Pine Ridge Man Indicted for Distributing Marijuana

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Pine Ridge man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for distributing marijuana near Pine Ridge. James Franco, age 31, was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 17, 2010, for distribution of a controlled substance. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on November 23, 2010, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is five years of imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine. The charge is merely an accusation, and Franco is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The investigation is being conducted by the FBI, ATF, and the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark A. Vargo is prosecuting the case. Franco was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal. A trial date has not yet been set.