Pine Ridge Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Marijuana

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that James Franco, age 31, of Pine Ridge, appeared before U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken on April 15, 2011, and pled guilty to an indictment that charged him with Distribution of a Controlled Substance. The maximum penalty upon conviction is five years of imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine.

Franco plead guilty to distributing 12.3 grams of marijuana to a person in Pine Ridge. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; and the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ted L. McBride.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for July 11, 2011. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.