Federal Inmate Charged with Possession of Marijuana

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that an inmate of the Yankton Federal Prison Camp has been indicted by a federal grand jury for possessing marijuana.

William Smith, age 30, was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 2, 2012, for possession of a prohibited object (marijuana) by an inmate. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge John E. Simko on May 10, 2012 and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is five years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine. Any prison term imposed must run consecutive to the term presently being served. The charge is merely an accusation, and Smith is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Amy Koopmann is prosecuting the case. Smith was returned to the custody of the Bureau of Prisons. Trial is set for July 17, 2012.