Federal drug trial starts today for Cedar Rapids store operator

The first defendant with charges stemming from the national synthetic drug operation raid in 2013 will stand trial today in federal court.

Mary Ramos, 52, of Evansdale, is charged with distribution of a controlled substance XLR-11, distribution of a controlled substance analogue Alpha-PVP, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance XLR-11, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance analogue Alpha-PVP and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, according to a criminal complaint.

Ramos, operator of the I-Wireless and Five Star Snacks store, 1551 First Ave SE, in Cedar Rapids, is accused of knowingly distributing and possessing XLR11, a synthetic cannabinoid, commonly known as synthetic marijuana or K2, according to a criminal complaint. The incidents occurred May 28, June 19 and June 26, 2013.

The illegal synthetics are usually sold as bath salts or incense but are smoked like marijuana and produce a similar 'high.'

The trial is expected to last four days. Jury selection is this morning and testimony will start at 1 p.m. in U.S. District Court. Gazette Reporter Trish Mehaffey will tweet updates on breaks from court @tmehaffey, #k2trial. Laptops and electronic equipment isn't allowed in federal court.

According to pretrial documents on the case, prosecutors will provide testimony on drug trafficking and trafficking of synthetic drugs and manufacturing and distributing of controlled and synthetic drugs. A Drug Enforcement Administration chemist also will testify about controlled substance analogues and a DEA pharmacologist will testify about effects the substances have on a person's body.

The defense will argue Ramos didn't know her actions were illegal because she didn't know she was selling or distributing a controlled substance or a controlled substance analogue, according to pretrial documents.

If convicted, Ramos faces up to 20 years on each distribution and possession charge and five to life on the firearms charge.

Ramos' son, Earl 'E.J.' Ramos, 26, of Evansdale, pleaded guilty June 13, to one count of distribution of a controlled substance analogue. During the plea, Ramos, manager of the Five Star Snacks store, 315 Fletcher Ave. in Waterloo, admitted to selling bath salts or incense items that contained illegal substances to confidential informants in October 2012. He faces up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine. Sentencing has not been set.