Region briefs 8/26/03

Area man sentenced on drug conviction

A Burfordville, Mo., man was sentenced Monday in federal court on charges of conspiring to distribute marijuana.

Scott A. Talley, 36, was sentenced to 57 months in prison. Upon release, he will be placed on six years of supervised release.

On Dec. 4, 2001, Talley and a co-conspirator were caught by law enforcement taking possession of about 35 pounds of marijuana in El Paso, Texas, that had been packaged for transport to Cape Girardeau and hidden inside the gas tank of a Chevrolet Suburban. Talley was aware the marijuana was inside the vehicle.Perryville man pleads guilty to gun charge

William S. Smith, 38, of Perryville, Mo., pleaded guilty Monday in federal court to one felony count of being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

On Feb. 10, 1988, Smith was convicted of second degree burglary. On Feb. 12, 2003, law enforcement served a search warrant on his home in Perry County. A 12-gauge shotgun and ammunition were seized from the home. Smith was home at the time and admitted the items were in his possession.

He faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing was set for Nov. 19.