Pubdate: Sat, 03 Jan 2004 Source: Pensacola News Journal (FL) Copyright: 2004 The Pensacola News Journal Contact: http://www.pensacolanewsjournal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1675 Author: Amber Bollman Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v03/n000/a416.html Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/operation+sandshaker Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/af.htm (Asset Forfeiture) STATE DRUG DEFENDANTS PROCLAIM THEIR INNOCENCE `Sandshaker' Court Appearances Continue While most facing federal charges in the "Operation Sandshaker" drug investigation have been quick to admit participating in the cocaine trafficking operation, the suspects being prosecuted in state court have not. Four more defendants Friday morning pleaded not guilty to cocaine charges in state court. In all, 26 people have entered not guilty pleas to an array of cocaine-related offenses in state court, and more court appearances are scheduled in coming weeks. Karen Knowles Dyess, James Allen King, Vivian Elizabeth McGinnis and Christian Andrew Anderson - whose name originally was not included among the list of people taken into custody during the first wave of arrests in early December - entered not guilty pleas Friday before Circuit Judge Frank Bell. All four are charged with criminal conspiracy and are suspected of making drug deals with Jackie Seale, the ringleader of the operation that investigators say brought large quantities of cocaine into the Pensacola area from South Florida during the last three years. Seale and at least seven other federal suspects have pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy charges and agreed to cooperate with investigators. King and McGinnis are charged with trafficking in cocaine, while Dyess and Anderson face less serious drug possession charges. Another suspect whose name was omitted from original reports, Deborah Ann Cowen, was among the 22 suspects who pleaded not guilty to drug charges during a round of arraignments Wednesday. Five more people, including millionaire businessman Charles Switzer, are due in court Thursday to answer the charges against them. The six suspects arrested earlier this week, including local attorneys Kelly McGraw and Michael Valen, are scheduled to appear for arraignments Jan. 22. Authorities expect more arrests as federal suspects who have pleaded guilty are interviewed by investigators. Those charged at the federal level could face 10 years to life in prison and fines of up to $4 million. Suspects being prosecuted in state court could receive prison time, probation and fines. Authorities have made 49 arrests in connection with the massive investigation, and three more suspects are being sought. Prosecutors say those who have been charged were part of an extensive network of cocaine dealers and users who routinely pitched in to buy cocaine in South Florida. Linda Murphy, owner of the popular Sandshaker Lounge and Package Store on Pensacola Beach, has admitted to being a part of the operation and allowing the bar to be used as a safe location to make arrangements for drug buys. She and her husband, Robert, also pleaded guilty to money laundering - allowing checks written as payment for cocaine to be cashed at the bar. Federal officials are seeking the forfeiture of the Sandshaker and three other properties in the Pensacola area. The seizure of the landmark bar is expected to be ordered when the Murphys are sentenced Feb. 27. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin