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By JAMES RUBIN; Times Leader Staff Writer
Tuesday, October 13, 1992     Page: 10B QUICK WORDS: CHRIS COYNE

SCRANTON — An Edwardsville man was found guilty on six of seven criminal
counts Friday for his part in the “Operation Bad Influence” drug ring.
   
After more than eight hours of deliberation, a jury found Chris Coyne, 26,
guilty of two counts of conspiracy to distribute marijuana, one count of
conspiracy to distribute cocaine, and three counts of using a telephone to
facilitate a conspiracy with more than a dozen other people from January 1991
to June 1992.
    The ring, called “Operation Bad Influence,” distributed more than 15
kilograms of cocaine and more than 100 kilograms of marijuana over that
period.
   
The cocaine alone had a street value of $792,000.
   
The jury found Coyne not guilty of a seventh and most serious charge of
conspiracy to distribute in excess of five kilograms of cocaine.
   
That charge would have meant a minimum 10-year sentence because of the
amount of drugs involved.
   
“They were out a long time,” said Coyne’s attorney, Gifford Cappellini. “I
was very happy he was not found guilty of the most serious charge.”
   
Police say Coyne arranged for the sales over the phone and made them at the
Woodlands Inn and Resort in Plains Township where he worked as a bouncer.
   
Other conspirators in the case pleaded guilty and testified against Coyne.
   
Coyne could still face more than five years in prison when he is sentenced
by
   
Senior judge William Nealon. A sentencing date has yet to be set.
   
The trial lasted five days.
   
Coyne, who was free on bail during the trial, was taken into custody Friday
after the verdict.
   
When he took the stand, he admitted using the phone to set up drug
transactions, and distributing marijuana, but denied dealing cocaine.
   
Cappellini called more than 10 character witnesses, including friends and
co-workers, to speak in behalf of the defendant.
   
The workers said Coyne had a good reputation for being truthful and law
abiding.