Two men are accused of conspiring to traffic methamphetamine and marijuana in the area in June 2017, according to an indictment unsealed Monday in a Texarkana federal court.
Joshea Cardwell, 29, appeared Jan. 11 for arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Caroline Craven with Texarkana lawyer David Potter. Potter entered pleas of not guilty on Cardwell's behalf to each of three counts charging him and co-defendant Justin Rashad Young, 29, with conspiracy to distribute marijuana and methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offense.
Craven released Cardwell on a $5,000 unsecured appearance bond following the hearing.
Young appeared Monday for arraignment before Craven with Texarkana lawyer Cory Floyd. Floyd entered pleas of not guilty to all three counts on Young's behalf. Young's case is scheduled for a hearing Thursday to determine if he can be released on bond while his case proceeds or if he will remain in custody.
The indictment includes a notice of the government's intent to seek the men's forfeiture of three cellphones, a Taurus pistol, 12 rounds of 9 mm ammunition and $2,007 in seized cash. The indictment seeks a $15,000 judgment against both Cardwell and Young meant to represent the proceeds of their alleged illegal conduct.
If found guilty of count one, conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute and distribution of methamphetamine and marijuana, the men face five to 40 years in federal prison and a fine up to $5 million. The punishment range for count two, possession of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, is the same as the conspiracy alleged in count one.
Carrying a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime is punishable by five years to life in federal prison. Any sentence imposed for the weapons offense must be served consecutively to any term imposed for the underlying crimes. Both men have been scheduled for trial Feb. 25 before U.S. District Judge Robert Schroeder III in the Texarkana Division of the Eastern District of Texas.