CEDAR RAPIDS – A woman who sold synthetic drugs commonly called “K2” and “bath salts” was convicted by a jury today after a 3-day trial in federal court in Cedar Rapids.
Mary Ramos, age 52, from Evansdale, Iowa, was convicted of distributing and possessing with intent to distribute a synthetic cannabinoid called XLR-11, and distributing and possessing with intent to distribute a synthetic cathinone called Alpha-PVP. Ramos was acquitted of a charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of the drug crime. The verdict was returned this afternoon following about 6 hours of jury deliberations.
The evidence at trial showed that Ramos sold a drug called XLR-11 under various brand names including “Mr. Nice Guy,” “Mr. Happy,” “Diablo,” “Insane,” “Hydro,” “LOL,” and “777.” XLR-11 is a synthetic cannabinoid similar to THC, but the substances were labeled as incense or potpourri. Ramos also sold a drug called Alpha-PVP under the brand name “Blue.” Alpha-PVP is a form of synthetic cathinone, which is a stimulant similar to methamphetamine or cocaine. The “Blue” substance was labeled as scouring powder, and sold by Ramos for $50 per jar, despite the fact that Alpha-PVP has no cleaning properties. Each jar of “Blue” contained less than half a gram of powder.
Sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade will be set after a presentence report is prepared. Ramos was taken into custody by the United States Marshal after the verdicts were returned and will remain in custody pending sentencing. Ramos faces a possible maximum sentence of 80 years’ imprisonment, $4,000,000 in fines, $400 in special assessments, and a lifetime of supervised release following any imprisonment.
SUBJECT IS INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY
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