Three Massachusetts men are awaiting trial on federal charges that they conspired to import almost 4,500 pounds of marijuana from Jamaica to Hancock County by boat last November.

The Sun Herald reported the vessel's captain, James O'Carroll, is being held pending trial. Crew members J. Boone Ferrie and Brian Parker are free on bond.

Court papers show the vessel Sarah Moira was intercepted off Bay St. Louis on Nov. 21 as a result of a Homeland Security investigation in Boston, Jacksonville, Fla., and Charleston, S.C.

All three were indicted on charges of conspiracy to possess marijuana with intent to distribute, conspiracy to import marijuana, possession with intent to distribute and importation with intent to distribute.

Each count carries a penalty of 10 years to life in prison.