N. Idaho man to stand trial on drug charges

COEUR D’ALENE — A North Idaho man facing drug conspiracy charges in federal court came under investigation after authorities responded to a fire on his property and reported finding evidence of a marijuana growing operation. The Coeur d’Alene Press reports 56-year-old Robert W. Baucum will stand trial June 19 in Coeur d’Alene. Baucum owns the property where the fire was reported in June 2010, and authorities say he was also at the center of the investigation that ensued. Baucum and four others — Charles A. Goodenough Jr., Justin E. Egner, Raymond E. Hogle, and Ronald C. Underwood — were indicted on charges of conspiracy to distribute marijuana. Prosecutors say the group started conspiring to distribute drugs in 2004. Baucum’s attorney says he’s innocent and the defense is conducting its own investigation.