Bollinger County man pleads not guilty to meth, gun charges

A Bollinger County man charged with drug and firearms offenses as a result of a joint investigation by local and federal agencies pleaded not guilty Thursday.

The Bollinger County Sheriff's Department, Bollinger County prosecuting attorney's office, SEMO Drug Task Force, Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives participated in an investigation targeting Jackie Lee Payne Sr., 59, of Bollinger County.

"Payne has been charged in federal court with possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, possession of firearms by a felon, possession of a sawed-off rifle and possession of firearms with obliterated serial numbers," Sheriff Leo McElrath said Thursday in an emailed news release.

The November indictment charges that Payne possessed and intended to distribute 5 grams or more of methamphetamine. It further charges that he possessed and participated in interstate and foreign arms commerce, listing the discovery of eight shotguns, two rifles, three revolvers and five semiautomatic pistols on Payne's property. The length of one rifle that was not registered to him was shortened, and two firearms had their serial numbers removed.

An evidentiary hearing was set for April 27. A detention hearing, which will determine if he will be detained without bail or released with conditions, was set for Wednesday.

In 1990, Payne was convicted of possession of methamphetamine in Cape Girardeau County circuit court.

McElrath said the maximum possible combined penalty for the offenses charged is 40 years in prison.

Pertinent address:

Bollinger County, MO