SP man surrenders to feds
Published 10:19 am Thursday, July 29, 2010
South Point resident Barry Adkins, 48, turned himself into federal authorities on Wednesday for allegedly conspiring to distribute marijuana. He had an initial appearance in front of Judge Mary E. Stanley in Charleston, W.Va. at 3 p.m., according to Tracy Chapman, spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney’s office.
The Charleston clerk of courts office said that Adkins was released on a $10,000 unsecured bond. His arraignment is scheduled for 2 p.m. Aug. 18 at in Charleston.
An indictment was released on Tuesday that named Adkins, along with seven other people, in a $10 million marijuana distribution ring.
The indictment stated that Adkins, along with Rosa Imedla Ledezma, Christopher Clark, Jay Van Meenen, Jeffery Perry, Russell Nelson, Mark Chappalear, allegedly conspired to sell 1,000 kilograms of marijuana since May 2002. Richard Fleming was also indicted for distributing 100 kg of marijuana around the Nitro area.
The indictment also stated that the defendants, if convicted, should forfeit the $10 million in profits that were allegedly accrued. Automobiles and real estate property belonging to Van Meenen and Fleming may also be forfeited.
Clark and Perry were arrested on Monday. Chappalear was arrested on Tuesday.