K2 trial of former Waterloo store manager will be reset

An Evansdale man set to take a plea deal Monday in federal court for distribution of synthetic drugs has now asked the court to reset his trial date.

Earl 'E.J.” Ramos was indicted in March and charged with two counts of distribution of a controlled substance analogue, according to a criminal complaint. If convicted, the former manager of the Five Snacks store, 315 Fletcher Ave., in Waterloo, faces up 40 years in federal prison.

According to an affidavit, Ramos sold bath salts or incense items, which contained controlled substances to confidential informants in two separate incidents in October 2012. The store was then raided as part of a synthetic drugs or K2 national enforcement, in which other Eastern Iowa stores were also found selling bath salts or incense. which are commonly smoked like marijuana and contain illegal substances.

According to the affidavit, authorities also seized synthetic drugs and cash from the store and Ramos' truck. Ramos told officers the more than $14,000 seized came from the sale of synthetics and other items sold at the business.

Officers also found a large quantity of synthetic marijuana, bath salts, an undetermined amount of U.S. and Canadian money, five firearms, 13 boxes of ammunition and other items from the home where Ramos lived.

A civil forfeiture is pending for $14,136, which prosecutors contend is proceeds from the sale of controlled substances or controlled substance analogues, and/or used to facilitate the sale.