An inmate serving time at Texarkana’s Federal Correctional Institution for drug crimes is accused of possessing two kinds of synthetic marijuana while in prison.
Marcus Tarin Ellis, 45, appeared before a federal judge Wednesday for arraignment on a two-count indictment handed down in April by a federal grand jury in the Texarkana Division of the Eastern District of Texas. Ellis, who is represented by Longview, Texas, attorney Gregory Waldron, pleaded not guilty to each count of possessing contraband in prison at a hearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Caroline Craven. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan Locker is prosecuting the case.
Ellis’ indictment alleges he possessed XLR-11 and AB-CHMINACA, both schedule I controlled substances, Oct. 14. Ellis is currently serving time for drug offenses for which he was convicted in Oklahoma more than ten years ago. According to the Bureau of Prisons website, Ellis has a projected release date of April 20, 2024.
If found guilty of possessing contraband in prison, Ellis could be sentenced to serve up to ten more years on each count. Fines of up to $250,000 are also possible. Ellis is set for a jury trial in June before U.S. District Judge Robert Schroeder, III.
