Six Indicted on Marijuana Conspiracy
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA - On March 29, 2012, Dennis Eugene Smith, Nicholas Dean Barnes, Christopher Lee Brandt, Gene Allen Smith, Justin Ray Smith, and David L. Lopez, Jr. were indicted for conspiracy to distribute over 100 kilograms of marijuana between May, 2009 to March 29, 2012, announced United States Attorney Nicholas A. Klinefeldt.
On Friday, March 30, 2012, all six defendants appeared for initial appearance and arraignment in federal court in Council Bluffs, Iowa, with trial being set for June 4, 2012.
Conspiracy to distribute marijuana as charged is punishable by a minimum of five years to a maximum of 40 years in prison; a fine of up to $5,000,000, at least four years of suspended release, $100 special assessment and forfeiture of property.
The indictment results from an over two year investigation by the Council Bluffs, Iowa, Police Department, Southwest Iowa Narcotics Task Force, Omaha, Nebraska, Police Department, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
As in any criminal case, a charge is merely an accusation, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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