Court briefs 9/20/05

Cape man sentenced to 16 years in prison

Southeast Missourian

A Cape Girardeau man, Tywonne T. Turner, was sentenced Monday to 16 years in prison for three counts of felony drug-dealing and one count of probation violation. Authorities said Turner, 30, of 735 William St., committed the new offenses after spending only one month on probation for selling a controlled substance. Appearing before Circuit Judge William Syler Jr., Turner was convicted in a jury trial on July 27 for one count of trafficking drugs for possession of six grams or more of crack cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of a powder cocaine with intent to distribute and possession of more than five grams of marijuana with intent to distribute. Previously, Turner pleaded guilty on Feb. 7 to selling crack cocaine to a confidential informant of the Cape Girardeau Police Department. Syler sentenced him to six years of prison, but suspended it and granted five years probation. For the current charges, Syler sentenced him to three concurring terms of 10 years, and he ran a consecutive sentence of six years for probation violation.

Scott City man faces charges in robbery case

Southeast Missourian

Robbery suspect Mark A. Brown, 29, of Scott City, waived his preliminary hearing before Judge Gary Kamp on Monday. He is scheduled for arraignment on Monday. Brown was charged with one felony count of stealing and one misdemeanor count of impersonating an officer during a robbery that occurred on July 19 at KFC on William Street.

Suspect in arson asks, gets change of judge

Southeast Missourian

Arson suspect Anthony R. Williams, 19, of Cape Girardeau, requested a change of judge and change of venue on Monday during an arraignment before Judge Benjamin Syler. The case was moved over to Judge Benjamin Lewis, who will determine the change of venue at a later date. Williams was charged with one count of felony arson for setting fire to an apartment bathroom on Aug. 10 at 401 S. Pacific St.

Forgery suspects waive preliminary hearing

Southeast Missourian

Forgery suspects Ashley Freeman, 19, and Gus Stell, 32, both of Jonesboro, Ill., waived their preliminary hearing before Judge Gary Kamp on Thursday. They are scheduled for arraignment on Monday. Freeman and Stell were charged on Aug. 23 for forging about 38 checks in Jackson and Cape Girardeau.