Pubdate: Tue, 12 Jun 2001
Source: Augusta Chronicle, The (GA)
Copyright: 2001 The Augusta Chronicle
Contact:  http://www.augustachronicle.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/31
Note: Does not publishing letters from outside of the immediate Georgia and 
South Carolina circulation area
Author: Johnny Edwards

MAN FACES 'KINGPIN' CHARGES

Indictment Accuses Grovetown Resident Of Drug Conspiracy, Engaging In 
Criminal Enterprise

The big man didn't look much like a drug kingpin.

In a federal courtroom Monday, where the government accused him of making 
his riches in the local narcotics trade, Robert Lorenzo Snell, 45, looked 
more like a businessman on vacation.

He wore a gray T-shirt, blue shorts and jogging shoes. His 6-foot, 4-inch, 
350-pound figure shifted from side-to-side with fingers locked behind his 
back as Magistrate Judge W. Leon Barfield read the charges against him.

Authorities say the Grovetown man has been part of an operation that, since 
1996, has possessed and sold more than 5 kilograms of cocaine; more than 
500 grams of methamphetamines; 2 kilograms MDMA, or ecstacy; and more than 
1,000 kilograms of marijuana. They also say he spent part of the profits on 
a lavish five-bedroom home still under construction in Grovetown. The 
government has seized the house, along with nearly $2.5 million in cash and 
two pickup trucks.

After his arrest and arraignment Monday, the court unsealed the indictment 
against him, which a federal grand jury in Savannah handed down Friday. Its 
charges include conspiracy and engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise 
- - also known as the "kingpin statute."

On Monday night, his parents, Robert and Kathryn Snell, scoffed at the idea 
of their son being a kingpin. Sitting in the kitchen of their home on Red 
Bud Drive in Grovetown with Mr. Snell's fiancee, Judy Boatright, they said 
the Drug Enforcement Agency has searched their home and probed their 
financial records, but the only evidence they have is the word of criminals.

That and the fact their son doesn't work, but has money.

"What it is is a frame-up. I guarantee you that," Mr. Snell's father said.

His parents said Mr. Snell has held jobs at chemical plants, including 
Columbia Nitrogen, but stopped working after he and his now ex-wife 
separated. He sold the house on Red Bud Drive to his mother and father, and 
has been living off the proceeds since, they said.

Ms. Boatright said she and Mr. Snell planned to marry in the house on 
Nicoles Way once it was completed. She inherited a substantial sum from her 
parents, and used that money to build the house, she said.

"He's a good, kind man," Ms. Boatright said. "He's helped me get my 
daughter through college, taken care of my son, taken care of me and my 
hospital bills. He takes care of his parents."

A forfeiture complaint says the defendant has had no legitimate employment 
for the past 10 years and that he placed the title to Nicoles Way home in 
Ms. Boatright's name to avoid suspicion.

Ms. Boatright said every penny she has is invested in that house. Mr. 
Snell's parents also have put money into it, they said. The three said 
they'll have see what happens in court before planning their next move.

"I just can't imagine him doing anything wrong," Ms. Boatright said.

Mr. Snell pleaded innocent Monday. If convicted, he could face life in 
prison, and millions in fines.

A detention hearing has been scheduled for Monday.
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