A case involving an out-of-state driver who is facing two felony drug-related charges has been set for disposition in April.
Lin Pi Xing, 51, of New York was formally charged Feb. 27, 2023 in Lincoln County District Court with possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance with intent to distribute and acquire proceeds from drug activity following his arrest by state troopers who also found $32,000 in his vehicle and a quantity of marijuana.
He appeared before Special Judge Emily Mueller on Feb. 23, 2023 and she set his bond at $5,000.
Xing made his initial appearance March 2. At that time, the judge set his pre-preliminary hearing for 1:30 p.m. May 11.
During last week’s disposition docket before Associate District Judge Sheila Kirk, Xing and the state waived a jury trial. Judge Kirk set the case for disposition at 9 a.m. on April 16 this year.
In Count 1, Xing is accused on Feb. 22 in Lincoln County of possession of a quantity of marijuana, classified as a CDS in Schedule 1 of the CDS Act with the intent to distribute.
The second felony count charges him with receiving or acquiring proceeds and concealing such proceeds or engaging in transactions involving proceeds known to be derived from any violation of the Uniform CDS Act.
In a probable cause affidavit, State Trooper Kelton Hayes states he observed a vehicle change lanes unsafely by failing to signal and he initiated a traffic stop.
After getting out of his patrol unit, Hayes approached the vehicle and requested to see the driver incense and insurance verification.
Hayes asked Xing to come back to his patrol unit and questioned him about the odor of marijuana coming from his person and the interior of the driver’s car.
State Trooper Matthew Ludwig arrived at the scene to check Hayes’ welfare.
Hayes further stated in the affidavit that a probable cause search was conducted and he found a box containing $32,000 in cash and approximately one pound of vacuum sealed high grade marijuana.
The trooper noted the cash was bundled together by rubber bands in $10,000 incruments.
Hayes reported that Xing was arrested and transported to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office in Chandler where he was booked on the charges.