MAN CHARGED WITH SELLING DRUGS AT FAST-FOOD WINDOW

BENTON, Mo. -- A Sikeston, Mo., man was charged with selling narcotics from the drive-through window of a fast-food restaurant, the Scott County Sheriff's Department reported.

Robert L. Mollice, 22, had been the target of a 3-month investigation where undercover officers purchased narcotics at the drive-through window of Taco Bell at 1413 E. Malone St., sheriff's Sgt. Jerry Bledsoe said.

Mollice was charged with two counts of selling a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute.

Mollice, a Taco Bell shift manager, allegedly did not use food purchases to disguise drug sales, which is unusual, Bledsoe said.

"They would bypass the order speaker and go straight to the window," he said.

Reports of drugs being sold from businesses have been received by the sheriff's office before, Bledsoe said, but this is the first time charges have been filed against an employee using his work place to sell narcotics.

Cape Girardeau has never had a case of drugs being sold from a fast-food drive-through, said Cape Girardeau Police Sgt. Mark Majoros.

Deputies Bobby Penrod and Bobby Sullivan arrested Mollice on Monday as he left the restaurant. Mollice was carrying about 50 grams of what was thought to be marijuana. Sandwich bags, scales and a device commonly used to smoke marijuana were found in the suspect's car.

Mollice is in Scott County Jail on $100,000 bond.