Court briefs 2/15/06

Murder suspect enters plea on drug charges

Bernard Richards, accused of killing a Cape Girardeau teen, pleaded innocent Tuesday to unrelated charges of possession of controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. Police said they found 17 grams of cocaine and three grams of marijuana in Richards' car during a traffic stop Jan. 5. After his plea before Circuit Judge Benjamin Lewis, Richards entered a motion for a change of judge and venue. Richards, 19, is also charged with second-degree murder and armed criminal action in the shooting death of Jacob Bowers, 17. Bowers was found Jan. 25 behind Du-Shell's Furniture, 2103 William St. He died from a single gunshot wound to the torso. Authorities say Bowers was attempting to rob a drug dealer and acquaintance of Richards. Richards, who is being held in lieu of a $1 million bond, could face up to life in prison if convicted of the murder.

Alabama men plead guilty to gun charges

Two Alabama men pleaded guilty in federal court Monday for being felons in possession of a firearm. Marvin A. McKay, 31, of Hamilton, Ala., and Larry L. Lay, 61, of Jasper, Ala., were arrested Jan. 11, 2005, in Sikeston, Mo., according to a news release from federal prosecutor Catherine L. Hanaway's office. The two men had been fleeing from police following a burglary of a home on Route NN in Scott County, the release stated. After Scott County sheriff's officers were able to stop the vehicle, they found a Remington 12-gauge shotgun that was stolen from the home. Both could face up to life imprisonment and a $250,000 fine when they are sentenced May 10.

Three face drug charges after Hanover St. search

Three people were charged after police found crack cocaine and more than 35 grams of marijuana in a Cape Girardeau home. Police arrested five people during the execution of a search warrant at 412 S. Hanover St. around 6 p.m. Monday, according to police spokesman Jason Selzer. Eric L. Hogan, 20, of the Hanover Street address, and Brian Harris, 20, of 1145 S. Sprigg St., were each charged with felony attempt to manufacture a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute. Both were issued a $40,000 bond, Selzer said. Another man arrested, Levelle D. Simpson Jr., 20, of East Prairie, Mo., was charged with misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance and issued a $2,500 cash-only bond.

Man gets 180 months in prison on gun charge

U.S. District Judge Catherine D. Perry sentenced Quitman Carter, 57, of Kennett, Mo., Monday to 180 months in prison for unlawfully possessing a firearm. Acting on a report that a man had a firearm, Caruthersville police learned June 19 that the suspect may be staying at the local Economy Inn, according to a news release from the U.S. attorney's office. Officers searched and found a .380-caliber pistol in the room's toilet tank.

Two men plead guilty on child porn charges

Two Missouri men pleaded guilty Monday in federal court to felony transportation and possession of child pornography. Christopher L. Johnson, 27, of Portageville, Mo., and Kelly R. Wilson, 45, of Steele, Mo., entered their pleas during an appearance before U.S. District Judge Catherine D. Perry. According to a news release from federal prosecutor Catherine L. Hanaway, the men used the Internet and computer hard drives to transport hundreds of images in February 2004 and January 2005. Sentencing was set for May 10. Both could face up to 20 years in prison.

Dunklin Co. man guilty of meth distribution

Alfonso I. Vasquez, 23, of Senath, Mo., pleaded guilty in federal court Monday to distribution of methamphetamine. Vasquez admitted that on Sept. 13 he sold an undercover officer 26.2 grams of meth for $1,500, a release from federal prosecutor Catherine L. Hanaway's office stated. Vasquez faces up to 40 years in prison when he is sentenced May 10.

New Madrid Co. man admits to selling crack

A New Madrid County man pleaded guilty during an appearance Monday in federal court to distribution of cocaine. Demarco Partee, 29, of New Madrid, Mo., admitted he sold an undercover officer 5.7 grams of crack cocaine for $300 on May 2, according to a news release from the office of federal prosecutor Catherine L. Hanaway. The sale was captured on videotape. Partee faces up to 40 years in prison when he is sentenced May 2.

Man arrested at Hardee's admits to drug charge

During an appearance in federal court Tuesday, Dramel L. Jones, 20, of Wilson City, Mo., pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine. Poplar Bluff police arrested Jones at a local Hardee's Nov. 30 after searching him and finding 36.75 grams of crack cocaine in his jacket, a news release from federal prosecutor Catherine L. Hanaway states. Jones could receive up to 40 years in prison when he is sentenced May 10.

-- From staff reports