Lucedale felon could face 10 years to life on meth-trafficking charges
- A felon from Lucedale faces trial on federal charges involving stiff penalties for trafficking meth.
Mark Antonio “Bleed” Miles, 36, has been indicted on federal charges involving an investigation that first led to his arrest on state charges in George County on April 1, 2015.
He was on parole for drug convictions when he was found off London Street in Lucedale with 90 grams of meth, a firearm, 1-1/2 ounces of marijuana and $250, according to a previous report from the George County Sheriff’s Office.
Under federal drug-trafficking laws, the maximum penalty for 50 grams or more of meth is 10 years to life in prison and a $10 million fine. The minimum prison term increases based on prior convictions and whether the meth led to serious injury or death.
Assisting the sheriff’s narcotics agents in last year’s search were members of the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and the Lucedale Police Department.
A federal grand jury has indicted Miles on one count each of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute. The latter charge involves his Lucedale arrest.
The conspiracy ran more than a year, beginning sometime in late 2014 through the time of his federal indictment on April 19, the charging document said.
Miles is held with no bond.
His trial is set on a court calendar that starts Aug. 1, with Chief U.S. District Judge Louis Guirola Jr. presiding.
Guriola has set a pre-trial conference for Tuesday.
Federal drug-trafficking penalties for 50 or more grams of meth
- First Offense: Ten years to life in prison. If death or serious bodily injury occur, 20 years to life. Fine up to $10 million.
- Second Offense: Twenty years to life in prison. If death or serious bodily injury occur, life in prison. Fine up to $20 million.
- Two or more prior convictions: Life in prison. Fine up to $20 million.
This story was originally published July 14, 2016 at 11:35 AM with the headline "Lucedale felon could face 10 years to life on meth-trafficking charges."