CPD investigates drug trafficking case
Various charges lead to a payout of approximately $4 million.
Published Jan. 26, 2009
A Columbia man was charged by a federal grand jury in a $4 million marijuana conspiracy.
Galen Baxley, 25, is now listed as a co-defendant along with previously charged Eric McCauley, 27, and Robert Hocks, 27. Baxley, McCauley and Hocks are charged with participating in a conspiracy to distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana in and around Boone County.
Baxley was arrested Friday by the police department.
The case began in March 2007 after one of the largest seizures of marijuana in the history of the Columbia Police Department. Baxley, McCauley and Hocks were accused of participating in a drug-trafficking conspiracy in Boone County from 2005 to December 23, 2008, the news release stated. As a part of the federal indictment, the defendants must forfeit more than $4 million, which was the estimated value of the drugs sold.
Baxley was charged with possession with the intent to distribute marijuana in Jackson County in December 2008, while McCauley and Hocks are charged with one count of possession with the intent to distribute in Boone County.
McCauley is also charged with participation in a money-laundering conspiracy, marijuana distribution in Jackson County and money laundering from drug-trafficking proceeds on three separate occasions. Hocks is also charged with keeping a facility to distribute marijuana.
Sgt. Brian Richenberger, head of the narcotics divison at CPD, investigated the drug conspiracy.
"It's been going on for several years. It's very-fast paced," Richenberger said.
He declined to comment further.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren Kummerer will prosecute the case. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS-Criminal Investigation and Columbia police investigated the case.
