News Release [print friendly page]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 07, 2009
Contact: Chuvalo J. Truesdell
PIO/AFD
Number: 404-893-7124

MAY 07 -- Columbia, South Carolina ---- United States Attorney W. WALTER WILKINS stated that today, MELANIE DENNIS POSTON, age 37, of Hemingway, South Carolina, REBECCA DENISE LYNCH, age 27, of Johnsonville, South Carolina, JOHN HENRY JACKSON, age 47, HEATHER NICHOLE OWENS, age 18, of Johnsonville, South Carolina, LISA MARIE MARLOW, age 26, of Johnsonville, South Carolina, and JAMIE BROOKE POSTON, age 19, of Hemingway, South Carolina, were charged in 9-count indictment with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribution of controlled substances (Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Phendimetrazine, Alprazolam, Diazepam, and Phentermine); possession with intent to distribute controlled substances (prescription drugs), and persuading and inducing a person under the age of 18 to unlawfully possess a controlled substance (prescription drugs) with intent to distribute, a violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 846, 861. 

W. WALTER WILKINS stated that the maximum penalty MELANIE DENNIS POSTON, REBECCA DENISE LYNCH, JOHN HENRY JACKSON, HEATHER NICHOLE OWENS, LISA MARIE MARLOW, and JAMIE BROOKE POSTON could receive is a fine of $1,000,000.00 and/or imprisonment of 20 years, depending upon the count of conviction.

Mr. Wilkins stated that the case was investigated by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Diversion Control Unit, the Hemingway Police Department, the Johnsonville Police Department, and the Florence County Sheriff’s Office.

The case was assigned to Assistant United States Attorney William E. Day, II of the Florence office for prosecution.

The United States Attorney stated that all charges in this indictment are merely accusations and that all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Rodney G. Benson, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division encourages parents, along with their children, to educate themselves about the dangers of legal and illegal drugs by visiting DEA’s interactive websites at www.justhinktwice.com, www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com and www.dea.gov. DEA.gov takes you directly to the Diversion Control and Prescription Drugs link.

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