A Poplar Bluff resident was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine after a trial earlier this week.
A jury found Marcus Nelson, 39, of Poplar Bluff, guilty Wednesday of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine following a two-day jury trial, according to a press release from federal prosecutors.
Nelson and two other men were arrested in March 2019 while in possession of an crystal methamphetamine and heroin with a street value of more than $500,000, according to reports from law enforcement at the time.
Evidence during the trial proved that Nelson conspired with others to bring 45 pounds of methamphetamine from Texas to Missouri between December 2018 and March 2019, they report.
On March 19, 2019, SEMO Drug Task Force Officers received information that a subject who lived near Doniphan was expecting a large shipment of methamphetamine.
Officers traveled to the residence and were speaking with the subject in the driveway when someone threw a duffle bag off a side deck of the residence, according to the Office of the United States Attorney, Eastern District of Missouri. Officers recovered the duffle bag and discovered approximately 11 pounds of methamphetamine and eight ounces of heroin inside.
Further investigation determined that Nelson brought the bag to the residence and threw it out upon learning of the arrival of the police, prosecutors say.
Nelson, Matthew Wade Stoutt and Gino Wells Sr. were indicted and charged with conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine. Nelson was also charged with possession of 500 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine with intent to distribute; and possession of more than 100 grams of heroin with intent to distribute.
The Ripley County Sheriff’s Department, SEMO Drug Task Force and Missouri State Highway Patrol investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Keith D. Sorrell and Julie A. Hunter handled the case. Nelson appeared before the United States District Judge Stephen N. Limbaugh Jr.