Pair confesses to role in marijuana ring

Two men on Monday admitted their part in a marijuana ring authorities say was operated out of a shop on the Downtown Mall.

Jvon Barnett and Joe Davis Williams III pleaded guilty to drug charges in Charlottesville federal court as part of a plea agreement. Authorities said the men participated in a ring headed up by Reynold George Samuels Jr., the owner of the former Downtown Mall business Sexshuns.

Barnett pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 60 kilos but less than 80 kilos of marijuana. Williams pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 10 kilos but less than 20 kilos of marijuana. At sentencing, both men face up to 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.

On Feb. 13, a federal grand jury handed down a 15-count indictment charging Barnett, Williams, Samuels and five others with drug charges. According to a search warrant, federal agents seized pirated DVDs, computer equipment, business records and shoes from Sexshuns during a February raid.

In court Monday, Assistant U.S. Attorney Ron Huber said Samuels used couriers to move marijuana between New York City and Charlottesville. In August, courier Reginald Vaughn Bly was sentenced to 40 months in prison for transporting marijuana between the two cities.

According to court records, Carl Anthony Samuels is scheduled to appear for a hearing Sept. 25 in federal court, and Andre Alexander Williams will be sentenced Nov. 10 for his part in the ring. Samuels and four others are expected to have a three-day trial Nov. 12 in federal court.

Barnett and Williams are scheduled to be sentenced Dec. 1.