Cape Girardeau man pleads guilty to drug charges

Agreeing to forfeit to $13,000 in cash the U.S. government, Andre Hill, 34, of Cape Girardeau, pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court to two felonies for possession of five grams or more of cocaine base and cocaine with intent to distribute.

He appeared before U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey in Cape Girardeau, entering his plea minutes before his trial was to begin.

On Aug. 8, police inspected trash bags from Hill's residence in the 2700 block of Adeline. Several baggies found in the trash tested positive for the presence of cocaine. Officers then served a search warrant on the home and found 6 grams of cocaine in Hill's pants pocket. Another 13 grams of cocaine base and 115 grams of cocaine powder were found in a container in the kitchen. The cash was found in a laundry basket.

Hill faces up to 40 years in prison and a $2 million fine. Sentencing was set for April 6.