CLARKSTON MAN CONVICTED OF TRAFFICKING METHAMPHETAMINE

Following a five-day trial, a federal jury in Coeur d'Alene yesterday took just five hours to convict a Clarkston, Washington, man on five counts of dealing methamphetamine in the Lewiston area.

Cameron Scott Griffin, 45, was found guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of distribution of methamphetamine, and two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He faces a penalty of five to 40 years in prison. Sentencing was set for June 23 at 4 p.m. at the federal courthouse in Coeur d'Alene.

Griffin is the co-owner of LoLo Sporting Goods in Lewiston. He was arrested on March 20, 2006, after agents of the Quad Cities Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration watched his movements and arranged for a confidential informant to buy drugs from him. Agents then obtained search warrants for the LoLo Sporting Goods building and Griffin's residence, where drugs and drug paraphernalia were found.

Specifically, Griffin was convicted of selling 27 grams of methamphetamine on January 4, 2006, and 82 grams on February 3, 2006. He was also convicted of attempting to distribute 116 grams on February 27, 2006, and 114 grams on March 20, 2006, the day he was arrested. All the transactions occurred in Nez Perce County.

The case was investigated by the Quad Cities Drug Task Force and the federal Drug Enforcement Administration.