A former city councilman from Cape Girardeau, Rhettney B. Pierce, has been indicted on charges related to drugs and firearms. The indictment was issued by the U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau, accusing Pierce of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and being an unlawful user of a controlled substance while possessing a firearm.
The indictment alleges that Pierce had more than 50 grams of methamphetamine between September 26 and 27 and possessed two 9mm handguns while using illegal drugs. Following his arrest on Thursday, Pierce pleaded not guilty to the federal charges.
According to a motion filed in court, a confidential source working with investigators claimed that Pierce had purchased approximately four ounces of methamphetamine in the past month and planned to buy more. The source reportedly arranged for another purchase of four ounces at a hotel in Cape Girardeau on September 26. After paying $300, Pierce was arrested immediately upon leaving the hotel room.
A search approved by the court led investigators to find additional methamphetamine and two handguns at Pierce’s residence.
It is important to note that charges outlined in an indictment are accusations and do not constitute proof of guilt. Every defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The investigation into this case was conducted by the Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force, the Cape Girardeau Sheriff’s Office, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Shelton is handling the prosecution.
