Jackson woman pleads guilty to reduced drug charge

A 20-year-old Jackson woman Monday pleaded guilty to methamphetamine-related charges that were reduced from drug distribution to simple possession as part of a plea deal with prosecutors.

Makala M. Lopez admitted to Judge Benjamin Lewis that she was guilty of drug possession. Lopez was arrested in January on a felony count of distributing a controlled substance.

Sgt. Jeffrey Heath, an undercover narcotics agent with the Missouri State Highway Patrol, said he bought a gram of meth from Lopez in the parking lot of her residence. After Lopez paid $100 for the drugs, Heath signaled a nearby arrest team. The substance field tested positive for methamphetamine. Lewis is set to sentence Lopez on April 8. She was to be released on her own recognizance in the meantime.

Pertinent address:

100 Court St., Jackson, St.