Anthony Cloud
Staff Writer
A Bell County man has been arrested by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on drug trafficking charges. Officials say two hearings are scheduled in the case today in U.S. District Court in London.
According to Michael V. Kersey of the DEA, Todd J. Brock was charged with drug trafficking charges after a search warrant was executed at his residence on Sept. 29. During the execution of the search warrant, the DEA seized several hundred oxycodone pills, multiple firearms, including several assault rifles, and a large amount of money.
According to the complaint affidavit, Kersey had “probable and reasonable cause” to believe Brock, 59, who has a Calvin mailing address, had been distributing large amounts of oxycodone pills and other controlled substances in and around the Hulen area.
The affidavit further states that around Sept. 29, Brock intentionally possessed, with the intent to distribute, a quantity of pills containing oxycodone in violation of Title 21 United States Code.
Beginning in May, there were a series of controlled purchases of oxycodone pills from Brock at his residence, which is located in Hulen, using a confidential source, according to the affidavit. The confidential source conducted five controlled purchases of oxycodone pills from Brock.
The affidavit states each transaction was recorded using audio and video equipment. In all, the DEA utilized the source to purchase approximately 300 oxycodone 30 mg pills from Brock. On Aug. 25, the final controlled purchase in the series took place, according to the affidavit.
A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for 2 p.m. today in the United States District Court in London. The United States requested detention based on the nature of the charges. The defendant, however, is asking for a continuance.
The detention hearing will take place today as well, following the conclusion of the preliminary hearing.
The judge for the case will be Hon. Hanly A. Ingram, United States Magistrate Judge.
Brock’s counsel is Eric Edwards.
Anthony Cloud is a staff writer for the Middlesboro Daily News. He can be contacted via email at acloud@heartlandpublications.com or by phone at 606-248-1010 ext. 208.
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