Williamsville man ends federal trial with guilty plea

CAPE GIRARDEAU — A Williamsville man pleaded guilty in federal court Thursday morning in the midst of his trial.

After being seated Wednesday to decide the case of Donald Wayne Sanders, the jury heard opening statements and testimony from one witness for the government, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Keith Sorrell.

The 62-year-old was standing trial before U.S. District Judge Stephen Clark on the felonies of felon in possession of firearms and attempting to intimidate or threaten a government witness.

The government’s initial witness, Sorrell said, was a “beginning of investigation witness” who showed Sanders was “involved in basically a shoplifting incident.”

Sorrell said the witness was called for the purpose of showing Sanders and his brother were “operating together and using the white truck that was eventually tied to other burglaries.”

Sorrell said Thursday morning was the “first inclination I had” that Sanders wanted to enter a plea.

The agreed-upon facts of the case say on Jan. 14, 2019, Sanders was an occupant of a white Ford pickup being driven by another man.

“Officers tried to stop the truck, but (the driver) fled,” the plea agreement signed by Sanders says. “Eventually, the truck crashed.”

Sanders and the driver, according to earlier reports, fled on foot from Butler County deputies, who followed a partial trail of suspected stolen jewelry to the pair.

Sanders and the other man, who reportedly were suspected in a rash of burglaries in Butler County, were arrested.

“Officers located four firearms in the truck and recovered another rifle that was thrown from the truck during the chase,” the plea agreement says. “Officers found a handgun in a motel room in Poplar Bluff shared by Sanders and (the driver).”

The found firearms all previously had been reported stolen from Butler County residences.

With his plea, Sanders admitted he was in “joint possession” of a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol; a Taurus .45-caliber revolver; two High Standard .22-caliber pistols; and a Hi-Point 9mm pistol.

At the time of Sanders’ arrest, he was a convicted felon, having been convicted of the felony of escape from custody in U.S. District Court in March 2010 and escape from confinement in Wayne County in December 2015.

As a convicted felon, Sanders was prohibited from possessing firearms.

With his plea, Sanders also admitted on Feb. 9, 2019, he had a recorded conversation while he was incarcerated in the Butler County jail with another man.

“During that conversation, Sanders learned that (a woman) was a possible witness against him” regarding his illegal possession of the firearms, the plea agreement says.

The woman, Sorrell said, was Sanders’ girlfriend, who had been with him prior to the pursuit with law enforcement.

“Sanders expressed a concern that the charge might be charged in federal court,” the plea agreement further says. “Sanders made a statement to (the other man) that (the other man) should tell (the woman) that ‘Black River is very cold right now.’

“Sanders admits that this statement was an attempt to persuade (the woman) not to testify as to the facts” of the firearms charge.

Sorrell said a sentencing date has not been set at this time.

Sanders faces up to 10 years in prison on the weapons charge and up to 20 years on his other charge.