Pubdate: Wed, 13 Dec 2000
Source: Huntsville Times (AL)
Copyright: 2000 The Huntsville Times
Contact:  P.O. Box 1487, Huntsville, AL 35807
Fax: (256) 532-4213
Website: http://www.al.com/huntsville/news.html
Forum: http://www.al.com/forums/huntsville/
Author: David Holden, staff writer

CORRECTIONS OFFICER IS ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGE

Police say worker at Limestone facility had 100 lbs. of marijuana

- -- A corrections officer who was arrested Tuesday after police say he loaded
100 pounds of marijuana into the trunk of his car will learn today whether
he will get out of jail on bond.

Darreon Terrell Kennamer, 24, of 9022-C Mahogany Row, Huntsville, was
arrested Tuesday by federal agents and police on a charge of possessing a
controlled substance with intent to distribute.

Officers also seized $15,000 cash from Kennamer and a 9 mm semiautomatic
pistol from the glove compartment of his car.

Kennamer was arrested after he used the $15,000 to buy the 100 pounds of
marijuana from an undercover agent, according to authorities.

Agents of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Huntsville Police
Department's Organized Crime Unit made the arrest around noon Tuesday near
the intersection of Drake Avenue and Leeman Ferry Road. Agents of the
Alabama Bureau of Investigation also participated in the investigation.

The agents found another pistol and a shotgun, believed to be stolen, at
Kennamer's apartment.

Kennamer is a corrections officer at the Limestone Correctional Facility
near Capshaw. Though Kennamer has been under observation for a while, there
is no indication that the arrest Tuesday involved drug activity at his job,
the agents said.

The case is still under investigation and involves two or three other
individuals, according to federal authorities.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Harwell G. Davis III was scheduled to determine today
if Kennamer qualifies for release on bond. Davis was also to conduct a
preliminary hearing on the felony drug-possession charge.

Kennamer must convince the judge that he will not run away or pose a danger
to the community if he is released. The judge, federal attorneys and
Kennamer's court-appointed lawyer, Jerry S. Barclay, discussed the
possibility of releasing him on house arrest.

If convicted, Kennamer could face up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000
fine.

Barclay requested federal authorities hold Kennamer in an area separate
from other inmates for his safety. Davis concurred and instructed federal
marshals to find a safe place for Kennamer.
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