Tom Lakin
Prominent Metro-East plaintiff's lawyer and Lakin Law Firm founder Tom Lakin was indicted on seven counts by a federal grand jury in East St. Louis.
The indictment released today includes the following charges:
Counts I and II: From about 1998 to August 2002, and from June 2005 through September 2005 in Madison County, Lowell Thomas Lakin knowingly used and maintained a place for the purpose of distributing a controlled substance, mainly cocaine.
Count III: In May 2002, Thomas Lakin distributed cocaine to a person under 21.
Count IV: Thomas Lakin distributed cocaine in August 2005.
Count V: In August 2005, Thomas Lakin distributed cocaine to a person under 21.
Count VI: On May 29, 2005, Thomas Lakin transported John Doe who was under 18 years old from Madison County to Malibu, Calif. with the intent to engage in sexual activity under circumstances that would constitute criminal offense by any person under California penal code. That is, oral copulation, by a person over age of 21 with another a person under 16 years of age at the time.
That charge carries a life sentence.
Count VII: As a result of his alleged offenses, the property located at 287 Oakley Place in East Alton, used or intended to be used in any manner or part to commit or facilitate the commission of these offenses, shall be forfeited.
Lakin surrendered to federal authorities early this afternoon.
He did so at the U.S. District Court in East St. Louis at approximately 12:45 p.m.
Watch this space for updates.