Two Men Indicted by Federal Grand Jury on Drug Charges

Two area men have been indicted by a Federal grand jury on drug charges.

54-year-old Henry J. Dietz of Edgewood and 49-year-old Richard H. Barber of Louisville have been indicted by a grand jury sitting in Benton. Each man is charged with conspiring with others to manufacture 50 or more grams of a mixture and substance containing methamphetamine. Each was also charged with possessing equipment, chemicals, products or materials that can be used to manufacture meth with the expectation that the items would be used to manufacture meth.

Dietz's charge regarding conspiracy covers the period from January 2010 to about August 25, 2014, while the possession count dates to August 25, 2014. Barber's conspiracy count coves the period from June 2014 to about October 28, 2014, while the possession charge dates to October 28, 2014.

If found guilty, Dietz faces between five and 40 years in prison on the first count and a fine of up to $2 million, and up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the possession count. If found guilty, Barber faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million on the conspiracy count, and up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on the possession count.