Show-Me State Times

A New Madrid County man has been accused of distributing methamphetamine to others. Craig M. Perkins, 54, from Howardville, Missouri, was indicted in U.S. District Court in Cape Girardeau on July 1. He faces one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, with allegations of possessing over 500 grams on May 21, 2025.

Perkins appeared in court for a detention hearing on Tuesday. A motion filed seeks his detention until trial and states that a search of Perkins' home and vehicle recovered more than 1.9 kilograms of methamphetamine. The search was conducted following several purchases by individuals supplied by Perkins and involved a confidential informant working with the Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force.

It is important to note that an indictment is merely an accusation and does not constitute proof of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

The investigation was conducted by the Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force, the Stoddard County Sheriff's Office, the New Madrid County Sheriff's Office, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher Shelton is handling the prosecution.