Local Man Cleared in Marijuana Smuggling Conspiracy: In Mobile, Alabama, a federal jury has acquitted Jervoris Durmaine Scarbrough, 39, of Mobile, in a conspiracy case involving the alleged smuggling of thousands of kilograms of high-grade marijuana into southwest Alabama. Scarbrough was one of 14 individuals named in the federal indictment, accused of smuggling marijuana in luggage on commercial flights between California and the Mobile area.
While Scarbrough’s co-defendants either pleaded guilty or faced unfortunate circumstances, he maintained his innocence throughout the trial. The defense, led by attorney John Beck, emphasized Scarbrough’s consistent denial of any involvement in the alleged conspiracy.
Im relieved for my client, said Beck. Im relieved for his family. Theyve been going through this fight for four years. He has steadfastly denied any agreement with the conspirators that were charged and pled guilty. And he stood by his plea of not guilty.
The trial included prosecutors presenting evidence throughout the week, while the defense called a single witness, Damario Kentel King, who admitted to running the drug trafficking organization but testified that Scarbrough was not involved.
Beck, who meticulously reviewed extensive documents and spreadsheets, praised the jury for holding the government to its burden and making a decision based on the evidence presented.
Scarbrough also faces a murder charge related to a 2014 cold case involving the death of David Patrick Kyles. The murder case is pending action from a Mobile County grand jury, which will determine whether to indict Scarbrough on murder and kidnapping charges.
Scarbrough’s arrest last year marked the first instance in Mobile where prosecutors attempted to use Aniah’s Law to keep a defendant locked up without bail. Although initially granted bail, it was later revoked after prosecutors alleged a violation of the release terms.
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