The grand jury determined that the United States government had enough evidence to bring criminal proceedings against the accused on the three charges – conspiracy to import a controlled substance, conspiracy to engage in money laundering, and attempted money laundering.

The indictment was filed by the United States prosecutors on Wednesday. The indictment papers also call for forfeiture of any properties to the United States government that are deemed to have derived, whether directly or indirectly, from the defendants’ involvement in the conspiracy.

The indictment papers indicated that any property used or intended to be used in any manner to commit or facilitate the commission of the offences the defendants have been accused of will have to be forfeited.

In the same breath, if any of the properties subject to forfeiture, because of any act or omission by the defendants, cannot be located; has been transferred, sold to, or deposited with a third party; has been placed beyond the jurisdiction of the US court; has been diminished in value or has been mingled with other properties which cannot be divided then the United States would be entitled to the forfeiture of substitute properties.

Fahie and the Maynards now face up to life imprisonment if convicted of the alleged offences.

Both Fahie and Mrs Maynard were arrested at Miami Opa-Locka Airport on April 28, while Kadeem was arrested in St Thomas, USVI and is yet to make his initial appearance in Florida’s Federal Court.

Fahie, represented by attorney Theresa Van Vliet, was offered bail on May 4, but the prosecution filed an appeal against the offer.

Fahie’s attorney has since filed a motion to have the appeal dismissed.

Mrs Maynard is currently being represented by a court-appointed attorney.