Monday, Nov. 09, 2009

Shelnutt’s trial begins today

Columbus attorney Mark Shelnutt, facing a 40-count indictment on federal charges, is scheduled for trial today.

Shelnutt faces charges of aiding and abetting a conspiracy to distribute cocaine, money laundering, witness tampering and attempted bribery. His indictment alleges a connection between Shelnutt and Torrance Hill, who was once represented by Shelnutt. Hill pleaded guilty in 2006 to drug charges and was sentenced to 24 1/2 years in prison.

If convicted, Shelnutt’s maximum sentence is life imprisonment. Jury selection in his trial begins today.

What follows is a timeline of events related to Shelnutt’s case, beginning with what authorities have called the largest drug bust in Columbus history.

May 4, 2005: Drug agents seize more than $37 million worth of drugs, including 484 pounds of cocaine and 2,500 pounds of marijuana, and more than $600,000 in cash, authorities said. Five people are arrested, including Torrance Hill.

June 20, 2005: Mark Shelnutt becomes Torrance Hill’s attorney.

Feb. 7, 2006: Torrance Hill, out on bond, is arrested again after a federal search warrant is executed at Whisperwood Apartments. About a half-pound of marijuana and $141,000 in cash was seized from Torrance Hill and Latea Davis, authorities allege.

On the same day, Cortez Johnson is arrested in connection with an ongoing drug investigation. Police allege Johnson had more than $5.4 million in cocaine in his car’s trunk.

Latea Davis is later indicted by a federal grand jury along with Shawn Bunkley, Vincent Johnson, Santwan Holt and Edward Hill. In a superseding indictment, Antonio Reese, Choici Lawrence and Keith Barber were added.

Feb. 9, 2006: The Metro Narcotics Task Force arrests Choici Lawrence and Keith Barber in connection with the ongoing drug investigation.

Feb. 16, 2006: Latea Davis is arrested in connection with the investigation, authorities said.

Feb. 24, 2006: Antonio Pierre Reese turns himself in to the Metro Narcotics Task Force. Authorities claim he is linked to the multimillion-dollar cocaine seizure.

March 2, 2006: Shawn Maurice Bunkley is arrested and linked to the drug ring, authorities said.

March 14, 2006: Special Agent Steve Ribolla and Sgt. Jim Price of the Metro Narcotics Task Force interview a confidential source (CI) about the drug trafficking activities of Torrance Hill, Cortez Johnson, Choici Lawrence, Latea Davis, Antonio Reese and other members of Torrance Hill’s organization, court filings state.

Dec. 15, 2006: Torrance Hill pleads guilty in federal court to drug offenses.

Feb. 21, 2007: Torrance Hill is sentenced to 24 1/2 years in prison.

April 9, 2007: A motion hearing occurs in Harris County for 11 defendants accused of involvement in the drug ring, including Torrance Hill and his wife, Tamika Hill. Attorneys learn that Cortez Johnson and Tamika Hill will testify for the state. The trial is delayed.

April 19, 2007: Columbus Police Officer Larry Lightning is indicted by a federal grand jury and accused of working with Eric Virden to deal crack cocaine. Police Chief Ricky Boren said authorities started an investigation into Lightning’s activities 14 months ago and that the investigation is linked to the Harris County and Columbus drug ring.