Related Federal Cases
- Robert Leon Deming III, Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute, Mississippi 2024 · Texas
- Robert Leon Deming, III, Vape Shop Drug Conspiracy, Mississippi 2023 · Washington
- Ruel M Hamilton, Texas Drug Trafficking, Dallas TX, 2019 · Texas
- Willie Boone, Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and to Distribute Controlled Substances, Florida 2023 · Florida
- CORNELL FINLEY, Drug Trafficking, Illinois 2024 · North Carolina
Biloxi City Councilman Pleads Guilty to Drug Conspiracy in Mississippi
Robert Leon Deming, III, a 47-year-old Biloxi City Councilman, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a Schedule I controlled substance in a federal court in Gulfport, Mississippi.
According to court documents and information presented to the court, Deming founded the Candy Shop, LLC in 2019 to operate Candy Shop stores in Mississippi and North Carolina. The stores sold CBD and vape products. However, the investigation revealed that some of the vape products sold by the stores contained Schedule I controlled substances and controlled substance analogues.
Deming was aware that his vape additives did not contain CBD; rather, they contained synthetic cannabinoids. This was evidenced by group chats in which Deming’s employees complained about how the additives were too strong and could hurt their customers. Despite this fact, Deming misbranded the additives as containing CBD.
The investigation also revealed that Deming sent an uncharged coconspirator $2,200.00 to purchase 1 kilogram of 5F-AB-PINACA, a Schedule I controlled substance, for use in the Candy Shop’s vape additives and that, at the time Deming sent the money, he knew that 5F-AB-PINACA was a controlled substance.
The Government’s investigation also revealed that Deming’s gross sales of vape additive products containing either Schedule I controlled substances or their analogues totaled over $2 million.
Deming was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 19, 2023. As part of the plea agreement, Deming agreed to forfeit a yellow Monster Truck with oversized tires and a lift kit and over $1.9 million dollars. His sentencing is scheduled for August 13, 2024.
Deming’s guilty plea is a reminder that no one is above the law, and the DEA is committed to holding all individuals accountable for drug trafficking.
[Image: Robert Leon Deming, III, Biloxi City Councilman and owner of Candy Shop]
Key Facts
- State: Mississippi
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Drug TraffickingDrug TraffickingDrug TraffickingDrug Trafficking