Dean Thompson, 47, of St. Thomas, made his initial appearance Monday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Ruth Miller on an indictment charging him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute marijuana, and possession with intent to distribute marijuana, acting U.S. Attorney Joycelyn Hewlett announced.
Thompson was detained Friday pending a detention hearing.
According to the indictment, between Feb. 9 and March 8, Thompson conspired with others to possess approximately 14 kilograms of marijuana that was mailed in two packages from New York to St. Thomas.
If convicted, Thompson faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The case is being investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigrid M. Tejo-Sprotte.