Court briefs 4/26/06

Guilty plea entered in drug possession case

A Cape Girardeau man pleaded guilty in federal court this week to possessing more than 50 grams of cocaine with intent to distribute. Felix A. Jones, 35, of 3006 Wisteria Drive, entered his plea Monday before U.S. District Judge E. Richard Webber. On Jan. 19, Jones consented to a search of his home, and 55.9 grams of crack cocaine were found in a duffel bag in his bedroom, according to a news release from the office of U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway. In addition to the cocaine, which Jones admitted he planned on selling, $1,840 in cash and cocaine hydrochloride were also found, the release stated. When sentenced July 24, Jones could face up to life in prison and a $4 million fine.

Woman admits she planned to sell meth

A 51-month prison sentence was handed down in federal court this week to a woman who admitted to intending to sell methamphetamine. Elsie Gorostiza, 48, of East Prairie, Mo., had pleaded guilty to possession of meth with intent to distribute. During a court appearance Monday, U.S. District Judge E. Richard Webber sentenced Gorostiza to 51 months in federal prison, a news release from U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway stated.In her plea, Gorostiza admitted she bought meth on May 2 and May 4 and intended to sell it in order to pay her bills, according to the release. During a search of the defendant's home, 4.83 grams of meth, $1,162 in cash, and a set of digital gram scales were found.

Bootheel resident facing federal prison sentence

A Caruthersville, Mo. man faces up to 10 years in federal prison after admitting he had possessed a gun reported stolen out of Tennessee.

Dannie I. Ricks, 29, entered his plea of illegal possession of a firearm by a felon Monday during an appearance before U.S. District Judge E. Richard Webber. During an undercover drug buy in Caruthersville, state police officers attempted to arrested Ricks, who ran from the scene, according to a news release from U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway. While running from the officers, Ricks tossed to the ground his jacket, from which a .38-caliber, Smith and Wesson revolver fell out, the release stated. The pistol was loaded with one round in the chambers and other ammunition was found in the coat. It had been reported as stolen from Lebanon, Tenn. Due to previous felony convictions, Ricks is not allowed to possess firearms. When sentenced July 24, he could face up to 10 years in federal prison and a $250,000 fine.

Missouri man sentenced to federal prison term

A 57-year-old man was sentenced Tuesday to 70 months in federal prison on gun and drug charges. James Cochran, of Shannon County, pleaded guilty to manufacturing methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession of an unregistered firearm, a news release from U.S. Attorney Catherine Hanaway stated. During a search of Cochran's home in Mountain View, Mo. on Feb. 17, 2005, officers found a dozen firearms, including a sawed-off shotgun, and several items associated with the manufacture of meth. Cochran admitted to officers he made meth for personal use and that the weapons were his, according to the release.

-- From staff reports