Lakeside

The owner and operator of RJM Laboratories in Lakeside pleaded innocent Friday to 15 charges that he allegedly helped manufacture methamphetamine by selling equipment to drug users.

Robert Joseph Miskinis, 38, of El Cajon, was ordered to return to court Monday to set a hearing date on further motions in his case. U.S. Magistrate Roger McKee released Miskinis on $250,000 bail, even though the defendant was unable to meet that amount Friday.

“This young man is no threat to society,” said Miskinis’ attorney, John Mitchell, in arguing for his client’s release. “The government has all of Mr. Miskinis’ assets.”

During a raid Aug. 19, federal agents seized Miskinis’ residence, business, equipment, patents, bank accounts and retirement funds. The attorney estimated the value of the items at $4 million.

Mitchell complained that Miskinis has no assets now because they are all frozen, and he promised that his client would return to court next week.

Miskinis is also charged with maintaining a continuing criminal enterprise by selling chemicals, glassware and equipment to dozens of East County methamphetamine manufacturers over the years.

McKee told Miskinis not to leave California and not to contact any co-defendants or witnesses as a condition of his release. The magistrate noted that Miskinis has made all of his previous court appearances.