Indiana Man Pleads Guilty In Two-Ton Marijuana Case
CORPUS CHRISTI, TX - An Indiana man has entered a guilty plea to possessing with intent to distribute more than 2,300 kilograms of marijuana, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson and Drug Enforcement (DEA) Acting Special Agent in Charge Thomas E. Hinojosa announced today.
James Henry, 40, of Michigan City, Ind., was scheduled to begin a jury trial today before visiting Senior United States District Judge Harry L. Hudspeth, but at the last minute, opted to plead guilty to the one-count indictment.
The charge stems from an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Customs and Border (CBP). In May 2011, Henry arrived at the Falfurrias checkpoint driving a tractor trailer. A routine K-9 exam resulted in an alert, prompting CBP agents to refer Henry and his vehicle for further inspection. That inspection resulted in the discovery of 256 bundles concealed in a load of mangoes which tested positive for marijuana. At the time of the seizure, law enforcement officials estimated the marijuana had a value of approximately $5.1 million.
Released on bond after his arrest, Henry will remain on bond pending his sentencing hearing set for January 2012. At that time, he faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, a maximum $10 million fine and a minimum five-year-term of supervised release.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Watt.
