SIKESTON LAWYER PLEADS GUILTY TO DRUG POSSESSION

A year after an informant led federal drug enforcement agents to the prominent Dempster and Edwards law firm in Sikeston, Mo., a partner in the firm has pleaded guilty to buying and distributing methamphetamine.

The lawyer, Spencer L. Edwards, 37, pleaded guilty Tuesday to a federal charge of felonious possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

On July 14, 2000, the confidential informant delivered one ounce of methamphetamine to Edwards' office at 215 N. Stoddard in Sikeston. Edwards paid him $1,600 for the drugs and was arrested.

The FBI, the federal Drug Enforcement Administration and the Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force were involved in the investigation.

Appearing before U.S. District Judge Rodney W. Sippel in Cape Girardeau Tuesday, Edwards admitted that over a period of time he was responsible for purchasing and attempting to distribute at least 200 grams of methamphetamine.

His attorney, Curtis O. Poore of Cape Girardeau, said Edwards was not selling drugs but sharing them with friends.

There's no evidence that Edwards was distributing methamphetamine "for financial gain," Poore said.

Edwards also was represented by former U.S. attorney Edward L. Dowd Jr. of St. Louis.

No longer living in the Southeast Missouri area, Edwards is free on $25,000 bail. Sentencing has been set for Nov. 5. Edwards faces a maximum punishment of 20 years in prison and a $1 million fine.

Edwards' law office has remained closed in the year since his arrest, but he still has his law license.

The law office was destroyed by fire April 17. Arson was suspected, and the state fire marshal offered a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. That investigation continues.