ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Friday, April 5, 1996 TAG: 9604050110
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: WYTHEVILLE
SOURCE: PAUL DELLINGER
Jorge Luis Alvarez did not show up for his trial in Wytheville for marijuana possession, and may not even exist.
The Mexican citizen was tried in his absence this week in Wythe County General District Court, convicted of misdemeanor possession with intent to distribute, and fined $2,500. A Sheriff's Office spokesman said the case was handled that way because it became obvious, after several continuances, that Alvarez would never return for trial and that even the name he gave in identifying himself is probably false.
Whoever he is, he was arrested with two other men Aug. 25 after Deputy F.D. Carter pulled over their van for traveling too slowly on Interstate 81 and impeding traffic. A search of the van turned up about 60 pounds of marijuana concealed behind wall and door panels.
The other two men claimed they had not known the marijuana was there, and charges against them eventually were dropped. Alvarez was released on bond and has not been seen since.
LENGTH: Short : 29 linesby CNB