TEXAS MAN INDICTED IN ALABAMA FOR LARGE METHAMPHETAMINE AND COCAINE SEIZURE

BIRMINGHAM, AL - An indictment was filed in U.S. District Court charging Yedidiyah Dean Fonken "Jake" with possession and intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. The federal indictment, filed in U.S. District Court late last week is announced today by U.S. Attorney Alice H. Martin, Carmen S. Adams, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Richard Minor, District Attorney, St. Clair County. State charges were also filed late yesterday which included trafficking in cocaine and methamphetamine.

"A seizure of this magnitude highlights the importance of highway safety and drug interdiction programs," stated Alice H. Martin. "There is little doubt that the suppliers of these drugs feel the effects of this seizure."

"With today's federal and state indictments, we demonstrate our resolve to use all the resources available to law enforcement to make our communities safer by reducing the availability of drugs in our community and to hold drug dealers accountable for their illegal actions," stated Richard Minor, District Attorney, St Clair County. "I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Chief Ron Black and the officers of the Springville Police Department whose diligent actions led to the drug seizure."

Yedidiyah Dean Fonken "Jake," 29, of Edinburg, Texas, was arrested shortly after midnight on May 20, 2007. Officers with the Springville Police Department conducted a routine traffic stop of a tractor and trailer headed north on Interstate 59. It was determined that the tractor-trailer driven by Fonken, and carrying produce destined for the greater Atlanta, Georgia area, was headed in the wrong direction. Officers also noticed numerous indicators, including the strong order of spice, that the truck was also carrying contraband.

A hidden compartment was discovered inside the sleeper cab, and officers found 116 large black bundles wrapped in plastic and weighing nearly 500 pounds. The bundles were later confirmed to be nearly half methamphetamine and half powder cocaine. The estimated street value of these drugs exceeds 30 million dollars.

Fonken now faces ten years to life in prison along with a fine of $4,000,000 on the federal charges, and life without parole on the state charges. He remains in police custody.

Members of the public are reminded that an indictment contains only charges. A defendant is presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government's burden to prove a defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.