AUSA VICKIE E. LEDUC at 410-209-4885

JANUARY 18, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/md

MILLERSVILLE COUPLE INDICTED IN CONSPIRACY TO MANUFACTURE AND DISTRIBUTE METHAMPHETAMINE

BALTIMORE, Maryland - United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein announces that today a federal grand jury has indicted Michael Beil, age 43, and his wife, Sheila Beil, age 39, both of Millersville, Maryland, for crimes committed in connection with the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine.

The four-count indictment charges the Beils with conspiracy to manufacture and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine; possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; unlawfully possessing equipment, chemicals and materials used to manufacture methamphetamine; and using their home on Discus Mill Road in Millersville to manufacture, distribute and use methamphetamine.

According to the criminal complaint previously filed in this case, on December 16, 2005, DEA agents and Anne Arundel County police officers searched the defendants’ home and seized a plastic container of methamphetamine. A glass smoking device and another plastic container of methamphetamine was recovered from Sheila Beil. A search of a trailer located on the property and owned by Michael Beil revealed in excess of 5 grams of methamphetamine, numerous ingredients used in the production of methamphetamine, such as iodine tincture, HEET and a computer generated recipe regarding the production of methamphetamine. A search of a van located on the property revealed numerous pills containing pseudoephedrine and a large amount of match books, which are commonly used in the methamphetamine manufacturing process. In addition, video surveillance records reveal that in October, 2005 and November, 2005 Sheila Beil purchased various ingredients used in the manufacture of methamphetamine, including multiple boxes of matches whose striker plates are used to obtain red phosphorous, lye crystals, distilled water and iodine from grocery stores in Anne Arundel County, Maryland.

The defendants face a maximum sentence of 40 years in prison, a minimum mandatory sentence of 5 years, and a fine up to $2,000,000 under counts one and two; and 10 years in prison and a fine up to $250,000 under counts 3 and 4. Their arraignments have not been scheduled.

An indictment is not a finding of guilt. An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the investigative work performed by the Drug Enforcement Administration and Anne Arundel County Police Department. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Romano, who is prosecuting the case.