A southern Mississippi lawmaker has pleaded guilty to federal drug charges following an investigation into his business that distributed illegal controlled substances, the state attorney’s office announced Thursday.
Biloxi City Councilman Robert Leon Deming III, 47, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Gulfport to “conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute Schedule I controlled substances.” statement I read a letter from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Mississippi. Deming was reportedly indicted in September last year.
In a statement, officials with the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) said Deming’s Candy Shop LLC added synthetic cannabinoids, not CBD, to its e-cigarette products and that they contained CBD. It was discovered that he had lied. This was despite Deming employees complaining in a group chat that the additives were too strong and could harm customers. The DEA also received complaints that some of the company’s products made customers uncomfortable.
According to the statement, Deming also attempted to purchase 5F-AB-PINACA, a synthetic cannabinoid and a Schedule I controlled substance, for use in its e-cigarette products, knowing that the compound was a controlled substance. It is said that he did.
Investigators raided businesses in Mississippi and North Carolina in January 2023, three years after the investigation began, and recovered cash and controlled substances. They also searched Deming’s residence and seized more than $1.8 million in cash from there, the statement said. (Related: Biden administration to reclassify marijuana, sources say: Report)
A federal investigation says Biloxi City Councilman Robert Leon Deming III sold an illegal synthetic cannabinoid, sold as CBD, in his store. https://t.co/ovRV9TJXzo
— USA TODAY (@USATODAY) May 3, 2024
“Deming’s total sales of e-cigarette additive products containing Schedule I controlled substances or similar substances totaled more than $2 million,” the statement said.
As part of his plea agreement, Deming agreed to forfeit his yellow monster truck and more than $1.9 million. He awaits sentencing in August, the statement said.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney Todd Gee said in part, “Public servants should not run businesses that distribute millions of dollars in illegal controlled substances and endanger the health and safety of their customers.” Ta.
“U.S. consumers are at risk when claims are false and misleading… [U.S. Food and Drug Administration(FDA)] “We are determined to pursue and bring to justice those who illegally conceal controlled substances as known consumer products and sell them to the American public,” said Justin, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, FDA Miami Field Office. Fielder said in a statement.
