Waco Family Charged In Federal Grand Jury Indictment

Three Waco family members face federal drug distribution charges announced United States Attorney Robert Pitman.

A federal grand jury indictment, returned today in Waco, charges 58–year-old Phillip Larry Koss, his wife, 60-year-old Le’Ann Koss and his son, 26-year-old Conner Phillip Koss with one count conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana and one substantive count of aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute marijuana.

The indictment alleges that from October 2010 until November 2013, the defendants conspired to possess over 50 kilograms of marijuana.

On November 29, 2013, authorities executed a search warrant at the Koss’ residence and discovered approximately 12 pounds of tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly known as THC, several firearms and some $27,000 in U.S. Currency. Court records allege that the defendants obtain high grade marijuana from the State of California and arrange for it to be transported to their Waco residence for distribution. Authorities have also recovered approximately 200 pounds of marijuana resulting from related search warrants executed in California as well as traffic stops during this investigation.

Upon conviction, each charge calls for up to 20 years in federal prison. The defendants, who are in custody at this time, are scheduled to have an Initial Appearance in Waco at 2:00pm on March 20, 2014, before United States Magistrate Judge Jeffrey C. Manske.

This investigation is being conducted by the McGregor Police Department, Texas Department of Public Safety and the Yuba County (CA) Narcotics Enforcement Team. Assistant United States Attorney Mary F. Kucera is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.

An indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.