Pubdate: Wed, 31 Dec 2003 Source: Pensacola News Journal (FL) Copyright: 2003 The Pensacola News Journal Contact: http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1675 Author: Amber Bollman, of the News Journal 30 DRUG CASES GO TO COURT Many Already Pleaded On State Charges In Cocaine Ring The 30 people arrested on state charges in a major cocaine bust earlier this month are scheduled for arraignment today, but most will not appear in court. Circuit Judge Jan Shackelford will preside over the 9 a.m. arraignments at which defendants generally enter not guilty pleas and are assigned to a trial judge and court date. But at least 17 of the defendants accused of participating in what prosecutors call a massive network of drug users and dealers already have entered written pleas of not guilty and are not required to appear at the M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building. Assistant State Attorney John Simon, who is prosecuting the state defendants, said their next court appearances likely will be "sometime in the next month or two." Among those who have entered written pleas of not guilty are: Fisher Brown insurance executive Thomas Kennedy III, Gulf Breeze Middle School teacher Pamela Reynolds, state probation officer Theresa Williams, Cuttin' Loose hair salon owner Deborah Ward and real estate instructor David Collins. The suspects who have not filed written pleas are due in court to answer to charges ranging from simple possession of cocaine to trafficking in the drug. The first wave of arrests in the investigation that authorities dubbed "Operation Sandshaker" began three weeks ago when 11 people were charged in a federal indictment and 30 more were booked on state drug charges. Prosecutors contend that all were part of a circle of people who frequently pitched in to bring large amounts of cocaine into the area from South Florida. Eight federal suspects - including Sandshaker Lounge and Package Store owner Linda Murphy and her husband, Robert, and alleged drug ring leader Jackie Seale - have pleaded guilty to charges. Two have maintained their pleas of not guilty, and the status of another case is under court-ordered seal. On Monday, six more people - including area attorneys Kelly McGraw and Michael Valen - were arrested in connection with the investigation. Both are charged with possession of cocaine and criminal conspiracy and were released on $10,000 bonds shortly after they were taken into custody. One of the six suspects, John Steven Hahn, still was being held at Escambia County Jail late Tuesday in lieu of $20,000 bond. He originally was booked on a $150,000 bond, but prosecutor Simon and defense attorney Andrew Marks agreed to the bond reduction prior to Hahn's video court appearance Tuesday morning before Ecambia County Judge Pat Kinsey. Hahn's release also would carry three other conditions, Kinsey said: He would not be allowed to leave Escambia County except to work at a Gulf Breeze Waffle House. He would not be allowed to associate with co-defendants. And he would have to maintain employment. Hahn formerly was a bartender at a lounge that now is closed. Affidavits detailing the probable cause that investigators had for Monday's arrests have not been presented to the suspects and are not yet public record. Authorities also are pursuing a seventh suspect, who remained at large Tuesday. Officials have not identified that suspect. McGraw and Valen could face disciplinary action from the Florida Bar pending the results of the criminal cases against them. Bar spokeswoman Francine Walker said the organization that regulates the legal profession has requested copies of the arrest reports on McGraw and Valen and likely will open a "monitor file" to determine what, if any, reprimand they should face. Generally, she said, "in cases where an attorney is charged with stealing money from a client or something like that, we usually seek an emergency suspension. Otherwise, we will let the justice system take its course." If McGraw and Valen are convicted, they could face a variety of penalties, ranging from written admonishment to being disbarred. For drug convictions in particular, Walker said the organization often requires attorneys with substance-abuse problems to complete counseling programs. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake