ST. CROIX — On Friday, February 17, 2017, Ray Harris, Jr., 23, pleaded guilty in District Court to conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with intent to distribute, United States Attorney Ronald W. Sharpe announced. Harris’ sentencing is scheduled for June 21, 2017.
According to the plea agreement filed with the court, on May 4, 2016, Harris, who was employed by Worldwide Flight Services at the Rohlsen Airport, entered the Transportation Security Administration screening area before his scheduled shift. As Harris attempted to pass through the screening area, the metal detector was triggered. A search of Harris revealed a bricklike package wrapped with gray duct tape and strapped to one of his legs. The package field-tested positive for cocaine. Harris admitted he knew the package contained cocaine and was planning to put the package in a checked bag headed to Puerto Rico. Laboratory tests confirmed the substance was cocaine. The net weight of the cocaine that Harris possessed was 473.4 grams.
Harris faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years, a $1 million fine, a term of supervised release of not more than three years, and a $100 special assessment. This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Rhonda Williams-Henry.
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