Federal magistrate orders custody pending trial for Cedar Rapids man accused of manufacturing synthetic marijuana

CEDAR RAPIDS - A 39-year-old man charged with manufacturing and distributing synthetic marijuana will remain in custody pending his federal trial, a magistrate ruled Friday.

Wayne Watkins of Cedar Rapids, is charged with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute, and aiding and abetting the possession with intent to distribute, a controlled substance.

Robert Sharp, 35, who operated Pipe Dreamz in Iowa City before it was shut down following a DEA raid May 8, 2014, as part of the national crackdown on synthetic drugs, is also charged in the case and also remains in custody pending his trial.

Johnson County Drug Task Force Agent Jerry Blomgon testified Friday during the detention hearing that law enforcement found out in early 2014 that Watkins was distributing synthetic drugs with Sharp. Watkins worked at the Iowa City pipe shop for over a year.

Blomgon said Watkins admitted to manufacturing synthetics with Sharp, who he knew from Illinois. Watkins said he was selling the products from the pipe shop and then switched to manufacturing the products in his Cedar Rapids home to avoid law enforcement.

At some point, Sharp started bringing the already made synthetic marijuana to Watkins and then Watkins would package it, Blomgon said. Watkins said Sharp would bring him 50 to 100 pounds of synthetics every other week for him to package. Sharp was paying him $800 in cash a month.

Les Stokke, Watkins attorney, on cross said didn't Watkins say he was selling what he thought were 'legal” synthetics.

Blomgon said he did.

Blomgon identified photos for Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan Chatham that showed equipment and products to manufacture synthetics at Watkins' residence. There were photos of plastic tubs or totes containing synthetic drugs, boxes of synthetic drug packaging, sprayers and bottles used to spray the chemicals on plant materials to make the drugs. Most of the supplies were located on the main level of Watkins' house. There were also photos of other manufacturing equipment such as funnels, gloves, acetone and respirators.

Chatham argued Watkins shouldn't be released pending trial because the indictment by the grand jury and evidence presented in court Friday showed probable cause for the charges against Watkins, who faces up to 20 years in prison on each charge. Watkins also has a lengthy criminal history, including convictions for domestic battery, assault and drunken driving and has failed to appear many times on charges in Boone County, Ill.