North Dakota appeals court throws out woman's guilty plea

August 29, 2011

North Dakota: The United States Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit has thrown out the guilty plea of Tamara Heid who was convicted earlier this month in a federal court of conspiracy to launder money and summarily sentenced to 18 months in prison. Heid was accused of disguising tainted drug money and attempting to use it to post bail for her imprisoned son. The three judge panel for the court made the ruling as there was no evidence that Heid attempted to conceal or hide the nature of the money. Her case has now been sent back to the district court. Heid's son is serving a mandatory life sentence for drug conspiracy.