TYLER, TX – A federal grand jury returned several indictments late yesterday on cases of federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas.

            KEANE LAMAR LEWIS, 35, of Texarkana, was indicted for Possession of Contraband in Prison.  Lewis is an inmate at the FCI Texarkana.  According to the indictment, Lewis was found in possession of marijuana while he was an inmate.  If convicted, Lewis faces up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000.00.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise Simpson is prosecuting this case.

            JOSE CANDELARIO RIOS, 68, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin was indicted for possession of 5 kilograms or more of a mixture or a substance containing cocaine.  According to the indictment, Rios had in his possession 5 kilograms or more of cocaine.  If convicted, Rios faces up to life in federal prison and a fine not to exceed $4 million.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Denise Simpson is prosecuting this case.
           
            WILLIAM EARL PEMBERTON, 21, of Dallas, was charged for his role in the December 15, 2007 burglary of Sid's Pawn Shop in Tyler.  According to the indictment, 44 firearms were stolen, including handguns, shotguns and rifles.  If convicted, Pemberton faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Middleton is prosecuting this case.

            DAVID SHAWN GROSS , 30, of Gilmer, was indicted for possession with intent to distribute and distribution of more than 50 grams of methamphetamine.  According to the indictment, an undercover investigation resulted in four purchases of methamphetamine from Gross at his residence.  If convicted, Gross faces up to 40 years in federal prison and a fine not to exceed $2 million.  This case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), as well as local law enforcement officers.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard Moore is prosecuting this case.
           
            It is important to note that an indictment should not be considered as evidence of guilt and that all persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.