Dominica Native Kenneth James Makes His Initial Appearance In Federal Court On Charges He Tried To Move 26 Pounds Of Cocaine In St. Thomas

Dominica Native Kenneth James Makes His Initial Appearance In Federal Court On Charges He Tried To Move 26 Pounds Of Cocaine In St. Thomas

Dominica Native Kenneth James Makes His Initial Appearance In Federal Court On Charges He Tried To Move 26 Pounds Of Cocaine In St. Thomas

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CHARLOTTE AMALIE — A native of Dominica was brought up on federal charges that he tried to sell at least 26 pounds of cocaine in the streets of the territory.

Kenneth James, 51, of Roseau made his initial appearance today before U.S. Magistrate Judge George Cannon after being charged in a criminal complaint with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute cocaine, Acting U.S. Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett said.

James was detained pending preliminary and detention hearings set for August 17, 2017, Hewlett said.

According to the complaint, on August 15, 2017, James attempted to sell to an individual about 12 kilograms (26.45 pounds) of a white powdery substance that tested positive for cocaine.

Conspiracy and possession with the intent to distribute in excess of five kilograms of cocaine carries a sentence of not less than 10 years in prison or more than life and a $10,000,000 fine, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

The case is being investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigrid Tejo-Sprotte.

Hewlett said that a complaint is merely a formal charging document and is not in and of itself evidence of guilt.

“Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty,” she said.