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Hearings delayed for meth distribution suspects

Brandon Johnson

The 14 Craig residents arrested on suspicion of selling methamphetamine in a massive drug investigation last month will have to wait until later this week before they see a judge again.

The suspects, who face as many as 32 years in jail if convicted of selling meth, were supposed to go before a judge Tuesday in Moffat County Court for a status conference.

But County Judge Mary Lynne James pushed the hearings back to later this week to give the court time to assign lawyers to the suspects.



The public defender can’t represent all of the suspects, so the court will appoint local attorneys to handle some of the cases, James said.

James will meet with the public defender and the 14th Judicial District Attorney’s Office today to discuss the issue of lawyers for the suspects.



Last week, James said she wouldn’t reduce the $50,000 bond on any of the suspects without a hearing.

On Tuesday, James said she wouldn’t preside over bond hearings until lawyers are assigned.

Local law enforcement officers and the Greater, Routt and Moffat Narcotics Enforcement Team rounded up the suspects Dec. 21 and 22 after a 6-month investigation.

Police say they have evidence that all 14 people sold drugs to undercover officers and informants.

The 14 Craig residents face felony charges of distributing meth and felony possession of meth.

Jonathan Herod, 42, is the only one of the 14 who has bonded out. The remaining suspects remain in jail.


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