Sikeston man pleads to gun charge

A Sikeston, Mo., man pleaded guilty Wednesday in federal court in Cape Girardeau to one count of being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm. Jamaal E. Hamilton, 22, appeared before U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey, who set sentencing for Feb. 27. In his plea, Hamilton admitted that on Oct. 27, 2002, officers found a gun in a Sikeston residence that belonged to him. He had been convicted in Scott County previously of two burglaries. On the new charge, he faces up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Illegal alien caught in Chaffee pleads guilty to immigration violation

Alfonso Sanchez-Hernandez, of Mexico, pleaded guilty Tuesday in federal court in Cape Girardeau to knowingly and unlawfully re-entering and remaining in the United States without consent. He appeared before U.S. District Judge Henry E. Autrey. Sentencing was set for Feb. 27 in St. Louis. In his plea, Sanchez-Hernandez admitted he came into the country in May, at or near Douglas, Ariz. He was arrested by officers from Chaffee, Mo. He faces up to two years in prison and a $250,00 fine.