NEW YORK MAN INDICTED ON COCAINE CONSPIRACY, FIREARMS, AND TERRORIST HOAX CHARGES

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont stated that on Wednesday, August 13, 2008, a federal grand jury in Rutland, Vermont returned a superseding indictment charging Samuel Jones, 44, of Granville, New York, with the perpetration of a terrorist hoax.

The eleven-count superseding indictment also charges Jones with conspiring to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine, possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine, and distributing cocaine. In addition, Jones faces two counts alleging that he possessed firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes and five counts alleging that, as a convicted felon, he possessed firearms and ammunition. Jones has two previous felony convictions in the State of New York for the possession of controlled substances and a previous felony conviction in the State of Vermont for retail theft. He is therefore prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law.

According to court records, on August 2, 2007, Jones conveyed false information that a terrorist group, which he claimed was his source of supply for drugs, would soon use ambulances outfitted with explosive devices to damage and destroy hospitals in Albany, New York. Jones stated that the ambulances outfitted with explosive devices were stored in a warehouse in Albany, New York. Jones claimed to have visited the warehouse and seen the outfitted ambulances. The FBI in Albany investigated Jones' claims and ultimately determined they were false. Under federal law, it is a crime to falsely allege a terrorist plot or to create a terrorist hoax. A person convicted of this offense faces a penalty of up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and may be ordered to reimburse any law enforcement agency for the cost of responding to or investigating such a hoax.

Jones was arrested on July 2, 2007, by the Vermont State Police after nearly striking a State Police Detective with his vehicle and then leading the Vermont State Police on a high speed chase around Lake Bomoseen. He was ultimately apprehended after crashing his vehicle and jumping into Lake Bomoseen to escape. Jones is also facing charges in Vermont District Court related to these events.

Jones faces a mandatory minimum of 45 years and a maximum of life in prison, as well as an $8,000,000 fine, if convicted. The actual sentence, in the event of conviction, will be determined in accordance with the federal Sentencing Guidelines.

The United States Attorney emphasized that the charges contained in the superseding indictment are accusations only and the defendant is presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The United States Attorney commended the Vermont State Police, the New York State Police, the Southern Vermont Drug Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Washington County Sheriff's Department for their hard work on this matter. The prosecutor is Assistant United States Attorney Timothy C. Doherty, Jr. Samuel Jones is represented by Matt Harnett.