In federal court 8/15/07

Federal prosecutor Catherine L. Hanaway released the following items.

Sentenced

Name: Billy G. Rippee

Age: 45

Address: Poplar Bluff, Mo.

Charges: unlawful possession of a firearm.

Sentence: 327 months

Summary: On Dec. 10, 2003, a .38 caliber pistol was stolen from a Poplar Bluff residence during a burglary. Police contacted Rippee at his home Dec. 22 about an unrelated matter. He was found in possession of the firearm and other stolen items. Because of prior convictions, he cannot legally possess a firearm.

Name: Travis L. Ware

Age: 35

Address: Steele, Mo.

Charges: drug trafficking

Sentence: seven years

Summary: On March 2, April 11, and April 25, 2006, Ware sold more than 5 grams of cocaine base to an undercover officer.

Pleaded guilty

Name: Ricky D. Hoggard

Age: 45

Address: Kennett, Mo.

Charges: Possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

Summary: Hoggard pleaded guilty Aug. 13 to one felony count of possession of methamphetamine. He admitted that on January 30 he had been driving on Highway 84 in Dunklin County when police initiated a traffic stop and found several ounces of methamphetamine. Hoggard waived his Miranda Rights and told officers he had received 4-ounce packages of methamphetamine from a contact in Arkansas on six occasions, and he distributed it to others.

Name: Robert J. Lee

Age: 39

Address: Gideon, Mo.

Charges: possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

Summary: Lee pleaded guilty to one felony count of possession of methamphetamine August 13. He admitted that on March 1 his residence in Gideon was searched by DEA agents, the New Madrid Sheriff's department and the SEMO Drug Task Force. Approximately 3 ounces of methamphetamine, 4 ounces of marijuana and $1,360 were found.

Name: Michael Newton

Age: 36

Address: Pemiscot County, Mo.

Charge: child pornography

Summary: Newton plead guilty to receiving child pornography. On Nov. 28, law enforcement officers searched Newton's computer and found he was downloading child pornography. He faces a $250,000 fine and a maximum sentence of 20 years.