GREENEVILLE-Judge Dennis Inman ordered that Newport businessman Ronnie Ball be detained until his trial during a detention hearing Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Greeneville.

Inman stated, "I find that the credible testimony and information submitted at the hearing establishes by clear and convincing evidence as follows: A search warrant was executed at defendant's premises in December 2007, as a result of which a sizable quantity of marijuana was discovered and seized.

"Another search warrant was executed on June 6, 2009, during which yet another sizable quantity of marijuana was seized.  Defendant's encounter with law enforcement in December 2007 did not dissuade him from continuing the manufacturing of marijuana.  The presumption is not rebutted.

"Therefore, I find that there is no condition or combination of conditions which will reasonably assure the appearance of the defendant as required in this proceeding, and which will further reasonably assure the safety of other persons or the community, and that the defendant should be detained pending the trial of this case.

"The defendant is committed to the custody of the Attorney General or his designated representative for confinement in a corrections facility separate, to the extent practicable, from persons awaiting or serving sentences or being held in custody pending appeal."

Ball entered not guilty pleas on a three-count federal grand jury indictment earlier this month and was appointed legal representation.

In count one, the grand jury charges that beginning from in or about the month of December 2002, and continuing to or about December 2007, Ronnie Lee Ball, "did knowingly and intentionally manufacture 1,000 or more marijuana plants, a Schedule I controlled substance."

In count two, the grand jury further charges that on or about December 20, 2007, Ball "did knowingly, intentionally, and without authority, possess with the intent to distribute a quantity of a mixture and substance containing a detectible amount of marijuana, a Schedule I controlled substance."

Finally, on count three, the grand jury further charges that Ball, "did knowingly, intentionally, and without authority, possess with the intent to distribute 50 or more marijuana plants, a Schedule I controlled substance."

Ball's trial has been scheduled for 9 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 28, before Judge Ronnie Greer.