get caught. Court documents stated Ryan Tucker and his father, Frederick Tucker, lived a fast life of drugs and money that dates as far back as 2008.
Late that year, agents said Ryan Tucker shot and killed an intruder who broke into his home on Heather Scotch Way in Ballantyne. Agents claim they found marijuana outside and a detective overheard him "discussing where he had hidden the drugs."
Agents said Frederick Tucker had been driving the drugs from California to his South Dakota home, where he repackaged them in wooden crates he had specially designed so drug dogs couldn't detect them, and shipped them to Charlotte.
He even had a large vault with a secret door in his South Dakota home, documents stated.
Agents also said the retired SBI drug agent was driving loads of marijuana for his son from California to Charlotte.
Agents claim it happened more than two dozen times through 2012.
Investigators say Fred Tucker left his SBI post while under investigation for improprieties.
A spokesman for the SBI said, "I cannot comment on personnel matters," and she said Fred Tucker retired from his job.
The men and Ryan Tucker's girlfriend, Jamie Jackson, are also accused of money laundering.
Agents said between 2011 and 2014, the Tuckers received more than $1.7 million in cash deposits, even though tax records indicate minimal income.
A woman said Ryan Tucker used to live above her at a Ballantyne apartment complex. She was shocked to hear the news.
"To hear somebody like that is living right above you is a bit alarming," she said.
Jackson will appear hear at the federal courthouse to face those money laundering charges Monday.
Frederick Tucker is still in jail and has a court appearance in March.
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