By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

COLUMBIANA – A 29-year-old Montevallo man who has been accused of attempting to sell synthetic marijuana to local high-schoolers remains behind bars and is set to appear in court in September for a hearing.

The Shelby County Drug Enforcement Task Force arrested Montevallo resident Derrick Reed on March 11 and charged him with counts of trafficking synthetic marijuana, distribution of a controlled substance, first-degree unlawful possession of marijuana and illegal possession. When Reed was arrested in March, he had only been out of jail for two weeks after posting bond for multiple other drug distribution charges.

Reed originally was set to appear in court on June 1, June 22 and Aug. 10, but his court hearings have been rescheduled each time. He is now set to appear in court on Sept. 7 at 8:30 a.m. for a preliminary hearing.

Task Force Commander Lt. Clay Hammac previously said deputies arrested Reed in Montevallo while the suspect allegedly was conducting an active drug deal. During the arrest, deputies found Reed to be in possession of more than 500 grams of synthetic marijuana packaged for sale and two illegal firearms, Hammac said.

Hammac said the Task Force estimated the street value of the synthetic marijuana recovered in the arrest was about $31,000.

Hammac said the synthetic marijuana, which can lead to seizures, unconsciousness and even death, was intended for distribution in Montevallo High School, Pelham High School, Calera High School, Thompson High School and Helena High School.