Charges dropped against one of two defendants in kickback case

Criminal charges filed in February against Rajiv "Reggie" Toprani, owner of the Tennessee-based textile supplier KT America, were dropped Tuesday, lawyers handling the case said Wednesday.

Toprani, with Jason Mitchell of Jackson, was charged with felony stealing for participating in an alleged kickback operation where authorities said the two men banked more than $500,000 that belonged to the DeWitt Co. in Sikeston, Mo.

"I believe the state has come to understand that he's not guilty of this offense, but at the same time he is prepared to be a witness," said Malcolm Montgomery, Toprani's attorney.

Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle said he wouldn't comment on his dismissal of the charges.

"That'll come out in court," he said.

Associate Circuit Court Judge Gary A. Kamp ruled in March that there was enough evidence for Mitchell, 34, to stand trial. His case is still pending with the court. From 2007 to 2010, Mitchell allegedly received kickbacks from Toprani's company into a bank account at Bank of America in Cape Girardeau created under the company name Global Census. Mitchell allegedly fixed prices with Toprani when purchasing textiles on behalf of his employer and received, on average, 3 percent of the price back into the account. Authorities say the money should have gone to the DeWitt Co.

Toprani was previously ordered by the court to stay in Missouri and law enforcement was in possession of his passport.

"The court has no jurisdiction or power to place restrictions on him once charges are dismissed," said Montgomery, adding he'd continue to represent Toprani as he prepares to testify for the state.

ehevern@semissourian.com

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Pertinent address:

905 S. Kingshighway St., Sikeston, MO