Ex-selectman convicted of drug, tax charges

PORTLAND – A former Northport selectman convicted of federal drug, money laundering and tax charges faces up to 40 years in prison.

Kevin Richard Hall, 46, was found guilty Monday of one count of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute marijuana, four counts of willfully attempting to evade federal income taxes and 163 counts of money laundering.

Prosecutors said during the two-week trial that Hall made hundreds of thousands of dollars by buying and distributing more than 3,000 pounds of marijuana in Maine between 1995 and 1998.

According to prosecutors, Hall disposed of the cash by making cash loans to acquaintances, buying collectible automobiles and motorcycles and renovating two homes in Northport.

They said Hall omitted more than $518,000 in taxable income from his tax returns and evaded more than $174,000 in federal income taxes.

Hall faces a mandatory sentence of five years in jail and a fine of up to $2 million.

Hall was being held without bail by the U.S. Marshals Service, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Helene Kazanjian.

The sentencing hearing has not been scheduled.