Tuesday, September 21, 2010

KNOXVILLE, Tenn-- A federal grand jury in Knoxville, Tennessee, returned a two-count indictment on September 21, 2010, against Bryan Keith Koester, 24, of Dandridge, Tennessee, charging him with attempting to manufacture methamphetamine and possessing chemicals and equipment which are used to manufacture methamphetamine. On August 17, 2010, an explosion occurred in a garage in Dandridge, Tennessee, where he is accused of attempting to manufacture methamphetamine.

If convicted of attempting to manufacture methamphetamine, Koester faces a term of imprisonment of up to 20 years and a fine of up to $1,000,000. If convicted of possessing chemicals and equipment which are used to manufacture methamphetamine, Koester faces a term of imprisonment of up to 10 years and a fine of up to $250,000.

This indictment is the result of an investigation by the Dandridge Police Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelly A. Norris will represent the United States.

Members of the public are reminded that an indictment constitutes only charges and that every person is presumed innocent until his or her guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.