Prince George's Liquor Store Owners, Police Corporal Plead Not Guilty

In Maryland, the husband and wife owners of several liquor stores and a Prince George's County police corporal accused of conspiring to transport untaxed cigarettes and alcohol in Maryland and Virginia have pleaded not guilty in U.S. District Court.

Amrik and Ravinder Melhi, of Clarksville, were arrested as part of a sweeping corruption probe in Prince George's County. The investigation also led to the arrests of County Executive Jack Johnson and his wife, County Council member-elect Leslie.

Prosecutors allege Amrik Melhi paid off law enforcement officials, including Cpl. Chong Chen Kim, of Beltsville, and Prince George's County Police Sgt. Richard Delabrer, of Laurel, to help transport untaxed cigarettes and alcohol in Maryland and Virginia.

Four others were charged in connection with the scheme.

Delabrer pleaded not guilty last week. Amrik Melhi remains detained pending trial, his wife Ravinder Melhi was released to home detention.

Listen to the complete story at wamu.org

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