Arraignments scheduled in Mississippi County illegal firearm cases

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- Arraignments have been scheduled in two cases involving illegal firearms, and an arrest has been made in a burglary, according to a news release from Mississippi County Sheriff Keith Moore.

Father and son Derrick Wilkerson, 48, of Charleston and Jacob Wilkerson, 24, of Bertrand, Mo., are scheduled to be arraigned at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday on charges of receiving stolen property and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Following an investigation into the Aug. 12 theft of a .45 caliber Sig Sauer handgun, the men were arrested Aug. 14, according to the release.

The men were released from custody after each posted a $50,000 cash or surety bond.

An anonymous tip led to the arrest of Eric A. Dowell, 31, of Wilson City, Mo., by the sheriff's department on a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm.

"A tip was received informing officers that Dowell was in possession of a firearm and had made threats to kill another individual," Moore said in the news release. According to officials, Dowell had a Hi-Point handgun.

Dowell is scheduled to be arraigned on the charge at 10:15 a.m. Sept. 19 before Judge T. Lynn Brown. Dowell is free after posting $50,000.

Moore also reported the arrest of Van Norman, 36, of East Prairie, Mo., on Aug. 31 on a charge of first-degree burglary.

Norman was arrested after a deputy responded to a call in reference to a break-in, according to the sheriff. The deputy located a man in the area fitting the description of the suspect and Norman was identified as the man who entered a residence.

Norman posted a $25,000 bond and was released from custody.

Pertinent address:

Charleston, Mo.

Bertrand, Mo.

Wilson City, Mo.

East Prairie, Mo.