Carthon Lee Merrick, 34, of Manvel, was named in a federal indictment charging him with conspiring to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, U.S. Attorney Don DeGabrielle said today.According to allegations contained in the criminal complaint, since 2001, Merrick had used his company flying privileges to take 388 trips between Houston and Baltimore, including more than 100 in 2007.In January, Merrick was arrested with $79,122 in cash after getting off a flight from Baltimore to Hobby Airport.Also charged in the case are Emilio Flores, 33, of Deer Park, and Jaime Garza, 32, a Mexican national illegally in the country.The criminal complaint filed against Merrick alleges Flores and Garza were his source of supply for cocaine.
All three men are expected to be arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Calvin Botley on Friday. Garza is in state custody awaiting trial on state drug charges.
If convicted, each faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison without parole and a maximum fine of $4 million.
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