Roy Christian, a 63-year-old Crucian, pleaded guilty Tuesday before U.S. Magistrate Judge George Cannon, Jr., to manufacture of marijuana, U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. Shappert announced.
According to the plea agreement filed with the court, on or about March 30, 2017, agents and officers from the DEA St. Croix Office executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence in Frederiksted. More than 313 marijuana plants were seized growing in pots and in different stages of growth, according to the plea agreement. A large quantity of processed marijuana and U.S. currency were also found.
Christian later admitted that he grew and sold marijuana. Laboratory analysis confirmed the plants were marijuana.
Christian faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A sentencing date has been set for Jan. 10.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.