St. Thomas, USVI – Michael Ervin Fuller, 21, of Baytown,
Texas, made his initial appearance before United States Magistrate Judge Miller
today on a criminal complaint charging him with possession with intent to
distribute marijuana, United States Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
According to the affidavit filed in the case, after Fuller
arrived at the Cyril E. King Airport on an American Airlines Flight from Miami,
Florida, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations (CBP
OFO) drug-detection dog alerted to Fuller’s carry-on bag. Upon opening the bag,
CBP officers discovered a total of 16 cellophane wrapped bundles of a green
leafy substance. One of the bundles was field tested and reacted positive for
the characteristics of marijuana. Collectively, the 16 bundles weighed
approximately 9.69 kilograms. “During this global pandemic, CBP OFO frontline
officers continue to work every day while putting themselves at risk to protect
and stop the illegal introduction of contraband into the territory,” stated
Area Port Director Todd Bellew. “CBP will continue its efforts to combat any
illegal activities.”
This case is being investigated by CBP and the Department of
Homeland Security. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Meredith
Edwards.
A complaint is merely a charging document, and it is not
evidence of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless found
guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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