Men Charged With Distributing Crack Cocaine
Las Vegas, Nev. – The Federal Grand Jury has indicted two Las Vegas men on drug distribution charges for selling ounce quantities of crack cocaine in Las Vegas, announced Daniel G. Bogden, United States Attorney for the District of Nevada.
Joseph Hall, age 40, was indicted on August 29, 2006, and charged with three counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of a controlled substance. According to the court records, on each August 15, August 22, and August 23, 2006, Hall distributed 50 grams or more of crack cocaine to an undercover officer. On August 24, 2006, a federal search warrant was served at Hall's apartment at 4240 Boulder Highway. Law enforcement officers recovered from the apartment 453 grams (approximately one pound) of crack cocaine, a large amount of U.S. currency, and a digital scale. If convicted, Mr. Hall faces a 10-year mandatory minimum term of imprisonment and a $4,000,000 fine on each count.
Carl Chester, age 24, was indicted on August 29, 2006, and charged with three counts of possession with intent to distribute and distribution of a controlled substance. According to the court records, on May 10 and May 30, 2006, Chester distributed approximately two ounces of crack cocaine for $1,200 each, and on June 28, 2006, Chester distributed approximately three ounces of crack cocaine for $1,800 to a confidential source acting in an undercover capacity. If convicted, Mr. Chester faces a five-year mandatory minimum term of imprisonment and a $2,000,000 fine on the first count, and a 10-year mandatory minimum term of imprisonment and a $4,000,000 fine on the second and third counts.
The defendants are in federal custody and are scheduled for an arraignment and plea hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peggy A. Leen on September 6, 2006, at 8:30 a.m.>
These cases are being investigated by the DEA and Clark County Gang Task Force and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kathleen Bliss.
The public is reminded that an indictment contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
