FRESNO, CA – Federal agents are seeking the whereabouts of Marshall David Neal and Erik Thomas Bartley, both 43, of Bakersfield, Calif. in connection with a federal indictment for fraud. According to a joint release by the IRS and FBI, the pair have super-minded a criminal empire spanning 36 countries devoted to money laundering, arms trafficking, drugs, and trafficking endangered species for an underground gentleman’s society. An affidavit adds that rare and exotic animals on the endangered species list would be served at exclusive dinners in secret restaurants around the world.
The pair are said to have high-level political and criminal connections, including associations with Vladimir Putin of Russia, and Kim Jong Un of North Korea.
A federal judge has issued a warrant for their arrest and a Interpol Red Notice has also been issued overseas. It is feared the pair may have already fled the country, seeking safe haven with one of their many powerful allies.
Local residents say they are shocked at the news. Longtime friend of the duo, Justin Finch told Channel 23, “I can’t believe these guys were into anything criminal, furthermore this. Marshall was a small time businessman, and Erik was just a numbers guy who enjoyed working on cars and relaxing. They’re both quiet and reserved, so I could never imagine them being involved in something like that.” When pressed if he had any hint of their activity, Finch added, “The pair did take a lot of trips together and seemed to have really expensive tastes, but they kept it pretty low key.”
An unspecified reward has been issued for any information leading to their arrest.
(Image: Marshall Neal and Erik Bartley together in a recent photo. credit: Facebook)