According to federal officials, four men from Kalamazoo, Michigan, planned to buy roughly $22,000 worth of cocaine from a dealer in Texas Township. They were charged with federal conspiracy charges regarding intent to distribute the drugs. While their charges are pending, the alleged conspirators are in the custody of the U.S. Marshal’s Service.
In court documents, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration alleged that the men had been communicating for several months with cocaine dealer who, unknown to them, was working with authorities. According to an affidavit, one of the men whom the informant had met with several times initially told the agent that he and his brother wanted to set up a system of recurring purchases from the dealer.
In addition, the man allegedly told the dealer that he and his brother often purchased large quantities of the cocaine. However, they said they needed a new source because their old dealer had been arrested, according to the affidavit.
Perhaps the men disclosed too much to their new friend. They were arrested at a Hampton Inn where they allegedly planned to purchase 22.5 ounces of cocaine from the agent. After arresting the men, police found a gun, a digital scale and $9,000. The man who police say had the gun was charged with additional weapons offenses.
Most likely, someone charged with a felony crime is facing jail time and enormous fines. Such a charge should not be taken lightly. However, in some cases, a close review of the police department’s conduct, a warrant supporting an arrest or the arrest itself, can reveal defenses to a felony drug arrest.
Source: mlive.com, “Four Kalamazoo men facing felony drug conspiracy charges in cocaine case, court documents show,” Rex Hall Jr., May 10, 2012
