www.mozilla.com Hot Stories Weather Central

Temp: 48.0°F

Wind: SE 13.8 MPH G 19.6 (12 MPH G 17 KT)

Sky: Overcast

Headlines

Historic health care bill clears Senate hurdle -11/21/2009, 8:19 PM

Quinter wins state -11/21/2009, 1:34 PM

Smith Center survives upset bid -11/20/2009, 12:19 AM

Oil tax idea quickly killed -11/20/2009, 4:04 PM

City will pursue grant for hike-bike trail -11/20/2009, 1:19 PM

Better Business Bureau warns of time-share scam -11/20/2009, 1:19 PM

FHSU students share love of music with kids -11/20/2009, 10:02 PM

Alton holiday store keeps growing -11/20/2009, 1:19 PM

Two arrested in suspected poaching incident -11/20/2009, 11:49 AM

End of an era: Oprah ending show after 25 years -11/20/2009, 11:49 AM

Snakes, spines and students -11/20/2009, 11:49 AM


Voices

View this site in another language.

SPOTLIGHT
[var top_story_head]

Hays man sentenced in drug case

Published on -7/27/2009, 4:49 PM

Printer-friendly version
E-Mail This Story

A 20-year-old Hays resident arrested in November on federal drug trafficking charges has been sentenced to 18 months in prison, U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch announced today.

Keaton Molleker is one of seven arrested in the case and the first to be sentenced. He also was sentenced to three years of supervised release.

In May, Molleker pleaded guilty to two counts of distributing cocaine. In the plea, he admitted to selling cocaine to an undercover investigator on two occasions in June 2008.

Each of Molleker's co-defendants -- Franklin L. Graton, 20; Rusty "Ben" Marshall, 28; Rigoberto Rubios, 24; Thomas J. "T.J." Matheny, 20,;Dylan Motta, 21; and Angela Marie Alvarez, 25 -- have pled to charges against them.

Next to appear in federal court for sentencing are Motta, Alvarez and Matheny on Aug. 3.

34 comment(s) found
Who????: 8/13/2009
Who do any of you think you are?? What makes any of you his judge? Be careful!!! Judge not lest you be judged. And believe me "you will". Keep your personal judgements to yourself. Don't display them for the world to see, just because you want to be heard. What goes around comes around. Do you want to be there when by some accident, you are the one being judged by your county or state or your peers? Simply, because you have never done this kind of thing before, so you are capable of being someone's judge. NO, NO, NO, stop pointing your fingers and start looking at what has happened to us as "PEOPLE" we are supposed to believe that no ONE is guilty until that has been proven. As "PEOPLE" we are NO ONE"S judge. BE Careful. The life you judge could be your own!!!
(Posted by: Z4BZ3)
: 8/4/2009
Hmm.... Isn't this strange. This article about Keatons sentencing popped up on the hdn website within 5 hours of the sentence being issued. I find it awefully surprising that 3 more people - TJ Matheny, Angela Alvarez, and Dylan Motta - were "suppose" to be senteced yesterday (aug 3) and still not a thing has been posted about them. Isn't the media just a wonderful outlet when the "WANT" to be?!
(Posted by: )
a good young man: 7/31/2009
I have known Keaton since he was 8. He was a good kid, who had a few problems after his parent's divorce, but adjusted well. He is a good young man who made a poor choice in one of his friends. He is kind, outgoing and trusts easily. He made a huge mistake, which he acknowledges,and sold drugs on two occasions in June of '08. Some have accused him of using drugs, which is completely untrue. Others have suggested that his family should have known. How? If there are people out there who knew the trouble he was getting into, they should have allerted his mother who would have put a stop to it. I believe that these people who knew were protecting themselves or a family member and deliberately chose not to allert his mother. That is NOT being a friend. Others have mentioned drinking and how much worse the drugs are. That has been the problem in this community for years. They openly accept and condone underage drinking, believing it to be "not that big a deal".The authorities tend to look the other way and who you are in this town determins what happens. Keaton will serve his time, and will come out of this a stronger person. He has a good future ahead of him and at this time he needs friends and family who support him. Those of you who want to offer support and have written comments that are supportive should let Janel and his family that you are there for them at this difficult time.
(Posted by: Anna)
???: 7/29/2009
I'm still wondering how Mr. Marshall was originally facing the most charges and the most fines, and yet now he is facing less time than some of his "employees". Smells fishy
(Posted by: )
: 7/29/2009
to the person who replied to Just Wondering...no one said anyone was sentenced to 20 years.. it said..." why one person gets a possibility of 20 years and a fine of $1 million and another 18 months?" the article in the Hays Daily back in June said that $$$$ (no name mentioned here) plead guilty and faces a penalty of up to 20 years .... Just wondering said nothing about someone being sentenced... OK?????
(Posted by: )
: 7/29/2009
Keaton know he did something wrong. He accepted responsibiltiy by cooperating with cops. I just pray the ones who started this whole thing get a punishment equal to what they were caught with or caught doing. To Keatons family - just keep in your mind that its only 18 months. 18 months and you will have your son, brother, grandson, friend,etc back. And from the other prior comments I have no doubt that he will come out on the other side just a kind and big hearted as he went in. He has a lot of people on his side and I truly hope he doesn't forget that while serving his time.
(Posted by: )
: 7/29/2009
To Just Wondering.... Its because the people facing 20 years are the ones who ran this thing. The ones who set up shop across from the poice station. The big fish! They were caught holding, selling, distributing more than a couple of times. They have prior criminal records because they only know how to break the law and keep getting away with it. And by the way - who has gotten 20 years? Keaton is the first person to have been given a sentence in this case. Just another case of another Hays resident over stating the facts! Get your facts straight before you put them on here!!!! The next sentencing dates are on Aug 3 just incase you are wondering!
(Posted by: )
: 7/29/2009
People keep saying "you don't know the facts, you just know what the cops have said" There are only two facts that need to be known. 1) Did he sell the drugs? YES 2) Did he get caught? YES. What else do you need to know. Most of the comments on here seem to be about if he should do his time or not. Well he did it and got caught so yes what else do you need to know. As to what kind of person he is, I'm sure he is a really decent MAN granted a young man but still a man. My younger brouther had the biggest heart and would do anything for just about anybody but his life was cut short a month before he turned 17 because of drugs. Just because someone is a good person doesn't mean that they shouldn't do the time if they are willing to do the crime. My brother had gotten caught a couple of times but because he was a minor never really had to do any time in jail. I almost wish he would have been an adult so he would have been sentenced to jail for an extended period of time. Maybe just maybe then he would had turned his life around. I don't think Keaton is a loser nor did i think that of my brother but the fact is he got caught. It doesn't matter what the circumstances where that made him do it or why. Look at it from a different view, what if one of Keaton's really close friends that was very close with his family sold him the drugs and those drugs killed him, should that friend not do any time because he is a good person and a great kid that just made a mistake? There are many people that go to jail for honest accidents that kill or hurt people, but he did this knowingly and willingly. I think he should do his time and hopefully learn from this mistake. As for the family. My heart goes out to you because I do know what something like this does to a family. Your son is no loser, just got caught up with something really bad and got caught. I will pray for Keaton and for your entire family that the time will go by fast and that your family can get back to the way you want it to be.
(Posted by: )
: 7/29/2009
Everyone please stop and let this family get though this.It's hard enough to deal with, dont need all these negative commits to add to the pain. STOP It might be you or me next in this position.
(Posted by: )
just wondering....: 7/29/2009
just wondering why one person gets a possibility of 20 years and a fine of $1 million and another 18 months?
(Posted by: )
hes still my best friend: 7/28/2009
Regardless of what all the quick judging word throwing people are saying. Ya, he did make a mistake, we all do. but when i think of him not being there on friday bowling with his little sister and me, it makes me almost loss it. You can say what u want about him, cause in the end u dont know him like i do. when keaton puts his mind to something, he can succeed at it, he was led in the wrong direction, and needs to be steered strait. not put in jail. judge me all u want, cause i dont care if u dont
(Posted by: keatons brother)
: 7/28/2009
For all those quick to put Keaton down.... Did you know when he was arrested he cooperated with the cops. He answered ALL of their questions. WITHOUT A LAWYER. And guess what - he is paying a bigger price for being cooperative. Had he requested a lawyer he would be getting off with probably probation or house arrest. But because he cooperated fully and hid nothing from them he is going to jail. What kind of messed up system do we have that awards someone for getting a lawyer before they will cooperate as opposed to just saying "yeah, i am caught. Here are the facts". Yes, he did get a lawyer - later! After he told them what they wanted to know and details they had NO IDEA about. Yet, the "bigger fish" in this case will probably walk off with a slap on the wrist because they requested a lawyer because they knew to because they already had prior criminal records. They hired their lawyer to cut them a deal so they could turn on someone else and save their own hind ends. I can gurantee Keaton will never have anything to do with drugs ever again. Some of the others - heck they couldn't even stay out of trouble between when they were arrested in November and now.
(Posted by: )
: 7/28/2009
To Keep Busting These People: Let me guess - you have NEVER made a mistake have you? I am sure you haven't. I am sure you are holier than thou right? Wrong. Before you call someone a "loser" you need to make sure you know ALL the facts. Not just the ones the cops have told you. Or the newspaper., or the local blabbermouth at the coffee shop. That is Hays' problem - no one can mind their own business. If you truly want to know what kind of person is - go talk to him. Yes - he is now 20 but he is a big kid at heart. Funny and Kind. He wasn't out to intentionally hurt anyone. He made a mistake. It happens. It is part of growing up. Its how we learn. Keaton loves his family and wishes he could take all this back and undo the hurt. But he can't. He will serve his time - he knows that. Ask yourself though - if this was your child how would you feel if someone was calling him a "loser" who didn't know him? God help you if you or one of your children ever end up in a situation like this one.
(Posted by: )
: 7/28/2009
Drug Sentencing: YOU TOOK THE WORDS RIGHT OUT OF MY MOUTH!!! Said it the way I wanted to!!! Way to word it!! Crying at the keyboard right now !! (AGAIN) I am not afraid to post my name to what I say though I wish if people would commit they could at least post their name.
(Posted by: Janel)
drug sentencing: 7/28/2009
Why is everyone in this town so quick to judge?? Like you have never made a mistake? I made plenty of them when i was these kids ages....not to this degree, but i grew up in a different time...drugs were not around as much....i have several friends that are recovering addicts...they have all stated, you do it once and you are addicted, and you will do anything to get the drugs....these boys were coerced by the bigger sellers into selling these drugs, yes , they made the choice, but the choices they were making were ruled by the drugs they were doing, andt the alchohol they were consuming...I know this story first hand, as i am a mother of one of them...i am hurt, angry, frustrated....humiliated...i cant tell you the emotions i have every day...every day i wonder what i did wrong, what did i do that would cause him to turn down this path...i now know it was not my fault, you raise your kids and hope they make the right decisions....after long and extensive talks with my son, i know what when on, what they sold, where they got it...i know it all...it isnt a pretty picture....i watched him go thru horrible withdrawal from the drugs...im not saying that my son shouldnt be punished, but not condemned...he made the wrong decisions....he knew the difference between what was right and what was wrong....but that doesnt make him a bad person, it doesnt make him a loser....it makes him human...i cry over this almost every day, it has tore my family apart, we will forever remember this, and he will do his time, and i pray that he will make the right decisions after this, and do the right thing....i do not believe that he shouldnt serve any time, i know he needs to...but to have people come on here and bash the families while we are already down, that is not right...we are supposed to be christian forgiving people, but it seems people only want to see the bad....i feel sorry for you....our lives will go on, and we will forgive our son....because that is what god taught us to do...i may not like what he did, and i may not like him very much right now, but he is still my son, and i love him, and we deserve to be treated with compassion, and not condemned.....if we turn our backs on them, where do you think they will turn when they get out...they need support and they need someone to believe in them....
(Posted by: a very sad mom )
: 7/28/2009
I have know Keaton for a long time and he is actually a pretty good kid. He did not make a couple of good decisions, granted. But what is sad, is that the BIG fish are the ones that are getting away with it, and the little guys are the ones paying the price for them. They did catch a couple of the ones higher up in this and I am glad about that!!! . In this world, people are always looking to make a fast buck instead of working hard for your money. Our society has taught these people to be materialistic and want more more more and do less for it. I would much rather see the major dealers in the prison than a kid that got caught up in it. He does deserve some punishment. My thoughts are with you Keaton and your family. People who make those comments should watch out. IT COULD BE YOUR CHILD in the paper tomorrow. Then would you think differently?
(Posted by: a mom)
Sorry but he deserves it: 7/28/2009
I personally know many of the involved defendants, and can say that they are getting what they deserved. These people prayed on the addictions of others to make a quick and easy buck. They were also flashing their crimes around time. I mean come on, they set up shop right across the street from the police station.
(Posted by: )
Drug Abuse: 7/28/2009
I have had a very close friend die because of drugs, and another friend I sent to Rehab on my own dollar. Drugs are very scary because dealers make you feel that whatever life is dealing you that there is a easy way out. Well let me tell you there is no easy way out. I have traveled the country and been in many difficult situations dealing with drugs, and I have always turned them down. I can say that I have never touched an illegal substance in my life. I was taught at a very early age that Peer Pressure is just that Pressure and that you don't have to give in. I teach kids/young adults now that getting involve with drugs is not the answer, but the exact opposite. What so many kids feel, is that they are invinsible if I can hide it from my parents then I am golden. Well parents let me tell some things to look for in your kids to find out if they are using. 1. Change of attitude, this is the first and formost the most obvious sign of drug use. 2. Dryness and over dialated pupils. 3. Constant sniffling or blowing of the nose. 4. Their appearance they start to wear more cologne to cover up smell. 5. Paranoid, they are always thinking someone is after them. 6. Shortness of breath can be attributed. 7. Loss of memory, lieing, stealing, loss of communication. What I tell a lot of parents don't think it will never happen to you, cause once you think that your child has already tried 2 or 3 different kinds of drugs. And one more, now is the time to be parent not a friend. Be a friend after they grow up....I hope all is well with this group and they find that there are many other ways to happiness...God Speed...
(Posted by: )
This is ridiculous: 7/28/2009
Ya know, they all deserve exactly what they get! I pay my mortgage, my taxes, and I work hard everyday of my life, I'm not out there makin the easy buck sellin drugs! Everyone of these "kids" have been sellin dope to YOUR kids and livin a pretty darn good life runnin around spending all EASY dope money! If they haven't earned that money the honest way, then sittin in prison is just what they deserve! Its nothin against this Keaton, its ALL of them and everyone else that goes down in this town! Since when has a 20 yr old been considered a "kid" they are all adults and knew what they were doin! Maybe you parents should listen alittle more about what your kids do, by far this bunch were no angels, don't care what "front" they put on around family! Don't believe me, start askin high school and college kids from Hays who saw them out all the time, how you are at home around grandma and grandpa is not how these people acted when the sun went down! Any of you that weren't out on the streets have no clue, parent or not!
(Posted by: )
: 7/28/2009
So from what I am reading from a lot of the comments is that because he is a good and nice person he shouldn be let go and not do his time. Yeah the crimes are MUCH MUCH different but by this reasoning you are suggesting that Ted Bundy shouldn't have gone to jail because by EVERYBODY accounts he was the nicest person on the face of this planet, or how about BTK he was one of the most repected people in his area and even worked for a church. I'm not compairing Keaton to these animals at all but come one. In him being such a good person he knew right from wrong and decided to break the law. I am sure he is VERY sorry but i hate to play devils advocate but the question you have to ask is, would he still be sorry if he had not gotten caught and would he still be doing it? I guess is no he wouldn't be sorry and yes he would still be doing it. I feel for his family SO much and hope that they are going to be able to make through this hard and difficult time but this is something he did and knew what he was doing as I am speaking from personal expirance from myself getting in trouble MANY MANY years ago and my parents telling me "you did it, you got caught so now it's time to pay for it". I just hope that he is able to learn from his mistakes as I did and can turn his life and actions around.
(Posted by: )
: 7/28/2009
I want to say something, I think there are alot of people that have nothing better to do than to sit around and make comments about others. I think this town needs to change their ways and quit talking about mistakes people have made and keep going on about it. I think we all need to talk about good things. I bet you go to an article in the paper where somebody is getting something good advertised about them there will not be any comments but you go to an article that somebody is arrested wow ..... all kidnds of comments come out. Like I said this town is made of alot of those people. They never have anything good to say just keep bringing up bad things. I think everybody better know the FACTS on this situation with Keaton before talking all bad comments. He is my son and I am very hurt by what has happened and hate seeing him go away but yes he is going to pay his time. But PLEASE suport us with good comments instead of bad ones. This is enough to go through this and then to top it off reading all this. I never thought this would happen to one of my kids (JUST LIKE OTHERS) well it did and guess what we are suffering over it. He already has learned his lesson and like I said will be going away and I cant wait until the day he is back to be with us as a family.
(Posted by: Janel)
: 7/28/2009
How about the ones that do get caught and get out of it by who they know???? Think about that!!!! I think it should be all treated the same way , not by who you know or how much money you have to buy your way out.
(Posted by: )
....: 7/28/2009
I'm sorry but he deserves it. It wasn't like he was caught selling weed... coke is a serious drug... he got caught and now maybe he will learn his leason and not be so stupid in the future. These young people need to learn not to be so reckless.
(Posted by: Annoyed)
: 7/28/2009
If the cops get some they better get them ALL. There are alot more of them in Hays. DO YOUR JOB and GET EVERYONE. I know there are some out there and the cops know there out there but just let them go.Keaton is a very good kid.
(Posted by: )
: 7/28/2009
Each of these individuals arrested knew that they were doing something illegal and had the potential of getting caught… and they did. In other post’s that are implying if you are a good but do a crime then you shouldn’t have to do time. What kind of logic is that? This is not something that Keaton or the rest of them stumbled upon or was at the wrong place at the wrong time, no, they were involved and have been involved in this for quite some time. According to the HDN the 1st story that came out regarding the bust, the KBI had been investigating this group of individuals for several months. I feel terrible for these families, I really do. I went to school with Keaton mother and I know his grandparent well. I have children Keaton’s age and I don’t know what I would do if I was in his mom or dad’s situation (I pray to God that I will never be in that spot) but the fact remains, he committed a crime and needs to pay his debt to society. I pray that he spends his time away reflecting, soul searching and perhaps learns a trade to get into after his 18 month term is served. Good luck to Keaton, I really mean that. And when he does get out give the guy a chance, after all, everyone deserves a second chance, don’t they?
(Posted by: )
: 7/28/2009
Ok. for those of you so quick to judge can you honestly say you have never made a mistake. I am sure you are one of the most perfect people on the planet - and if you have kids i am sure they never do any wrong either - right? Sure they don't. Or at least thats what people think because you never have been caught. This kid made a mistake - granted a very serious one. But I know this family and I know he has regretted this mistake for a long time and will pay for it for the rest of his life. 18 months is a long time away from friends and family and it will be just as hard on him as it will be his mom, sisters, and friends and all his family. Keaton is a truly happy person and trust me when I say he will be missed every day that he is away. And when he comes back hopefully all will be forgiven. i know it wont be forgotten because thats the way hays is. people don't let anything go in this town. Let this family heal and when he comes back please remember that it very easily could be someone you know and love in this position. Keaton we know you and love you very much. Stay strong and funny and come back to us because we will miss you every single day!
(Posted by: hays res)
: 7/28/2009
To "Keep Busting these people!:" "You do the crime, You do the time, doesn't matter who you are, law is the law!" I think you need to reevaluate your comment about doesn't matter who you are.. but cause it does.. if you have $$$$ or a name..it makes a difference... Has your head been buried in the sand???? it matters...always has and always will...
(Posted by: )
: 7/28/2009
FIRST OF ALL------Who says he was on drugs??? Second of all ---- I hope the only ones commenting on these articles really know the entire story before voicing out opinions!! Some of the opinions are very hurting!! This family is suffering enough, he has a little sister that is going to see her brother be put away for 18 months of her valuable life that she could be spending with him. Do you know that he spends all of his time with his sister and mom most of the time. Even when he is with his friends, his friends do not mind his sister of mom joining in. This family is a very close family so lets quit hurting them.
(Posted by: )
drug sentencing: 7/28/2009
as a mother of one of these young men....im in a difficult position...these are not bad people, they made bad choices, made the wrong decisions, that were swayed with being addicted to drugs....im not saying they dont deserve it, because i definately think they need to serve time...but they are also human beings who made mistakes...and now, after going to prison, they have a chance to make it right, and do the right thing...drugs make people do some horrible things, and thats not an excuse, but reality....i know my son is sorry, but i think he needs to spend time in prison before he will learn the lesson.....regardless, they all knew the difference between right and wrong,...i just hope they all can overcome this, and move on, and become respectful adults in this world, and make something of themselves...
(Posted by: a mom of one of them)
oh my: 7/28/2009
nobody makes anyone do drugs except themselves...just because you are a drug abuser or an alcolholic DOES NOT make you a "bad person"...good people make bad decisions also...with drug abuse on the rise i am personally glad to see people getting convicted...THAT IS THE RISK YOU TAKE LIVING in that kind of LIFESTYLE!!!!
(Posted by: 7 yr recovering addict)
Keep Busting these people!: 7/28/2009
You do the crime, You do the time, doesn't matter who you are, law is the law! Kids are taught right from wrong when growing up, he got what he deserved and so will the rest of those losers!
(Posted by: )
: 7/28/2009
WHATEVER
(Posted by: )
That is good: 7/28/2009
Glad to see he has learned his lesson and I guess 18 months will hopefully encourage him even more not to dabble in selling drugs/using drugs.
(Posted by: )
: 7/27/2009
He learned his lesson 9 months ago when he was arrested. He's off the drugs and away from the people who got him started. All I can ask is do you KNOW Keaton Molleker? I do, he's a good man who doesn't deserve prison time. Anyone who says different doesn't know him well enough.
(Posted by: I know.)

COMMENT ON THIS STORY

Subject:
Comment:
Poster: (your name)
captcha 86dcf3a02ebe4895a78565da69d129fc
Enter text above:

All comments are subject to approval before being posted. Please keep comments constructive and relevant. Opinions certainly can be expressed, but comments that are rude, abusive, slanderous, threatening, sexually oriented, contain profanity or are vulgar will not be tolerated. Comments will not be edited. Any comment that violates the above-listed rules will be deleted.

Discuss this story at MyTown

digg delicious facebook stumbleupon google Newsvine
More News and Photos

Associated Press Videos