May 14, 2014

Odessan Pleads Guilty to Federal Drug Charge

Kelly Jay Duarte, the 22-year-old former proprietor of Urban City, a retail business in Odessa, faces up to 20 years in federal prison after pleading guilty earlier today to one count of possession of a synthetic cannabinoid with intent to distribute announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman and Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Douglas E. Lindquist, El Paso Division.

By pleading guilty, Duarte admitted that in May 2013, synthetic cannabinoids packaged under the names of “Diablo,” “KMA,” “Mad Hatter,” and “Hypnotic Haze” were knowingly sold to customers at his business in violation of federal law.

Duarte remains on bond pending sentencing. A sentencing date has yet to be scheduled.

This investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Odessa Police Department with lab assistance provided by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney John Klassen is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.