COLUMBIA — A Columbia man was indicted by a federal grand jury today on charges of cocaine distribution, according to a news release from the office of John F. Wood, United States attorney for Missouri’s western district..
James M. Brondell, 27, was indicted on counts of conspiracy to distribute in excess of 500 grams of cocaine in Greene County from Nov. 4, 2007, to March 6, 2008, and possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute on March 6, 2008, according to the release. Policein Columbia and Springfield, as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration, investigated the case.
Brondell’s indictment includes a forfeiture allegation, mandating that he relinquish to the government any proceeds acquired as a result of his violations. Those proceeds include a 2002 Honda Acura and $7,821 seized by law enforcement officers, the release said.
In the release, Wood emphasized that although the jury has accused Brondell of these charges, he has not gone through a trial to determine his guilt. Any evidence against him must still be presented in front of a federal trial jury, which will decide whether he is guilty or innocent. Assistant U.S. Attorney David P. Rush will prosecute Brondell’s case.