MAN FACES 'KINGPIN' CHARGES

Indictment Accuses Grovetown Resident Of Drug Conspiracy, Engaging In
Criminal Enterprise

The big man didn't look much like a drug kingpin.

In a federal courtroom Monday, where the government accused him of making
his riches in the local narcotics trade, Robert Lorenzo Snell, 45, looked
more like a businessman on vacation.

He wore a gray T-shirt, blue shorts and jogging shoes. His 6-foot, 4-inch,
350-pound figure shifted from side-to-side with fingers locked behind his
back as Magistrate Judge W. Leon Barfield read the charges against him.

Authorities say the Grovetown man has been part of an operation that, since
1996, has possessed and sold more than 5 kilograms of cocaine; more than
500 grams of methamphetamines; 2 kilograms MDMA, or ecstacy; and more than
1,000 kilograms of marijuana. They also say he spent part of the profits on
a lavish five-bedroom home still under construction in Grovetown. The
government has seized the house, along with nearly $2.5 million in cash and
two pickup trucks.

After his arrest and arraignment Monday, the court unsealed the indictment
against him, which a federal grand jury in Savannah handed down Friday. Its
charges include conspiracy and engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise
- - also known as the "kingpin statute."

On Monday night, his parents, Robert and Kathryn Snell, scoffed at the idea
of their son being a kingpin. Sitting in the kitchen of their home on Red
Bud Drive in Grovetown with Mr. Snell's fiancee, Judy Boatright, they said
the Drug Enforcement Agency has searched their home and probed their
financial records, but the only evidence they have is the word of criminals.

That and the fact their son doesn't work, but has money.

"What it is is a frame-up. I guarantee you that," Mr. Snell's father said.

His parents said Mr. Snell has held jobs at chemical plants, including
Columbia Nitrogen, but stopped working after he and his now ex-wife
separated. He sold the house on Red Bud Drive to his mother and father, and
has been living off the proceeds since, they said.

Ms. Boatright said she and Mr. Snell planned to marry in the house on
Nicoles Way once it was completed. She inherited a substantial sum from her
parents, and used that money to build the house, she said.

"He's a good, kind man," Ms. Boatright said. "He's helped me get my
daughter through college, taken care of my son, taken care of me and my
hospital bills. He takes care of his parents."

A forfeiture complaint says the defendant has had no legitimate employment
for the past 10 years and that he placed the title to Nicoles Way home in
Ms. Boatright's name to avoid suspicion.

Ms. Boatright said every penny she has is invested in that house. Mr.
Snell's parents also have put money into it, they said. The three said
they'll have see what happens in court before planning their next move.

"I just can't imagine him doing anything wrong," Ms. Boatright said.

Mr. Snell pleaded innocent Monday. If convicted, he could face life in
prison, and millions in fines.

A detention hearing has been scheduled for Monday.