Montgomery, Alabama - Oyango Lanar Tolbert, age 28, of Auburn, Alabama, was convicted on October 27, 2010, of drug possession (both powder and crack cocaine), with intent to distribute, U.S. Attorney Leura G. Canary announced today.

Tolbert was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 3, 2010, on two counts of possession of powder and crack cocaine with intent to distribute. Tolbert’s case was tried on October 26 and 27, 2010, in the federal courthouse in Opelika, Alabama, before United States District Judge W. Keith Watkins. The jury found Tolbert guilty on both counts. Sentencing is scheduled for January 12, 2011, in Montgomery, Alabama.

The evidence showed that on December 27, 2009, an Auburn police officer attempted to stop a vehicle being driven by Tolbert for speeding. The vehicle did not stop for several blocks before being abandoned in the middle of Vickerstaff Street with the engine still running. Tolbert fled and had to be chased and subdued by two Auburn police officers. The officers found $1,827 and powder cocaine in Tolbert’s pants pocket and a later search of his vehicle revealed $7,960 and more than 50 grams of crack cocaine.

The case was investigated by members of the Auburn Police Department Patrol Division and Narcotics Unit and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kent B. Brunson.

 

PRESS CONTACT: Clark Morris
Email: usaalm.press@usdoj.gov
Telephone: (334) 551-1755
Fax: (334) 223-7617

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