Email List

CBS12 RADARROAD TRIPPINCBS NEWS LIVESUN SENTINELCRIME TRACKER
WPEC-TV CBS12 News :: News - Palm Beach County News - Judge sets $1 million bond for designer drug raid suspect

Judge sets $1 million bond for designer drug raid suspect

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- He's a recovering alcoholic now accused of peddling synthetic pot and owning the West Palm Beach business that exploded in May. New information tonight about one of the local suspects in the national designer drug sweep.
 
Prosecutors say state records show John Shealy as sole officer and share holder of Kratom Labs, the company that made Mr. Nice Guy and other similar products, and whose warehouse space in West Palm Beach exploded back in May.

Today in court prosecutors make their case to hold Shealy with no bond until trial. They tell the judge Shealy's operation used cement mixers to make the synthetic pot.

Prosecutors also say at Shealy's Palm Beach Gardens home agents found an AK-47, a high-powered rifle, and other weapons as well as steroids they believe Shealy was using.
 
"It was very clear he wasn't charged for the possession of steroids. The firearms that were possessed by Mr. Shealy were registered firearms, legally purchased," said Shealy's Miami attorney Marc Seitles.

Prosecutors also tell the judge they believe Shealy is hiding money. At the homes of co-defendant Dylan Harrison and his family and friends, prosecutors say agents recovered $1.6 million in cash. They could only account for several hundred thousand in assets for Shealy.

Shealy's lawyers say their client came to the area 19 years ago for treatment for alcoholism and has been sober since. Ironic he's charged with making and selling synthetic pot?

"I can't comment on his personal issues," said Seitles.

But perhaps Shealy's lawyers best argument is the unusual nature of the case. Shealy is accused of making a concoction not specifically listed as banned. 

And the products Mr. Shealy had and the chemicals that were being used...he was being very careful, using chemicals and consultants to make sure his did not contain any illegal substance," said Seitles.

Federal law says chemical combinations that mimic listed drugs are also illegal. In the end today, the judge allowed Shealy's release on bonds totaling a million dollars backed by the properties owned by Shealy's mother and step father.Judge sets $1 million bond for designer drug raid suspect

Thursday, August 9 2012, 08:30 PM EDT

Palm Beach County Stories

Advertise with us!

 
  • WPEC :: News - Road Trippin

    Road Trippin

    Come Road Trippin' with us!
  • WPEC :: News - The Greek's Trifecta

    The Greek's Trifecta

    Prognostication, travel and women are The Greek's strong suits as well as his vices. Listen as The Greek breaks down the lines on the biggest games of the week for CBS12.
  • WPEC :: News - In Your Corner

    In Your Corner

    CBS12 News has Florida Gov. Rick Scott "In Your Corner," answering your questions. Ask a question in the Facebook commenting window below or email it to newstips@cbs12.com.
  • WPEC :: News - Town Hall

    Town Hall

    Watch the Aug. 23, 2012 town hall meeting on issues affecting South Florida.
  • WPEC :: News - Spot Crime

    Spot Crime

    Search for any crime within a 5-mile radius of your home!
  • WPEC :: News - Extraordinary People

    Extraordinary People



  • WPEC :: News - Health Care Reform

    Health Care Reform

    The Supreme Court ruling to uphold the Affordable Care Act sparked a new battle. Check here daily for the latest developments, locally and across the country.
  • WPEC :: News - Trending with Tracy

    Trending with Tracy

    Tracy St. George, a South Florida DJ for WRMF, delivers the hottest celebrity news weekly on CBS12's Trending with Tracy.

  • WPEC :: News - CBS12 Dolphins Extra

    CBS12 Dolphins Extra

    Get the inside scoop on the Miami Dolphins with CBS12's Josh Samuels and Pat Murphy.
  • WPEC :: News - Wednesday's Weather Kid

    Wednesday's Weather Kid

    Welcome to Wednesday's Weather Kid on CBS12's Good Morning South Florida! Here we let middle schoolers produce a "bus stop forecast" each Wednesday. Contact Robin Cross at rcross@cbs12.com for info on ...
  • WPEC :: News - Washington Guardian

    Washington Guardian

    The Washington Guardian is an online newspaper committed to providing watchdog journalism from the nation's capital aimed at safeguarding everyday Americans' tax dollars, security and freedoms.
  • WPEC :: News - Your Voice. Your Future.

    Your Voice. Your Future.

    As the country faces challenges from federal budget issues to jobs and national debt, your voice is critical to the future.
  • WPEC :: News - Waste Watch

    Waste Watch

    How are your tax dollars being spent? Waste Watch tracks whether local, state and federal governments or any groups are using your money wisely...or wasting it.
  • WPEC :: News - Top Stories

    Top Stories

    Get up to the minute information from South Florida and the Treasure Coast in our Top Stories section!
  • WPEC :: News - Newscast Links

    Newscast Links

    Get links and contact information from items mentioned in our newscasts!
  • WPEC :: News - Tech-Xperts

    Tech-Xperts

    Get tips and advice on everything tech related, from smartphones, gadgets and online security to Twitter topics and Facebook news and tips!
  • WPEC :: News - Treasure Coast

    Treasure Coast

    Watch local news videos and read news stories happening in Treasure Coast!
  • WPEC :: News - Palm Beach County

    Palm Beach County

    Watch local news videos and read news stories happening in Palm Beach County!
  • WPEC :: News - News Tips

    News Tips

    Do you have a lead on a good news tip or want to share a story idea? Let us know!
  • WPEC :: News - Raw News

    Raw News

    See the news as it happened, raw and unedited!
  • WPEC :: News - CBS 12 News LIVE Stream

    CBS 12 News LIVE Stream

    Watch LIVE CBS 12 newscasts and breaking news as it happens here!
  • WPEC :: News - Traffic Links

    Traffic Links

    Get links and information on traffic conditions, rail information and arrival and departure information for PBIA, MIA and FLL!
  • WPEC :: News - PBC Mugshot Roundup

    PBC Mugshot Roundup

    View a selection of mugshots from the Palm Beach County Jail's portrait studio, via a publicly available online booking search.
  • WPEC :: News - Sex Offender Mapping

    Sex Offender Mapping

    Search for any registered sexual offender or predator within a 5-mile radius of your home!
  • WPEC :: News - Product Recalls

    Product Recalls

    Get the latest recalls on autos, child safety seats, consumer products and FDA food and drugs recalls!
  • WPEC :: News - Forever Family

    Forever Family

    Watch videos and read stories of local people and families in need!
  • WPEC :: News - The Dwyer Awards

    The Dwyer Awards

    The William T. Dwyer Awards for Excellence in Education honors outstanding educators from public and private schools in Palm Beach County.


  • WPEC :: News - Live Feed

    Live Feed

    Watch the CBS News Live Feed for news stories as they happen!
  • WPEC :: News - National and World News

    National and World News

    Get the latest headlines from across the nation and around the world.
  • WPEC :: News - Pet of the Day

    Pet of the Day

    Watch our "Pet of the Day" videos for adorable pets that need a loving home!
  • WPEC :: News - Pump Patrol

    Pump Patrol

    Find the lowest gas prices in West Palm Beach, get fuel saving tips, price trends and check out nationwide gas price averages!

more »

Tonight on CBS12

8:00 PM
The Big Bang Theory

8:30 PM
Two and a Half Men

9:00 PM
Person of Interest

10:00 PM
Elementary
Complete Schedule»