Published: June 28, 2009 08:44 pm      

Duncan man indicted by grand jury Thursday

DUNCAN — A Duncan man has been charged in a federal indictment that was unsealed Thursday to conspiracy to possess and distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and ephedrine.

Adam Richard, or Adam Scott, 38 was charged along with Richard Bishop. Bishop is also charged with engaging in a monetary transaction with property derived from illegal activity.

According to a press release to The Banner, between December 2003 and October 2004, Richard and Bishop conspired to steal pharmaceutical grade ephedrine from Allergy Laboratories in Oklahoma City, where Bishop was employed.

It is alleged that the ephedrine was then sold to known methamphetamine manufacturers who would then “cook” multiple pounds of meth from the ephedrine supplied to them by Richard and Bishop.

It is alleged that the proceeds from the sale of the meth were used to purchase additional quantities of ephedrine and divided between Richard and Bishop.

The indictment further alleges that on May 20, 2004, Bishop used $14,000 he knew was derived from the illegal drug activity to purchase a 2004 C230 Mercedes.

The indictment is merely an accusation and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Both men appeared for arraignment Thursday in Oklahoma City.

Trial is set for Aug. 10.

If convicted, Richard and Bishop could each face up to life in federal prison and a fine of up to $4 million.

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Criminal Investigative Division of the Internal Revenue Service, the Duncan City Police Department and the Marlow City Police Department.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David P. Petermann.