Richards denied the charges during his initial appearance in court and arraignment before designated Federal Judge Robert C. Naraja.
The 32-year-old Richards turned himself in to federal authorities in time for his 3 p.m. court hearing yesterday.
Richards, who was represented by attorney Mike Evangelista, waived the reading of the indictment and of his rights.
Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Benedetto, the prosecutor, filed the indictment on Oct. 21.
The grand jury charged Richards with drug conspiracy, distribution of a controlled substance, use of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
Benedetto moved for Richards’ detention, citing the jail term of more than 10 years that could be imposed on the former patrol officer of the Department of Public Safety.
Benedetto said the Federal Probation Office also reported that Richards smoked methamphetamine and marijuana and consumed alcohol recently.
Naraja granted the government’s motion, and remanded Richards to the custody of the U.S. Marshals.
The federal charges against Richards were similar to those filed in Superior Court.
Richards was out on bail for his drug charges in the local court.
DPS commissioner Santiago F. Tudela told the Variety that he recommended Richards’ termination.
Tudela suspended Richards after his arrest on July 15, 2010.
Richards resigned on July 22, 2010.
Richards, who was off-duty at that time, and Belinda O. Omengkar, 38, were arrested last July by the CNMI Joint Drug Task Force for possession and trafficking of “ice.”
