Federal officials recognize drug task force for success of sting

A program to assist federal, state and local law enforcement agencies' efforts to disrupt drug trafficking on Wednesday recognized a multijurisdictional effort that resulted in 14 federal indictments against Southeast Missouri and northeast Arkansas residents.

David Barton, director of the Midwest region for the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program, said the investigation was one of only two recognized by the region for 2011. He said 55 investigations were considered for recognition.

Forty-one local law enforcement personnel from Arkansas and Missouri and personnel from the U.S. Attorney's office, the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Missouri State Highway Patrol were recognized for their yearlong efforts in the investigation, which resulted in the seizure of $412,900 in cash and 17 pounds, 10 ounces of cocaine.

The investigation began about June 2010 and continued to June 2011.

In August, David A. Parker, Lamar Anthony White, Michael Dewayne Caruthers, Jo Devon Maxwell, Clarence Pulliam and Sidney Denham Jr., all of Kennett, Mo.; Hinton Gilmer Jr. and David Lee Harley of Poplar Bluff, Mo.; and Randy Earl Caruthers of Blytheville, Ark., were indicted on charges of conspiracy to distribute 280 grams or more of cocaine, according to a Department of Justice news release. Parker was charged with multiple counts of distribution of 28 or more grams of cocaine base, the release said.

Harley, Maxwell, Pulliam and White are scheduled to plea in federal court Monday, Caruthers and Denham on Wednesday and Parker on June 25, officials said.

Pertinent address:

555 Independence Street, Cape Girardeau, MO