Former officer pleads innocent to charges

Former Cape Girardeau police narcotics detective Paul E. Tipler, 35, appeared for arraignment Monday in Cape Girardeau County Circuit Court.

Tipler pleaded innocent to felony charges of stealing, two counts of tampering with evidence, distribution of a controlled substance, two counts of forgery and misdemeanor charges of possession of a defaced firearm -- the serial numbers were marred -- and two counts of patronizing prostitution.

Tipler was fired from the Cape Girardeau Police Department in December after internal and Missouri State Highway Patrol investigations.

His next appearance was set for Aug. 25.