Defendant Indicted on Federal Charges

Richard Herbert Smith, a married man with a connection to the Island Delight Caribbean Restaurant in Montgomery, has been arrested and charged with multiple federal crimes, including conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and money laundering.

According to the indictment, Smith faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison if convicted of all charges. His wife, Mellissa Stacy Ann Smith, who owns the Island Delight Caribbean Restaurant, has been indicted on one count of money laundering and faces up to 20 years in prison.

An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Mellissa Smith was released after her court appearance on Friday, while Richard Smith is being held in the custody of the United States Marshal Service pending a detention hearing this week.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Montgomery Police Department, with assistance from the Prattville Police Department and the Alabama National Guard Counterdrug program. Assistant United States Attorney Curtis Ivy is prosecuting the case.

Richard Herbert Smith and Mellissa Stacy Ann Smith, both residents of Wetumpka, Alabama, made their initial appearance in court on Friday, March 13, 2020, after being indicted by a federal grand jury.

The indictment charges Richard Smith with conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possessing a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and money laundering. Mellissa Smith was indicted on one count of money laundering. If convicted of all charges, Richard Smith faces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison, whereas Mellissa Smith is facing up to 20 years.

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