STATE DRUG DEFENDANTS PROCLAIM THEIR INNOCENCE

`Sandshaker' Court Appearances Continue

While most facing federal charges in the "Operation Sandshaker" drug
investigation have been quick to admit participating in the cocaine
trafficking operation, the suspects being prosecuted in state court
have not.

Four more defendants Friday morning pleaded not guilty to cocaine
charges in state court.

In all, 26 people have entered not guilty pleas to an array of
cocaine-related offenses in state court, and more court appearances
are scheduled in coming weeks.

Karen Knowles Dyess, James Allen King, Vivian Elizabeth McGinnis and
Christian Andrew Anderson - whose name originally was not included
among the list of people taken into custody during the first wave of
arrests in early December - entered not guilty pleas Friday before
Circuit Judge Frank Bell.

All four are charged with criminal conspiracy and are suspected of
making drug deals with Jackie Seale, the ringleader of the operation
that investigators say brought large quantities of cocaine into the
Pensacola area from South Florida during the last three years.

Seale and at least seven other federal suspects have pleaded guilty to
drug conspiracy charges and agreed to cooperate with
investigators.

King and McGinnis are charged with trafficking in cocaine, while Dyess
and Anderson face less serious drug possession charges.

Another suspect whose name was omitted from original reports, Deborah
Ann Cowen, was among the 22 suspects who pleaded not guilty to drug
charges during a round of arraignments Wednesday.

Five more people, including millionaire businessman Charles Switzer,
are due in court Thursday to answer the charges against them.

The six suspects arrested earlier this week, including local attorneys
Kelly McGraw and Michael Valen, are scheduled to appear for
arraignments Jan. 22.

Authorities expect more arrests as federal suspects who have pleaded
guilty are interviewed by investigators.

Those charged at the federal level could face 10 years to life in
prison and fines of up to $4 million.

Suspects being prosecuted in state court could receive prison time,
probation and fines.

Authorities have made 49 arrests in connection with the massive
investigation, and three more suspects are being sought.

Prosecutors say those who have been charged were part of an extensive
network of cocaine dealers and users who routinely pitched in to buy
cocaine in South Florida.

Linda Murphy, owner of the popular Sandshaker Lounge and Package Store
on Pensacola Beach, has admitted to being a part of the operation and
allowing the bar to be used as a safe location to make arrangements
for drug buys.

She and her husband, Robert, also pleaded guilty to money laundering -
allowing checks written as payment for cocaine to be cashed at the
bar.

Federal officials are seeking the forfeiture of the Sandshaker and
three other properties in the Pensacola area. The seizure of the
landmark bar is expected to be ordered when the Murphys are sentenced
Feb. 27.