LITTLE ROCK — Testimony is continuing Tuesday in the Randeep Mann trial in U.S. District Court with investigators detailing search warrants and a Drug Enforcement Administration agent testifying that Mann has not had a permit to prescribe controlled substances since July 2006.
The Russellville physician is accused of plotting a Feb. 4, 2009 bombing in West Memphis that left the chairman of the Arkansas State Medical Board with severe injuries. Authorities say Mann and the board had a contentious relationship marked by the revoked permit and a new investigation that was threatening to take away Mann's medical license.
Arkansas State Police Special Agent Joe Carter testified that he and another agent met with Mann at his Russellville clinic to let him know they had obtained a search warrant for his residence. They then followed Mann as he drove home to unlock it and let them in.
"He said something like 'I kind of expected this,'" Carter said. "He wasn't awfully surprised."
Defense attorneys said that reaction was only natural since investigators told Mann they might need to speak with him again after he was initially questioned in the immediate aftermath of the bombing.
Carter said he searched an upstairs bedroom, finding a notebook, a 3-ring binder, assorted paperwork and newspaper clippings, including one story about a Lincoln County, Mo. raid in which hundreds of machine guns were seized. Mann, a firearms collector who holds a federal firearms license, is also facing weapons counts for two guns authorities say he illegally possessed.
Carter also said he found a tire in the shower of Mann's home. The grenade in the bombing was attached to a spare tire left beside Dr. Trent Pierce's parked car.
Mann's wife told investigators Mann brought the tire in to clean it because it was cold outside, Carter testified.
Defense attorney Blake Hendrix said that checks out since it was too cold to hose the tire down outside. He noted Mann also collected cars and worked to keep them in good condition.
Also Tuesday, DEA investigator Lisa Barnhill went over documents Mann signed in July 2006 agreeing to give up his permit to prescribe controlled substances in an agreement with the medical board. It had been investigating Mann after several reported overdoses by his patients.
A witness Monday who twice overdoses while a patient of Manns' testified that he provided her with controlled substances after the 2006 revocation.
Investigators with the Pope County sheriff's office also testified Tuesday.