Designated Federal Judge Robert C. Naraja remanded Richards to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service after his detention hearing yesterday afternoon.
Naraja noted that Richards was “dealing with, using dangerous drugs, and possessed a dangerous weapon” while committing drug trafficking.
Richards is facing possible incarceration of more than 10 years for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, distribution of a controlled substance, carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Benedetto, the prosecutor, moved for Richards’ medical evaluation, which was granted by the court.
Attorney Mike Evangelista, Richards’ counsel, earlier argued that his client had no prior conviction.
Evangelista said from the time Richards’ was released to his common-law wife and his mother as third party custodians three months ago, the defendant had not committed any crime.
The Federal Probation Office reported that Richards smoked “ice” and marijuana and consumed alcohol recently.
Naraja said Richards’ medical evaluation is “very critical to the court’s decision.”
Richards turned himself in to federal authorities last week after the grand jury indicted him on Oct. 21, 2010.
The federal indictment against Richards stemmed from his arrest on July 15, 2010 by local authorities for possession and trafficking of “ice.”
The federal jury trial for Richards, who resigned from the local police force on July 22, will start on Dec. 13.
