Lakin pleads not guilty to additional charge

Tom Lakin has waived his right to appear in court to have an additional charge in a superseding indictment read to him.

According to a letter filed Aug. 21 in U.S. District Court in Benton, Lakin also pleaded not guilty to an additional charge of distribution of a controlled substance.

A federal grand jury in East St. Louis returned the superseding indictment against Lakin on July 18. That brings the total number of counts against Lakin to eight.

The new count states that Lakin "knowingly and intentionally distributed a mixture and substance containing cocaine, a Schedule I1 Controlled Substance, to John Doe 1 ; all in violation of Title 2 1, United States Code, Sections 84 1 (a)(l) and 84 (b)(l)(C).

The original indictment released on April 20, included the following charges:

Counts I and II: From about 1998 to August 2002, and from June 2005 through September 2005 in Madison County, Lakin knowingly used and maintained a place for the purpose of distributing a controlled substance, mainly cocaine.

Count III: In May 2002, Lakin distributed cocaine to a person under 21.

Count IV: Lakin distributed cocaine in August 2005.

Count V: In August 2005, Lakin distributed cocaine to a person under 21.

Count VI: On May 29, 2005, 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 has pleaded not guilty to all counts and remains free on a $250,000 unsecured bond. His trial is set in January.