Region briefs 1/31/07

Cape man pleads guilty to reduced charges

A Cape Girardeau man pleaded guilty in circuit court Jan. 16 to felony unlawful use of a weapon and misdemeanor unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. Kenneth E. Brown, 38, of 205 S. Middle St., had originally been charged with felony burglary, domestic assault and unlawful use of a weapon. Cape Girardeau police arrived at 926 S. Pacific St. early April 1, and say Brown pulled out a kitchen knife when officers tried to arrest him, but dropped it when an officer drew his handgun, according to police spokesman Cpl. Jason Selzer. Brown is scheduled for a sentence hearing Feb. 26 before Circuit Judge Benjamin Lewis.

Jackson resident facing drug possession charges

A Jackson man who reportedly dropped a packet of drugs in a Cape Girardeau store Saturday has been charged with felony possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to use. According to the probable-cause statement, a clerk at AutoZone, 2327 Bloomfield Road, reportedly witnessed Keith W. Smith, 43, drop a plastic bag containing white powder and called police. A Cape Girardeau officer collected the specimen, which later field-tested positive for methamphetamine, and located Smith's vehicle. Police stopped Smith for reportedly making an improper turn and searched the vehicle after obtaining permission from Smith. Police uncovered rolling papers in Smith's wallet. A K-9 unit indicated the presence of drug residue on the car seat but no drugs were found in the car, the statement said. Bond was set at $10,000. If convicted of all charges, Smith faces a maximum penalty of seven years in prison, a year in jail and up to $6,000 in fines. A counsel hearing is scheduled for Feb. 26 before Associate Circuit Judge Gary A. Kamp.

- From staff reports